Day 365 – Ingolstadt

Home Sweet Home

…Ingolstadt! My home town in Germany, that’s where the trip went ;o) The picture shows my parents’ home. So my old home is the setting for the end of the 365 challenge about Sanford, FL (my new home). I can’t think of a better ending…

I am enjoying my family and friends and the short time I am spending here. Therefore, not much more at this point.

Yay, I did it, the challenge is complete, 365 days felt short and long at the same time. When I look at some posts they seem to be ages old, but when I think about the start of the project it feels like just yesterday. It has been a very time consuming project but it was totally worth it. Along the way I have met some great people. Thank you also for all the encouraging words you have posted here, those really kept me going. I hope this blog has made you curious about Sanford and given you a good impression of  life in Sanford and its surrounding areas (sure, with exception of my excursions…).

Counting every day has also made me aware of how precious every day is. “Carpe Diem” – don’t postpone things to the next day. Many times the challenge has given me the extra energy to do things. Things that I might not have done hadn’t it been for my daily picture and a good story – things that I would regret to have missed. I am hoping to keep this energy and will continue to be open for new things and places to explore.

I have enjoyed this challenge very much, have obviously learned a lot about Sanford and the surrounding areas and I will continue this blog – just not every day. I will post whenever I find a new spot in Sanford or the Orlando area that could add to this blog. Looking forward to maintaining it for many years to come ;o)

Day 364 – Blogging from MCO

So I am sitting here at MCO (Orlando International Airport) waiting for my plane. Yay, I’m looking forward to this trip so much! It’s kind of funny that this challenge will not end in Sanford but in … [to be continued. ..Wait for tomorrow's post]

Day 363 – Fort Mellon Park Sanford FL

Splash Pad at Fort Mellon Park in Sanford FL

Fort Mellon Park Sanford FL

Fort Mellon Park in Sanford has one of the most beautiful settings, right by Lake Monroe. This is a great location for kids and the perfect spot on a hot summer day thanks to the Splash Pad. There is also a large playground, making this a very entertaining spot for the little ones. Be sure to check it out if you have kids and are looking for something to do in Sanford.

Today it was actually quite empty, probably because school already started. During the summer break you can expect more traffic ;o)

Fort Mellon Park
600 East First Street
Sanford, FL 32771
Phone: 407.688.5103

Fort Mellon Park

Day 362 – Uptown Altamonte

Uptown Altamonte

Uptown Altamonte in Altamonte Springs is the location of many events in the area (for example Red Hot & Boom for the 4th of July). It’s a beautiful area to spend some hours just strolling around and enjoying the beautiful setting. Cranes Roost Park is the center of Uptown Altamonte. You will also find a unique amphitheater with floating stage.

Definitely check out their events calendar for great concerts, movie presentations or street parties.

Uptown Altamonte is about a 15 minute drive from Sanford.

Below are some pictures I took today of the location.

You can find out more about Uptown Altamonte here.

Uptown Altamonte

Uptown Altamonte

Uptown Altamonte

Uptown Altamonte

Uptown Altamonte

Day 361 – Beyond the Obvious in Sanford FL

Look for the little things in Sanford

Today I wanted to take a different look at Sanford. I have been focusing a lot on buildings and”the obvious” that is right in front of me. It is also quite fun though to look for details when walking around. Can you guess where any of these pictures were taken?

Sanford FL

Sanford FL

Sanford FL

Day 360 – Bettye D. Smith Cultural Arts Center Sanford FL

Sanford FL Cultural Arts Center

The Bettye D. Smith Cultural Arts Center is located on 5th Street in the historic district of Sanford. This building is available for lease 7 days a week for all kinds of events. With a capacity of about 115 people it makes a great spot for wedding receptions (especially attractive because of the adjacent Centennial Park with its large gazeb – makes the perfect outdoor wedding…), Baby Showers or Bridal Showers.

More information can be found here.

Day 359 – My Favorite Mexican bar, can you guess?

The Monkey at Carlos and Charlies Lake Mary

Ok, so before it looks like I am secretly paid by Carlos & Charlies I will keep it short… It just happens that we hang out a lot here and it happens to be my daily pic (again, I know!), not sure if it’s the music or atmosphere but it’s just what I need sometimes after a long work week. So tonight we met up with friends and just had a great time. I even learned how to shoot a Tequila “the smooth way”.

Friday Night at Carlos and Charlies Lake Mary

Friday Night at Carlos and Charlies Lake Mary

Day 358 – Applebees Lake Mary FL

Applebees Lake Mary FL

Since I grab lunch here every once in a while I didn’t want to leave an old classic unmentioned: Applebee’s. This location is right on the Park Place at Heathrow Plaza in Lake Mary. What I like about Applebee’s is that I always get what I expect. It’s also a great spot for casual meetings and of course to quickly pick up food and bring it back to the office ;o)

Here is their information:

Applebee’s
7055 County Road
46-A Lake Mary, FL 32746
(407) 444-9930

Day 357 – Caddies Pub Open

Caddies Pub Heathrow FL

Caddies Pub is open! I am definitely planning on stopping by soon (especially since I walk by several times every day) so I can write a bit more about what this new pub offers.

To be continued ;o) …

Day 356 – Altamonte Springs Mall

Altamonte Springs Mall

Another great mall in Seminole county is the Altamonte Mall. It is about 15 minutes from Sanford and features more stores than the Seminole Town Center in Sanford (soon Sanford will have one of the most awesome stores though, H&M!), including an Apple Store.The Altamonte Mall, just as the Seminole Town Center Mall is also part of the Simon Mall family.

I personally don’t like the fact that the Altamonte Mall always seems to be super crowded. I also get lost here every time I go so I have come up with my “personal mall map”. I know exactly where I park, where I enter and where my main stores are located (that would be, park and enter through Barnes & Nobles, Apple store is on same level to the left, right below it is F21, and then there are some other favorites like bebe around it. I never “dare” to run deeper into the shopping jungle ;o) Either way, the Altamonte Mall is a great place to shop if you live in Seminole County.

Here is their complete information:

Altamonte Mall
451 East Altamonte Drive
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Phone:(407) 215-5100
Monday-Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm

Keep reading for a store directory.