The ‘Suns’ Road Trip – 3 : Winter Park by train & boat, Celebration dinner

[anji]

Florida 2022 – The ‘Suns’ Road Trip – 3 : Winter Park by train & boat, Celebration dinner

Today was moving day – on to Kissimmee! It was very foggy this morning and we couldn't see across the bay! It soon lifted as we got inland and the day got hotter.

We decided to skip breakfast in Clearwater and get something on the road. We were aiming for Kissimmee Rail Station to get the Sunrail to Winter Park and then do the boat trip on the lakes. As the train doesn’t run on a Saturday, as it is basically a commuter train, we had to do it today or not go. We were aiming for the 12.23pm train, so I wanted to be there by 12.

We set off easily enough and then it got a bit hairy around Tampa with the I4 intersections and busy! We also noticed a huge amount of traffic heading into Clearwater Beach, the opposite of what we saw when we arrived with masses leaving the beach. We stopped just off the road at Plant City and had a croissant and coffee at Starbucks.

Everything was fine until we ground to a halt about 8 miles from where we needed to turn off and we just crawled along, eating up the time. Eventually we turned off onto the 17 road and then it was ok.

We pulled into the station car park but it was full! Luckily there was another very close by (I think t may have been the library), so we parked up and hurried to the station. We had about 5 minute to spare! There was a rail worker on the platform to help us buy our tickets from the machine and show us how to validate them, tapping on and off each journey. He was really funny too!

The train took about 45 minutes and was a double-decker, which pleased Will.

We passed Tupperware station – I sent a photo to my friend who used to do Tupperware back in the day.

Onward through Orlando city. Everyone talks about going to Orlando but I bet 95% of tourists have never actually been to the place itself! It was certainly the first time we’d see it. Good and comfortable train, better than here!

Once at Winter Park we took a few photos of the train and cute station and then went to find the boat.

I knew it would be busy and we put our names down for the trip at 2pm. They call you out to board by name according to the list. We were second to be called as we’d just missed the last boat. The first group sat at the back, so we had front row seats! There are actually 5 boats which all set off at the same time in convoy and we were on the first one.

I’d definitely recommend this trip – peaceful, informative and great views of some serious money houses! We also went through some pretty little connecting canals.

I was waiting next to an elderly, obviously very rich American lady while waiting and she announced to everyone that they were visiting the son of the man who imported the beach sand from Barbados for his enormous house beach!

I wish we’d got to Winter Park earlier as I would have liked to visit the Morse Museum of Tiffany glass, but we didn’t have enough time before we needed to get the train back to Kissimmee. We had a stroll round the streets and called in at Panera Bread for coffee and cookies.

The 4.06 train was on time to take us back to Kissimmee and from there it was a short (but busy) journey up the 192 to our hotel, the Golden Link. We needed to get there and check in before heading out to Celebration for our table booking at Columbia.

We’d stayed here before and liked it a lot. The grounds go down to Lake Cecile with a little pier. They were happy to have us back again with a nice discount for booking direct. Basic but good, comfortable and clean. It’s been upgraded since we were there too. The room was lovely and the bed was huge and comfortable. We sorted ourselves out and then set off for our dinner.

I’d reserved a table at Columbia Restaurant right by the lake. We’d visited the original one in Ybor City, Tampa (which is the oldest in Florida apparently) 3 times before and it was always wonderful. We found a street parking spot after going around the block once (parking in the right direction – been caught before and fined on Anna Maria Island!) and had a walk around the lake and surrounds before dinner.

We checked in at 7pm only to find I’d got the time wrong and we were actually 7.30pm! So we needn’t have rushed quite as much. The planning spreadsheet clearly said 7.30 too. They soon found us a table though, which was great as there were a lot of people waiting and they were turning people away.

This was, without doubt, the best meal we had all holiday. I don’t tend to post food pics unless they warrant it for being especially good (or bad!) so here’s some food porn for you!

I chose Mahi-Mahi Cayo Hueso – mahi-mahi filet marinaded in citrus and grilled, served with mojo-marinated onions yellow rice, yuca and patanos. Will’s was Pollo Manchego – chicken breast with Cuban breadcrumbs and manchengo cheese in citrus sauce with yellow rice and veg. We both had cocktails too.

I was sat in view of the kitchen door and marvelled how they didn’t bump into each other, carrying huge trays about their heads. There was a constant stream of in and out with no spillages. It’s certainly a sumptuous place and I love the decorations. Not as big as the original but certainly as good.

A lovely end to the day. The lake looked so pretty with all the lights twinkling.

Tomorrow – Disney day without going in and House of Blues concert!

Index - https://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/sho...2#post15302382

[Melbatb]

What s fab day! A boat trip is always such fun!

Dinner looks delicious!

[anji]

Originally Posted by Melbatb

What s fab day! A boat trip is always such fun!

Dinner looks delicious!

See more...

I was fab! I love boats too - Will's not so keen and I got him on 3 in 2 days Meal was yummy - fish was perfect.

[mick]

The boat trip at Winter Park is lovely we have done it a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed it

Joan

[EssexSue]

Definitely want to do this trip - and you ate at my favourite restaurant.

[anji]

Originally Posted by mick

The boat trip at Winter Park is lovely we have done it a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed it

Joan

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It was a lovely trip and we were so lucky to get the front seats! Some serious money lives around those lakes!

[anji]

Originally Posted by EssexSue

Definitely want to do this trip - and you ate at my favourite restaurant.

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Isn't if fab?! Have you been to the Ybor City one? It's like the Tardis - so many rooms and such history. Plus the food is just amazing

[Scotsmomma2]

Lovely photos,we love the boat trip and do it everytime we go.Winter Park is a lovely place to visit.

Bagsie this house😁

[emmabanana]

Great day, the food at Columbia’s looks amazing I’ve added that to the list!

[MOUSEMARSH]

Looks like a Great Day.