There will be a Forestry and Eco-Buggy Tour Tomorrow around Lake George between 9am-11am. If you are interested, please contact Ms. Bonnie at Bcary@volusia.org.
If you live in Volusia County, and you love nature, Bonnie is the one to talk to! She sends out emails every month on upcoming nature events that are offered through the county. Most of these are free events, or they are extremely low cost. They offer everything from kayaking, biking, horse riding, and hiking tours, classes on various aspects of nature (star gazing, bird watching, etc.), nature crafts, and even a toddler hike for the little ones. I participated in several events while we resided in Volusia and I would highly recommend joining the newsletter.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Common Grounds Park Set To Reopen!
Common Grounds Park is set to reopen today! The park has been undergoing a makeover for the past few weeks. We can not wait to see all the improvements made to this wonderful park.
For more information on the park, please check out the City of Lakeland's website; http://www.lakelandgov.net/parkrec/CommonGroundInclusivePlayground.aspx
For more information on the park, please check out the City of Lakeland's website; http://www.lakelandgov.net/parkrec/CommonGroundInclusivePlayground.aspx
Monday, May 27, 2013
Curtis Peterson Park, Lakeland
Curtis Peterson Park is a wonderful little neighborhood park in Lakeland, FL. This little gem is a great place to watch Little League baseball or enjoy nature. There is a wooden path that walks around the lake and takes you up in the trees. For dad, there is a boat ramp and plenty of great fishing spots (A Florida Fresh Water Permit is required). This park is located on the Lake to Lake bike trail, so the second trail is perfect for biking or walking. Both trails are built to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
There is a good size playground with a play area for little kids and a larger play area for the older children. My two boys enjoyed the playground after our walk while I relaxed in the shade. The playground itself is not shaded, but there are plenty of shady spots just outside the mulched area.
Close to to downtown Lakeland, so there are lots of nearby restaurants, or bring some food and enjoy the use of the onsite grills for a picnic. There are lots of pavilions, including one large one that is completely screened in. Because this park is on a lake, I would suggest bringing the bug spray. There is no swimming and there are alligators in the lake.
The park is hidden behind the Lakeland YMCA on Cleveland Blvd. For more information on the park, check out the park's website; http://www.lakelandgov.net/parkrec/PetersonPark.aspx.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Mayfaire Art Festival
Mayfaire Art Festival is one of my favorite events. Set for Mother's Day weekend each year, this festival includes different events for everyone. There is the Art Festival on Saturday and Sunday, a run on Saturday, block party on Saturday night (with fireworks), and food truck event. Set around beautiful Lake Morton, the fair is a staple for the community. Put on by the Polk Museum of Art and various local businesses, and the majority of the events are free to enjoy, so it is worth the crowds.
I personally enjoy the art. There is something for everyone here. Artists from all over the country are displaying their pieces. From paintings and drawings, to ceramics, and even metal work, can be found while enjoying a leisurely stroll around the lake. Lake Morton is also known as the "Swan Lake" as there are many different breeds of swans and ducks in the Lake enjoying the spring weather.
My husband enjoys the food. There are tons of food trucks located through out art festival and the Saturday night block party. The food is rather expensive if you buy it at the truck, but there are plenty of wonderful restaurants within walking distance. Or, to save some cash, there are plenty of places to drop a blanket and enjoy a picnic.
The kids get extremely excited about the kids tent located in the Lakeland Library's parking lot. The tent offers kids the opportunity to make their own art for free. There are plenty of volunteers to help parents and kids turn household objects in to something fun. This year they made paper plate swans and coffee filter sun hats. There is a bounce house area set up directly behind the kids tent, but it is rather pricey, so we skipped it.
They also enjoy the free block party. There is live music, dancing on the lawn at nearby Lake Mirror, and fireworks. Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and set up a spot for your family. There is a park here, so the little ones can expel some energy before the main event. If you would like a cold drink, either bring your own, or headed over to the Garden Bistro (you will save yourself $3 per drink). *There is alcohol sold and consumed at the Block Party.
The 5K takes place before the Block Party kicks off, and awards are handed out before the fireworks to runners. There is a fee for participating in the 5K, and if you are interested, please visit their website at; http://lakelandrunnersclub.org/races/mayfaire/
This year's Mayfaire was amazing and we already can not wait for next year! For more information on Mayfaire check out this website; http://polkmuseumofart.org/events/mayfaire-by-the-lake/ It is regularly updated, and includes information on past and future Mayfaires. We hope to see you there in 2014!
I personally enjoy the art. There is something for everyone here. Artists from all over the country are displaying their pieces. From paintings and drawings, to ceramics, and even metal work, can be found while enjoying a leisurely stroll around the lake. Lake Morton is also known as the "Swan Lake" as there are many different breeds of swans and ducks in the Lake enjoying the spring weather.
My husband enjoys the food. There are tons of food trucks located through out art festival and the Saturday night block party. The food is rather expensive if you buy it at the truck, but there are plenty of wonderful restaurants within walking distance. Or, to save some cash, there are plenty of places to drop a blanket and enjoy a picnic.
The kids get extremely excited about the kids tent located in the Lakeland Library's parking lot. The tent offers kids the opportunity to make their own art for free. There are plenty of volunteers to help parents and kids turn household objects in to something fun. This year they made paper plate swans and coffee filter sun hats. There is a bounce house area set up directly behind the kids tent, but it is rather pricey, so we skipped it.
They also enjoy the free block party. There is live music, dancing on the lawn at nearby Lake Mirror, and fireworks. Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and set up a spot for your family. There is a park here, so the little ones can expel some energy before the main event. If you would like a cold drink, either bring your own, or headed over to the Garden Bistro (you will save yourself $3 per drink). *There is alcohol sold and consumed at the Block Party.
The 5K takes place before the Block Party kicks off, and awards are handed out before the fireworks to runners. There is a fee for participating in the 5K, and if you are interested, please visit their website at; http://lakelandrunnersclub.org/races/mayfaire/
This year's Mayfaire was amazing and we already can not wait for next year! For more information on Mayfaire check out this website; http://polkmuseumofart.org/events/mayfaire-by-the-lake/ It is regularly updated, and includes information on past and future Mayfaires. We hope to see you there in 2014!
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