Southeastern Guide Dogs is a nonprofit whose goal is "to create and nurture a partnership between a visually impaired individual and a guide dog, facilitating life's journey with mobility, independence and dignity." It has been providing partnerships between visually impaird people and dogs since 1982 and has more than 600 active guide dogs. Its 23-acre campus is located just off I-275 in rural Palmetto.
Tampa Women's Club is a community service organization. It supports the community in the arts, ecological conservation, scholarships, crime prevention awareness and much more. New members must be at least 18 years of age and obtain sponsorship from an existing member.
The club's beautiful facilities are available for event rental including business meetings and wedding receptions.
The Tampa Federation of Garden Clubs is an organization comprised of 11 garden "circles" from neighborhoods across the city. More than 400 members participate in garden club activities with the mission of beautifying the neighborhoods in which the members live. The Federation's building stands on prime South Tampa real estate, fronting on Bayshore Boulevard and extending one full block in depth.
The Federation sponsors flower shows, garden tours, floral design classes and beautification projects throughout the city. The "Earthly Paradise Garden Tour" in the spring is one of the most popular events and helps raise funds to maintain the Fred Ball Park that is adjacent to the Federation location.
Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre historic estate and botanical garden in downtown Orlando, is a kaleidoscope of colors throughout the year. Stroll the walkways that wind through butterfly, herb and rose gardens, past dozens of species of azalea, bamboo and banana plants, showcasing a prized Camellia collection that has more than 2,000 plants and is considered one of the best in the U.S. The gardens also include a number of whimsical sculptures, a native wetlands garden and nearly 400 species of palms.
Parking at Leu Gardens
Ample free parking is available.
Best and worst time to go to Leu Gardens
Although the park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit in early morning to avoid Florida's afternoon heat and thunderstorms, especially from spring to early fall. The gardens have free admission on the first Monday of each month, with added bonuses on those days including a sidewalk cafe on the patio and a popsicle stand in the gardens. The gardens are closed only on Christmas Day, although the Leu House Museum is typically closed each July for restorations.
Admission to Leu Gardens
Park admission is $10-$12, with students in grades K-12 admitted for a nominal fee and children 4 and under free. Discounted rates are available for larger groups.
Must see/do at Leu Gardens
Don't miss the guided tours of the Leu House Museum, a restored 19th-century home overlooking Lake Rowena that shows what life was like in Central Florida at the turn of the century. The tours, which start on the hour and half hour beginning at 10 a.m., last about 25 minutes and are complimentary with admission. The last tour starts at 3:30 p.m. On your walk through the gardens, make sure to visit the Citrus Grove, which showcases Central Florida's roots with more than 50 types of citrus trees. Numerous other varieties of tropical and subtropical fruit trees dot the gardens, including avocado, guava, mango, papaya, pear, pineapple and star fruit.
Other places to visit near Leu Gardens
For a romantic dining experience after your visit to the gardens, try Santiago's Bodega, a laid-back tapas-style restaurant and bar with soups, salads, desserts and more than 30 small plates, or the Funky Monkey Wine Company on North Mills Avenue, where you can enjoy an extensive wine list, sushi and American cuisine with an Asian flair. Both are within 1.5 miles of Leu Gardens.
Insider tip for visitors to Leu Gardens
For a romantic night out, surprise your significant other with Date Night at Leu Gardens. Held on the first Friday of each month from February to December, the event includes discounted admission to the garden at 6 p.m., followed by a free movie for which you can bring a lawn chair or blanket. Popcorn and other food items are available for purchase, or pack your own picnic basket with wine, cheese and fruit.
Author's bio: Kevin Adams is a freelance writer who has lived in Orlando for more than a decade and has had travel articles appear on USAToday.com and in Golfweek magazine.
