After a few months of cold weather in Western North Carolina last February, we hopped a low cost Allegiant Air flight out of Asheville for a weekend getaway in Orlando, Florida. Click gallery images to enlarge.
It was the first time we’d flown Allegiant. And like most know, or find out as they book their flight, those low fares go up quickly when any amenity (basic or not) is added, so keep that in mind when trying to keep the fare low.
My mistake was thinking that my one bag the size of a large purse was a “carry on” for which I needed to pay an additional $40. It was actually considered the one free personal item bag I was allowed. That said, paying the $40 gets you a spot in the overhead for one bag, whether your personal item or an additional carry on. So, if you can manage with one weekend bag that fits under the seat in front of you, no carry on upcharge is necessary.
We’re lucky enough to have long time friends who’ve lived in College Park for decades. If you’re not able to stay with friends, you can find good hotel, Airb&b, and Vrbo lodging at reasonable prices.
Together we came up with lots of fun things to do that didn’t take us anywhere near Disney or Universal.
Thursday: COLLEGE PARK
Evening Arrival
Visiting with Peter and Karen is always wonderful. It’s a time for catching up and rejuvenating. Their neighborhood is quaint and established, but it’s experiencing a bit of transition with some older homes demolished in favor of new, or heavily remodeled to updated versions. There are lots of beautiful homes, old and new, that are fun to see while walking the sidewalk around the two neighborhood lakes.
Friday: WINTER PARK
Dinner and a Show
What a fun, tasty find Rome’s Flavours (124 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789) was! If you don’t look carefully at their online interior pictures, you’ll be surprised at the inside seating – cozy and limited. They do have quite a bit of sidewalk seating, though.
High points were house-made pasta, good wine and beer selection, and delicious house-made gelato in creative flavors. See a sample menu here.
After dinner we headed over to The Winter Park Playhouse (711 N Orange Ave # C, Winter Park, FL 32789) for lots of smiling and head bopping to the music of Fats Waller in a professional production titled Ain’t Misbehavin’. Great cast, high energy, fantastic vocals! If you’re in the area, taking in a show at this gem of a theater is a must!
My only regret is that we arrived last minute, so weren’t able to take advantage of the completely inviting lobby piano bar, featuring a grand piano and lots of comfy seating.
Saturday: Sanford
Festivals, Dinner, Brews, and Views
Is too much fun even possible? Not in my world! Saturday was all about great food, great drinks, and great scenery.
We headed out to Sanford’s Historic Residential Downtown for the 2nd Annual Porchfest. In a nutshell, musicians/bands set up on front porches of historic homes and play, with 15 minute breaks between bands. Folks walk, bike, and golf cart throughout the district, stopping to listen to the music and hang out with friends.
It’s free and a completely volunteer (unpaid) effort on the part of organizers, bands, District home owners, and support services like print shops. Donations for festival and local non-profit support are accepted at each porch. Bring a blanket, light weight chair, or whatever, to sit on, sun screen, water, and snacks (optional of course).
Some homeowners offer food for sale. We saw BBQ grills, and one group of kids operating a lemonade stand. And best of all, we were impressed with the quality of the music.
After hours of walking the District, stopping at lots of porches, we walked in to town for dinner at Sanford Brewing Company (400 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL 32771) as the Central Florida Brewers Guild Festival was taking place. They serve “Southern gastro comfort food. Some bar food, some sandwiches, and some full plates” ( Menu ), as well as their own brews. We ordered a variety of both food and drink and were happy with all of our choices.
At this point a stroll along Sanford’s River Walk was in order. We were treated to sightings of birds, a variety of fish, and a gorgeous sunset. A great way to wrap up a great day.
Sunday: Breakfast & Mt. Dora
Exploring, Shopping, Afternoon Drinks
Our flight back to Asheville wasn’t until late afternoon, so we had time for Brunch at a pretty hip spot, Se7en Bites (617 Primrose Dr, Orlando, FL 32803), tagging along with our friends as they shopped for a new kitchen appliance in a huge, very cool warehouse with creaky floors, and a few hours exploring the sweet town of Mount Dora, including the luxurious Historic 1883-built Lakeside Inn (100 North Alexander Street
Mount Dora, FL 32757).
Se7en Bites has a system for handling the mobs of people who show up for Sunday Brunch. Not sure how busy they are other days of the week? We moved through the line outside, past the host, and through the line inside quickly enough. Luckily we got a hold of menus (specials change weekly) when we were outside, so it wasn’t quite as hectic when we placed our orders at the counter as newbies.
Overall, loved the concept! The menu is creative and all our dishes were delicious, but it definitely leans “heavy” with lots of meats, biscuits, and gravy. Some vegetarian options are available, but no vegan at this time. Be prepared to take whatever seat you can find. A couple of us ended up eating scooched up to our table balancing on the front edge of what I think was a church pew.
“What’s the story behind the name Se7enbites?
Chef and owner, Trina Gregory-Propst had a long journey to owning a bakery and being healthy. In 2007, she had a sleeve gastrectomy. After this procedure her intake per meal had become 7 bites. Thus, the name was born -Se7enbites. Her new food philosophy has been if 7 bites is all you get it better be the best damn 7 bites ever!”
Brewed coffee is available, which would go with anything, absolutely anything, from their incredible bakery. Don’t miss the pictures of baked goods in the gallery below. I admit to lagging behind longer than I should have, ogling masses of treats on bell jar covered cake stands.
One of the things owner and Chef Trina Gregory-Propst is famous for is her Vanilla Bean Bourbon Bacon Moonpie. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in 2017. Click here to watch a video of Chef Gregory-Propst making those amazing Moonpies.
Mount Dora is a cute waterfront town that is totally stroll-worthy, with cute shops, a Modernism Museum, a great museum store, and plenty of restaurants. Anchoring the town on water’s edge is the iconic Lakeside Inn.
It was a warm day, so after walking around town, we decided to head to the Lakeside Inn for drinks. We almost sat on the big covered porch with a view of the lawn, pool with covered bar, and lake, but opted for air conditioning in the bar. If you’re in the area, take some time to walk he Inn’s property. It’s beautifully maintained and landscaped.
Plan ahead for a winter weekend getaway with low cost airfare to Orlando. Remember, it’s not all about the amusement parks. There’s so many other things to see and do!
