| Florida Carriage Museum's Holiday Programs Start Season in Style and Song |
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| November 04, 2009 |
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Horse-drawn carriages invite images of ball gowns and beautiful steeds. At the Florida Carriage Museum & Resort in Weirsdale near Ocala, you can see one of the world’s finest collections decorated for the holidays. During each Wednesday and Thursday evening in December, tour guides in period dress will lead visitors through decorated galleries.
Performers will be signing festive songs in costume while hot chocolate and dessert is served. These inviting programs will be held on Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17.
Located next to the Ocala National Forest, the museum has 160 carriages including elaborate models such as the 1850 Armbruster Dress Chariot once owned by Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria, and his wife, Elisabeth. Others are a little more utilitarian, like the English Omnibus or a horse-drawn fire fighting apparatus. Others have intriguing names (and histories), including the ornate Sicillian Caretta, and a Dutch Tikker that was once displayed by a Count in Ghent, Belgium.
History, pageantry and natural beauty are in abundance here. In addition to varied and interesting events including re-enactments, the Florida Carriage Museum is nestled in 400 bucolic acres in Florida’s horse country. Winding roads through moss-draped oaks make me long for a stay in one of their 24 well-appointed residences (right on the grounds) and 10 barns for those that come with four-hoofed family.
Make your reservations for the holiday tours by calling 352-750-5500, extension 248.
Floridians have unique and interesting ways to celebrate holidays. I’ll be writing about a few of them in November and December. Come back often to hear more! |
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| Carriages ranging from gilded to utilitarian are part of the 160-vehicle collection at the Florida Carriage Museum. |
| Credit: VISIT FLORIDA |
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