Day 155 – All We Need Is Love – The Miami Airport

On our way to Panama we had to take the connection flight in Miami. While waiting a couple of hours for boarding I encountered this neat little project currently displayed at the Miami Airport. I really though it was a lovely idea

The next 4 days of my blog will consequently take place in beautiful Panama where we will attend the wedding of a close friend (Day 156 – Day 159). I have been looking forward to this trip for more than half a year now and cannot wait to finally see my friend’s home country.

Day 154 – Old Fire Station in Historic Sanford FL

Old Firestation in Historic Sanford FL

The old fire station of Sanford is located in the historic district at 109 South Palmetto Avenue.

Here a bit more info: The building is also referred to as Hester and Shepard Block, named after M.K. Hester and Mr. Shepard who ha the building constructed in 1887.
Originally there were three floors, but the top floor was removed in 1928. This building was as Sanford’s first fire station from 1890 to 1974, therefore you can still see the letters on the outside. The building also served as the City Hall, Police Station and Jail. Interestingly, the only legal hanging in Seminole County happened just behind this building in 1923. Today, the building is a private residence (since the 1990s).

Day 153 – Pico Building in Sanford FL

Pico Building in Sanford FL

This is another beautiful historic building located in Sanford downtown. I did some research and here’s what I found out about the building:

The building was originally built in 1887 by H. M. Papworth. The style is a Romanesque revival and Turkish with an onion-shaped dome that you can see on the remaining tower. The initial purpose of the building was to serve as a hotel for rail and steam ship passengers. Throughout the year the Pico buidling also served as restaurant, hosted stores and a food catering business. The restoration of the building was comleted in 1967. And here’s the solution to the name riddle: P-I-C-O stands for Plat Investment Company.

The Pico building is located at the Northeast corner of Commercial Street with Oak Avenue in Sanford FL. Today it houses office space.

Day 152 – Chloe and the Central Florida Pug Rescue

Chloe, the Baby Pug

Chloe is the cute little baby pug of our friends. When I saw her yesterday I just had to take her picture. Of course, she’s even cuter in real life…

I thought since I am already talking about pugs, I might as well post a useful link at this point: For those of you who would like to support the Central Florida Pug Rescue, here is their web site.

As it turns out they are actually located in Lake Mary. For questions you can reach them at 407.756.4998.

Day 151 – Central Florida Regional Hospital Sanford FL

Central Florida Regional Hospital

The Central Florida Regional Hospital – the place you hope to never see from the inside, however the place you’re glad exists…

Just wanted to post some useful info about the hospital here. Obviously, it is open 24/7/365 and you can stop by anytime or call 911 in case of an emergency.

But in case you need their regular (!) phone number or mailing address, here they are:

(407) 321-4500
1401 West Seminole Blvd. Sanford, Florida 32771

The fastest way to get to the hospital is by taking highway 46 East (coming from I-4). You will see the hospital entrance on your left.

There is also an entrance from 17-92 (West Seminole Boulevard, where it runs along Lake Monroe).

For more information about the Central Florida Regional Hospital, visit their web site here.

Day 150 – Valentines Day in Sanford

Valentine's Day Balloon

This Valentine’s Day we attended a Valentine’s Day Party. My daily picture shows one of the many balloons that were part of the decoration at the party. Since we were lucky with the weather it was an outdoor Valentine’s Day Party by the pool. Another reason why I love life in Florida

Day 149 – Route 46 Entertainment Complex in Sanford

Route 46 in Sanford FL

Well, I have driven by this place numerous times, trying to find out what it is. As it turns out Route 46 is a new entertainment complex with restaurants, bars and late nite. They currently have 3 bars/restaurants open, 2 of them just opened recently:

• The Saloon at Route 46: Bar and Lounge, classy and elegant. Also offers dinner.
• Monroe’s at Route 46: Seafood and Steak restaurant that intends to take guests back on a journey to the early 20th century
• The Smokehouse at Route 46: Smoked meats and BBQ in a cozy cabin setting. This restaurant has been in this location already since February 2008!
• Coming Soon: Garage Bar at Route 46: Fun bar with vintage style car theme.

I was attracted by the Spanish hacienda style, really like this look. Last time I drove by, the complex was finally open (referring to their latest expansion)! I have to say I am pretty excited about this new entertainment hot spot (at least that’s what it promises to be…). So it won’t be long until I will check out what the restaurants and bars at Route 46 are all about and of course I will post my experience here

For those of you who drive on Highway 46 in Sanford a lot, I am sure you have seen this place, too. It’s on the left hand site, next to BJ’s Wholesale, after you pass Rinehard Street when going towards Historic Sanford (East). As the sign notes, there is no direct entry from highway 46, you need to take Elder Road.

For more info call 407-268-4646 ext. 50 or visit their web site here.

Day 148 – Alive After Five and the Wet Spot Karaoke

Alive After Five Party Gras in Sanford

We got a bit later than expected to the Party Gras in Sanford. Nevertheless, it turned out to be a fun event, even though I missed the little parade… The weather was fabulous so we were able to sit outside most of the night.

After meeting up with friends at the Willow Tree German restaurant we walked down to Park Avenue and sat outside the “Wet Spot”.

You may wonder, “why Wet Spot”? Well, I did too until I walked into the bar. The walls are covered with beach and ocean art work and the whole theme of the bar is kind of “beachy” as you can see from the bar showcase shot below.

As it turns out I have also finally found a place to sing Karaoke in Sanford. The Wet Spot has DJ and Karaoke nights Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. So if I’m ever in the mood to share my vocals I might actually swing by and jump on stage

Among other things the bar offers Monday night football and pool/dart tournaments. Check out their web site for pictures and their weekly calendar.

The Wet Spot in Sanford FL

Click below for more inside pictures:

Day 147 – Corona Cigar Company at Colonial Towne Park in Lake Mary

Corona Cigar Company at Colonial Towne Park in Lake Mary

The Corona Cigar Company at Colonial Towne Park in Lake Mary is always a fun place to hang out, even if you’re not a cigar lover.

The inside features handmade furniture from Nicaragua and Latin American accent pieces and decor. In fact, you might almost feel like sitting in an authentic cigar factory. Of course, there is also a humidor and in the store you will find all the accessories you could ever need as cigar fan. Including the cigars

For those not interested in the cigar part, the Corona Cigar company offers a fine selection of wines & beer and the outside patio is just the right place to spend and evening with friends.

Here is the contact information for the 3 locations throughout Orlando:

• Corona Cigar Company and Avo Lounge – Lake Mary
  1130 TownPark Ave.
  Heathrow, FL 32746
  407-333-3453
• Corona Cigar Company World Headquarters and Cigar Bar
  Located in Plaza Venezia, Dr Phillips
  7792 W. Sand Lake Rd.
  Orlando, FL 32819
  407-248-1212
• Newest Location!
  Corona Cigar Company and Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge
  The Plaza
  127 S. Orange Ave
  Orlando, FL 32801
  407-404-5344

Upcoming Events for the Lake Mary/Heathrow Location:

March 21st, 2009 – Avo Uvezian’s 83rd Birthday Celebration & Release of the Avo Compañero Cigar

[Quoted from Web Site]

On Saturday, March 21st, 2009 Corona Cigar Company Heathrow, will host Avo Uvezian’s birthday celebration, private concert and the international release of the new Avo Compañero cigar, along with an exclusive cigar dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Lake Mary. The cost of this event is $100.00 per person and includes the following:

• Welcome reception featuring Macallan Scotch
• Four course dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steak House including wine
• The never before released Avo Compañero cigar
• Five assorted Avo Cigars
• Private Jazz concert with Avo Uvezian and his band at the Avo Lounge after dinner

The evening begins at 7:30p.m. with a reception at Ruth’s Chris that includes pictures with Avo with dinner following at 8:00 p.m. After dinner, make your way to the Avo Lounge at Corona Cigar Company. There Avo and his band will entertain you.

This is a rare opportunity to meet, dine and enjoy a smoke with a true cigar legend. Seating is limited. Based on the success of last year’s event, tickets will sell out fast.

To reserve your ticket you can call (407) 333-3453 or 1-888-70-CIGAR. It sounds like it’s going to be a great evening!

Here is their Calendar of Upcoming Events for the different locations

Day 146 – St Johns Cycles in Sanford

St. John's Cycles

One of the stores in Sanford I will definitely check out soon is St. John’s Cycles. The store is located on Palmetto Avenue in Downtown Sanford.St. John’s Cycles will mainly sell Blue, Look, Scott, and Electra cruisers.

I think it would be a wonderful idea to also offer an hourly rent a bicycle service. The location is perfect! From Palmetto Avenue you could tour the entire historic district, including the residential district with its beautiful Victorian houses and then continue the tour along the Sanford Riverwalk. I’d be first in line if St. John’s Cycles offers it So please, if anyone happens to learn about them offering this service, share the news here!

Anyway, if you like bicycles or are in need of an accessory, stop by and check out the store! For more information, you can reach St. John’s Cycles at 321-363-4928.