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Fort Christmas Historical Park

Get outside at Fort Christmas Historical Park. Saunter through the park and tour a full-size replica of the fort built during the Second Seminole Indian War. Visit the school and see how kids of all ages were taught in this single-room structure. Explore the Florida Cracker house and 8 other pioneer homes. Visit the pioneer garden and the sugar cane mill and see the farm equipment used during the turn of the century.
There is a tennis court, a basketball court, and a baseball field. A beautiful playground is available for the children. Enjoy a picnic lunch under one of the pavilions. ADA service animals are welcome.
Fort Christmas Historical Park is located in east Orange County off of SR 50 on Fort Christmas Road in Christmas, Florida. If you visit the park in Dec, be sure to stop by the Christmas post office and have your holiday gifts and cards sent from Christmas, Fl.
Photo Credit: Dan Kon
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Mead Botanical Garden

Mead Botanical Garden is well-known as a wedding and private event venue in Central Florida. The trails and boardwalks through several of Florida’s ecosystems are not to be overlooked. Saunter through a longleaf pine forest, through a riparian area, and over the wetlands along the creek.

Land for the botanical garden was originally purchased by friends as a memorial to Theodore Mead, a world-renowned horticulturist. Mead Botanical Garden was dedicated and opened to the public on January 14, 1940. Over the next several years, more land was donated, an outdoor amphitheater was built, and students and scouts used the trails to learn about Florida’s unique ecosystems. By 1988, the Garden had fallen into disrepair. Winter Park residents sprung into action to save their beloved Garden. Today Mead Botanical Garden is maintained by the City of Winter Park’s Parks and Recreation Department with help from volunteer organizations and citizen volunteers.

Discover the many native species that thrive there and the wildlife who make their homes at Mead Garden. Look for turtles, raptors, butterflies, hummingbirds, and wading birds. Marvel at the many wildflowers including marsh fleabane, beautyberries, and Mexican primrose. Invasive species and other plants that do not support wildlife are being replaced with native species.

Bring your picnic lunch and enjoy a day at Mead Botanical Garden.

Click here for more information about Mead Garden, events, and activities: https://www.meadgarden.org/

Photo Credit: Dan Kon

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Trimble Park

Trimble Park —

Nestled between Lake Beauclair and Lake Carlton on the Harris Chain of Lakes lies an outdoor paradise. Trimble Park, operated by Orange County, is located near Mt. Dora in Tangerine.

Saunter along the 1.2-mile loop trail surrounded by ancient oaks. The trail runs along the perimeter of the 71-acre park. Wind through forests of pine, oak, and cypress trees. Walk on a boardwalk through the wetlands. Pause near the lakes to enjoy the view and the wildlife who make their homes there. There are plenty of benches to rest on for your wildlife viewing pleasure. Much of the trail is shaded. Bring your lunch and enjoy it at one of the many picnic tables, some of which are under a shaded structure.

Camping sites are available for your tent or RV. Launch your boat, canoe, or kayak from the boat dock. There are playgrounds for your kids. Your dogs on a 6-ft leash are welcome too!

For more information: http://orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx…
Park map and more: https://www.ocfl.net/…/Camping%20at%20Orange%20County%20Par…

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Cranes Roost Park

Cranes Roost Park –

Located in the heart of Uptown Altamonte, Cranes Roost Park surrounds Cranes Roost Lake. Its 1 mile of paved paths and boardwalks is a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The lake is home to numerous ducks and birds. Look for egrets, black skimmers, cormorants, ibises, anhingas, gulls, and more.

Run, walk, or take a leisurely stroll around the Cranes Roost Lake. Listen for songbirds. Rest on one of the many benches while you immerse yourself in a bit of wild Florida nestled within the city. Bring a blanket and lunch and enjoy a picnic in the grass beside the lake with your family or coworkers. Bring your dog on a leash and be sure to use the pet waste stations.

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Rock Springs Run State Reserve

Rock Springs Run State Reserve

Plan a trip to Rock Springs Run State Reserve in Sorrento. Explore the 14,000-acre reserve and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of swamps, bay heads, oak hammocks, pine Flatwoods, and sand pine scrub. Stop by the spring/run river system which runs along the perimeter of the park. Look for the many varieties of wildflowers in bloom, red-shouldered hawks, sandhill cranes, indigo snakes, gopher tortoises, Florida scrub-jay, and bear tracks. Visit in the fall and you may see a black bear testing on the reserve’s acorn harvest.

Rock Springs Run State Reserve boasts 14 miles of hiking trails for hikers. For cyclists, there are 15 miles of multi-use trails. Equestrians appreciate the nine miles of trails for horse riding. Rock Springs Run Trail Rides offers guided horseback riding.

There are 2 primitive campsites accessible by kayak or canoe and Equestrian primitive campsites. The reserve has spots for RVs. The Hammock House, a log cabin with 4 bedrooms is located on the Wekiva River. Bring your family and enjoy a night on the deck and paddle the 2 provided canoes up the Wekiva River. Your pets are welcome by must be on a 6 ft leash.

For more information, fees, reservations, and more click here: https://www.floridastateparks.org/…/rock-springs-run-state-…

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

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