But there are other ‘jewels’ in Florida, and a two centre holiday has become a popular option for visitors. Here are some suggestions why….

Central Florida
The Silver Creek Villas website has a wide choice of privately owned villas, which can be rented directly from the owner. Check with the owner what facilities are nearby - the Disney theme parks will be within a short drive, as will Universal, SeaWorld, water parks, virtually endless shopping, golf, air boat rides, more shopping - and return visits to the parks. Central Florida offers so much - but we must confess that it is possible to finish a vacation in need of a rest. (A tip - remember most vacation homes have their own private pool - allow some relaxation time in between the ‘activity’ days). A two centre holiday is one possible solution - spend a week in the Orlando area, then follow up with a week relaxing in the second centre.

Gulf Coast
A popular option for the second week (or perhaps the third week if it proves possible to stretch your vacation to 3 weeks) is the Gulf Coast. There are other options (a cruise, a Caribbean island, the Atlantic coast, or perhaps the Florida Keys) - but the Gulf Coast has a very real advantage in its location - just 90 minutes drive will bring you to the glorious beaches.

We can recommend the Gulf Coast beaches as a great option for relaxing - but wouldn’t want to give the impression that there is nothing to do in the area. Shopping and golf are still popular options - but there is no need to miss out on the theme parks, as Busch Gardens is relatively close to Tampa Bay. Tampa also brings top level professional sport (Tampa Bay Lightning for ice hockey, the Buccaneers for American Football) - whilst the bay area offers dolphin watching tours, or perhaps a half day cruise on the inland waterways.

Conclusion
Florida is so much more than theme parks. So whilst Disney, Universal and the others are a compelling reason to spend vacation time in Florida, there are plenty more reasons to spend time in ‘The Sunshine State’

Winter Park

The Morse Museum (or ‘The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art’ to give it its full name) is situated in Winter Park, a little way to the north of the attractions area - around a 30 or 40 minute drive along the Interstate I-4.  Winter Park in itself is a pleasant destination, featuring other museums (including The Cornell Fine Arts Museum and The Albin Polasek Museum), pleasant gardens (Central Park and Kraft Azalea Gardens), and a fairly exclusive shopping area along Park Avenue.

Louis Comfort Tiffany

One of the main features at The Morse Museum is the Tiffany Exhibition, billed as one of the world’s foremost collections of his work.  Before visiting the museum, I must confess that my knowledge of Tiffany’s work was primarily from looking at the lampshades in a TGIs restaurant.  I am now enlightened - or at least have a greater understanding of the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany.  He lived from 1848 to 1933, and this museum houses a wide range of his work.  This work includes jewellery, pottery, paintings (whilst not his primary skill, Tiffany was a very accomplished painter) - as well as the leaded glass windows and lamps he is better known for.

1893 Chicago World Expo

Possibly the finest element of the museum’s exhibits is a restoration of the chapel interior he designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.  Many reviews claim this part of the museum is worth the admission price alone - this is undoubtedly true, as admission is a bargain at just a couple of dollars.  Although even this cut price admission is waived during some evenings, when visitors are admitted after 4pm without charge.

Funding

Whilst admission is low cost, the museum does not receive public funds, and therefore opportunities will be presented for small donations to be made.  And, of course, merchandise is on offer, much of it in the Tiffany style.

Summary

We recommend a visit to Winter Park and The Morse Museum, particularly as a pleasant way to spend an evening - perhaps taking advantage of the free admission (although if you enjoy the exhibition, do please help fund the exhibition with a small donation).  The museum is open most days, but do check before travelling.