Exploring Florida - Winter Park

Park Avenue

Winter Park was founded as a resort destination by wealthy New England industrialists before the turn of the 20th century. It is recognized as the first centrally planned community in Florida. 





One of Florida’s finest cities, it is famous for its bricked streets, vibrant lakes, abundant parks, fine shops and dining, farmer’s market and two unique and impressive Art Festivals.



It is celebrated for a sense of place and history, uncommon to many parts of Central Florida. Many structures are more than 100 years old.



In the heart of Winter Park is Park Avenue.  It is a 10 tree-lined city blocks where shoppers can find some of Central Florida’s best shopping, with everything from high-end footwear and designer lingerie to fine wines and pooch-friendly pastries.

Farmer's Market

Saturday mornings are reserved for Winter Park Farmers’ Market. It is held at the old train depot that has been restored into an historical landmark. It is a relatively small market in size but offers a wonderful selection of beautiful orchids, indoor and outdoor plants, fresh produce and delectable treats.

The Orchid stand is one of my favorite vendors.  This is where you can find unique orchids arranged in beautiful containers.  Definitely, not your typical farmer's market stand.

Rollins College

Driving out of Park Avenue is the entrance to Rollins College.  This is Florida’s first private college, with a 65-acre campus known for its beautiful Mediterranean Architecture.   

I didn't get alot of pictures because of Florida's rain.  Sunny one minute, pouring the next.  Hope you enjoyed it anyway. 

Newly Listed Item on Etsy

Hot off my studio!!! I've had these Mother of Pearl leaves but did not know what to do with it. It took awhile before I came up with a design I was happy with. Oh well, as they say....."better late than never".

Exploring Florida - St. Augustine

We moved to Orlando, Florida about a year ago so it's about time to explore our surroundings other than Disney. I'll be posting more sites as we continue to explore.

On this trip, we decided to visit St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, 1965 was St. Augustine's 400th Birthday. It also holds the distinction of being one of the nation's most charming. Known as the "Ancient City", St. Augustine's historic district has cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, bars, unique shops and bed-and-breakfast inns. It truly was very charming and unique. It has a European feel, yet you see the Spanish influence everywhere.

We did not get a chance to enter the historic sites as we got there late in the afternoon. So we just strolled the historic district and drove by the sites.

Castillo de San Marcos

The fort was built in 1672. Although we were unable to enter, they say that inside, you'll find a long narrow room and low doorway, hidden until 1932, when a cannon fell through the gun deck. Some say human skeletons were found inside.

The Oldest House

The González-Alvarez House is the oldest surviving Spanish Colonial dwelling in Florida. The site has been occupied since the 1600s and the present house dates to the early 1700s. Since 1893 visitors have toured the house to see evidence of the Spanish, British and American occupations of St. Augustine and to learn how the residents lived. In 1970 the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the house a National Historic Landmark.

The Old Jail

Completed in 1891 by the same company that later built Alcatraz, the jail housed 72 inmates in crowded cells with no indoor plumbing until 1914. When you arrive, a costumed deputy puts you under arrest, marches you by the creepy gallows, throws you in an iron-barred cell and threatens to leave you in the maximum-security area complete with shackles.

The Oldest Drugstore

The Oldest Drugstore is the oldest in the nation. Inside you will find an herbal gift shop that is surrounded by shelves of antique bottles, elixirs, lotions and cosmetics. You can purchase herbal remedies for whatever ails you – headache, stress, even pink eye. You can also stock up on herbal teas, natural black soap, shea butter and organic jellies.

Scenic Drive

This was the neatest thing. On our way to the Fountain of Youth is a tree lined street filled with old Oak Trees with moss dangling from them. It was just a unique experience to drive underneath all the old oak trees.

Fountain of Youth

As the story goes, while questing for the spring of eternal youth, Ponce de Leon discovered Florida in 1513. The site of his famous landing is now an archaeological park where you can visit the fabled fountain and drink the water. The 15-acre grounds feature historic excavations, a replica of a 16th-century shipwreck and a planetarium. Inside are intriguing artifacts surrounded by natural beauty. This is definitely one that I will go back to.

Handmade Jewelry by THERI Jewels, Necklace Collection

Just getting acquainted......

New to blogging and trying to figure all this stuff out as I go along. Any helpful tips are very much appreciated.

Here's an example of what's in my Etsy Store.

http://therijewels.etsy.com/