We’re pleased to say that we’ve got another fab contribution from one of our homeowners for you.  This blog was written by Ian Burgess who is sharing his tips for a day out at Silver Springs.

Silver Springs by Ian Burgess

Silver Springs is situated about two hours north of Kissimmee on the edge of Ocala National Forest.

After reading the last blog which included Crystal River, I thought homeowners and guests may appreciate my tip for a really chilled-out, laid-back day away from the parks and shopping malls.

We first visited Silver Springs one sunny day when my family and I were on our way to Crystal River for the day. During a “discussion” about map reading (this was in the days before Sat Navs existed), we lost track of where we were going.

En route we saw signs for Silver Springs. “That’s it!” we thought… so we headed there. It wasn’t until we got back to Kissimmee later that night that we realised we had been at the wrong place!

To us, it didn’t matter that we’d fallen short of our original destination because we had had a fantastic day out.

Silver Springs Park

Silver Springs is over 10,000 years old and, like Crystal River, it has some of the clearest waters anywhere in Florida.

Silver Springs river is over five miles long and the park covers 4,000 acres.  Once there, you will see alligators, fish, birds and other examples of Florida’s wildlife. 

There is a bird show which visitors can attend to see more of the Florida wildlife.

The main attraction is the river. The best way to experience it is on one of the glass-bottom boats which take you around the park.  On our first visit we were treated to a wonderful commentary by Captain Dave who had a unique one-line response to visitors’ questions!  It was a little strange but very amusing.

You can also hire kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

Silver Springs history

We really recommend a visit to the historic village in the park.  Here you can see what life was like for Floridians a few hundred years ago.

It’s part of the Silver River museum and environmental centre and the little museum is worth a visit too.

Silver Springs has some interesting Hollywood history too: The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Rebel without a Cause, Moonraker and six Tarzan films were made here.

The whole place is run by retirees who absolutely love the special place.  We really loved our trip there and definitely recommend you add it to your Florida vacation itinerary!

About Ian’s home

Ian is the owner of the fabulous family-friendly Tropical Breeze on Indian Point in Kissimmee. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, spacious living areas and a south-west-facing pool, it’s a fab choice for a family Disney vacation.

If you’d like to book your stay to enjoy Silver Springs or other Central Florida attractions, please check out our homes here.

Would you like to share your tips for great days out in Florida?

We’d love to share contributions from our guests and homeowners about great days out in Florida.  If you have tips or ideas you’d like to share on our blog, please reach out to our team. 

White Rose Property Management homeowner Ruth Moriarty shares her travel tips for a great day out in Winter Park, Florida.

We’re really delighted that our homeowner Ruth Moriarty has kindly shared some more of her Florida travel tips with us. 

Her blogs about Bok Tower Gardens and the Lake Eola farmers’ market were really well received. And it’s so great to hear about day trips beyond the Orlando theme parks.

This time, Ruth tells us all about the wonderful shops, side roads and sightseeing to enjoy in Winter Park.

Winter Park, Florida by Ruth Moriarty

Winter Park is an old city just outside Orlando with lots of history. Its first inhabitants were regional American Indians (Seminole).

Later, the Europeans rocked up in the late 1850s. Today, Winter Park very much retains the feel of a small European town.

The railroad has been here since the 1880s and is still being used. The track runs straight through the central park and a very cute station. 

There are lots of small, winding brick streets to explore, plenty of trees to shade you from the hot Florida sun and lots to do covering a wide variety of tastes, prices and interests. 

The Saturday Farmers’ Market

When I lived in Florida, I used to do the almost 80-mile round trip from home to Winter Park once a month, mainly to visit the market! It’s bright and vibrant and there is so much to choose from.

There are stalls selling food, baked goods, plants, jewellery, local produce. It’s a very popular place for people to gather.

The unofficial parade of dogs and their humans is a delight for anyone who has a soft spot for our four-legged friends. Be prepared for dogs in buggies, dogs in tee-shirts, dogs in boots and being as or more groomed than their human counterparts.

Currently the Market is located in the West Meadow (150 North New York Ave.) from 8am-1pm.

Downtown

The town and surrounding area is well worth a visit and there is lots to see. 

At the centre of Downtown Winter Park is Park Avenue, a tree-lined, cobblestoned street full of eateries and some great shops. It is such a pretty place to wander around and there are lots of small boutiques, including one of my favourites, Peterbrooke Chocolatier.

Another great place to stop where you can try before you buy is The Wine Room. No need to say more.

Little cafés and restaurants are hidden away in small arcades, which are well worth exploring. Many eateries have terraces, where you can watch the world go by!

There is something for every taste and price. Winter Park is also one of the dog-friendliest places I have ever been to.  Dogs are welcome in many places and there are always doggy water bowls and people ready to make a fuss of your precious pooch.

If you need more retail therapy, Shops on Park, at the centre of Park Avenue, is an elegant, indoor centre with some big brand shops. 

Kraft Azalea Park

This is a stunning public park bordering on the lakes. It is a gorgeous place to go and take a picnic and sit in the shade on a hot day.

Here you can while away the hours people watching, admiring the boats and deciding which of the mansions that surround the lakefronts you could live in!

It’s one of more than 70 parks in Winter Park, each holding various events, festivals and celebrations throughout the year – so you have plenty of choice.

Scenic Boat Tour – East Morse Boulevard

This is one of my absolute favourite things here.

I suggest you go there first to secure your ticket as they get very busy even out of season.

It’s a fully guided tour, in turn relaxing and exhilarating. The one-hour cruise takes you through the some of the lakes and canals of historic Winter Park.

The boats go from a slow crawl through the tiny canals to whizzing across the open lakes to get from one side to the other.

The canals linking the chain of lakes were man-made by the Seminole hundreds of years ago and it’s easy to imagine them coming through these narrow waterways in their little dug outs – very atmospheric.

At the other extreme, you get to see the many million-dollar mansions (some of them worth $20,000,000). Your guide will have all sorts of local knowledge and information to share.

It costs $14 adult, $7 child (go with cash as they don’t accept cards) and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every hour on the hour.  The boats are fine for anyone who is a little shaky on their feet, but I didn’t see anywhere for wheelchairs.

Croissant Gourmet Bakery

We chose not to go back to the main street as we found a little French café just up the road from the Boat Cruise after our hour on the water. 

We had a delicious lunch at Croissant Gourmet Bakery on East Morse Blvd. We did eat some delicious, healthy salads and savoury croissants but had to save ourselves for the beautifully crafted desserts (each cake was fairly divided into three!)

Why you should go

Go to shop, go to explore, go to people watch, go to watch an open-air movie in the Park or go for some culture too (I love the town’s museum – also worth a visit!).

You can find further information about Winter Park on the Visit Florida website.

About Ruth’s home

If you’d like to book your stay to enjoy Winter Park or other Central Florida attractions, please check out our homes here.

Ruth’s home is the very wonderful Sapphire Sky Villa at Orange Tree.  See more – and book – here.

Would you like to share your tips for great days out in Florida?

We’d love to share contributions from our guests and homeowners about great days out in Florida.  If you have tips or ideas you’d like to share on our blog, please reach out to our team. 

Even if you haven’t visited downtown Orlando, you’ll recognise Lake Eola’s rainbow-hued lakeside theatre, its famous fountain and the swan boats from postcards and pictures of the city.

Many guests don’t make it as far as downtown Orlando, but Ruth Moriarty, one of our homeowners, says everyone should venture a visit!

We’re really delighted that Ruth has kindly shared some more of her Florida travel tips with us.  Her blog about Bok Tower Gardens was really well received. Plus, it’s so great to hear about attractions that are a little off the beaten track.

So… over to Ruth…

Lake Eola & Downtown Orlando by Ruth Moriarty

Firstly, although this is a blog about downtown Orlando, this is not about shopping …well, very little about shopping! 

I had a French friend over to stay with me in February 2020 and she asked about visiting downtown Orlando.  I have owned my home in Florida since 2002 and lived there for a number of years, but I think I only made it as far as downtown once before!

Lake Eola Park is right in the centre of the city, but far from hustle and bustle of any description. We went there one Sunday, so there were no problems finding a free parking spot right by the Lake.

It was wonderful to see families out together. A smile “good morning” went a long way to striking up conversations with all sorts of people.

This little pooch even came in his own car!

Lake Eola isn’t a tourist destination.  But there is a wonderful walk of around one mile you can stroll.

This is where locals come for downtime, dog walking, exercise and the Sunday market. 

The Lake Eola Farmers’ Market is a lovely place to wander around.  You’ll discover food stalls, jewellery, flowers, jams, drinks and much, much more. 

The Sunday Farmers’ Market usually runs from 10am to 4pm. 

When we visited, we treated ourselves to a bag of freshly popped corn.  Then, a bit later on, we shared a bag of warm, little donuts, freshly cooked and shaken in powdery sugar – extremely tasty!

The rainbow arcs of the Disney Amphitheatre sit just alongside the lake.  Regular events are held here – so keep an eye on local listings.  It’s also a colourful addition to any photos you take and can be seen from all round the lake.

The lake teems with birds.  We saw black and white swans, geese, ducks, egrets and anghingas.  We watched the anghingas fluff out their black wing feathers to dry off.  Then trod carefully by some protected swans’ eggs, nestled alongside the path.

There were no alligators as far as we could tell!

Our only small disappointment came from our discovery that the Swan paddle boats weren’t running the day we visited.  However, that’s simply given me a good excuse to return when I am next in Florida!

All in all, our lovely, slow saunter around the lake edge and the market took around 2-3 hours, stopping to take photos and explore the market. 

The great thing is – it cost us nothing, apart from the few purchases we made at the market.

The path is quite wide and very well maintained so wouldn’t be a problem for people with strollers or in wheelchairs. It’s a calm and gentle walk, great to be away from the madding crowds elsewhere. 

NOTE:  At the moment, the farmers’ Market is still closed due to Covid 19.  If you’re thinking about visiting, check the website for current information – hopefully it will be reopening soon.

About Ruth’s home

If you’d like to book your stay to enjoy downtown Orlando, Lake Eola or other Central Florida attractions, please check out our homes here.

Ruth’s home is the very wonderful Sapphire Sky Villa at Orange Tree.  See more – and book – here.

Would you like to share your tips for great days out in Florida?

We’d love to share contributions from our guests and homeowners about great days out in Florida.  If you have tips or ideas you’d like to share on our blog, please reach out to our team. 

Trisha is one of our homeowners from the UK.  She lives in Yorkshire with her partner Mandy.  Together, they own the beautiful Anchor’s Away property on the Tuscan Ridge community in Davenport.

Browse Trisha’s home here.

We caught up with Trisha to ask her about being the owner of a vacation home in Florida and what she loves about her home and the state of Florida.

What made you decide to buy a holiday home in Florida?

We were looking in Spain originally, but then a friend told us about a company selling houses in Florida.  They flew us out for a week and showed us a load of homes.  We fell in love with the second one we saw, right on the first day.

How long have you had your home in Florida?

We bought it in 2003 and we’ve never looked back!  When we bought it, it was brand new.  We bought it with the intention of keeping it for five years, but we’ve had it now for 17 years.  We love the house and the area and we absolutely love Florida.

When did you first fall in love with Florida?

I went for the first time in around 1989, I think.  We’d been a couple of times in the 1990s.  But now it’s a home from home that we really love.  When it was my sixtieth birthday, we went out and stayed for a month.

Did you always know where you wanted to buy?

Osceloa county is Disney county and the homes there are much more expensive.  We bought just over the county line in Polk county.  At that time there was quite a few neighbourhoods going up and it was a lot cheaper to buy in Polk county.  What I love about it is the close access to the I4.  Within fifteen minutes of leaving our home, we are driving under the Welcome to Disney arch.

What is the area like?

When we first bought the home, there were just a few restaurants nearby.  Now, there’s everything you could want right on the doorstep.  There’s an English café that serves English food like Sunday roasts.  We love Bob Evans and Mani’s Chop House and Longhorn Steakhouse.

It’s just five minutes onto the Interstate and, from there, you can explore the whole of Florida.

Did you always know you would rent your home?

If we can’t rent a home, we won’t buy it.  This home has been great for us, especially with White Rose Villas managing it. Every year it’s already booked up for most of the next year!

How did you find White Rose Villas property management?

We had various nightmares with other property management companies.  We were even robbed by one of them!  But White Rose Villas property management is the best we’ve ever had.  Everything gets done if they say its going to get done.  They go above and beyond; we can’t fault them.   After all the nightmares we’ve had, White Rose Villas property management is like a godsend – they’re absolutely the best!

Do you have any advice for other people thinking about buying in Florida?

You need to be aware of all the financials.  You need your own accountant because you have to be IRS registered.  If you are going to rent out your home, you’ll be paying tax.  You have to consider the admin and the community charges, the homeowners’ association fees.  And the utilities cost a lot more than they do in the UK.  Get the right advice before you buy.

Have you got any tips that guests should know before booking your home?

We’ve tried to make it a home from home – so that nobody ever thinks ‘I wish this home had…’. It’s got everything you might need.  The only thing we don’t allow is barbeques because it can really stain the covered area around the pool.

What is the best thing about your home?

What’s the best feature – besides the pool?  I think the games room we’ve created by converting the garage.  There’s table football, pool, ice-hockey, a big TV with games. 

White Rose Villas comment: the heated hot tub on the pool deck is another superb extra.

Have you got any advice for anyone considering a holiday in Florida?

Everybody should go!  It’s every child’s dream.  And once you’ve been, you’ve got the bug!  I know two or three people who’ve bought a home there after going there on holiday.  It’s a fabulous place.  Last November, one of our guests went swimming with manatees!

We love to take our granddaughters to the parks.  When you watch the Disney parade with the fireworks over the castle afterwards, it has brought tears to my eye every time I’ve watched it!

We also love St Augustine.  It’s about an hour and a half to St Augustine but the drive is really interesting.  We’ve been to Anna Marie Island and Key West.  Miami is 240 miles away but it’s like a different planet altogether!  It’s so fabulous!  We’ve been all over, but we like Clearwater and Treasure Island.  We just book overnight at a cheap hotel and go and explore.

You can have your own Florida adventure by booking Trisha’s home.

View Anchor’s Away here.

Or browse all homes managed by White Rose Villas property management here.

We’re so pleased to bring you tips from our homeowners about their favourite days out in Florida.  The first blog in this series has been kindly written by Ruth Moriarty.

Why should you go?

If you are searching for a complete change of pace from the Parks, space to breathe and quietly appreciate nature, then Bok Tower Gardens awaits.  The gardens are centrally located in Lake Wales between Tampa and Orlando in Polk County and they have been welcoming visitors since 1929.

What can you expect?

You quite simply relax and slow down.  The stunning gardens cover more than 7 acres and include a 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion to visit and the unique Singing Tower Carillion, from where you hear the tinkling of bells drifting through the air as you wander around. 

You can also sit and appreciate a free half hour concert at set times of the day. The Tower is located at the side of a Reflection Pool and creates fabulous opportunities for taking photos or watching the Koi Carp as they gently swim around in the tranquil waters.

How much does it cost?

Entrance per day costs $15 per adult and $5 for children aged 5-12… quite a bargain when you consider entrance to many other places in Florida!

Who should go?

Bok Tower Gardens is for everyone.  If you are looking for something a little quieter than the theme parks, you will love this day out.

Is Bok Tower Gardens accessible?

There is good access for people in wheelchairs or scooters and a little “train” runs from the Tower back to the entrance for those whose feet may be a little tired and who may be in need of some refreshment.

Will children enjoy Bok Tower Gardens?

There are all sorts of active and creative things for children as well.  Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden incorporates cooling water features, a boardwalk, play areas with climbing features, a stage for little performers, paintings and plenty of space to dig, create and explore.

On arrival at Bok Tower Gardens

When you arrive you pass through a gate with the founder, Edward W Bok’s grandmother’s words inscribed on it: “make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it”.  You then pass into the most peaceful of spots and one of my favourite spots in Central Florida.

Owner’s visit: Ruth’s day out at Bok Tower Gardens

We had lunch at the Blue Palmetto Café, where there is a wide choice of light lunches and ice-cream! I had the Avocado Tuna Salad, which was delicious and filling but there are burgers, dogs, sandwiches, wraps etc… oh and did I say ice-cream?!

The Shop at Bok is a lovely way to end your day, to collect a few souvenirs.  There is a good choice, many items are a little out of the ordinary if you are looking for a slightly different gift.   You don’t have to walk through the shop to get out of the gardens, which I liked, but it didn’t stop me going in and buying a couple of things.

We came away from Bok Tower Gardens feeling refreshed, revitalised and inspired.  It’s a very special place and I recommend it highly for people of all ages.  Take your time, slow down, sit a while and think a little about the ethos behind the gardens: Make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.

Ruth’s “don’t miss” attractions at Bok Tower Gardens

• Pinewood Estate – view from the back of the Mediterranean-style mansion.

• The Tower and Reflecting Pool – there are tantalising views of the Tower from many areas of the garden – the Carillion bells were tinkling as I took this photo – which was quite magical.

• The beautiful flowers and trees – these photos were taken during my visit in January 2020.  If you enjoy taking photos of nature, then you couldn’t come to a better place.  There are so many varieties of flowers and trees and everywhere you turn there is somewhere to sit, to think and to Be.

Coronavirus update: What is the situation at Bok Tower Gardens concerning COVID-19?

As with so many places, the Gardens have been closed due to COVID-19.  They are rescheduled to open as of 1 June, though do check the website for updates.  As I write this, they will only be accepting pre-booked entrance tickets.  Find more details here.

About Ruth’s home

If you’d like to book your stay in Florida to enjoy Bok Tower Gardens and central Florida’s other wonderful attractions, please check out our homes here.

Ruth’s home is the very wonderful Sapphire Sky Villa at Orange Tree.  See more – and book – here.

Would you like to share your tips for great days out in Florida?

We’d love to share contributions from our guests and homeowners about great days out in Florida.  If you have tips or ideas you’d like to share on our blog, please reach out to our team. 

The Governor has finally announced a plan to facilitate the re-opening of your vacation rental homes in the State.

It requires every County to submit a plan for the safe operation of vacation homes to the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR). The DBPR will then allow those counties to re-open or request further information. We are, naturally, hopeful that this process can be completed as soon as possible.

 

News for White Rose Villas vacation home owners

We at White Rose Villas are anxious to comply with the stringent DBPR sanitary guidelines and follow the CDC recommended guidelines for home cleanings and the staggering of bookings to allow a 3 day gap. We await any further requirements and will implement them without delay.

From May 18th gyms can open and restaurants, retail, museums and libraries may operate at 50% capacity; theme parks can submit plans to re-open. Along with further testing and the ability of pro sports teams to gather without fans, there are gradual but positive signs for our industry.

 

What’s next for Orlando vacation home owners?

We will, of course, keep you updated as the situation develops; rest assured that we’ll be ready to go as soon as the green light is given!

If you have any questions, please get in touch. Reach out to us at admin@whiterosevillas.com