Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre historic estate and botanical garden in downtown Orlando, is a kaleidoscope of colors throughout the year. Stroll the walkways that wind through butterfly, herb and rose gardens, past dozens of species of azalea, bamboo and banana plants, showcasing a prized Camellia collection that has more than 2,000 plants and is considered one of the best in the U.S. The gardens also include a number of whimsical sculptures, a native wetlands garden and nearly 400 species of palms.
Parking at Leu Gardens
Ample free parking is available.
Best and worst time to go to Leu Gardens
Although the park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit in early morning to avoid Florida's afternoon heat and thunderstorms, especially from spring to early fall. The gardens have free admission on the first Monday of each month, with added bonuses on those days including a sidewalk cafe on the patio and a popsicle stand in the gardens. The gardens are closed only on Christmas Day, although the Leu House Museum is typically closed each July for restorations.
Admission to Leu Gardens
Park admission is $10-$12, with students in grades K-12 admitted for a nominal fee and children 4 and under free. Discounted rates are available for larger groups.
Must see/do at Leu Gardens
Don't miss the guided tours of the Leu House Museum, a restored 19th-century home overlooking Lake Rowena that shows what life was like in Central Florida at the turn of the century. The tours, which start on the hour and half hour beginning at 10 a.m., last about 25 minutes and are complimentary with admission. The last tour starts at 3:30 p.m. On your walk through the gardens, make sure to visit the Citrus Grove, which showcases Central Florida's roots with more than 50 types of citrus trees. Numerous other varieties of tropical and subtropical fruit trees dot the gardens, including avocado, guava, mango, papaya, pear, pineapple and star fruit.
Other places to visit near Leu Gardens
For a romantic dining experience after your visit to the gardens, try Santiago's Bodega, a laid-back tapas-style restaurant and bar with soups, salads, desserts and more than 30 small plates, or the Funky Monkey Wine Company on North Mills Avenue, where you can enjoy an extensive wine list, sushi and American cuisine with an Asian flair. Both are within 1.5 miles of Leu Gardens.
Insider tip for visitors to Leu Gardens
For a romantic night out, surprise your significant other with Date Night at Leu Gardens. Held on the first Friday of each month from February to December, the event includes discounted admission to the garden at 6 p.m., followed by a free movie for which you can bring a lawn chair or blanket. Popcorn and other food items are available for purchase, or pack your own picnic basket with wine, cheese and fruit.
Author's bio: Kevin Adams is a freelance writer who has lived in Orlando for more than a decade and has had travel articles appear on USAToday.com and in Golfweek magazine.
Art Center Sarasota prides itself on being the sum of Sarasota's artistic energy. Artists and art enthusiasts are welcome. Exhibitions featuring culurally-significant events are common. The center also hosts lectures, discussions, classes, workshops, demonstrations, receptions and special events.
The Museum of Arts & Sciences, a Smithsonian Institute Affiliate, houses American art, Chinese art, Cuban art, African artifacts and European exhibits. Among the Americana in the Root Family Museum, visitors will see vintage train cars in a train station, as well as every imaginable item relating to Coca-Cola® through the decades. There's a children's museum with a hands-on science center, plus a planetarium that offers laser light, star shows and rock concerts. The museum, preserve and boardwalk are accessible by wheelchair. Braille signs and audio stations make the preserve accessible to the visually impaired.
Best and Worst Times to go to the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Admission is free to Volusia County residents on the first Tuesday of each month, making it one of the busier days. Exhibits are well maintained, so if your visit is based on a particular selection, you may want to call first to be sure it will be available.
Must See/Do at the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Even the anti-cultural entertainment traveler in your party will enjoy the Root Family Museum with its vast display of Americana and the fully restored 1948 Milwaukee Road Skytop Lounge car. The Planetarium shows provide a nice break. Relax in reclined chairs as you view the night sky. Children enjoy it too. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art offers a rich taste of Florida History, dating back to the 1800's. The Florida weather exhibits are especially interesting.
Admission to the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Admission prices for adults is $13-$16; children (6-17) $7-$10. Children age five and under get in free. Student discounts are available. Some Planetarium shows and admission to Cici Hyatt Brown Museum of art cost extra.
Parking at Museum of Arts & Sciences
Parking is free. However, if you don't plan to tour the entire museum and you do care where you begin, pay attention to the parking lot you choose, or you may have a long walk. Follow the signs.
Food at the Museum of Arts & Sciences
There is no café. Coffee, cold drinks and prepackaged snacks are available for purchase in the gift shop.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Museum
Free wi-fi is available in the gift shop. The museum is situated on 90-acre Tuscawilla Preserve. If the more active members of your group groan at the idea of a museum visit, Tuscawilla Park, next door (north) offers a large disc golf course, nature trails and zip lines.
Author's bio: Edie Schmidt is an internationally published freelance writer in Central Florida. The Root Family Museum is her favorite part of the Museum of Arts & Sciences. See her other interests here.
A serene getaway in the heart of the city, Naples Botanical Gardens welcomes guests with 90 acres of restored preserve and nearly 3 miles of walking trails. Enjoy seven distinct, themed areas including a Children's Garden and Brazilian Garden, which features a beautiful mosaic tiled backdrop. Guests lingering until evening will relish the live music and gourmet treats often offered throughout the month.
Parking at Naples Botanical Gardens
Sufficient parking is provided on site. No additional fees apply for parking.
Best and worst time to go to Naples Botanical Gardens
December is the best time to plan a visit. During select evenings, "Night Lights" is in effect and the park is lit with a variety of holiday lights and decorations. Sip on hot cider as you stroll through the whimsical setup, then let the live music of the onsite harpist and guitarist fill you with the holiday spirit.
The worst time to go is in August, when the Florida heat is at its highest. With no areas that are air conditioned, it is best to reserve your visit during this month to the early morning or late evening hours when the sun is less extreme.
Admission at Naples Botanical Gardens
Tickets range from $10-15, children under 3 are admitted for free. If you're planning an extended trip to the area, consider becoming a member of the garden, which includes unlimited free admission.
Must see/do at Naples Botanical Gardens
Guests with children will want to explore the Children's Garden, which includes a tree house, water fountain for playing in the hot summer months, and live butterfly garden. Adults will also appreciate the Asian Garden, which offers a terraced sanctuary and Balinese temple water garden - among other delights - for reflection.
Other places to visit after Naples Botanical Gardens
After enjoying your visit to the Naples Botanical Gardens, stroll down 5th Avenue to indulge in the unique shopping opportunities. Refresh yourself with an energizing drink at locally owned The Brick Coffee & Bar, and be sure to walk the Pier for the best view of Naples prized beaches.
Insider tip for visitors to Naples Botanical Gardens
The Naples Botanical Garden frequently hosts special exhibits and events. Be sure to take a glance at their website to see what's going on during your visit. Also, if you're traveling with your dog, visitors are allowed to bring pets on Sunday & Tuesday mornings.
Author's bio: Renee' Novelle is an author and journalist living in Southwest Florida.