A couple of years back when I first visited the villa we were driving along the US27 going south  and were wondering where to go for a local night out without having to travel too far.  We had many times passed what looked like a wooden shack with the words ‘The Pub’ emblazoned on it a short distance down the US27 south from its junction with the I4, signposted to Haines City.  From the outside it looked a bit run down but we still decided it was worth giving it a try.  Once inside we were very impressed what a difference, the decor is lovely and it’s laid out just like an English pub.  There are booths at the side where you can dine in privacy and the bar and serving staff are so friendly and give you a warm welcome.  They have entertainment most nights and on our first visit there was a singing duo called John & Wayne (John, as it turned out, was born in Essex).  They were fantastic and did some really good songs that you could sing along to and they also did a comedy routine.  There are also regular karaoke nights and other evenings dedicated to showing UK football games.  Their food menu is extensive and very good value for lovely food, very large portions too.  It is also frequented by some colourful local characters, we met a friendly chap who introduced himself as the ‘Mayor of Polk County’ does Polk County have a mayor we wondered ?  We never did find out, but he certainly kept us amused with his tall stories.  It can be difficult to get taxis in the area, but the bar staff are always helpful in ordering you a taxi to get you back should you decide to enjoy the plentiful selection of bar drinks rather than taking the car. All in all I think it’s one of the best nights out you can have in that area of the US27 and I shall certainly be paying it regular visits on all my future visits to Florida.

Having been to most of the well known malls I was told about Eagle Ridge and decided to check it out. Eagle Ridge is situated on US27 N going towards the Lake Wales area. It is really easy to find basically you just stay on US 27 North and it is about 10/15 minutes past Walmart at Southern Dunes. It has most of the well known department stores found at other of Orlando’s many shopping malls but has the advantage of being a lot less busy. For those who are not so keen to shop there is a multi screen cinema with a least 12 screens,   bowling  and a variety of nice places to eat. I didn’t go inside the bowling center but was told it had 32 lanes, bumper cars and an arcade. Inside the Mall is a childrens play area and a carousel. Changing the subject for a minute …..do you know the difference between a carousel and a merry-go-round ? The answer is a carousel only has horses and merry-go-rounds have different animals, cars fire engines ect. Something I didn’t know.

Each time I have visited Orlando I have always been lucky to find the shops having sales. This was the case when I visited Eagle Ridge. Sears, J C Penney, Victoria Secret and Dillards advertised huge discounts and did not dissapoint. There is also a good range of smaller shops where you can find shoes, sunglasses, jewellery, clothing, kitchen equipment and sportswear. Just a short way from the main mall in the carpark is a large Toys R Us and a Lowes.

Finding somewhere to park is easy, the carpark is huge. Even at the busiest time I am confident parking will not be a problem. Eagle Ridge  is open from 10 am - 9pm Monday - Saturday and from 12 mid day - 6pm on Sundays. If you decide to give this a try put the zip code FL33859 into your Sat Nav or look out on the left hand side of the carriageway for the Mall just after Home Depot and Publix.

Happy shopping.

The 7,000 acres of Wekiwa Springs is to be found by the Wekiva River, where the Timucuan Indians hunted and fished. The scenery is natural and wild except for a number of mounds left by the Indians which are still visible. There is, of course a museum and visitor centre where you can learn more of the history of the area.

(“Wekiwa” is the Creek Indian word for “bubbling spring”, and “Wekiva” means “flowing water”)

The park gives you the opportunity to swim or to canoe in Wekiwa Springs, and you can rent your own canoe. You can also go fishing, hiking, bicycling or horseback riding.

For those with more time to spare, there is camping available. There are sixty (60!) campsites in the park for families, and there are also separate camping facilities for backpackers, canoeists and horse riders.

If you have a bit of canoe experience there is a canoe trail which starts at the nearby Rock Springs, meets the Wekiva River at the State Park, and then continues north until it meets the St Johns River. It is 27 miles long, so not for beginners, but if you wished you could do a section or two of the run.

The wildlife in the park includes the Florida black bear, deer, grey fox, racoon (of course), ibis, wood storks and sandhill cranes.

If you are just there for the day, why not take a picnic. There is a picnic area which has picnic tables and BBQ grills if needed.

Wekiwa Springs State Park is about 20 minutes north of Orlando, and is located off Interstate 4 at exit 94. Takes SR434 west, and turn right on Wekiwa Springs Rd.

The Park is open every day of the year from 8 am until sundown. If you have become used to the prices for the Disney attractions, you will be amazed at the admission prices. A vehicle with between 2 and 8 people will cost the princely sum of $5. Something to think about in the current financial climate!

Andy Brownlie

Virtually all hotel accommodation is on a ‘room-only’ basis.  This is a major difference from a European or Caribbean vacation, where many hotels include the cost of meals (and sometimes drinks) in the price.

By choosing one of the vacation homes on the Silver Creek Villas website, you have the choice of dining - eat out (check out the reviews within this Guide), or eat in.  Your home will come with a fully equipped kitchen - and there are some excellent shops to buy a wide choice of food.  Here are just a few ideas of where to shop.

Wal-Mart

Known to many visitors from Europe as the owners of the United Kingdom’s Asda supermarket, there is a 24 hour superstore along the 192 (and in several other locations in the Kissimmee area).  Wal-Mart offers plenty of food choices - from ready prepared meals through to fresh fruit, vegetables, beer and wine.  Many vacation homes provide a BBQ grill - steaks, chicken, sausages are all available at Wal-Mart (your visit here is an attraction in itself - as well as the food hall, you’ll also find just about everything else on sale as well - music, electronics, clothes, books, shoes, toys, games etc)

Publix

Another supermarket with several locations, you will find Publix at Champions Gate, and further locations along the 192 and in the Kissimmee area.  The quality at Publix is usually excellent, with much locally grown produce (the climate here is ideal for citrus fruit and many other crops).  There is always ample parking with long opening hours - although Publix tends not to be open 24 hours.  Many visitors from the United Kingdom consider Publix to be similar to their Sainsburys stores at home.

Target

Target have several stores - the Super Targets along the 192 (and also The Orange Blossom Trail) are the biggest, and many think the best.  Offering a similar range to the others, many UK visitors liken them to Waitrose.  Target also offers clothing electronics and household goods

All of these stores sell imported goods as well - so visitors from Europe will find many of their local brands alongside the American products. Just look in the ethnic isle.

Our conclusion is that staying in a vacation home gives you the choice of eating in or dining out.  And there are plenty of places to shop when self catering.  But don’t forget you are on vacation - do treat yourself to some visits to the excellent local restaurants!

We decided to make our first visit in February 2005  whilst having our winter break at our villa at Santa Cruz Davenport after recommendations from Florida residents ..we are pleased that we did and have visited again whenever we get the oppurtunity … 

On our first visit in February 2005 it was the most marvellous Florida day with clear blue skies and bright sunshine and temperatures in the 80’s

Our first pleasant suprise was the very efficient FREE parking and then how inexpensive the entrance fee was less than $10 and even cheaper for seniors and children…the admission charge also included a free programme!!

Once inside we realised how big it was and what a lot there was to see..we were amazed by the array of stalls selling everything you could think of and exhibits of eveything kind from Farm animals,  Dogs, small Pets, Birds to model Houses all beatifully furnished and very tempting….

Then there were the food stalls..lots and lots with everything to encourage you to forget about the calories ..something good for everyone’s taste and pocket.

The arenas provided us with the chance to have a rest and enjoy the various animal competitions with horses, dogs, sealions, racing pigs and even bears performing ….you can also wander through the pens of cattle, goats, pigs and poultry with their proud owners always willing to chat about their animals………

Then of course there is the enormous fairground which has every type of ride to satisfy with white knuckle rides for the dare devils or to entertain smaller children with lots of kiddy rides. There is an extra charge for all fairground rides.

There is  grand parade around noon with marching bands and veteran motor vehicles and much more….

We rounded off the day at one of the indoor show arenas where we chose to watch a superb country and western show which was also included in our entrance charge. It was top class entertainment and was just one of the many ongoing shows from wrestling to “Elvis” again catering for all tastes!

We have been twice since our first visit and we have never been disappointed as it is a great day out without spending a lot of money …so if you are in Florida in February give it a try and visit “The Florida State Fair” and have fun with the locals..they will be pleased to see you.