Military Month Appreciation Celebration
Dates: Now – Thursday, May 31
Venue: Fantasy of Flight – Polk City
-May marks National Military Appreciation Month, and Fantasy of Flight honors the brave individuals of our armed forces by extending free admission to all U.S active-duty, retired and reserve military.

Lakeland Flying Tigers
Dates: Now – September 1
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland
-The Lakeland Flying Tigers have returned to Lakeland for the 2012 season.
-This week’s home games are:
May 17 vs. St. Lucie Mets, 6:30 PM
May 18 vs. St. Lucie Mets, 7:11 PM
May 19 vs. St. Lucie Mets, 6:00 PM
May 20 vs. St. Lucie Mets, 1:00 PM

A Tribute to Johnny Cash
Date: Friday, May 18
Venue: Polk Theatre – Lakeland
-The Polk Theatre is bringing back this original production starring outstanding area artists for one more performance.
-The musicians play multiple instruments, and have voices that will have you humming the music for days after hearing the unique arrangements of Cash songs never presented anywhere before.

Always, Patsy Cline
Dates: Friday, May 18 – Saturday, May 20
Venue: Lakeland Community Theatre
-The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.
- The musical play, complete with down-home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy’ unforgettable hits.

Tales of a 4^th Grade Nothing
Dates: Friday, May 18 – Sunday, May 20
Venue: Theatre Winter Haven
-A Theatre Winter Haven Academy Production based on the popular stories of Judy Blume.

Armed Forces Day Carillon Concerts at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
- Special carillon concerts to honor brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have given their lives to preserve our freedom.

Classic Games Night
Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: Polk County Historical Museum – Bartow
-Classic Games Night features classic board & card games and classic movies with a twist at the museum.
-Guests can play games provided by the museum or bring their own family favorites to share with others.

Death is a Cabernet, Ol’ Chum
Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: Ritz on Central – Winter Haven
-Winter Haven’s Ritz Theatre hosts a murder mystery dinner.

Live at the Gardens: Summer Music Series
Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-The 11th annual Live at the Gardens Summer Music Series returns once again to our Visitor Center with monthly concerts May – September.
-Concert tickets include all-day admission to the Gardens and an optional dinner will be served at the Blue Palmetto Café before each performance.

Operation Tiger Trot
Date: Saturday, May 19
Venue: Lakeland Flying Tigers Stadium
-This 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Walk is an Armed Forces Day Celebration and the kick off to the entire day’s events that include a cadet games competition, Armed Forces Day Celebration, baseball game and fireworks.

Ironman 70.3 Florida
Date: Sunday, May 20
Venue: Lake Eva Park – Haines City
-The ninth annual Ironman 70.3 Florida triathlon moves from Orlando to Haines City this year.
-The one-loop bike route goes through Polk County and offers athletes the chance to enjoy views of citrus groves and cattle farms as they ride along the quiet country roads.
-The run course includes three loops around Lake Eva and finishes in a grassy park near the lake.
-The IronKids Florida triathlon will take place Saturday, May 19 at 7:00 a.m.

Upcoming Events:

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

LEGOLAND Florida Water Park Grand Opening – May 26 (LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Florida’s Sunshine State Games: Polk County Festival – June 15-17 & 23-24

Red, Brick & Boom – July 4 (LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Polk NatureFest – October 4-7 (locations across Polk County)

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida-Winter Haven)

Boktoberfest – October 20 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

Located next to the Winter Haven Public Library, Richard’s offers guests a hometown feel in a tranquil setting. Flavorful origins and blends along with fresh scents and aromas are some of the things you can experience, here, while gazing out at the scenery of the sculptures and fountains of Central Park.

This local coffee shop has its own flair and a flavor to suit your every mood, taste or craving. Don’t believe us? Test it out for yourself while choosing from the many origins, blends and flavors. Prefer a tangy aroma and a smooth rich flavor? Select the Costa Rica Reserve SHB origin. Desiring a smokier taste? The Guatemala Antigua SHB origin may be just what you’re looking for. What about a craving for chocolate? Then the Java “Dutch Estate” is a must-try. Feel free to add your own twist by mixing in flavors to create an entirely new taste suited just to your liking.

While coffee is the obvious specialty, it isn’t the only thing you will find here. Tasty pastries, sweets, sandwiches, salads and specialty beverages such as espresso, frozen coolers, teas, smoothies and ciders are also on the menu at Richard’s.

Guests who stop into the coffee shop will have access to free WiFi along with Richard’s loyalty program, saving both time and money. If you don’t have the time to stay awhile, but still need a coffee fix, just call ahead to create your own flavor or take advantage of the café’s online ordering.

With café hours seven days a week, this fine coffee shop makes a great place to break up your monotonous schedule and getaway from life for a bit.

Southeastern University Choral Concert
Date: Monday, April 23
Venue: First Presbyterian Church – Lakeland
-This Southeastern University Choral Concert will take place Monday, April 23 at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.

ISO “Tea and Symphony”
Date: Tuesday, April 24
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-The Tuesday before each Masterworks concert, enjoy wine, tea and refreshments while learning about the upcoming Imperial Symphony Orchestra concert.
-This will be at Lake Hunter Room in The Lakeland Center.

Driven to Abstraction, Tony Eitharong & Carol Frye
Dates: Thursday, April 26 – Thursday
Venue: Lake Wales Arts Center
-This is an exhibition held at the Lake Wales Arts Center.
-The opening reception is scheduled for April 26, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Rumors
Dates: Thursday, April 26 – Sunday, April 29
Venue: Theatre Winter Haven
-This is a Comedy by Neil Simon, America’s best known multi-award winning playwright, at Theatre Winter Haven.

String Ensemble Concert
Date: Thursday, April 26
Venue: Harrison Arts Center – Lakeland
-This string orchestra concert will take place at Harrison Arts Center.

Lakeland Derby
Date: Friday, April 27
Venue: Lake Mirror – Lakeland
-The Lakeland Derby is an annual “Derby Style” event staged on beautiful Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland.
-The Derby features ten beautifully hand-crafted swan paddleboats in a thrilling race to the finish line along with exciting new additions including corn hole, a bounce house, balloon artist and small fishing ponds for the little ones.
-Fred’s Southern Kitchen is offering a dinner for only $5, and you can also enjoy wine, beer and strawberry shortcake.
-The proceeds will support Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, a vital local charity.

Lakeland Raiders vs. Rome Rampage
Date: Friday, April 27
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-The Raiders’ 2012 season consists of seven home games at The Lakeland Center.
-Kick-off for all home games will be 7:15pm.
-Single Game Ticket Prices:
Club Level: $25 Adult, $18 Child
Side Line: $18 Adult, $9 Child
Red Zone: $12 Adult, $7 Child

Motion Picture Art Film Festival
Dates: Friday, April 27 – Saturday, April 28
Venue: Harrison Arts Center – Lakeland
-Harrison School for the Arts presents a Motion Picture Arts Film Festival Friday through Saturday.
-The event takes place at 7:30pm on both evenings.

Polk Museum of Art: Curator Tour
Date: Friday, April 27
Venue: Polk Museum of Art – Lakeland
-Enjoy a special tour of the “Sketches & Steel” exhibition with Adam Justice, PMoA’s Curator of Art.

Roundhousen’s Roast
Date: Friday, April 27
Venue: Polk Theatre – Lakeland
-This film was produced and directed by Southeastern students and faculty and includes many students in its cast.
-Roundhousen’s Roast follows in the line of murder mystery comedies such as Clue and Murder by Death.

STARPOWER National Talent Competition
Dates: Friday, April 27 – Sunday, April 29
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-STARPOWER is a National Talent Competition held at The Lakeland Center’s Youkey Theatre.

The Odd Couple
Dates: Friday, April 27 – Sunday, April 29
Venue: Lakeland Community Theatre
-Lakeland Community Theatre presents The Odd Couple, a 1965 Broadway comedy by Neil Simon, followed by a successful film and television series as well as other derivative works and spinoffs.

Eagle Lake BBQ Festival
Date: Saturday, April 28
Venue: Gazebo Park (off Hwy 17) – Eagle Lake
-Enjoy the best local barbeque at this pro-team /backyard BBQ competition along with all-day live music, children’s activities and free parking and admission.
-The Festival proceeds will benefit Lake Region High School Athletics.

Fancy Flea Vintage Vintage Home and Garden Market
Date: Saturday, April 28
Venue: Downtown Lakeland
-Rated as one of the Top 10 Flea Markets in America, Fancy Flea is a semi-annual event located in Downtown Lakeland featuring furniture, vintage clothing, hand-made jewelry, original art and more.

Florida Southern College Graduation
Date: Saturday, April 28
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-Florida Southern College’s graduation ceremony will be in the George Jenkins Arena at The Lakeland Center.
-The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Healthy Kids Day
Date: Saturday, April 28
Venue: YMCA Winter Haven
-Join YMCA Winter Haven for fun activities relating to health and education as they encourage kids and parents to commit to keeping the body and mind active this summer.

Historic Walking Tour
Date: Saturday, April 28
Venue: Downtown Lakeland
-Realtor Jim Malless and architect John White will lead you on entertaining and informative treks into Downtown Lakeland’s distant and recent past.
-Reservations are required, and tours are limited to 30 people.

Lakeland Love Comedy
Date: Saturday, April 28
Venue: Polk Theatre – Lakeland
-A romantic comedy described as The Office meets Raising Arizona meets Paul Blart (Mall Cop).
-This feature-length film was shot in many locations around Lakeland with film dialogue that was entirely improvised.

Over 55 Show Band
Dates: Saturday, April 28 – Sunday, April 29
Venue: Fine Arts Theatre, Polk State College – Winter Haven
-The Over 55 Show Band performs at Polk State College in the Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre on Saturday and Sunday.

Platform Art Party #19
Date: Saturday, April 28
Venue: Downtown Lakeland
-A progressive art party of visual art, short film, fashion, sound and performance with a focus on our agricultural heritage.
-A public art piece funded by Platform Art will be unveiled during the event, which is a celebration of Earth Month and Polk County’s rich agricultural heritage.
-The primary venue is under the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Pavilion.

Webster University Graduation
Date: Saturday, April 28
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-This college graduation will take place in Sikes West at The Lakeland Center
-It’s free and open to Public. 

Upcoming Events:

Legends & Legacies- D-Day Invasion of Normandy – May 11-12 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Ironman 70.3 Florida – May 19-May 20 (Lake Eva Park-Haines City)

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

Legends & Legacies- Reflections of Vietnam – June 8-9 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Florida’s Sunshine State Games: Polk County Festival – June 15-17 & 23-24

Red, Brick & Boom – July 4 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Polk NatureFest – October 4-7 (locations across Polk County)

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Legends & Legacies- Letters Home: Love, Courage & Survival – October 12-13 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Detroit Tigers Spring Training
Date: April 2
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland
-The Tigers take on the Toronto Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. in their last home game of 2012 Spring Training.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific
Date: Monday, April 2
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-A musical based on the 2008 Tony Award winning Lincoln Center Theater production, directed by Bartlett Sher.
-Group discounts are available.

2012 State Science Fair & Engineering Fair of Florida
Dates: Tuesday, April 3 – Thursday, April 5
Venue: The Lakeland Center
-A three-day display of science project exhibits prepared by aspiring scientists and engineers in grades 6-12.
-Nearly 950 Finalists will display their projects and illustrate their research in competition for awards.

Moonlight Carillon Concert at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Tuesday, April 3
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-Enjoy an hour-long carillon concert under the light of a full moon with the scent of citrus blossoms in the air.

Lakeland Flying Tigers Exhibition Game
Date: Tuesday, April 4
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland
-The Tigers kickoff their 2012 season at Joker Marchant in an exhibition game against Southeastern University Fire.
-The first pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., and gates open at 5:00 p.m.

Night Hike at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Thursday, April 5
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-Unravel the mysteries of nighttime sights and sounds in the Gardens after the sun goes down.

First Friday
Date: Friday, April 6
Venue: Downtown Lakeland
-Every month people gather to Downtown Lakeland for an evening of FREE family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, car shows and the chance to check out locally-owned restaurants or retail establishments.
-April’s theme: Get the Message Media Night- Area students try their hands at casting the marketing spell through videos and radio ads promoting Downtown Lakeland.

Cruisin’ Winter Haven
Date: Saturday, April 7
Venue: Central Park – Winter Haven
-Free monthly car show and cruise event featuring family activities, entertainment and vendors.

Easter Egg Hunt
Date: Saturday, April 7
Venue: Larry Parrish Baseball Complex – Haines City
-The Easter Bunny will be present for pictures at this free egg hunt full of prizes and candy.

Lakeland Flying Tigers Home-Opener
Date: Saturday, April 7
Venue: Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland
-The Flying Tigers open their FSL season against the Tampa Yankees at 6 p.m.
-Gates will open at 4:30 p.m., and the first 1,500 fans receive a 2012 magnetic schedule.
-Publix will sponsor an Easter egg hunt after the game that will feature the Easter Bunny.
-A firework show will follow if weather permits.

85^th Easter Sunrise Service at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Sunday, April 8
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-Easter morning worshippers will be offered free admission from 6 to 8 a.m. to experience the majesty of the sun rising.

Easter Sunday Carillon Concerts at Bok Tower Gardens
Date: Sunday, April 8
Venue: Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
-Enjoy the sacred day while listening to beloved music performed on the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon.

Upcoming Events:

Legends & Legacies- Unspoken Valor: The Bomber Crews of World War II – April 13-14, 2012 (Fantasy of Flight-Polk City)

Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Citrus Classic 5K – April 14 (LEGOLAND® Florida -Winter Haven)

Ironman 70.3 Florida – May 19-May 20 (Lake Eva Park-Haines City)

Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk – May 26 (Bok Tower Gardens-Lake Wales)

Red, Brick & Boom – July 4 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Polk NatureFest – October 4-7 (locations across Polk County)

Brick-or-Treat – October- Saturdays & Sundays (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven)

Go LEGOLAND – It’s Your Birthday – October 15 (LEGOLAND® Florida – Winter Haven) 

PicassoZ Art Café and sister company, Tea Largo, are proud to participate in the Earth Hour 2012 movement. So much so, in fact, they are not only powering down their non-essential lighting for 60 minutes, but they are celebrating with an hour of festivities.  PicassoZ’s theme of the evening will be “art in a whole new light” and will include mosaic demonstrations using recycled pool tiles and kids’ workshops where children ages 6-12 can recycle their old t-shirts into no-sew pillows. Not to mention, there will be goodies and discounts, along with a free studio fee when you bring a week’s worth of newspapers with you.

Tea Largo is also celebrating throughout the hour with an eco-friendly “Lug-A-Mug” promo, encouraging you to “lug” your reusable tumbler along to receive your favorite tea or hand-crafted beverage for half-off.  This tea bar will be lit by candles and will also offer organic tea samples along with discounts on reusable items during the special hour.

Earth Hour began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, and quickly spread world-wide. Always the last Saturday in March, this exciting event has grown to 135 countries in every time zone between 8:30-9:30 p.m . It’s a message of hope and action to protect the one thing that unites us all – the planet. Together, simple actions can add up.

PicassoZ and Tea Largo encourage you to take part in this movement too. The big, bright yellow awnings of this art cafe will be dark, so be sure to look for the glow-in-the-dark balloons Saturday night!

I brought my mom along for our new cultural adventure, with the intent of buying dinner after the show.  I estimated the drive from Lakeland to be about 45 minutes to an hour depending upon traffic.  We left South Lakeland at about 5:40pm and we were in Frostproof by 6:15pm.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a lovely mural by Lake Wales artist, Tom Freeman on the northeast corner of Scenic Highway and Wall Street.  We drove around the corner and parked in front of the Frostproof Art League & Gallery, directly across the street from the Ramon Theater and looked in the windows of the Gallery until the doors opened for the show at 6:30pm.

We were greeted with enthusiasm by Tina and Frostproof Mayor, Kay Hutzelman.  I was not surprised to see Marilyn and Jerry Fuller, a couple I know through their affiliation with the Frostproof Art League and participation in the Cultural Arts Council of the Polk Arts Alliance.  My mother and I sat with Marilyn and Jerry in the front row of the Theater.  We were pleasantly surprised at how quickly the venue filled up.  Ramon Theater seats about 200 and since only a few seats were open, I would guess that about 190 people were in attendance.  I’ll estimate that about one-half to two-thirds of the guests were winter residents (snowbirds).  The show started at 7:00pm.

I had no idea who Laurie Miller was until I learned more through a series of short videos that were presented during her show between her quick costume changes.  Laurie was one of the original members of a popular late-1980′s vocal group “Exposé” that I was exposed to during my years of disc jockeying in Germany for U.S. Military teen and pre-teen dances while serving in the U.S. Army in Augsburg, Germany.  Here is their first hit “Point of No Return” (YouTube).  I also discovered that Laurie performed on Princess Cruise Lines for 17 years.  I may have seen her perform without knowing it on one of my previous cruises.

Laurie’s show was fantastic.  She presented a variety of entertainment that included song and dance, mostly geared to the generation that was in the Theater.  Her set list for the night was easily recognizable to everyone in the room and many enjoyed singing along.  I’m certain that my 31-year old daughter and four-year old granddaughter would also have thoroughly enjoyed the performance.  Laurie’s medley of favorite animated Disney movie tunes from Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and The Lion King brought back wonderful memories.  She also presented quick change impersonations and songs of Cher, Liza Minnelli and Barbara Streisand that were excellent.

After the show, Marilyn and Jerry took us into the Frostproof Art League & Gallery to see the photography exhibit that is on display during the month of February.  Then, my mom and I walked about 50 yards to “Roscoe’s,” a new internet cafe and restaurant in Frostproof that has been open about a month. The was converted from an old-style gas station.  The garage bays were turned into indoor seating complete with a computer bar for those who may want to log in and check email, surf the net or conduct business.

We sat in the outdoor area, where the gas pumps would have been in the past.  It was decorated nicely with large pots and troughs filled with plants enclosing the entire area.

My mother had a chicken salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato and I had the “Caprese” sandwich of tomatoes, thick sliced mozzarella and basil.  Both sandwiches were served on fresh French baguettes.  My mom had a Ginger-Caramel Latte and I had coffee.  A variety of espresso and coffee drinks, lattes, frappes and shakes are available.  The menu has selections of sandwiches, salads and pastries.  I did manage to pick up the check first.

We had a nice chat with Tina, Laurie and a friend at Roscoe’s, and on the brief walk back to our cars.

Discover lovely Frostproof this year during one of the upcoming performances on the 2012 Ramon Theater Music Series.  Next up on February 11th are “The Repeatles,” a unique 60s tribute band based in Stockholm, Sweden who love, understand and honour the bands of this era.  Elvis fans will love Dwight Icenhower’s “Elvis Tribute” on March 3rd.  Both performances begin at 7:00pm. Also at the Ramon, is a Murder Mystery Dinner on March 17th. The Murder Mystery Dinners seat about 140 people.  Order your tickets early, because both performances and the dinner are certain to sell out.  Call the Ramon Theater at 863-635-7222 and get your tickets today.

Learn more about events and happenings in Frostproof on the Frostproof Chamber of Commerce website, including the upcoming Frostproof Orange Blossom Festival from 9am-5pm on February 18th, the Ramon Theater’s 2012 Music Series, Murder Mystery Dinners and more.

Learn more about arts and cultural events, exhibitions and news, including those at the Frostproof Art League & Gallery and the Ramon Theater on the Polk Arts Alliance website by visiting www.polkarts.org.

Hope to see you soon.

Bev

The Southern Smokers BBQ Competition kicks off Polk County’s competitive barbeque festival season on Saturday, January 21st from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Dundee at the Dundee Ridge (Winn Dixie) Plaza. Sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association, a maximum of 45 teams are expected to compete.

The 16th Annual Lakeland PigFest, on Friday, January 27th and Saturday, January 28th at the Tiger Town Sports Complex in Lakeland, is the area’s largest barbeque competition. Lakeland PigFest is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event and the KCBS is the largest international organization of barbeque enthusiasts. Each year PigFest welcomes close to 200 teams to compete in the Pro Division, BackYard Division and the Kid’s Q competition and proceeds benefit Lakeland-area charities.

The 8th Annual Budweiser Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition returns to Winter Haven on Saturday, February 4th as the 2012 Florida BBQ Association State Championship. Funds raised benefit the Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs of Winter Haven, Lake Wales and Haines City. More than 80 teams from across the country will compete for the Florida State Grand Champion title. Unique entertainment includes a Cypress Water Sports Ski Show on beautiful Lake Cannon.

The 4th Annual Ribs on the Ridge takes place at Lake Eva Park in Haines City on Friday, February 24th and Saturday, February 25th. This growing event has been the Florida BBQ Association’s largest competition for the past two years; with approximately 100 teams competing. Don’t miss performances by The Pork Chop Review featuring “Oink” the singing pig!

In October 2012, the festivals start over again with the Florida BBQ Association sanctioned Fine Swine at the Pit in Mulberry offering up more delicious barbeque to please your palette. Visit www.fineswine.org.

Polk County offers numerous barbeque restaurants so you won’t have to suffer withdrawal in the off-season. Historic eateries include Peebles Bar-B-Q, a Central Florida landmark that has been serving up barbeque for more than 55 years, and Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q, a Lakeland tradition since 1964. Brock’s Smoke Hut in Winter Haven was recognized in 2011 by National Barbecue News as one of the “Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurant’s in America.” Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q and Woody’s Bar-B-Q are familiar names with locations all around Polk County. This list hardly scratches the surface. For a comprehensive listing of restaurants in Polk County, go to www.VisitCentralFlorida.org.

When pulling up to East Stanford Street in Bartow’s Historic District, you will spot a quaint yellow house with blue trim and a spacious front porch at the entryway. This 1906 Victorian house that is situated on a cozy neighborhood lot has now become the picturesque setting of The Stanford Inn & Tea Room. This bed and breakfast may also be recognized as the home in the 1991 film “My Girl” starring Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Anna Chlumsky and Macaulay Culkin.

For guests looking to stay overnight at the bed and breakfast, The Stanford Inn offers six rooms with features that include: a fireplace, queen bed, private full bath, cable television and wireless Internet access, along with a three-course, gourmet breakfast local fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs.

Aside from a delicious breakfast and special room features, guests will notice one-of-a-kind antiques, artwork and furnishings throughout the inn, along with an outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens. Bed and breakfast guests can unwind in the pool or on one of the many rocking chairs on the expansive front porch.

Visitors dining at the Stanford Inn will can also enjoy the pleasant atmosphere as the Inn transforms into a tea room at lunch. Guests can sit inside the historical house or out on the porch, which could be the perfect decision on a nice afternoon. Choose from lunch, tea or Sunday brunch at the Tea Room or opt for dinner at 555. The Tea Room features traditional English high tea and light lunches of soups, salads and sandwiches.

The Monte Cristo at the Tea Room is a must-try. This lunchtime favorite is stacked with layers of turkey, ham and cheese and comes with a side of raspberry jam to complete the overall taste of the sandwich. Other options include the Chicken Salad Croissant, Roast Beef & Havarti or the Turkey sandwich. Try the signature Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Bisque soup or the Soup du Jour along with the Spinach and Fruit Salad or the pasta salad as well. 

It is no surprise that there are numerous flavors of tea options to try at this tea room. The Stanford Inn Strawberry-Orange Blend, composed of strawberries and oranges along with kiwi, rosehips and a bit of dried apple, is the signature tea. Other teas include Rose White, Duchess Grey and Apricot tea, to name just a few. Be sure to choose your favorite flavor to complement your meal.

For dinner, 555 features five options in each of the three categories (appetizers, sides and entrees), and the chef specials change each evening.

The Stanford Inn also hosts weddings and special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, reunions and getaways and celebrates numerous events throughout the year including the upcoming Christmas Eve Dinner on Saturday, December 24. More events at The Stanford Inn can be found on our Events Calendar .

The Stanford Inn offers a charming experience for an overnight stay, an afternoon meal or a special occasion and hopes you will visit this “beautiful place for beautiful memories”.

Stay up-to-date with what’s happening at the Inn, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Right now I’m enjoying Florida Avocados on bologna sandwiches, but Christmas will be here soon and I’ll be able to get some really fantastic Florida oranges to bring back some of my favorite Florida memories.

At Christmas, my grandmother always made Orange Pound Cake with freshly squeezed Florida orange juice from the groves around her house.  I always got to help when I was lucky enough to be here for Christmas.  As an adult, I’ve made it a point to keep the tradition alive by making a few of these delicious cakes for other family members.  And, I’ve taught both of my daughters how to make this wonderful cake.  Below is the recipe.

Orange Pound Cake
1 Cup butter or margarine
1 Cup sugar
5 eggs
1 tsp lemon extract
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 Cups all purpose flour
5 tbsp freshly squeezed Florida orange juice

Cream butter or margarine.  My grandmother swore by Blue Bonnet for her pound cake and I am afraid to try anything different.  Stir in one egg at a time. Then, add the extracts and the flour.  Mix well and add the freshly squeezed orange juice.  You can use orange juice in the carton or bottle, but make sure it’s from Florida.  Turn into a tube pan and bake at 350 degrees (according to grandma) until done (toothpick comes out clean).  I forget how long that is, but the pound cake will be a beautiful golden brown when it is done. My Aunt Gladys always baked her pound cake at 325 degrees, but I think her oven must have been extra hot.

My dad always said, “Don’t mess it up by putting anything else in there,”  but every once in a while my grandma would put fruit, nuts, raisins or something else in her recipe.  We would all be unhappy and then she’d make her regular recipe for us.  I suppose she ended up eating the other cake by herself.”

Give the recipe a try.  Every bite brings back wonderful memories of my visits to Florida as a young child.  I found out many years later that when she made the cake she always made herself a little separate piece in an “Easy Bake Oven” pan that she would hide from the rest of us.  I do the same thing now, when I make a gift cake and no one but me, and now you, is the wiser.

Next time I make my grandmother’s pound cake I’ll take a photo. I know I’ll be making one soon, since Christmas is just around the corner.  I can tell, because we have a lot of visitors down here for the beautiful weather.  Welcome visitors.  I hope you are having a wonderful visit. And, drop me a line if you try the recipe.  I’d love to hear how your cake turns out and if you like it as much as I do.