Orlando Vacation Homes INSIDER

The GlenBrook Resort in Clermont

Before moving to Central Florida, whenever my family vacationed in Orlando, we never ventured too far from the tourist areas.  Our vacation radius was no more than 15 miles from our resort or the attractions. We actually envisioned all of Central Florida as a myriad of restaurant chains, outlet malls, miles of highway, amusement and water parks. When my family decided to relocate to Central Florida a few years ago, we were unsure where to begin our house hunt.  Although, we love the hustle and bustle of the world’s number one vacation destination, to us, home is a sanctuary and a place to retreat.  We enjoy the serenity of a quiet walk, the view of beautiful countryside, the scent of fresh cut grass, the sound of children running carelessly in the yard, the utopia of suburban life.  We didn’t know that we would discover that lifestyle located only fifteen minutes from the Disney attractions, in a western suburb of Orlando, the city of Clermont.

Clermont is referred to as the “gem of the hills”.  It’s located in Lake County, a county known for having over 1,000 lakes and rivers.  Although, most of Central Florida is flat terrain, Clermont is known for it’s rolling hills, picturesque parks and neighborhoods surrounded by natural wonders.  Clermont is a thriving city and although it’s growing rapidly, Clermont still maintains the small town “Old Florida” culture.  In Downtown Clermont, you can shop at the farmers market every Sunday, where you can purchase fresh produce, fruit, vegetables, honey and herbs.  While taking a stroll downtown, you can always stop into Lyn’s Ice Cream and Deli Sandwich shoppe and enjoy a old-fashioned malt, banana split, or sundae made from hand-dipped ice cream.  Downtown Clermont is full of antique shops, dining, and entertainment, located on the shore of beautiful Lake Minneola.
 
 One of the most famous attractions in Clermont is the Citrus Tower.  It towers over 500 feet above sea level and is known as one of Florida’s first attractions.  From the glass enclosed observation deck you can see the panoramic view of Clermont’s rolling hills and orange groves.  Citrus Tower is also home to Lilly’s Citrus Tower gift shop, located on the first floor.  This gift shop sells a variety of home and garden products, Yankee candles, Florida made jams and jellies, Florida candies, unique baby gifts, and even carries Crabtree and Evelyn products, Webkinz and so much more.

The Glenbrook Resort is located in the beautiful city of Clermont.   Many of our guests enjoy staying in Glenbrook, because it’s not only close to all the major attractions, but also affords the opportunity to experience the charm, beauty, and lifestyle of Clermont. Next time you are vacationing in the Central Florida area, go west on Hwy 192, then North on Hwy 27 and take a venture into the city of Clermont, the  “Gem of the Hills”, where you will experience the charm of “Old Florida” culture and history.

Add comment August 26th, 2008

Snow Birds

Definition of a Snow Bird:  A retired or semi retired baby boomer who has grown tired of snow blowers and frozen toes.  Not willing to give up the North completely but would rather migrate to the South for an extended stay, escaping the cold.

Makeup: Primarily from Midwest and Northeast U.S. and lots of Canadians!

A trend that has been building yearly over the past decade is Snow Birds heading down to Florida and renting Orlando vacation homes.  It is a great option for them to come and stay for a couple of months or even the entire winter.  This trend has been such a hit with snowbirds that most come back year after year and eventually invite their friends to rent a home down the street.  Not only do Orlando Snow Bird renters find the perfect home for their needs but they receive a substantial discount for their extended stay while they escape the cold.

Orlando is the perfect choice for a winter stay as there is so much to do and renting a home from Global Resort Homes provides even more entertainment as all of our resorts offer a wide variety of amenities. Orlando boasts great shopping and restaurants and is ideally located in central Florida offering close proximity to either coast.  Resorts amenities include homes with private pools, luxurious community pools, guard-gated entrances, movie theaters, sundry shops, shuttle services, tennis courts, fitness rooms and this is just to name a few. Snowbirds can choose from one of Global Resort Homes luxury resorts and find the perfect fit for their winter home needs.  Should they miss the kids or the grandkids during their stay, they can invite them down for spring break and let them enjoy not only the great weather but also Orlando’s world famous theme parks and top attractions. 

Why stay in the cold when you can enjoy the Sunshine State in the convenience and comfort of your own home. Call a Global Resort Home vacation home specialist today and start planning an exciting, warm winter this year. 

Add comment July 16th, 2008

Lunch at Planet Hollywood

After searching fruitlessly for a Starbucks in the area for several hours, it was now approaching lunch time and I was getting very hungry.  I remembered when I was in Downtown Disney having seen a Planet Hollywood and really wanted to check it out. 

I headed to Planet Hollywood, which is only about 10 minutes from Cypress Pointe Resort , and was able to easily find a parking spot and was sitting down before I knew it.  When I first walked in I was overwhelmed by all the “decorations” hanging on the walls throughout the restaurant.  I grabbed a table in the bar and sat back, trying to take in my environment. 

My waitress came over quickly after I sat down, but I could barely hear her because the music was playing so loudly throughout the restaurant.  There were TVs everywhere showing clips of movies and other entertainment pieces, but again, I couldn’t focus on them due to the blarring music. 

I ordered a burger and a margarita and ate as quickly as I could.  Planet Hollywood, in my opinion, is a cool concept but just slightly missed the mark for me.  Now that being said, I am a fairly young girl, and enjoy high-energy places as much as any other 27 year old.  But, Planet Hollywood just didn’t do it for me.  There was WAY too much going on within the restaurant and the music was deafening.  I will say that the food was good and the service quick and friendly, but not a place I would choose to go back to. 

So, if you are looking to grab a quiet lunch with your family on your next Orlando vacation, Plane Hollywood is not the place to go!!!

Add comment June 13th, 2008

The True Cost of a Vacation

Continued…

Did you know at the Glenbrook Resort a 7 bedroom home with a pool, if three couples decided to vacation together, has an average nightly rate (before taxes) of just $65 per couple?  At Windsor Hills, that rate per couple would be about $86 a night. Also many of the homes have private pools and spas so you and your friends can enjoy countless hours of swimming without “pool hours” to adhere to.  If you chose a home with a private recreation room, you could enjoy a relaxing game of pool, hours of Poker, and if it gets late, you can send the children to bed and not even have to hire a babysitter!  Imagine watching the “Big Game” on a 50′ inch flat screen!  How about taking all the kids to the resort’s on-site movie theatre for a movie day?  Eating at home is not only a less expensive alternative, it can also be lots of fun - you could have a ” make your own pizza and tacos night” and if there was a night you just didn’t feel like cooking, you could contact a vacation chef to prepare an incredible meal, like shrimp and artichoke linguine, chicken curry, or a roasted vegetable meatloaf for less than $5.50 per person.

 Orlando has some of the best attractions in the world and I’m certainly not suggesting avoiding them all together, but instead of going to a different attraction every day, choose just one or two, and make them the highlight of the week.  If you have children, have your children contribute to the cost of their ticket before you go on vacation.  Mousavers.com gives some excellent suggestions on how children can help you save for a vacation. One suggestion was, all “found” money goes in a vacation fund which could be a glass jar on little Suzie’s dresser.  If an average attraction ticket is about $70, a child could purchase their own ticket by saving just $12 a month for six months.  How special would that trip to Disney feel for a child who knows the value of hard work and the reward of saving ?

In these hard economic times, yes we have to make changes to our lifestyles and to our way of thinking, but sacrificing a quality vacation isn’t the answer and it certainly won’t bring relief. So, ask yourself?  What is the true cost of a vacation?  It’s not just money, gas, food and tickets - the value isn’t monetary.  In fact, it will cost you not to take one.

Add comment June 9th, 2008

Where are all the Starbucks in Orlando?

I grew up (and currently live) in the mid-west and have become accustomed to having a Starbucks on pretty much every corner  - now that might be a bit exaggerated, but where I am from there is an excessive amount of Starbucks coffee shops in my neighborhood alone, not to mention the city of Cleveland itself. 

Having become so used to having a Starbucks planted on every corner in my neighborhood, I have also become a Starbucks addict.  My morning ritual includes, and has included for years now, a daily stop at the nearest Starbucks to my apartment (which is literally a block away) where the friendly employees know my name and what I am drinking.  And if for some reason I am unable to grab a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, I make sure that I allot time during my day to make an emergency Starbucks run. 

Now, seeing as though I am on “vacation” and have been for a week or two, I have temporarily abandoned my morning ritual I cherish so much and have substituted my coffee addiction for a more convenient Diet Coke addiction.  That being said, I must admit that I could EASILY make coffee for myself at my Orlando vacation rental as (mentioned before) all of Global’s resort properties (including Cypress Point Resort) come with fully equipped kitchens, including a coffee maker.  But making coffee at home just isn’t the same as a grande dark roast (with room for cream) from Starbucks!

After spending several days enjoying the area attractions, theme parks, water parks, and shopping in Orlando, the time had finally come to get my Starbucks fix.  It suddenly dawned on me though, that with all the driving around and different areas of the city I had visited I had yet to see a Starbucks!!  Again – having a Starbucks on every corner at home it struck me as bizarre that I hadn’t noticed a single one since I have been here.  I just don’t believe that this observation could possibly be true and began wondering if I had simply just missed them caught up in the excitement of whatever activity I was off doing that particular day. 

So, I ask the people of Orlando – where are all the Starbucks???

Jordan

1 comment June 6th, 2008