I don’t often write about a single venue but as we head into
October and a little break in the heat and humidity I thought I’d share one of
the ‘tourist capital of the world’s’ secrets. It’s Harry P. Leu Gardens located
less than a mile north of the heart of downtown Orlando. This 50-acre former
residence of local business leader H.P. Leu and his wife Mary Jane was donated
to the city of Orlando in 1961 and is now open to the public for tours, special
events, and rental for private events.
Having grown up less than 4 blocks from Leu Gardens I have
seen it transform from what we used to call ‘the big house’ with surrounding
gardens and orange groves to one of Orlando’s best-kept secrets. The
beautifully landscaped gardens containing what seems like hundreds of different
varieties of camellias unfold to a gentle sloping hill leading to the shores of
Lake Rowena. Yes, that’s the lake across the street from Loch Haven Park! As
you can see, this is truly in the heart of downtown Orlando. In addition to the
gardens there is a museum that depicts life on the property in the early 1900’s
when Orlando was just beginning to grow. Of course Orlando didn’t really catch
on until the wide use of indoor air conditioning in the early 1950s.
With a break in the heat and the secret out, Leu Gardens is
the place to visit if you want to capture the beauty of the natural side of
Orlando. Special events are planned throughout the autumn months starting in
October with Storytime, Date Night, Jazz ‘n Blues Stroll (my personal
favorite), and of course Halloween week would not be complete without Ghost
Stories at Leu Gardens. General admission is less than $10 dollars, parking is
free, and I’ll let you in on one final secret...daytime admission is free on
the first Monday of each month.
Harry P. Leu Gardens is a real crown jewel for the city of
Orlando and I have certainly enjoyed it most of my life. The secret is out – the
first Monday in October is tomorrow and admission is free, go enjoy one of
Orlando’s secrets!
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