There was free parking and free entry, a good start so we duly signed the visitors book and set off, not really knowing what to expect.  We arrived at the same time as a party of schoolchildren and could hear one of the teachers remonstrating with Tyler to be sure not to bring anything out of the woods! I wonder what he did last time! They went off the visitor centre and we set off along the boardwalk.

The preserve is part of a forest which has been restored and reading the information along the trail we learned that many species of animals, birds and insects have been returned to their natural habitat since the project began.  We saw lots of butterflies and birds but really it was more about what we could hear as much as what we could see. There were tall trees and thick vegetation on either side of the boardwalk and a cacophony of sound, none of it made by humans.  

There were plenty of information boards telling us what to look out for as we strolled along in the heat.

After about half an hour or so we came to an observation deck overlooking Lake Apopka and to our great delight we could actually see a couple of gators out on the lake. Not a place for a dip then. We could hear a loud noise which we assumed to be bullfrogs but try as we might we couldn’t spot them. 

There was lots of interesting information about the history of the Lake and the agriculture around it over the last few decades. The lake has also been brought out of decline and we stayed a while just listening and watching before meandering back.

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.