Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Lake Proctor

"A celebrated and self-taught artist, Earl Cunningham was best known for stunning coastal landscapes, not just of those he witnessed in Florida but also in Georgia, Maine, Michigan, New York, North and South Carolina, and even Nova Scotia. Since 1998, his work has been preserved, exhibited and interpreted by The Mennello Museum of American Art, which is part of Loch Haven Cultural Park just north of downtown Orlando. In addition to its permanent Cunningham exhibit, this museum hosts a rotating lineup of temporary exhibitions, enriching programming and educational initiatives, as well as the Marilyn L. Mennello Sculpture Garden."

"Originally established to preserve Earl Cunningham paintings, The Mennello Museum of American Art, housed in what was once the private home of Howard Phillips, uses its unique space to display American art of all genres and time periods. Marrying art and nature, visitors have the opportunity to experience exceptional exhibits with the beautiful backdrop of Lake Formosa. The Smithsonian American Art Museum Affiliate showcases notable exhibitions, but just as lovely is enjoying the grounds with a picnic lunch and reveling in the charm of the 350-year-old live oak affectionately deemed “the Mayor."

"The Mennello features American art of all genres and is home to a permanent collection of paintings by "primitive" artist Earl Cunningham. Outside, a lakeside sculpture garden is where the Mennello hosts the annual Indie Folk Fest, held the second week in February. Every second Sunday is Family Day, which brings child-friendly activities and free admission with mini-tours for kids in the afternoon."

"One of Central Florida’s leading cultural institutions since 1924, Orlando Museum of Art, aka OMART, is part of Loch Haven Cultural Park close to downtown Orlando. With a stated mission of inspiring creativity, passion and intellectual curiosity by connecting people with art and new ideas, OMART curates and presents a wide range of compelling artwork. Every year, OMART hosts a rotating selection of 10 to 12 on-site exhibitions, in addition to presenting 13 off-site exhibitions, art-enrichment programs, gallery tours, lectures, classes and other services."

"While the Orlando Museum of Art has a wide spectrum of art in various media and style. The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art. Right now in its fourth year, has become a highly anticipated event for the venue."

"The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art is an initiative of the Orlando Museum of Art that brings a new level of recognition to the State?. s most progressive artists."

"With a collection of over 200 works by the award-winning, internationally recognized Czech-born sculptor Albin Polasek, the museum not only offers a reprieve for art lovers but nature lovers as well. Located on beautiful Lake Osceola, the sculptor’s home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits amid breathtaking grounds. Take a guided tour through the three-acre sculpture gardens, find serenity in the chapel, or simply linger along the tree-lined paths while enjoying one of Central Florida’s spectacular sun-filled days."

"Born in 1879 in what is now known as the Czech Republic, internationally acclaimed sculptor Albin Polasek emigrated to the U.S. in his early 20s. During his long career, he created more than 400 works of art — and you can view nearly half of them at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park, about 20 minutes north of International Drive. Learn more: Winter Park"

"Minutes from the busy city life of neighboring Orlando, visitors will find a serene escape in the Art and History’s five museums nestled within two campuses. Visitors can fill a day exploring the Maitland Art Center, Maitland Historical Museum, Telephone Museum, Waterhouse Residence Museum, and Carpentry Shop Museum. Just step inside the restored Waterhouse Residence Museum and be whisked away to Victorian times as you stroll through a guided tour admiring the Eastlake staircase and plush furnishings or reminisce about the turn of the century with woodworking tools, including ones used by Mr. Waterhouse himself."

"Part of Maitland’s cultural lineup, Art & History Museums — Maitland has so much to offer that it can’t be contained by one building. Instead, it is spread out over two campuses, both of which are on the National Register of Historic Places: the Maitland Art Center and the Victorian-era Waterhouse Residence Museum. The Maitland Art Center is also a National Historic Landmark, thanks in large part to unique Aztec- and Mayan-influenced architecture and one of the southeast’s only remaining examples of Mayan Revival designs."

"Just minutes from Downtown Orlando, the five museums that comprise the Art & History Museums – Maitland feature countless opportunities for visitors to experience hands-on history and fine art exhibitions."

"Located in Maitland close to Winter Park, about 30 minutes north of International Drive, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center doesn’t just teach about the past. It also focuses on a future that is free of antisemitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry. One of this museum’s most unique exhibits invites you to don Oculus googles for a powerful virtual-reality experience that will transport you to the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis, with Frank sharing her inspirational story along the way."

"Historic Eatonville is one of the oldest African-American communities in the United States, and you’ll find it just 25 minutes north of International Drive. Incorporated in 1887, the town also served as the childhood home of seminal author Zora Neale Hurston (Their Eyes Were Watching God). Today, Eatonville honors Huston’s legacy with the annual ZORA!"

"The Zora Neale Hurston Festival is an internationally known celebration of the cultural contributions that Africa-descended people have made to the United States and to world culture."

"The Fun New American Restaurant in Thornton Park features hand-crafted mule cocktails that pair perfectly with their new brunch menu. Looking for something sweet and savory?. Their "Who Woke Up First" dish mixes southern comfort with breakfast favorites."

"It wasn’t long ago that Orlando was synonymous with theme parks, water slides and kitschy T-shirt shops. And downtown Orlando?. It barely registered on tourists’ radar."

"Lake Beresford Park in Deland is one of the most famous natural habitats in USA. This park covers an area of 210-acres and contains hiking and biking trails. The Blue Springs inside the park makes it look very beautiful."

"WaiTiki is your escape from the hustle of the everyday life. Feel our Tiki Bar vibes with island music, specialty cocktails & beach-bar attitude - all right here in Downtown Orlando."

"Downtown Orlando's PREMIERE outdoor terrace restaurant & bar, Ember is reminiscent of the easy-going social taverns seen all over Europe and the Mediterranean. Enjoy open air seating, 4 full bars including specialty craft beers & mixology drink menus, daily lunch specials, and so much more!."

"On Central Blvd., downtown, Ember combines fine dining and a nightlife setting. Indoors or out, this is the perfect place for friends, larger gatherings, or a romantic evening out."

"One of the biggest surprises during the pandemic was Dovecote Brasserie chef Clay Miller leaving the restaurant he founded (and partially owned) to become executive chef of the Ravenous Pig. It’s a powerhouse move for the powerhouse Winter Park stalwart, but even before Miller’s arrival, the Pig impressed with their stellar curbside conduct and equally astral Southern-tinged fare. Of note are its convenient curbside “dinners for two” offering everything from prime rib and Nashville hot chicken to shrimp and grits and short-rib tacos."

"It’s no surprise that the opening of this beloved gastropub back in 2007 coincided with Orlando’s rise as a culinary hot spot. While its owners James and Julie Petrakis have not stopped opening other ventures around the city (including..."

"No surprise one of the city’s best restaurants would serve one of the city’s best brunches every weekend from 11 a.m."