America's Movie Train!

Saturday, December 19th was a beautiful day for a road trip! My husband and I drove to Tavares, Florida, a two hour ride. There in Tavares is a train featured in more than 20 movies and TV shows including: "True Grit," "3:10 to Yuma," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?," and "Rose Wood."

The steam train is named the Orange Blossom Cannonball and during the Christmas holidays it offers half hour rides in a festive atmosphere with Santa and his elves. The 1907 Baldwin steam locomotive pulls vintage cars carrying parent and children (many dressed in Xmas pjs) for a fast fun trip. At other times a 1941 GE diesel locomotive, called the Mount Dora limited  travels the rails and offers a 90 minute round trip between Tavare and Mount Dora. The Baldwin steam locomotive does pull those vintage cars 90 days a year, but you need to check the online schedule at www.orangeblossomcannonball.com or call (352) 742-7200 for more information.

The train station is located in an ideal spot across from Wooton Park, situated on Lake Dora. There is a wonderful large kid friendly playground and a truly neat splash park. The park is clean and the grounds are beautiful. It's picture perfect with something for everyone: gazebos, picnic tables, sea plane tours and a pier. There is even pavilion on the lake for special events, such as weddings. All this, and it's just across the street from restaurants.This is a great place to spend a day relaxing under some large shady trees! This is a gem in Tavares, Florida!