Our night kicked off at Artifact Candle Foundry, Winter Garden’s newest creative hotspot at 267 Tremaine Street. If you haven’t tried candle making yet, you’re missing out on one of the most fun DIY experiences around. The moment we walked in, the amazing scents hit us – think warm vanilla, fresh citrus, and exotic florals all mingling in the air.

What makes Artifact special isn’t just the candle-making process (though that’s pretty amazing). It’s the whole experience. Their scent specialists guided us through creating our own custom fragrances, helping us blend premium oils to create something uniquely ours. Pro tip: make a reservation if you’re planning to go on a weekend – they can get pretty busy!

The experience starts off with smelling all the amazing, and unique scents they have to offer. From Olive Blossom to Fireside, there were so many options to choose from. Once we created our list of 5-6 of our favorite scents, it was time to become master mixers and create the perfect blend of oils for our candles.

The mixing, smelling and sharing with each other was an interactive and fun way to spend time together and learn a little bit about each other through scent preferences during the experience. And before we could call our candles complete, the fun part was naming our candles and sharing with each other.

Dinner & Drinks in Historic Winter Garden

After channeling our inner candlemakers, we were ready for dinner. Just a short walk away at 251 Tremaine Street, we found ourselves at Mangoni Italian Market & Pizza. This cozy Italian restaurant has quickly become one of Winter Garden’s most talked-about dining spots, and it’s obvious why. The wood-fired pizzas are incredible – they make their dough and sauce from scratch daily. The atmosphere feels like you’ve stepped into a little piece of Italy, right here in Florida.

Their signature pizzas are crafted to be mouthwatering masterpieces, like the GOAT—with goat cheese, 3-cheese sauce, honey, wild mushrooms, walnuts and thyme, or my personal favorite the Bianca, topped with pesto and basil.

And the crafted cocktails are so unique. Like the Lemon Drop Martini with a Szechuan edible button flower garnish or the Italian Mule, their take on the Moscow Mule.

To cap off our perfect evening, we headed to Tony’s Liquors on West Plant Street. Don’t let the liquor store front fool you – in the back, there’s a fantastic bar that feels like Winter Garden’s version of “Cheers.” It’s got that perfect local hangout vibe with pool tables, darts, and some of the friendliest bartenders in town. The drink specials didn’t hurt either!

What made this girls’ night special wasn’t just the individual spots we visited – it was how perfectly they worked together. Within a few blocks of each other in historic downtown Winter Garden, we got to be creative, enjoy amazing food, and relax with drinks, all while catching up and making memories.

Planning Your Own Girls’ Night Out:

If you’re ready to plan your unforgettable girls’ night in Winter Garden, I’ve got you covered! Here’s a quick punch list and tips to help guide you.

• Text your besties girls group about a date and make a reservation at Artifact Candle Foundry (especially for weekend visits). Seating is limited so make sure they have enough space for your entire party.
• Experience start times vary each day. On Saturdays they start at 10am and end at 5pm. And on Fridays they start at 3pm and end at 6pm. Give yourself about 1-1.5 hours for the candle-making experience.
• Consider making an early dinner reservation at Mangoni to ensure you get a table.
• End the night at Tony’s for that perfect, laid-back atmosphere.
• The Candles will need to cure for 1-2 days, so you’ll have to remember to pick them up after the event. One person can pick up for the group so that makes it super easy.

Winter Garden has really grown into its own as a destination for great nights out. Between the historic charm of downtown, the variety of things to do, and the walkability of it all, it’s become a go-to spot for gathering with friends. This combination of activities – creative workshop, dinner, and drinks – hit all the right notes for a perfect girls’ night out.

Unforgettable Girls’ Night At Artifact In The Winter Garden

Next time you’re planning a get-together with your friends, skip the usual spots and give Winter Garden a try. Trust me, between the custom candles you’ll take home, the incredible Italian food, and the memories you’ll make, it’s worth the trip!

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I get really excited and love everything about Halloween, if you can’t tell. It’s not just one day in our home, it’s all month! So here is my list of 7 Halloween activities you can do with your kids that will keep the spooky family fun going up until the big day. And none of them involve candy!

1. Switch up traditional bedtime stories with Halloween themed books

It’s so much fun to get into the spirit of Halloween with the kiddies each night before bed. There are so many fun stories, and I feel like I never get bored of them. Some of my favorites include Mickey’s Spooky Halloween and Trick Arrr Treat. And most recently we got Goodnight Goon and How to Catch a Monster.

2. Watch a different Halloween movie every Friday

Friday night is movie night, and there are so many fun ones to watch in the spirit of Halloween. My personal favorites are Hocus Pocus and Casper, but this list of 60 kid-friendly movies has a bunch that I would give a whirl.

3. Decorate for Halloween as a family

Get the kids involved in decorating the house or picking out a new item for the yard. It’s always fun to make it a family affair. This year we are planning on decorating our golf cart when we take it around with us, so we’ll be getting creative together.

4. Take a visit to a new Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin patches are my favorite! They are outside in the fresh air, with typically tons to see and do depending on where you go. And they are great picture ops. Some of my favorite family photos are taken at pumpkin patches. These photos are taken at the Showcase of Citrus in Clermont.

5. Carve pumpkins together

After the pumpkin patch, we always find a weekend to carve our pumpkins. I love thinking through fun ideas for stencils (Check out my Handmaid’s Tale pumpkin!) and the kids are getting more and more involved as they are getting older. Plus we get to make this amazing pumpkin seed recipe that I’m addicted to this time of year.

6. Pick out or make Halloween costumes together

Planning costumes for the year is clearly a very important task. But it can also be super fun! It’s so much fun to hear what the kids want to be and use that as inspiration, like last year’s tribute to the final season of Game of Thrones. The kids wanted to be dragons for Halloween, so we capitalized on that opportunity to be Dani and John Snow.

Last year, Brett let the kids pick out his costume, and he complied. (I may have swayed them a bit to choose a black cat, to go with my costume

7. Check out local events and plan a fun evening out

There’s so much going on around this time of year if you plan ahead. Look into local events in your area and partake in the gouly fun! In Winter Garden, our city gets decorated with some amazing Halloween decor and they even created a spooky golf cart trail which is fun to go through at night.

Leading up to Halloween, you can have photo ops in Downtown one night and a ride through the trail on another.

There’s also a light show that turns City Hall into an amazing display of Halloween themed graphics that is a must see every year. And they show a movie outside a few nights throughout the month, showing a fun Halloween themed movie.

Halloween spirit is here! I hope you liked these activities to do with your kids leading up to Halloween and are excited about planning them. So look out for witches and werewolves, and have some frightening fun! Happy Haunting!

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Friday

Friday night started off with Light it up Winter Garden, a tree lighting ceremony that lights up the entire downtown and kicks off a street festival with music, ice areas for kids to throw snowballs, tubing down ice slides, street performers and more!

We got downtown early and grabbed a table outside at Winter Garden Pizza for dinner and were able to watch from there. Then afterwards we walked around to check out all the vendors. The kids enjoyed all the activities they had set up, especially the two ice slides!

Saturday

Saturday morning, we had to wake up early to make it to the staging area for the Christmas Parade that Rylee was in with her Spirit Squad at school. It was so much fun meeting everyone on the team and walking with her. I met so many amazing people!

The parade ended right near the Crooked Can Brewery, which was the perfect spot to meet up with Brett and Reece. There was even a surprise guest who came in just for the parade to cheer Rylee on!

Nana and Rylee’s Cousin, Kendall!

We had lunch there and hung around with friends for a while, before we realized we better get home and rest up for the night parade. Which was our first time ever riding in the Golf Cart Parade.

We had some friends over beforehand to meet up so that we could all be in line together during the parade. It was so amazing seeing all the incredible golf carts people had decorated for the parade. And there were so many golf carts!

As we lined up and were about to head off, I had no idea how many people would be there watching. It was so much fun to see everyone waving at us and so happy to be there. I think there were more people there at night than during the day!

Afterwards, we parked downtown and hung around as the parade continued.

Sunday

The next day was a very chill one. I made breakfast for the kids and did some cleaning, but pretty much rested and watched an agonizing day of football. (Lost my fantasy game by 1 point and made some very poor decisions with my team! Waa!)

But it was a beautiful day to be outside and we had the TV on out on the porch where we watched for a bit after a round of cornhole.

It was an eventful weekend, and we are all in on the holiday season now! Hanukkah starts next week. This month sure is going fast, I can’t believe it!

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

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This weekend we spent some time with Brett’s parents and the kids at The Grove Resort & Waterpark for a staycation. It was only about 30 minutes from our house, which is still considered Winter Garden so, it really was a staycation! We chose it because of all the on-site amenities and things to do, and because it was close to home, to save on travel time. Although it’s super close to the parks and has transportation to them, we wanted a place to go where we can chill there the whole day and still have lots to do.

We got there on Friday after work, the kids had a half day, and hung out by the pool. Mostly the hot tub because it is getting a little chilly for Floridians here! So I was glad to see they had a nice big one. The property had really nice grounds, too. Lots of walking paths, one that was between the three resort pools and water park. Several pretty lakes and a dock that had paddle boards and other water activities available.

That night we went out to dinner at Bonefish Grill, and it was the first time Rylee ordered off the adult menu. *Tear* She is really growing up so fast! And she also ordered the best thing on the menu by the way!

The kids had to get up early the next morning to go to soccer, which worked out great that we were only 25 minutes away. Rylee had one of the best games of her life! She played amazing defense, which is her position of choice, but she also almost scored her first goal on offense! We could all tell that she was so focused and into the game. It was really great to watch.

In between the kids’ games, which we had a two hour break, we went to the Winter Garden Farmers Market to walk around and grab something to eat. The Cuban sandwiches are amazing, and they always sell out before noon! We were glad to grab one. And we tried their special—chicken meatballs, stuffed with mac-and-cheese, covered in Buffalo sauce and topped with blue cheese. Can you say yummy!?

I have no pictures of Reece’s game, because he likes to make sure I am not on my phone and watching. His team played great, although they lost, it was a physical game but fun to watch, and Reece did score a goal so he was proud.

Back at the resort, we explored the grounds more, went to the water park where Rylee went on the two big water slides. We are waiting for Reece to grow two more inches so he can ride the slides at places, because he really wants to so badly. He was a good sport about it though.

The water was pretty cold in a lot of the pools, so I only stuck to the hot tub and the lazy river. The kids enjoyed the splash park for a bit after we found out Reece was too short to ride the big slides. But after a while, they were getting a bit chilly too.

We found out while we were there, that The Grove Resort was putting on a trick-or-treating event around the property and the kids were so excited! It was really well done, too, and made it fun for the adults. They gave us a map at the activity center and we had to find all the trick-or-treating locations and get a special stamp. Then at the end, if we got a stamp from all of them, we were given a special goodie bag and could enjoy the Halloween dance party! They had games and music playing, it was really fun.

We had to head back to the room to watch the UCF game and eat our dinner which we ordered from Carrabas. And after that meal and a family game of Trouble, we were spent!

The next day, started the day off with a visit to the arcade and played some glow in the dark mini golf which was really fun. Then we spent some more time in the pool and lazy river before getting packed up to head home.

It was time to start preparing for the week, grab some groceries and do some cleaning before watching some of the NFL games on RedZone. It was such a great family weekend at The Grove Resort & Water Park. We just wished there was one more day in the weekend to enjoy it together!

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Friday

Friday night, we met up with some friends for an impromptu dinner at the newest restaurant in town, The Hangry Bison. They built a grassy area and butterfly garden with the addition of this new building, and the kids absolutely love it. It get the kids excited to go out cause they can play catch or run around and it’s amazing for us too.

Saturday

This weekend we had the perfect lineup of soccer games. Not too early and back to back which is the best. And to add to that, we had two wins as well! The kids played so good! And it was great weather because it was supposed to rain, but never did and was completely overcast with a slight breeze.

Brett’s parents came in for the weekend as well and we all planned to celebrate Brett’s cousin Lindsey’s 40th birthday!

We went to Armando’s restaurant in College Park to celebrate.

Sunday

Sunday we got to the Spring Fever in the Garden festival right when it opened up. There were so many fun vendors selling plants and other fun garden accessories and decorations. We were looking for cilantro for our herb garden, but learned that cilantro does not grow well in the summer months, and that culantro is very similar in flavor. We decided to give it a shot and add to our garden.

It’s also a biennial plant, which means it should last us several years if we replant the buds that grow on the tips.

We also participated in a super fun scavenger hunt with the kids. At the end we got a code word and used it to submit our names into a drawing for a trip to Disney. I hope we win!

The kids also loved this motorcycle exhibit, and when they asked if they could sit on them, I said “Absolutely not!” But, they were allowed, so of course the kids loved it. They looked a little too comfortable on those things!

There was also entertainment and the kids were having a blast watching. Reece got called up a volunteer to hold up some flaming poles for the man to balance on his head. He was brave, but I think we was definitely happy to be free from the flaming poles above!

We headed home for lunch and while the kids were playing, I snuck away for some alone time at Aldi for the week’s shop.

We are ready for the week and I hope this Spring Weather sticks around!

I hope you all had a great weekend!

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Some of my favorite childhood memories are of my brother and I taking trips to the local orange groves as a family down in South Florida. There was something special about the sweet smell of citrus in the air, rows upon rows of trees with that delicious, orange fruit ready for the picking, the wild life (including live gators) and of course the orange flavored bubble gum we always took home from the shop.

Those groves are long gone now, but we’ve found an even more amazing citrus haven, right here in Central Florida.

The Showcase of Citrus

This place is an incredible scene, jam-packed with entertainment the entire family will enjoy. From perusing the Old Time Country Store for unique Florida delights or a world famous orange creamsicle, to taking a Monster Truck Tour of the 2,500 acre ranch.

Pumpkin Ponderosa

And the Pumpkin Ponderosa and other outdoor events are a must do!

We recently went for the pumpkin-season activities and were delighted at all there was for us and the kids to do.

The first stop was a photo opp at their super cute seasonal setups.

Next, the kids picked out their own white pumpkins from the patch.

For $5 a pumpkin, they were able to paint and glitter them right there for free. (And it was a mess, so better there than at home and I didn’t have to deal with any clean up.)

The hayride was a perfect and quick way to tour the groves while we were there and learn all about the different varieties they have on property. Did you know that you can pick them yourself when they ripen in December?

Under the pavilion there was a little bar serving ice cold beverages (my Dad and I indulged in a delicious Medalla) and it was a great place to hang out in the shade.

Especially after perusing the food truck selections for a snack. The empanadas were amazing!

All while the kids played on the playground by the picturesque lake.

We enjoyed all this and didn’t even make it onto the main property, where they have tons of things to do like gem mining and feeding the farm animals for the kids, and a full bar with wine tastings and mimosas.

Any time of the year, The Showcase of Citrus is a great place to take the family. But it’s especially fun during the Fall, when the weather is dreamy. Check it out when your looking for an experience that you (and your kids) will remember forever!

Other Family Fall Florida Adventures

More Florida Fall Adventures are coming your way, but for now, check out some tips on enjoying a day at Disney with a toddler. First one, is go in the Fall.

This is not a sponsored post and all opinions are my own. Thanks for reading!

The post A Fall Florida Adventure the Whole Family Will Love appeared first on Jane Erica.

Friday

It started off with Brett and I getting our first vaccine shot on Friday night after work. We both had two completely different experiences, but thankfully it all worked out and we were able to get our first dose. We found appointments through vaccinefinder.org which was super easy. I got mine from a Publix pharmacy and Brett went to the Orange County Convention Center specifically to get the Pfizer. I have to say the Publix experience was so seamless and easy, I would definitely recommend.

We met up with my parents who were watching the kids and went to dinner at the Plant Street Market to celebrate. They had live music outside and it was so good.

Saturday

Saturday morning was soccer games for both kids, and they did so good. They are really coming into their own and finding love for the game—and it’s making them so exciting to watch!

Brett went golfing with his buddies after and my mom, the kids and I went to Southern Hill Farms for you-pick blueberries and the spring festival! The kids had such a blast picking (and eating) the berries. Especially when we found field 4 where the sweetest berries were!

When we got home, the guys were still golfing so we got all the families together to hang out and eat dinner until they got home. It was a late night, but they all loved it!

Sunday

Sunday it was supposed to rain all day, but we totally lucked out and were able to make it to our golf lessons. Rylee went to a friend’s house for a playdate while Reece, Brett and I headed to Orange County National golf course for Reece’s and my golf lesson. It is so fun to learn something new and especially a sport that we can play as a family some day.

When we got home, I finished planning meals for the week, grocery shopping, ran a few errands and finished the laundry before starting bedtime routines. Gotta get ready for the week!

These weekends fly by so quickly but looking back we did so much! I loved spending the majority of it outside.

What was one new thing you did this past weekend? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!

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We were able to have a Friday Night date night thanks to Brett’s mom and we made reservations at the new Gochi Sushi and Yakiniku restaurant that just opened up in Winter Garden.

We sat at one of the Yakiniku tables where we got to cook our own marinated meats over the hot Japanese coals. It was so nice to have a long dinner experience that was interactive and made the evening last! We had to start off with the Gochi roll as an appetizer though, their sushi is just too good to pass up!

For dessert, we had planned ahead to go to Market to Table in downtown Winter Garden for their giant strawberry macaron with fresh made whipped cream.

We crave it and for special occasions, it is a must have!

And to add to the excitement, we just so happened to run into some good friends there who were enjoying a night out together without their little one! It was great to see them and catch up!

Saturday was full of soccer. Soccer in the morning. And Soccer in the afternoon!

With Reece’s game at 9am and then Rylee’s at noon.

This is seriously Reece’s happy place! He loves soccer so much and cannot get enough!

We took a little break at First Watch in between games.

This might have to be a new tradition on Soccer Saturdays. The Carnitas Burrito was the absolutely perfect breakfast / lunch combination! Brett and I both got it, but without the wrap and it was amazing. Next time I’ll have to snap a photo before I devour it!

Later on after running a few errands, I was craving the Chocolate Hazelnut gelato from Way Chocolate in Downtown Winter Garden and we took a afternoon trip into town.

From a texture lover, the Nutella ganache mixed with the rich creamy chocolate ice cream is just divine. It is cravable.

The kids opted for the Brigadeiro. Of course, it is the richest, chocolatiest thing on the menu!

On our way home, we had to stop by the new painted mural in DT that is so cute! Everyone needs this photo op in their lives!

Sunday (First kitchen update photos!)

So, one of the things I wanted to do with our kitchen remodel was get new dining chairs to make our kitchen table look a little bit more modern and my taste. But I came across this amazing dining set on facebook Marketplace and fell in love. I knew when I saw it, I had to have it. So, after confirming with the seller, we rented a Uhaul first thing in the morning and picked it up!

I am so excited so share it with you, but I dont think my current kitchen does it justice, so here’s a sneak peek!

The weather was a little crazy on Sunday, so we made the best of it with some friends and went to the Winter Garden fountains before the rain hit, then we head home for lunch and some football watching while the kids played.

Hope you all had a great weekend as well! Tell me about it in the comments section!

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