Inside Cracker Christmas: The Pioneer Holiday Event That Defines the Town of Christmas, Florida 🎄
Each December, Fort Christmas in eastern Orange County hosts one of the most distinctive heritage events in Florida. Cracker Christmas lasts only two days, but it draws thousands who come to experience pioneer demonstrations, handmade crafts, and a rare chance to step into the everyday work that once shaped this part of the state. These show notes offer additional history and context from the podcast episode, along with key locations for listeners who want to explore more on their own.
Fort Christmas and Its Place in Florida History
Fort Christmas Historical Park
1300 Fort Christmas Road, Christmas, FL 32709
The reconstructed fort at the center of the park represents the military structure built on December 25, 1837 during the Second Seminole War. While the original fort no longer exists, the replica is based on period records and provides a clear picture of how troops navigated a contested frontier landscape. The park’s grounds include seven historic homes and multiple exhibits that trace frontier life in East Orange County.
The fort sets the anchor for Cracker Christmas. It reminds visitors that this peaceful stretch of rural land once sat in the middle of a military campaign that reshaped the region.
A Community Event with Deep Local Roots
Cracker Christmas began as a small community celebration in the late 1970s and gradually became the signature event of the Fort Christmas Historical Society. Today it fills the entire park with demonstrators who keep pioneer trades alive. Visitors can watch blacksmiths work at the forge, observe weaving and spinning techniques, learn about cane grinding and syrup making, tour a Civil War encampment, and see how Florida’s early settlers built their tools, homes, and economies.
Local clubs and youth organizations including 4 H, FFA, the Women’s Club, and the Boy Scouts rely on this event as a major fundraiser. Cracker Christmas succeeds because community members give their time, knowledge, and skills so visitors can learn the story of early Florida.
Understanding the Term “Florida Cracker”
The name of the event comes from the word “Cracker,” once used to describe early cattle herders whose whips made a sharp cracking sound as they drove herds across the frontier. These early cattlemen shaped large portions of rural Florida and developed a culture distinct from the coastal cities that would later dominate the state.
Cracker Christmas honors that heritage by focusing on authentic demonstrations and community storytelling rather than staged holiday spectacle. The event’s purpose is to show how frontier families lived, worked, and built their communities in a challenging landscape.
Christmas, Florida and the Holiday Postmark Tradition
Christmas Post Office
23580 E Colonial Drive, Christmas, FL 32709
The community of Christmas gained national attention because of its post office. Each December, families travel from across the state and country to send out holiday cards stamped with the “Christmas, Florida” postmark. For many households, this has been a seasonal tradition for generations.
The town’s connection to the holiday season pairs naturally with Cracker Christmas. While the postmark draws visitors for a festive flourish, the event at the fort grounds the holiday season in local heritage, volunteerism, and living history.
Exploring the Grounds Beyond the Event
Even after Cracker Christmas wraps for the year, Fort Christmas Historical Park remains open for regular visitors. The historic homes scattered across the property offer insight into different decades of pioneer life. The exhibits trace everything from early citrus production to local schoolhouses. The park’s setting provides a rare opportunity to see rural Orange County as it once was.
It is worth walking the grounds at a slower pace after the crowds are gone. The fort, the cabins, and the open spaces tell a story that remains accessible year round.
Final Notes
Cracker Christmas is a reminder that Central Florida’s history is not confined to museums or textbooks. It lives in the people who preserve their crafts, support their community groups, and invite visitors into a story that continues to evolve. The event may come and go in a single weekend, but the heritage it shares remains present in Fort Christmas throughout the year.
For more travel stories, podcast episodes, and show notes, visit ChadGallivanter.com. Wherever you go, take the story with you.
Winter Park, Florida: The Quiet Powerhouse Shaping Art, History, and Culture
Winter Park sits just a few miles north of Orlando, close enough to hear the hum of Central Florida’s tourism machine but far enough to exist as its own world entirely. With a population of roughly thirty thousand, it is a city built with intention. Brick streets, lakes linked by hand-dug canals, a college older than many Florida towns, and an arts legacy that outshines cities many times its size.
This is Winter Park. Refined yet grounded, historic yet constantly renewing itself. A place where cultural influence has been part of the story since the 1880s.
Below is a guided dive into the layers that built this small city into one of Florida’s most important cultural anchors.
A City Built by Design
Winter Park is not an accident of Florida growth. It was engineered into being.
In the 1880s, developers Loring Chase and Oliver Chapman laid out their vision for a planned resort community. They targeted wealthy Northerners eager for winter warmth, marketed the region aggressively, and gave the town its first identity: refined, walkable, intentional.
Rollins College opened in 1885 and became the new city’s intellectual center. Faculty, writers, and visiting artists set the tone early. The result was a community that treated education, culture, and public space as foundational rather than ornamental.
Rollins College
1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
The Citrus Collapse That Changed Everything
Before the cultural renaissance, Winter Park was built on citrus. Orange groves dominated the region, drawing investors from across the country.
That changed in 1894 and 1895 when two devastating freezes destroyed nearly every grove in Central Florida. Many families lost everything. Wealthy investors abandoned the region.
Winter Park survived by reinventing itself. The citrus identity faded. A cultural identity rose in its place. Looking around Winter Park today, the shift is visible everywhere, from preserved estates to the museums shaped by wealthy patrons who helped refocus the city’s future.
The Morse Museum: A Global Rarity in a Small Florida Town
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is one of the most astonishing small museums in the country.
It holds the world’s most comprehensive collection of work by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Windows, glass mosaics, lamps, jewelry, enamel work, and even the reconstructed Tiffany Chapel originally shown at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
The reason this treasure sits in Winter Park rather than New York is simple. Jeannette Genius McKean and her husband Hugh McKean devoted their lives to saving Tiffany’s work when it had fallen out of fashion. They rescued entire installations from destruction and brought them here.
Winter Park may be small, but this museum is a world-level institution.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Florida’s Original Eco-Tourism Ride
Before Florida’s tourism revolved around thrill rides, visitors were exploring its lakes by boat.
Since 1938, the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour has taken guests through the city’s narrow man-made canals and connected lakes. It passes Rollins College, early estates, and stretches of waterfront gardens that are invisible from the road. The canals themselves were dug in the late 1800s, turning the lakes into a chain easily navigated by small craft.
This is one of Florida’s oldest continuously operating attractions. A living reminder of the quieter era that shaped Central Florida before the theme parks arrived.
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
312 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
Rollins College and a Legacy Larger Than Campus
Rollins has roughly three thousand students, but its reach is far wider.
Fred Rogers graduated from Rollins in 1951, and his wife Joanne studied there as well. Distinguished guests like Archibald MacLeish and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings spent time on campus. The college nurtured musicians, writers, and thinkers who shaped Florida’s cultural tone long after they left the classroom.
Walk the campus today and the influence is still present. The school remains one of the strongest liberal arts institutions in the region.
Rollins College
1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Preservation, Wealth, and the Battle for Identity
Winter Park’s historic homes face constant pressure from modern development. One defining moment came in 2001 during the fight to save Casa Feliz, the James Gamble Rogers II–designed Spanish Revival home.
Residents stepped in, raised funds, and physically moved the entire house across town rather than lose it to demolition. That battle catalyzed a broader preservation movement and led to stronger protections for historic properties.
Casa Feliz now stands as a symbol of a city that chooses identity over convenience.
Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum
656 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
The Winter Park Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning, the lawn near the SunRail station becomes one of the busiest markets in the region. Locals gather for produce, fresh bread, flowers, plants, and handmade goods. The market overlaps Winter Park’s small-town personality with its modern creative energy.
Winter Park Farmers Market
200 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Hannibal Square: Story of a Community
Hannibal Square began in the 1880s as Winter Park’s Black neighborhood, built by laborers, craftspeople, and families who shaped the early city. In 1887, Black residents joined white residents to vote for Winter Park’s incorporation, making this one of the rare towns in the South whose founding included the Black vote.
Over the decades, segregation and disenfranchisement eroded much of that early progress. Today, the Hannibal Square Heritage Center documents these histories through photographs, oral traditions, and community archives. Its mission is clear: to preserve stories that would otherwise be forgotten.
Hannibal Square Heritage Center
642 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Other Noteworthy Details
• Florida’s first Ritz Theater (1925) once stood in Winter Park, marking the city as an early center for cinema in Central Florida.
• Genius Drive, named after the Genius family, remains one of the city’s most scenic private roads. It opens seasonally for pedestrian access, allowing visitors a rare walk among old oaks and restored landscapes.
Why Winter Park Matters
Winter Park is one of Florida’s cultural counterweights. It stands apart from the state’s reputation for novelty and spectacle.
This is a place where architecture is protected, history is honored, and the arts are part of daily life. The city reinvented itself after a natural disaster, preserved its identity through community activism, and became an intellectual hub in a region better known for vacation itineraries.
To walk Winter Park is to understand Florida in a different register. You see the layers that shaped this state long before the fireworks, long before the marketing campaigns. Winter Park is a reminder that Florida’s story is far deeper than what most visitors see.
Addresses of All Locations Mentioned
Rollins College
1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
312 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum
656 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Winter Park Farmers Market
200 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Hannibal Square Heritage Center
642 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Florida for the Holidays: The Sunshine State at Its Brightest During Christmas
🕯️ Florida Holiday Events (2025–26 Season)
Nights of Lights – St. Augustine
Dates: November 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Don’t Miss: Light-Up! Night, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. in Plaza de la Constitución.Holidays at Walt Disney World
Dates: November 14 – December 31, 2025
Highlights: EPCOT Candlelight Processional, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and park-wide nighttime spectaculars.Lagoon of Lights – Islamorada, Florida Keys
Dates: Mid-December weekends (exact schedule TBA)
Details: A community-organized kayak and paddleboard parade through a glowing bioluminescent lagoon — Florida’s quietest holiday tradition.ICE! at Gaylord Palms – Kissimmee
Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 7, 2026
Theme: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Experience: Walk-through frozen sculptures at 9°F, ice slides, and indoor snow play.Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025 – 6:15 p.m.
Route: Davis Islands to Sparkman Wharf along the Riverwalk.Pensacola Winterfest
Dates: November 21 – December 24, 2025 (select nights)
Events: Caroling trolley tours, live performances, half a million lights downtown.Magic of Lights – Daytona International Speedway
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Details: Drive-through LED wonderland inside the Speedway; tune your radio for synchronized music.Edison & Ford Holiday Nights – Fort Myers
Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Highlights: Historic homes illuminated, gardens lit with Edison’s own invention — electric light.Mount Dora Christmas Walk
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Experience: Pedestrian-only night through downtown; live music, local shopping, and small-town charm.Asian Lantern Festival – Central Florida Zoo, Sanford
Dates: Select nights, November 21, 2025 – January 12, 2026
Details: 1,000+ hand-crafted lanterns, live cultural performances, and a mile-long walking trail of illuminated art.Key West Lighted Boat Parade
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Location: Historic Seaport and Schooner Wharf Bar area
Atmosphere: Local boats decked in holiday lights and Conch Republic personality.
🧭 Travel Tips
Best Time for Photos: 20–30 minutes after sunset — the blue hour when sky and light merge.
Tickets: Timed-entry events (ICE!, Lantern Festival, Zoo Lights) should be booked before lodging.
Crowds: Waterfront events fill fast — arrive early and claim your spot.
Weather: Pack light layers; temps swing between 50°–80° in December.
Slow Down: Don’t rush it. Stay after the crowds leave. That’s when Florida’s lights stop being decorations and start telling stories.
Discover Dunedin: The Perfect Place to Stay, Stroll, and Explore
Dunedin isn’t a beach town. It’s something better — a Gulf Coast community that built its identity around Main Street, not shoreline. Just north of Clearwater, Dunedin is where walkability, history, and baseball come together in a way that feels entirely its own.
This episode of The Gallivanter Podcast explores what makes this small Florida town stand apart — and how to experience it like someone who’s been coming here for years.
🏨 Where to Stay
Grant Street Inn — A newly constructed inn just off Main Street, offering a quiet, comfortable stay within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the Pinellas Trail. Elegant rooms, friendly hosts, and that perfect “in-the-middle-of-everything” location without the noise.
🏙️ What to See and Do
Main Street — The heart of Dunedin. A pedestrian-friendly corridor filled with locally owned boutiques, cafés, art galleries, and craft breweries.
Dunedin History Museum — Set inside a restored 1924 railroad depot, the museum traces the town’s transformation from a small Scottish settlement into one of Florida’s most livable communities.
Artisan District — A colorful stretch of breweries, eateries, and murals where Dunedin’s creative energy comes into focus. Great for a relaxed afternoon walk.
TD Ballpark — Spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, there’s something charming about how the whole town shows up for a game.
Pinellas Trail — A 45-mile rail-to-trail path running through downtown Dunedin. Ideal for walking or cycling, and perfect for exploring neighboring towns like Palm Harbor or Clearwater by bike.
☕ Food & Drink Highlights
7venth Sun Brewing — Small-batch craft beer and a local hangout known for creativity and collaboration.
Lane’s Lemonade — A Main Street favorite for a refreshing stop between shops.
Café Alfresco — A downtown classic serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with sidewalk seating right on the trail.
🌅 Insider Moments
Plan your visit around a Blue Jays spring training game for a sense of how deeply baseball is woven into local life.
Wander the side streets off Main — they’re filled with public art, hidden courtyards, and the kind of architectural details that make Dunedin memorable.
End your day with a walk toward the marina at Edgewater Drive, where locals gather for sunsets that rival any beach view.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe
Hear the full story on The Gallivanter Podcast, available on:
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio
The Smart Traveler’s Guide to One Day in St. Augustine
Most travelers only have one day in St. Augustine, but that doesn’t mean you have to rush. This episode breaks down a smart, time-based strategy for experiencing the nation’s oldest city in just 24 hours. From morning light on the Castillo to a peaceful walk beneath the evening glow of the Bridge of Lions, you’ll learn how to see more, stress less, and end the day with a genuine sense of connection to this remarkable city.
Morning: Foundations and First Impressions
The city wakes slowly, so those first hours are your secret advantage. Arrive before 9 a.m. and park at the Historic Downtown Parking Facility next to the Visitor Information Center. It’s $20 for the day and positions you perfectly for exploring the historic core.
Walk toward the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the coquina fort that anchors the city’s story. Arrive at opening time to avoid lines and enjoy quiet views of Matanzas Bay. This is the ideal spot to orient yourself with St. Augustine’s history before the crowds roll in.
From the fort, wander down to the Plaza de la Constitución. It’s the ceremonial center of the city, surrounded by key landmarks like the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Government House Cultural Center, and the Public Market site that dates back to the 16th century. If you visit during the Nights of Lights season, this is where the city’s tree and light displays begin.
For breakfast or coffee, stop by Maple Street Biscuit Company for Southern-style comfort food. Morning in the plaza is slow and authentic, with locals walking dogs and church bells echoing through the historic streets.
Afternoon: Digging Deeper, Eating Smarter
By midday, crowds fill St. George and Hypolita Streets, so this is when you pivot to quieter spots and smarter dining choices. Head north into Uptown San Marco or west along King Street to find excellent food without long waits. Try The Blue Hen Café for a local brunch favorite.
Choose your afternoon adventure based on interest.
If you love history, explore the Colonial Quarter for hands-on exhibits about life in the 1700s.
Art enthusiasts should visit the Lightner Museum, set inside Henry Flagler’s 1888 Alcazar Hotel. Its Victorian-era collections and architecture are stunning.
Families can head to the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, which combines interactive displays with authentic maritime artifacts.
If you need a break from the bustle, drive or walk north to Mission Nombre de Dios and the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche. The Great Cross rises 208 feet above the bay, surrounded by live oaks and quiet paths. It’s one of the city’s oldest and most contemplative spaces.
Evening: The City at Its Most Atmospheric
As the sun lowers, St. Augustine transforms. Walk the Bayfront Esplanade and watch the light shift over the Bridge of Lions.
Avoid the packed core around St. George Street and head for Aviles Street, the oldest street in the city, filled with galleries and restaurants. Consider Casa de Vino 57 for wine and live music or The Ice Plant for classic cocktails and dinner inside a converted factory.
For evening activities, take a Scenic Cruise of St. Augustine or join Florida Water Tours for sunset views across the bay. During winter, experience the Nights of Lights from the water for the best vantage point. Ghost tours like Ghosts & Gravestones offer storytelling and history blended together.
Reflection and Takeaway
You can’t see all of St. Augustine in one day, but you can experience its essence. Start early, walk often, eat smart, and give yourself permission to pause. The fort, the plaza, the neighborhoods beyond the crowds, the bayfront at night—it all adds up to something complete.
As the episode says: St. Augustine isn’t a checklist. It’s a story. One you write as you go.
Listen On
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio
Biketoberfest: The Truth About Daytona Beach's Big Bike Rally
Every October, the rumble of engines and the smell of leather and chrome transform Daytona Beach into the epicenter of biker culture.
Biketoberfest isn’t just another motorcycle rally - it’s one of the largest gatherings of riders in the country, bringing hundreds of thousands of people to Florida’s Atlantic coast.
But beyond the roar of Harleys and the rows of custom bikes, there’s a deeper story worth telling.
In this episode of the Chad Gallivanter podcast, we go beyond the surface to uncover the truth about Biketoberfest - how it began, how it compares to Bike Week, what it means for local businesses, and why the culture behind it is so much more than beer tents and burnouts.
You’ll hear about Main Street’s iconic hangouts, the traditions that keep riders coming back year after year, and the side of the rally most visitors don’t see. We also dive into the challenges: the safety concerns, the push-and-pull between city officials and the biker community, and the evolving image of what this event represents today.
Whether you’re a longtime rider, a curious traveler, or just someone who’s heard the thunder from a distance, this episode gives you the full picture of Daytona’s Biketoberfest.
It’s history, culture, and spectacle all rolled into one, and by the end, you’ll know why this rally continues to define the identity of America’s most famous beach town.
Chad’s Top Picks
Main Street Daytona Beach
The heart of Biketoberfest. Live music, packed bars, vendor tents, custom bikes on display, and nonstop action day and night. This is the strip where the energy never fades.
📍 Main Street, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona International Speedway
The Speedway transforms into a biker’s playground during Biketoberfest. Expect demo rides, custom bike shows, gear vendors, and the chance to take it all in at one of the most legendary racing venues in America.
📍 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL
🌐 daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Destination Daytona (Ormond Beach)
A sprawling biker hub anchored by Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson (formerly Bruce Rossmeyer’s), with Biketoberfest® demo rides, bike shows, a huge vendor village, and daily live music at Saints & Sinners Pub; on-site lodging is available at the Clarion Inn. (Powersports Business)
📍 1637 N US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
🌐 Main site: daytonaharleydavidson.com • Events: Biketoberfest® at Destination Daytona • Complex updates: Destination Daytona (Facebook)
Boot Hill Saloon
An iconic biker bar right across from the Main Street cemetery—known for its motto, “Come on in and have a cold one, or rest in peace.” Loud, rowdy, and unforgettable.
📍 310 Main St, Daytona Beach, FL
🌐 boothillsaloon.com
Iron Horse Saloon (Ormond Beach)
A legendary biker hangout famous for its massive outdoor stage, steel horses hanging from the rafters, and a gritty, one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
📍 1068 N US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach, FL
🌐 ironhorsesaloon.com
Ride the Ormond Scenic Loop
A 30+ mile ride of pure Florida beauty—live oaks, ocean views, marshland, and a stretch of Old Florida that feels untouched by time. It’s the classic ride every biker should take while in town.
📍 Access points in Ormond Beach; starts near North Beach St and Granada Blvd
Daytona Beach Bandshell
Catch live music overlooking the Atlantic. During Biketoberfest, the Bandshell keeps the soundtrack going with free shows that bring the community and bikers together.
📍 70 Boardwalk, Daytona Beach, FL
🌐 daytonabeach.com/bandshell
Cruising A1A
Roll along Florida’s scenic coastal highway. Nothing beats riding oceanfront with the salty breeze in your face and the endless Atlantic to your left.
Why Muscadine Grapes Are Unlike Any Other in America
Step into the vineyard and uncover the story of America’s forgotten grape, the muscadine. Native to the Southeast, this tough little fruit has been part of Southern life for centuries, long before European grapes ever took root here.
In this episode, we explore Florida’s muscadine heritage, its surprising history, and why this grape matters more than you think. Along the way, you’ll learn how muscadines shaped agriculture, culture, and even survival in the South.
From backyard vines to sprawling vineyards, muscadines have a legacy that connects deeply to the land, and to the people who’ve cultivated them for generations. If you’ve ever wondered what makes the muscadine different, why it’s been celebrated for centuries, and why you don’t hear about it nearly enough, this podcast-style journey is for you.
🎙 Spring Garden Vineyard
Key Facts & Details
Name & Location
Spring Garden Vineyard is located at 980 Reynolds Road, DeLeon Springs, Florida. springgardenvineyard.com
It’s run by the Lennon family.
What It Is / What They Do
It's a U-Pick vineyard specializing in muscadine grapes (a native Southeastern vine, well adapted to Florida’s climate).
They grow several muscadine varieties (Southern Home, Alachua, Black Ison, Supreme, Fry, Carlos, Noble) and sell grapes by volume.
Beyond fresh fruit, they produce homemade grape-jellies, grape butter, popsicles etc.
Season / Hours / Pricing (2025)
U-Pick season begins Friday, August 8, 2025, and runs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from 8 AM to 5 PM until about Sunday, September 14 (unless they sell out earlier).
Prices:
• ½-gallon bucket (≈ 2.75 lb) - $9
• 1-gallon bucket (≈ 5.5 lb) - $15
• Discounts for multiple gallons (after first three) - each additional gallon ~$12
• Pre-picked gallons & quarts available.
Visiting Tips & What to Know
What to bring: Close-toed shoes, sun protection, water. Pets are allowed if restrained; kids must be supervised.
Rules: Only use the pails they provide, stay in assigned rows while picking, don’t pick grapes off the ground, etc.
Logistics: Parking is in the barn area; you might be transported to the vine rows.
Contact ahead for special arrangements: group tours, large pre-orders, picking outside regular hours.
🕰 Historical & Cultural Context
The area around the vineyard was historically known as Spring Garden Plantation. In 1804, a Spanish land grant of ~2,020 acres was made to William Williams.
The name “Spring Garden” predates “DeLeon Springs.” The shift to “DeLeon Springs” came later (in the late 19th-century) partly to attract tourism, with references to Ponce de Leon and marketing the spring as a “Fountain of Youth.”
Spring Garden Plantation’s history is complex: crops included cotton, sugarcane, corn. Enslaved labor was part of that early plantation economy.
Later, sugar mills and grist mills were built on the property; some destroyed during the Seminole Wars and the Civil War.
🌿 Flavor, Sensory & Miscellany
Muscadine grapes have thick skins, strong flavor. They range in color from bronze to dark purple.
They freeze well, making them good for preserving (jams, jellies, fruit stock).
Health-wise: skins are rich in certain antioxidants - ellagic acid, quercetin, etc.
Most Beautiful Garden in Florida? Naples Botanical Garden
Show Notes 🌿
Step inside one of Florida’s most inspiring cultural treasures: Naples Botanical Garden. This episode takes you through 170 acres of carefully curated landscapes where South Florida meets the tropics of Asia, the Caribbean, and beyond. From vibrant orchids and palms to the tranquility of the Water Garden, we’ll explore how the garden has become a sanctuary not only for plants, but for people.
We’ll talk history—how a group of passionate locals transformed a patch of lakes and scrubland into a world-class destination—and highlight the role of conservation in preserving rare and threatened species. You’ll also hear about the seasonal art installations, family-friendly programming, and why this garden is as much about culture and community as it is about horticulture.
Whether you’re looking for travel inspiration, a serene escape, or just curious about what makes this garden one of the top attractions in Southwest Florida, this episode is your guide.
📍 Locations Mentioned
Naples Botanical Garden – 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL 34112
🌐 naplesgarden.org
10 Can’t-Miss Things to See & Do in Siesta Key
Siesta Key is a gorgeous barrier island off the southwest coast of Florida, known for its white quartz sand, turquoise waters, and many beachside amenities. Siesta Key offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family fun destination, or a playground for outdoor adventures. On this episode, Chad Gallivanter highlights 10 can’t miss things to see and do in Siesta Key.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
During the holiday season, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford transforms into a dazzling wonderland of lights, colors and sound. From mid-November through mid-January, the zoo plays host to the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild. The event celebrates the art, beauty and wonder of traditional lantern festivals that can be found in various countries and regions across Asia.
12 Must-Do Things in Sarasota
It was 1927 when John Ringling brought his famous circus to town making Sarasota the official winter home of the Greatest Show on Earth. A once sleepy fishing village on Florida’s Gulf Coast was transformed into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. But Sarasota’s charm goes far beyond its circus legacy. This area is often referred to as Florida’s Cultural Coast because of its abundance of performances, galleries and museums packed into a relatively small geographic area. And then there’s natural beauty from one of Florida’s largest state parks to six gorgeous barrier islands that hug 40 miles of coastline, each with their own personality. This travel guide highlights the 12 things you must do when visiting Sarasota.
Best Things to Do on St. George Street in St. Augustine
St. George Street is the premier street in the nation’s oldest city of St. Augustine. Pedestrians can stroll down this historic street that’s chock full of shops, restaurants, attractions and early homes that reflect the rich heritage and culture of the city. A major destination for first-time visitors, I want to take you down this street, show you some of my favorite stops as well as a couple of hidden gems many folks miss or ignore.
7 New Things You Can’t Miss in Sanford, Florida
A short drive northeast of Orlando on the shore of Lake Monroe, historic downtown Sanford is a great destination if you’re wanting to experience a different side of Central Florida, away from the crowds and theme parks. One of my favorite places to spend a day, this vibrant community is known for its tree-lined downtown, gorgeous lakefront and special events like Sanford Porchfest, a grassroots music festival held on front porches around town the fourth Saturday of every February. Sanford is a place that’s always evolving, especially when it comes to new local businesses opening up downtown. Quite a bit of growth over the last couple of years with more expected in the near future. Today, I’m back in the town once known for growing celery telling you about 7 new things you can’t miss in Sanford.
7 Things You Can’t Miss in Apopka, Florida
Just down the road from Orlando is a city known for its thriving plant nurseries and unbelievable natural beauty. Near the community of Apopka you’ll find a number of spots where you can get in touch with nature, from clear springs to a farm where you can get lost in a corn maze during the autumn months. In this video, Chad Gallivanter highlights 7 things you can't miss near Apopka, Florida.
Exploring Central Florida’s Golden Triangle
Bountiful lakes, oak trees draped in Spanish moss, small businesses housed in stately historic buildings.
On this episode, I’m taking you to a region of Central Florida known as the Golden Triangle, made up of three charming towns in Lake County: Tavares, Eustis, and Mount Dora.
The Golden Triangle is named after the triangular shape formed by connecting these towns on a map. Each town has its own unique history, culture, and attractions, and together they offer a variety of experiences for visitors.
Exploring Cassadaga: A Spiritual Retreat With a Spooky Twist
If you are looking for a unique and mystical destination in Florida, you might want to check out Cassadaga, a small place just off I-4 known as the Psychic Capital of the World. Cassadaga is home to the largest Spiritualist community in the Southern United States, where you can find mediums, psychics, and other practitioners of the paranormal. But Cassadaga is not just a place for fortune-telling and ghost-hunting; it is also a place for history, nature, art, and culture.
10 Best Things to Do in Winter Park, Florida
Winter Park is a charming city in Orange County, Florida, that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for culture, nature, history, or entertainment, Winter Park has something for you. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Winter Park, Florida.
Visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is a must-see for art lovers. It houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the renowned American artist and designer. You can admire his stunning stained glass windows, lamps, jewelry, pottery, paintings, and more. The museum also features other American art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as paintings by John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, and Thomas Eakins. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with free admission on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Stroll along Park Avenue
Park Avenue is the heart of Winter Park, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries. You can browse for books, antiques, clothing, jewelry, and more. You can also enjoy a delicious meal or a cup of coffee at one of the many eateries along the avenue. Park Avenue is also home to some of Winter Park’s historic landmarks, such as the Winter Park Historical Museum and the Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum. Park Avenue is a great place to experience the charm and culture of Winter Park.
Explore the Harry P. Leu Gardens
The Harry P. Leu Gardens are a botanical paradise in Orlando, just a short drive from Winter Park. The gardens span 50 acres and feature more than 40 different plant collections, such as roses, camellias, orchids, palms, cycads, and more. You can also visit the historic Leu House Museum, which dates back to the 19th century and showcases the lives of four families who lived there. The gardens are open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission on the first Monday of every month.
Ride the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour is a fun and relaxing way to see the beauty of Winter Park from the water. The tour takes you on a one-hour cruise through three of the seven lakes that make up the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. You can enjoy the views of lush landscapes, elegant homes, and wildlife along the way. You can also learn about the history and ecology of Winter Park from your knowledgeable guide. The tour operates every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with departures every hour on the hour.
Catch a show at the Winter Park Playhouse
The Winter Park Playhouse is a professional musical theater that offers high-quality entertainment for all ages. The playhouse features a variety of shows throughout the year, ranging from classic musicals to contemporary comedies. You can also enjoy cabaret performances and special events at the playhouse. The playhouse is located in a cozy and intimate venue that seats up to 123 people. You can also enjoy a drink or a snack at the lobby bar before or after the show.
Visit the Rollins Museum of Art
The Rollins Museum of Art is located on the campus of Rollins College, one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in Florida. The museum boasts an impressive collection of more than 5,000 works of art from various periods and cultures, such as ancient Greek and Roman art, European Old Masters, American art, contemporary art, and more. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with free admission for everyone.
Enjoy a picnic at Central Park
Central Park is a lovely green space in the center of Winter Park that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park covers more than 11 acres and features shady trees, grassy lawns, fountains, benches, and sculptures. You can enjoy a picnic at one of the tables or on a blanket on the ground. You can also watch live performances at the park’s amphitheater or visit the Winter Park Farmers’ Market nearby on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Taste some wine at the Wine Room
The Wine Room is a wine lover’s dream come true. It’s a wine bar and shop that offers more than 150 wines by the glass and more than 2,500 wines by the bottle. You can use a smart card to sample different wines from the self-serve dispensers, or you can order a glass or a bottle from the menu. You can also pair your wine with some cheese, charcuterie, or other snacks from the kitchen. The Wine Room is open every day from noon to midnight.
Play some golf at the Winter Park Golf Course
The Winter Park Golf Course is a historic and scenic golf course that dates back to 1914. It’s a nine-hole, par-35 course that offers a challenging and enjoyable game for golfers of all skill levels. The course is nestled among the lakes and canals of Winter Park, offering beautiful views and wildlife sightings. The course is open every day from sunrise to sunset, with reasonable rates and rentals available.
Watch a movie at the Enzian Theater
The Enzian Theater is a unique and independent cinema that showcases the best of alternative, foreign, and classic films. The theater has a single screen and a cozy atmosphere, with tables and chairs instead of rows of seats. You can order food and drinks from the theater’s restaurant and bar, and enjoy them while watching the movie. The theater also hosts festivals, special events, and live music throughout the year.
Winter Park, Florida, is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves art, nature, history, or entertainment. There are so many things to do in Winter Park that you’ll never get bored. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget in Winter Park.
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