When you think of visiting Orlando, Florida, most people think of Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios. But for those who know me, they know I’m always looking for something different, something off the beaten path.
And I found it when I took the Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park, Florida, a city in metro Orlando.
The Scenic Boat Tour has been around for over eighty years and highlights the history, homes, and nature of the area. The one-hour tour takes you through three lakes, Lake Maitland, Lake Virginia, and Lake Osceola, all connected by narrow canals.
I was fascinated by the cypress trees, Rollins College, and the beautiful homes on the shores of the lakes.
I enjoyed the relaxing tour of the lakes, and only wish it was a longer trip.
I learned about the historic Capen House, built in 1885, that was moved by barge from one side of Lake Osceola to the other side to become part of the Albin Polasek Museum.
The Capen House is being moved in two parts, each part of the house weighs more than 100 tons. (Note: the house is to the right, the one with the blue roof.)
Cypress trees grow everywhere along the lakeshore, several are hundreds of years old. The original canals connecting the lakes were built with cypress wood, which is water resistant.
Many of the original boat houses on the lake are still in use. This boat house is over 100 years old and looking great! I wish our boat houses in Michigan could last 100 years.
I discovered the beautiful Kraft Azalea Gardens on Lake Maitland where I hope to visit again during their blooming season in January to March.
And I found out that Fred Rogers, of Mister Rogers fame, attended Rollins College (where he met his future wife) and graduated with a degree in music.
This year, Rollins College was ranked number 1 regional college in the South by U.S. News and World Report.
The tour guide highlighted the house his parents bought for Fred while he attended college.
Fred’s house is the lovely looking red house behind the trees. Nice digs for a college student!
If you’re in the Orlando area and want to learn more about the history of the area while enjoying a short boat ride, check out the boat tour. The tour begins each hour, on the hour, from 10am to 4pm.
