Excursions for your Downtime

A one-of-a-kind organization that offers a fusion of culture, education and experience, the Timucua Arts Foundation attracts performers and spectators alike. In an effort to inspire music, art and connection in the Central Florida community through performance and education, the Timucua White House hosts a plethora of unique experiences. World-renowned and local artists gather there for performances ranging from classical acts to interactive works of art. Enjoy an afternoon of spritely jazz scats or an evening of cultural immersion among friends in this local gem.

Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

Located just off the tranquil waters of Lake Osceola sits the Mediterranean-style home of the late sculptor and artist Albin Polasek. Converted into a gallery, museum and sculpture garden, the home and property display Polasek’s permanent collection, which features classical busts and ornate paintings among various pieces that focus on his idea of the true representation of nature. A separate gallery adjacent to the main home exhibits a variety of local and international guest showcases. Polasek’s goal was to depict the unity of form and the beauty of movement, and pieces throughout the grounds of the museum unite nature and art.

Wekiva Island

Wekiva Island is an environmentally prized recreation area nestled along the Wekiva River. Visitors can cool down and experience the “real Florida,” where the water is a refreshing 72 degrees, and enjoy swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, volleyball, cornhole toss and other recreational pursuits. Guests can rent private cabanas and refuel at the Without a Paddle Cafe or Tooting Otter Bar. The island is also home to the only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum classroom in Seminole County, which regularly hosts environmental learning events in the Mike Barr Education Center.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater

Get your tickets at the box office and settle into your seat. Well into its 30th season, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, a local professional Equity theater, produces classic Shakespeare, presents modern spins on familiar tales, performs never-before-seen plays, and directs children’s performances. With ambitious productions such as Shakespeare In Love, West Side Story and Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, the theater provides high-caliber theatrical experiences to guests of all ages. During intermission, spectators can enjoy a snack or beverage from Harriett’s Bar, visit the courtyard to relax among charming bistro tables, or pay homage to a bronze bust of William Shakespeare.

Florida Farm Distillery

The pastures of an 80-acre cattle farm hide a mouthwatering secret nestled inside a 10-stall horse stable. Florida Farm Distillery, a micro-distillery located in Central Florida, produces a selection of premium handmade micro-batch whiskey. Inside a converted horse stable, Palm Ridge Reserve, its most popular small-batch whiskey, ages in charred oak barrels, giving it toasted orange and oak woods character. Visitors can sample the whiskey as they tour the farm, enjoy live music on select nights, and soak in the sights, sounds and tastes of a Florida family-owned farm and distillery. Reservations are required.

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