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Fall in Florida is Fun!

I love fall in Florida! As an 18-year Florida resident, autumn is one of my favorite seasons in the Sunshine State. For those who say Florida has no seasons, I beg to differ. If you’ve never experienced cool, crisp mornings or sweater weather under the canopy of a star-lit sky, you haven’t visited Florida at the right time of year.

Fall in Florida is so much fun! Just like our northern counterparts we have pumpkin picking, warm apple cider, pumpkin latte’s, hayrides, bonfires, and all the colors of autumn. You just have to know where to look. To get you started, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite things to do in Central Florida in the fall. Here’s 4 unbe-leaf-able fall picks…

Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens is gorgeous any time of year, but fall is special because of the cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in Lake Wales, about an hour’s drive from the world famous Disney theme parks. It’s composed of Botanical Gardens, Nature Trails (with Geocaching, if you’re into that!), the Singing Tower (housing a 60-bell carillon, one of the finest in the world), Pinewood Estate (a timeless, enchanting 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion), and the newest addition, Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden (my grandson’s favorite). There’s so much to see here, plan on a half-day to experience it all. Pack a picnic lunch, or visit The Blue Palmetto Café on site.

Bok Tower Gardens is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. For prices, directions, membership options, activities, and calendar of events, check out the Bok Tower Garden website.

TIP: Florida residents may want to consider an annual pass to Bok Tower Gardens. For $75 (a duo membership) hubby and I get unlimited year-round visits, discounts at the Blue Palmetto Café and Tower & Garden Gift Shop, and FREE admission to over 300 public gardens (and some museums) throughout the United States through the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Program. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leu Gardens and Museum

As a Florida resident, I limit my time outdoors in the heat of the summer. But when we sail out of September and dash into cooler October days, I delight in Florida’s outdoor activities. For me, fall in Florida is perfect weather… daytime highs in the low 80s, nighttime lows in the 60s. One of the ways I celebrate fall in Florida is a visit to Leu Gardens. Botanical gardens are one of my simple pleasures in life. As an amateur photographer I enjoy them tremendously. And the awesome thing about botanical gardens in Florida is that there is always something in bloom. October and November is especially gorgeous, as the colors of autumn abound at Harry P. Leu Gardens.

This 50+ acre botanical beauty is nicely separated into 14 easy-to-navigate sections. (Here’s a printable map of Leu Gardens to help you plan your visit.) Additionally, you’ll want to check the calendar of events before you go. From outdoor movie nights to special exhibits to jazz strolls, there’s always something happening at Leu Gardens. A short 40-minute drive from Walt Disney World allows you to escape the theme park madness and experience a piece of vintage Florida! Hours, prices, and directions can be viewed on the Harry P. Leu Gardens website.

TIP: Annual membership to Leu Gardens for Florida residents start at just $35, and also include reciprocal privileges or discounts to American Horticultural Society partners nationwide. A botanical garden membership is also an excellent and unique gift idea!

 

 

 

 

Club Lake Plantation Fall Festival

After a long hot and humid summer most Floridians find themselves searching for classic signs of fall in Florida. Thankfully, we don’t have to look far for some Florida-style harvest fun. October in the Sunshine State is jam-packed with plenty of pumpkin patches and fall festivals galore. This year our family headed out to the farm — Club Lake Plantation in Apopka. My 4-year-old grandson had a blast, and we had a blast watching him have so much fun!

At Club Lake Plantation’s Fall Festival there are hay rides, two corn mazes (one for toddlers), a pumpkin patch, Country Store, play structures, high strikers, football area, basketball area, The Cow Wash (no one told me I would get wet!), and much more! Pumpkin chunkin’ and tennis ball launching from an air cannon are also available (for an extra fee). This month-long celebration of fall is quite popular, and only 32 minutes from the Central Florida theme parks. The weekend admission is a bit pricey at $13.95 per person (adults pay too, even though they generally do not participate in the games), but weekdays are only $7.95. Regardless, Club Lake Plantation is definitely one of the best fall festivals in close proximity to Orlando.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disney Magic Kingdom Theme Park

As a Floridian (and Disney lover), I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Disney theme parks as an option for fall-themed activities — specifically Magic Kingdom. Whether you’re one of the millions of tourists (116.5 million visitors in 2017!) or a Florida resident, the fall is absolutely one of the best times to plan a trip to Disney. Cooler temps, lower humidity, and fewer crowds (schools are back in session) are the perfect recipe for park hopping. The fall displays and decorations at Magic Kingdom are my favorite of all the parks. The minute you approach the front entrance you’ll be in a fall state of mind. There are plenty of pumpkins, a plethora of scarecrows, and the aroma of pumpkin spice sweets and treats fill the air. If you really feel like splurging, consider the annual Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (offered on select nights in September and October). Although pricey, it’s a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.

For theme park hours, ticket prices, or hotel and dining reservations, visit the official Disney website.

TIP: Florida residents can save a bundle with the Weekday Select Annual Pass. It’s the annual pass option I’ve chosen ever since its inception. It’s extremely affordable, and I don’t say that about too many Disney related products! For more information and details, you can access my review of the Weekday Select Annual Pass right here.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Question: Can you add to my list? What’s your favorite fall-themed activity in Florida? Simply leave a reply in the comment box below. Our readers would love to know!