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Looking for a great day away, why not spend a day in Maitland, Fl. Maitland is just past Orlando, but a world away from the big city. Yes it is busier than Solivita, but it has some great quiet beautiful spots to visit, spend a few hours away, yet be close to home. If you are into Birds of Prey, reserve your ticket to visit the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. This center focuses on the rescue, medical treatment, rehabilitation, and release of Florida raptors. Amazing work is being done at this center to protect wildlife. Spend an hour and enjoy the amazing variety of birds being rehabilitated, enjoy the calls of the wild while overlooking beautiful Lake Sybelia. This center is doing great work protecting and caring for injured birds with a good percentage being returned to the wild. Talk to the staff, they are knowledgeable and will answer questions and provide you with information surrounding the effort it takes to care for these beautiful birds. We were thrilled that we could experience these powerful birds of prey so closely. https://cbop.audubon.org/ or call the Center at 407-644-0190. The Audubon Center is located at 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland

If you find yourself in Maitland on a Sunday Morning, head over to the Farmer’s Market on Lake Lily. Great Market, Wonderful Vendors, with the benefit of being in Lake Lily Park. Maitland’s Farmer’s Market is not large, but the Park is lovely with enough local vendors to sell their items under the trees around the lake. A perfect market to enjoy a great stroll while buying local fruit, veggies, and items from local vendors. Pick up a Smoothie or a cup of hot coffee and enjoy a walk around the lake under the shade of the trees. Lots of items to choose from, grab a great bottle of local honey, pick up some fresh tomatoes, or buy a plant. Don’t forget your camera, as this is a great spot to get some photos. If you are lucky there may even be music to add a pep to your step. If neither of the above works for you I have two more ideas. Both are treats for your senses, one is as delicious, as the other is beautiful.

Beautiful is the Maitland Art Center, a historical treasure that became the first National Historical Landmark in the Greater Orlando Area in 2014. The Mayan Architecture is stunning, bring your camera, enjoy a great walk. The grounds are open from 11 to 4 and the Art Center is located at 231 W. Packwood Ave., in Maitland, but in these times of COVID I suggest you plan your visit, so you are not disappointed. My other suggestion is delicious, dinner at Antonio’s across the street from Lake Lily Park. Our entire Florida Family has been enjoying meals, groceries, and wines from Antonio’s for years. In fact, when my cousins are in town, Antonio’s is our meeting place for great fun and food. Being former city folks, we always choose to dine in the restaurant inside the market. It is fun, we linger, shop for specialties, and enjoy the sites and aromas of freshly made Italian Treats.