The Barberville Pioneer Settlement, situated at the intersections of State Road 40 and U.S. 17 (40 minutes west of Daytona Beach), comprises 24 buildings, many of which have been moved from nearby communities as a way of preserving history.

“Some of them were in danger of being destroyed and bulldozed. Wherever we were able to afford it, we tried to save historically significant buildings and bring them here onto the property,” said Gudrun Benson, the organization’s associate director. “It’s from post-Civil War until the early 1920s, that 50-to-60-year time period is our focal point.”

Established in 1976, the nonprofit organization welcomes an estimated 10,000-11,000 schoolchildren a year for field trips and hopes to preserve arts and crafts that otherwise could be lost to the pages of history.

“Our most popular program for the schools is our pioneer program, where we show the kids weaving, spinning, woodworking and candle making. They visit our log cabin,” Benson said. “It’s paramount that we have a hands-on activity in each station for the children. You can talk to them all day, and they won’t remember a word, but if you give them something to do, that sticks with them.”

During the first weekend of November, Barberville Pioneer Settlement celebrated its 47th annual Fall Country Jamboree. The village came alive with blacksmiths, living history demonstrations, folk music, storytelling, cowboys, contra dancing and more. It will be similarly bustling during upcoming events, including “A Florida Christmas Remembered” on Dec. 9, monthly playing on the porches with musicians and a “Spring Frolic” in April.

But even casual visitors can stroll around the 30-acre grounds on a self-guided tour and get a sense of what Floridian life was like 100 years ago.

“When folks walk into the log cabin, people look around and say, ‘I could live here.’ Then we point out, ‘You don’t have running water, no indoor plumbing, no electricity or AC. You have to drive your horse and buggy 5-7 miles into town to get to a store, and it will take you all day,” Benson said. “Those folks were hearty people who moved into Florida and eked out a living here in the scrub forest and the swamp and whatever else they encountered.”

Some of the settlement’s focal points include the 1919 Central School of Barberville building, which sits in its original location, the Pierson Railroad Depot (circa 1885), the turpentine still (circa 1924), the Huntington Post Office (circa 1885), the relay cabin (circa 1880), the Midway United Methodist Church (circa 1890) and the Underhill House, which was built in 1879 and is the oldest surviving brick house in Volusia County.

Although preserving history proves to be an uphill battle, the dedicated staff and volunteers hope the settlement remains for decades to come.

“After almost 50 years, what we see now is young families coming in and bringing their small children. The parents came here as school children on field trips, and they wanted their children to see the place,” Benson said. “To me, that’s one of the most rewarding aspects you can have for an organization like ours. We made an impact big enough for them to remember and want to bring their children out here.”

If you go

The Barberville Pioneer Settlement is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday at 1776 Lightfoot Lane in Barberville. General admission is $10 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-12, with discounts available for families, seniors and groups. Docent-guided tours are available with a minimum of 5 people. Only service animals are allowed. To learn more, visit pioneersettlement.org.

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

While the park’s boardwalk, restrooms, campsites and boat tours are accessible to all guests, the rugged sugar-sand trails are hard to experience for people with mobility impairments. A new tracked chair program aims to fix that.

The state park will now have access to a motorized wheelchair with all-terrain rubber tracks, which can be reserved Monday-Friday free of charge through an online system. This appropriately-colored blue EcoRover chair is made available through Friends of Seminole State Forest, which debuted the program earlier this year.

Another chair can be reserved Monday-Friday at DeLeon Springs State Park, and visitors can use a chair for exploring Seminole State Forest on the weekends. In the Sunshine State, an estimated 13.5 percent of adults have a disability that affects their mobility, not to mention out-of-state visitors who might benefit from the program.

“This park gets 700,000 visitors a year. DeLeon Springs gets 300,000,” said George Koutsakis, president of Friends of Seminole State Forest. “Between the two parks, that’s a million people per year that will have direct exposure to the tracked chair program.”

The group’s second chair was obtained thanks to a $15,000 donation from the Michigan-based Mesara Family Foundation. Greg Pauch, who serves on the foundation’s board of directors, made the trip down to Florida to see the new EcoRover for himself.

“It’s even more impressive in person than just seeing something on the website. It’s built well and moves smoothly,” he said. “As soon as these are available, people are going to start flocking to them; I can almost guarantee it.”

Track chair users must be accompanied by a friend or family member, who can also control the chair with a wired controller if the person in the chair cannot operate the hand controls.

Katherine Hallum, a member of Friends of Blue Spring State Park, has been hoping and working to implement such a program in the park.

“I started thinking along these lines because a friend of mine, who I would backpack, hike and bike with, ended up in a wheelchair,” she said. “We haven’t been able to provide people who have mobility challenges with access to our trails. Now they’re going to be able to see a different piece of the park or animals they haven’t been able to see before.”

What started several years ago with a trip to Colorado, where Koutsakis first witnessed similar powered chairs being used in a state park, is now expanding to impact more people right here in Central Florida.

“I’m thrilled we can include the state parks in the program. It’s just fantastic,” he said. “When you see the joy that this gives to people, it’s priceless.”

To learn more and reserve chairs for free, visit floridaoffroadadventures.org or friendsofseminolestateforest.org.

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

Earth Illuminated, which has been open since August at Pointe Orlando adjacent to Orlando Improv, presents dozens of art installations ripe for an Instagram post or a fun outing with friends.

“We want people to be awakened to their creativity,” said Heidi Webb, the attraction’s co-founder. “The art pieces in here tell a story of getting to see the Earth from a new perspective, almost as if for the first time again.”

While the experience is open and suitable for all ages, Webb said the main demographic of visitors will likely be around 18-40 years old. It might be easy to think of it as just a selfie museum, but the photogenic nature of the art doesn’t have to be captured on a camera to be enjoyed.

“Our purpose and intention is to meet the needs of the guest who comes, whether it’s a social media post or just to see the artwork and be in the atmosphere,” Webb said.

Visitors start by entering a pre-show area dubbed “Starship Regenesis” — think Spaceship Earth or Soarin’ except without a moving ride vehicle. Guests are put into the story in which they blast off to outer space and then step out to see a round blue Earth from the outside.

As people walk through the art exhibitions, they see a lawn party with a starry night sky above the mountains of Colorado, then an Alice in Wonderland-esque garden before transitioning into a room full of large fireflies.

At a certain point, visitors descend to a swampy lost cabin before heading under the sea with jellyfish and ultimately emerging into a human-centric cozy space with a large pouf chair.

Unlike a traditional art museum, everything can be interacted with and touched.

“One of the things that’s really special about the space is we’re not telling you you can’t touch it or how to do it,” Webb said. “We get to see different perspectives through the lens of other people.”

The final installation is a message wall, a “living piece of art” where people can write positive, encouraging and family-friendly messages to leave behind.

Because Earth is in the name of the attraction, Webb and her family of artists and co-creators used eco-friendly materials, including leftover paint from Habitat for Humanity, scrap metal, thrifted furniture and recycled materials.

“When you have Earth involved in your name, you need to be conscious of everything you’re doing,” she said.

The art pieces were designed and built by Heidi, her husband Nate Webb and their daughters Madeline and Mercedes, as well as other working artists. Throughout the walkthrough, installations include Easter eggs like a quote from the girls’ great-grandfather or special displays meant to show familial love.

“We had about 15 years of art that fell back into our storage unit, so we combined all the stories we were telling into one cool story,” Nate Webb said. “Hopefully, this comes out a little more hopeful than the rest of pop culture, which tends to be down and nihilistic. There’s actually hope.”

If you go: Earth Illuminated is open 3-10 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday at 9101 International Drive Suite 2300 in Orlando. Timed-entry tickets, which cost $35 per adult and $25 per child ages 6-11 (before fees), should be purchased online in advance. Discounts are available for groups, families and friends, with a special date night package also available. The experience takes around an hour to explore. For more information, visit earthilluminated.com.

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

Still, Floridians like to celebrate by picking pumpkins and carving them — although it’s best to wait until close to Halloween to avoid the chance of rotting gourds on the front porch.

All around Central Florida, there are churches, farms and businesses that truck in pumpkins from faraway lands in the name of fall-themed fun. Here are two dozen pumpkin patches to enjoy in the Orlando area. Be sure to verify hours and details before heading out.

Kasheta Farms Pumpkin Patch 

Run by founders Caitlin and Nick Kasheta, this Apopka community farm brings a pumpkin patch to Propagate Social House.

HOURS: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays  through Oct. 31

ADDRESS: 40 E. 5th St. in Apopka

MORE INFO: kashetafarms.com

Club Lake Plantation Fall Festival

This wedding venue and ranch hosts a fall festival with hay rides, a corn maze, a country store, family-friendly activities and a pumpkin patch.

HOURS: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fridays-Sundays through Oct. 29

ADDRESS: 3403 Rock Springs Road in Apopka

PRICE: $16.95 per person, infants are free

MORE INFO: clublakeplantation.com

Hagerty Farms Pumpkin Patch

Located at Hagerty High School, this pumpkin patch is free to enter and pet-friendly, carrying varieties of gourds from carving pumpkins to heirlooms and everything in between. Pricing guidance is listed online.

HOURS: 3-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 3-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

ADDRESS: 3225 Lockwood Blvd. in Oviedo

MORE INFO: hagertyfarms.com

CPC Celebration Pumpkin Patch

The Community Presbyterian Church in Celebration hosts its annual pumpkin patch.

HOURS: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday through Oct. 31

ADDRESS: 511 Celebration Ave. in Celebration

MORE INFO: commpres.org

East Lake Pumpkin Patch

Hosted by the East Lake County Chamber of Commerce, the 16th annual pumpkin patch brings gourds to the community ranging in price from $1-$60. Cash, checks, Venmo and credit cards are accepted.

HOURS: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through Oct. 31

ADDRESS: 24214 Sorrento Ave. in Sorrento

MORE INFO: elcchamber.com

Trinity Church Pumpkin Patch

Each year, the church takes delivery of more than 3,000 pumpkins. Families are also welcome to explore picture booths, a kids play zone, Friday night movies and a harvest party.

HOURS: 3-7 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends Oct. 7-31

ADDRESS: 890 Abrams Road in Eustis

MORE INFO: trinityfree.com

First Church of Oviedo Pumpkin Patch

Support this Oviedo church’s youth ministry by purchasing pumpkins from the volunteer-run patch. Options include carving pumpkins, heirlooms, minis, snowballs and gourds.

HOURS: 2-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

ADDRESS: 263 King St. in Oviedo

MORE INFO: fcoviedo.com

First United Methodist Church of Apopka Pumpkin Patch

This Apopka church has a pumpkin patch and a scarecrow trail for families to enjoy, plus special activities throughout the month of October.

HOURS: 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Oct. 8-31

ADDRESS: 201 S. Park Ave. in Apopka

MORE INFO: facebook.com

Markham Woods Presbyterian Church Pumpkin Patch

This Seminole County church hosts a pumpkin patch during the second half of October, plus a one-day Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 21.

HOURS: Oct. 14-31

ADDRESS: 5210 Markham Woods Road in Lake Mary

MORE INFO: mwpcusa.org

Orlando fall festivals, corn mazes: Where to celebrate the season in Central Florida

TUMC Pumpkin Patch 

The Tuskawilla United Methodist Church brings pumpkins to the community during the month of October.

HOURS: Oct. 12-31

ADDRESS: 3925 Red Bug Lake Road in Casselberry

MORE INFO: facebook.com/TuskawillaUMC

Trinity Baptist Church Pumpkin Patch

This annual family-friendly event celebrates the fall season and connects with the community with tons of pumpkins, games and a bounce house on Saturdays. Proceeds benefit the church’s outreach and mission.

HOURS: 1-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; Noon-7 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 31

ADDRESS: 1022 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Apopka

MORE INFO: tbcapopka.org

College Park United Pumpkin Patch

This community pumpkin patch brings gourds to College Park.

HOURS: 4-7 p.m. weeknights, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends Oct. 15-30

ADDRESS: 644 W. Princeton St. in Orlando

MORE INFO: cpumc.org

Great Scott Farms

Formerly known as Scott’s Maze Adventures, this Mount Dora family farm has a fall festival with a corn maze, farmer’s market, children’s activities, entertainment and a pumpkin patch.

HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Nov. 26 (market open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday)

ADDRESS: 21216 Country Road 448A in Mount Dora

PRICE: $15 per person before fees; children ages 3 and younger enter for free

MORE INFO: visitgreatscott.com

Oakland Presbyterian Church Pumpkin Patch

Find some “old-fashioned fall fun” with plenty of sizes, types and price points of pumpkins to choose from. Proceeds benefit the church’s ministries and community charities.

HOURS: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Oct. 14-31

ADDRESS: 218 E. Oakland Ave. in Oakland

MORE INFO: facebook.com/opc125

Central Parkway Baptist Church Pumpkin Patch

Located near SeaWorld Orlando, this church provides pumpkins (from 75 cents to $40) and tips on how to preserve carved jack-o’-lanterns. Proceeds benefit youth camp and mission work.

HOURS: 1-8 p.m. Sunday-Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday Oct. 7-31

ADDRESS: 5281 Central Florida Parkway in Orlando

MORE INFO: cpbcorlando.com

Sanlando Pumpkin Patch

Proceeds from this Longwood church’s pumpkin patch benefit youth ministry camps and service trips. Cash and cards are accepted.

HOURS: 2-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; 1-8 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 31

ADDRESS: 1890 W. State Road 434 in Longwood

MORE INFO: sanlando.org

Painted Oaks Academy Pumpkin Patch

This equestrian academy east of Orlando is hosting its annual fall festival with pony rides, pumpkins, a petting zoo and a corn maze next door.

HOURS: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Oct. 8-31

ADDRESS: 15100 Lake Pickett Road in Orlando

PRICE: $12 per adult on weekdays; $14 per adult on weekends. Discounts available for children (ages 3-17) and UCF students. Online advance tickets available.

MORE INFO: paintedoaksacademy.com

Community United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch 

This church pumpkin patch has been open during the month of October for more than 25 years.

HOURS: Noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 1-9 p.m. Sunday in October

ADDRESS: 4921 S. U.S. Highway 17/92 in Casselberry

MORE INFO: casselberrychurch.org

Southern Hill Farms Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch

This is the eighth year the Clermont farm’s fall festival, which features live music, food trucks, craft beer and wine, flat-screen TVs for football games, farm wagon rides and kids games. Pick from white pumpkins, heirlooms, jumbo jacks, minis, stem pies and tiger stripes.

HOURS: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thursdays-Sundays through Nov. 12

ADDRESS: 16651 Schofield Road in Clermont

PRICE: $21.95 per person (before fees). Tickets must be purchased in advance. Children who are two and younger enter for free.

MORE INFO: southernhillfarms.com

Amber Brooke Farms

This Florida family farm hosts visitors for live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, a hayride, a sunflower field and more. Visitors can snack on kettle corn or have lunch while exploring all the offerings.

HOURS: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays-Sundays through Oct. 29

ADDRESS: 36111 County Road 44A in Eustis

PRICE: $15 online, $17 at the door. Children who are two and younger enter for free.

MORE INFO: atwoodfamilyfarm.com

Sunsational Farms

This Umatilla farm brings family fun to visitors with a pumpkin patch, carnival games, bounce houses, ice cream, face painting, food trucks and more. Dr. Grimley’s Haunted Trail pops up on select nights for visitors looking for a fright.

HOURS: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 28

ADDRESS: 40541 Roger Giles Road in Umatilla

PRICE: Free parking and admission; activity ticket prices vary

MORE INFO: facebook.com

Showcase of Citrus Pumpkin Ponderosa

At Clermont’s Showcase of Citrus, join in some fall fun during the fifth annual Pumpkin Ponderosa. Families can pick pumpkins, feed farm animals, enjoy fall-themed arts and crafts, play outdoor games and indulge in autumn bites and beverages. Highlights include fresh orange juice mimosas, creamsicles and fruit slushies.

HOURS: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily

ADDRESS: 5010 U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont

PRICE: Free admission; some activities extra

MORE INFO: showcaseofcitrus.com

Santa’s Fall Fun Farm

In Eustis, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest transforms into a destination for fall fun, now celebrating 16 years of the “A Lot of Pumpkins” pumpkin patch. The farm features horse and pony rides, a bounce pillow, a maze and other children’s activities. Families can also opt to visit the petting zoo, take a hayride or explore food and drink options.

HOURS: Open select dates through Oct. 30 (check website for hours)

ADDRESS: 35317 Huff Road in Eustis

PRICE: Admission prices start at $9 and vary by date

MORE INFO: santaschristmastreeforest.com/pumpkins

Partin Ranch Corn Maze

This farm, about 13 miles south of St. Cloud, features crop mazes, a pumpkin patch, kids’ activities, combine harvester rides, vendors, pony rides and more. The farm advises visitors to bring cash for vendors and to check their Facebook page for closures based on weather.

HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Oct. 7-29

ADDRESS: 5601 N. Canoe Creek Road in Kenansville

PRICE: $15 for those ages three and older, $25 for season passes (discounts for military, first responders, seniors, groups and scouts in uniform)

MORE INFO: partinranchcornmaze.com

Harvest Holler Corn Maze

This “down-home farm” near Lakeland features a corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm animals, hayride, a “hay mountain,” miniature golfing, a store with Maw-Maw’s homemade goods and Paw Paw’s Vittles for some “country fixins.”

HOURS: 4-8 p.m. Fridays, noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 12

ADDRESS: 950 Tavares Road in Polk City

PRICE: Kids ages 2-12, those 65 and older, military are $12, Adults 13 and older are $15. Attractions are included in the price.

MORE INFO: harvestholler.com

Did I miss any pumpkin patches? Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

It’s a place I’ve heard mentioned many times in my five-plus years of living in Orlando but never visited until recently. Peter Schreyer, the Winter Park organization’s CEO and executive director of 28 years, enlightened me on Crealdé’s rich history and what happens on a day-to-day basis.

“We are, first and foremost, an art school. We put a lot of value in community involvement and activism. That’s what we’re all about,” he said. “We have a permanent faculty of 47, we’re inching up to 50. Plus, there are a bunch of visiting artists we bring in. We have a curriculum of about 150 courses we do throughout the year.”

As the school approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, it has seen a wave of growth, now welcoming about 4,000 students per year with classes every day of the week. Here are five noteworthy items as Crealdé remembers its past and looks toward future expansion.

A Lasting Legacy

Artist and philanthropist William Jenkins founded Crealdé Arts Inc. in 1975 with the vision of teaching fine arts to the community. A University of Florida alumnus (class of 1934), Jenkins traveled to Florence, Italy, to study at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts before returning to Winter Park to build residential communities and shopping centers while also serving for a year as a city commissioner.

By the late 1990s, Crealdé had grown to include three outreach sites that provided classes for children, teens and underserved communities.

After overcoming pandemic-related hurdles, which involved closing for six weeks and operating at 50 percent capacity for some time, Crealdé now offers around 150 courses annually for students of all ages.

“A long time ago, most of our classes were after 5. We have classes all the time now. People have more flexible schedules,” Schreyer said. “Within a year [after COVID-19 closures], our enrollment was back to where it was before. In another year, we were running 20 percent better than pre-COVID.”

The Lake

In a rare multi-disciplinary collaboration, “The Lake” is a documentary project featuring 10 painters and more than a dozen photographers who teamed up to explore the landscape and history of Lake Apopka.

The traveling exhibit has been shown in venues around Winter Garden, displaying an interpretation of the exploitation of humans and land, but also themes of restoration and hope.

“When I did this project in 2017, I wanted to do something that brought all my experience together,” said Schreyer, a longtime documentary photographer and instructor. “It’s an area that’s seen the best and the worst that mankind can do with the exploitation of people and destruction of wildlife. But there’s a lot of good people there and a lot of potential for the future.”

Hannibal Square Heritage Center

Amid the gentrification of highly-sought land in Winter Park, which has resulted in the displacement of Black residents and businesses, the Hannibal Square Heritage Center aims to preserve African-American history.

Hannibal Square, the “west side” of Winter Park, was officially founded in 1881, just 40 years after Florida became a state.

The center, which opened its doors in 2007, is a venue for exploring the art and history of West Winter Park. Its founding was intertwined with Crealdé, which worked with the City of Winter Park to open the center in the name of cultural preservation. Inside, discover photographs and oral histories of the historically Black community, find free art classes and explore rotating exhibitions.

Patrick Noze: Renaissance Artist of the Americas

Third-generation Haitian-American painter, sculptor, curator and illustrator Patrick Noze currently serves as the senior gallery curator for Crealdé. But before he took that position, the organization had arranged an exhibition showcasing his paintings, which are now on display in the Alice & William Jenkins Gallery through Jan. 20.

Noze, who has been painting since he was five years old, interprets scenes and people from Haiti and his travels in vibrant impressionistic brushstrokes. Visit the gallery in the coming months to be transported to faraway lands that come to life on canvases.

Constructing the Future

The post-pandemic surge of interest in Crealdé’s art classes has resulted in new growth for the school.

Ceramics have been an especially popular medium, and the organization is constructing new buildings to meet that demand and expects work to be completed in February.

“We’re about to add two more. When we’re done, we will have nine teaching studios,” Schreyer said. “There are about 180 ceramics students per semester and about another 100-120 on the waiting list. A second studio will allow us to teach side-by-side hand-building and wheel throwing. We’re building a third kiln to help with the firing capacity.”

If you go

• Crealdé School of Art: 600 St. Andrews Blvd. in Winter Park; crealde.org
• Hannibal Square Heritage Center: 642 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park; hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

As someone who has spent countless hours on a paddleboard and has some experience skateboarding, snowboarding and occasionally wakeboarding, I figured that trying to catch waves would be right up my alley. I thought that perhaps even my boogie-boarding experience might improve my odds.

Luckily, I found a willing teacher with plenty of experience. Clifford “Peanut” Kuehner, commonly known as the Surfing Santa and the mascot of the beachfront Christmas-time event, has spent decades riding waves.

“I think the first time I ever saw a surfboard, I was like six years old,” said Kuehner, now almost 72.

We drove to one of his favorite surfing spots just north of the Cocoa Beach Pier. What seemed like a decently calm day actually turned out to be a little rough once in the water, with 5-to-6-foot waves breaking one after another.

Still, we gave it a shot, and I got some tips as Santa gave the board a coat of wax.

“You have to learn balance. Start by sitting on the board and paddling the board,” Kuehner said. “Don’t worry about standing up when you first catch a wave; just ride it in and feel the movement.”

Once on the board, I knew this was where my boogie boarding experience might come in handy, though paddling a surfboard felt slightly different. I had to be watchful not to get pummeled by the swells, which were heightened as Hurricane Idalia approached the Gulf Coast. But I quickly saw the appeal.

Perhaps similar to fishing, surfing isn’t just about catching waves but enjoying time in the sun and on the water, a tranquil meditation on the ebbs and flows of the ocean.

“There’s peace you get from sitting out in the water relaxing,” Kuehner said.

But when it came time to catch my own waves, I didn’t hesitate to paddle with the breaking surf. While some gave me a sense of how it felt to ride the waves, others dumped over me, sending me under.

I learned the term “pearling,” which is apparently common among first-timers. As the waves crested a bit too steeply for my beginner status, the tip of the board dove nose-first into the sand, sending me for a swim. But once or twice, I did manage to stand up on the board, even if for just a few seconds.

I left a few blemishes on the 7-foot board I was learning on, but that’s just part of the deal, Kuehner said. Rather than trying to conquer tall waves that would be more suitable for advanced surfers, my teacher advised coming back on a calmer day and maybe using a bigger board.

“You did great. You were catching your own waves,” he said, extending the invitation to come back on a different day. “These were too big.”

More information: Contact Clifford “Peanut” Kuehner at 603-986-0236 for lessons.

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

The St. Johns Rivership Co. invites tourists and locals aboard the Barbara-Lee, a sternwheeler built in 1986 and refurbished in 2012. Driven by massive wooden paddle wheels, the ship harkens back to the 1800s when steamboats would regularly be seen traveling the 310-mile St. Johns.

Leaving Sanford behind and reaching the river from Lake Monroe, it’s easy to peer out the windows from one of the ship’s air-conditioned decks and imagine a much earlier time in Florida’s history. Other than modern marinas, motorboats and overhead powerlines, the sights give a glimpse of natural, wild Florida. Keep your eyes peeled for ospreys, anhingas, egrets and manatees swimming in the water.

A typical week for the St. Johns Rivership Co. includes several luncheon cruises, a dinner dance cruise and “Rockin’ on the River” party cruises on the first Friday of each month. Patrons are assigned a table and meals are included in the price of the ticket. Menu options include several styles of chicken, salmon, vegetable lasagna and prime rib. Cocktails, wine and beer are available for purchase on board for guests 21 and older.

The ship, which measures 105 feet from stem to stern, can accommodate up to 194 guests but doesn’t ever feel too cramped with five decks to explore. Cruises include Central Florida fun facts, trivia and history. Did you know that bull sharks have been known to inhabit parts of the St. Johns River?

Entertainment is also part of the package, giving couples the chance to sway along with the melodies of old Bill Withers or Otis Redding tunes.

The boat can be chartered for private events, making a unique venue for wedding receptions, company retreats or family reunions. A lunch or dinner cruise makes an ideal outing to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries, a great date for couples or a fun, family-friendly outing.

Whatever the occasion, hopping aboard the Barbara-Lee can provide a window into the past, transporting guests back in time to bygone eras of indigenous inhabitants, European explorers and 19th-century steamships that were once much more common than today.

If you go: The St. Johns Rivership Co. typically has luncheon cruises weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, a dinner dance cruise on Saturday and a 21+ party cruise on the first Friday of every month. Check the online calendar for exact times and a full schedule. Reservations by phone are required. Cruises launch from 433 N. Palmetto Ave. in Sanford. For more information, call 321-441-3030 or visit stjohnsrivershipco.com.

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

Now the 74-year-old can’t help but grin when tallying up the miles of paved trails that run through DeBary and Deltona, plus the paths that take tourists up and down the East Coast. According to the Volusia County Trails Master Plan, there are now more than 92 miles of paved trails.

Though Northey no longer serves on the council (she termed out after serving 20 years total in two separate stints), she’s still very involved in overseeing the continuation of her life’s work. On a sweltering August day, cicadas singing their summer song in the background, Volusia County’s “Trail Queen” sat down for an interview at Green Springs Park.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Question: When did your career in public service start?

Answer: I go back to the middle of the ’80s when my kids were in school at Deltona Lakes Elementary. I was active in PTA. We would go to Tallahassee and meet with our legislators. I knew at age 12 that I would run for office. I was voted into the Volusia County District 5 seat in 1992. I served from 1993 until 2004. I took two years off, served a year at the Chamber of Commerce and then ran for office again in 2006. I took office in 2007 and termed out in 2014.

Q: Whenever you first took office in Volusia County, were there any trails here already?

A: There were no trails at all. There was a program called ISTEA, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act. It was a federalized program with money that was set aside for transportation other than roads. We had three projects: revitalizing the DeLand train station, revitalizing the Wilbur Boathouse and building the first mile of trail across Gemini Springs.

Herb Hiller [a Florida ecotourism advocate] had this vision of doing the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop. He called me and we worked together on acquiring right of way. The program really came to life when Cindy Coto [former Volusia County manager] said, “What if we took part of the ECHO (environmental, cultural, historical and outdoor recreational) money and set aside $1 million a year that would go directly to trails?”

Q: What has happened with trails since you started?

A: Now, Volusia County has more than 90 miles of trails. I call it a 25-year overnight success story. Part of my enthusiasm and interest in trails came from the fact that they brought something home to my community. Here in District 5, which has DeBary and Deltona, we felt like the red-headed stepchildren of the county. Daytona was getting everything and we weren’t getting anything. I had an opportunity to change the footprint of my community and I did that.

Q: How much of the planned 260-mile St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop is complete at this point?

A: About 50 percent is completed. You can ride from Green Springs to De Leon Springs now. The St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance has people working in Putnam, St. Augustine, Flagler and Brevard. FDOT has been good to work with; they have embraced trails. We’re going to get the loop done.

Q: People are realizing there’s value here.

A: I chaired the reauthorization of Volusia ECHO funds in 2020. It was 75 percent approval from voters for Volusia Forever, the land-buying program, and 72 percent for ECHO, which is environmental, cultural, historical and outdoors. Since the pandemic, people want to get outside. We’re now going back and asking how we can make trailheads and infrastructure really viable.

I think we’re a healthier community than when we started. There’s an economic benefit in bringing people to the community, selling bikes and welcoming people to our businesses.

Q: Whenever you started serving on the county council, did you ever think trails would be your main mission?

A:  I never thought about it until it became an obsession. The idea was a gift from my staff. I went out and talked to people, other elected officials and people from FDOT about why this was important. I developed an army of people who believed in this. Fellow council members would roll their eyes when there was a segment on the agenda. They would look at me and I said, “Don’t you dare not vote for this.” Elected officials now talk about these trails like it was their idea.

Q: The St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance has you labeled as the “Trail Queen.” Is that an accurate nickname?

A: Big John, the late Volusia County councilman, served with me on council and called me “Trail Queen” as if I would get offended. I actually embraced it. After that, we became friends and he became an advocate. He would also call me ‘Princess Patty’ on occasion. I answered to either; that’s what made him mad.

I tell people that my skin is so thick that arrows bounce off of it, which you need when you’re in politics. But if you work together, you get a lot more done.

Q: What do you think are the keys to making things happen?

A: I think you have to be transparent, trust people and talk to them. You have to be a part of the community. You can’t just show up when you want people’s votes. Funding is always good. But this whole trail system has taken on a life of its own.

Q: How do you want people to remember your legacy?

A: I am moved that there are two segments of trail that were named in my honor. The beauty of the trails is not just about biking. It’s about the kid on the scooter, the parent who brings their child in the stroller, it’s about runners and walkers. What got me into this is that every element of outside activity you can do on a trail.

I have a granddaughter who is a senior at university this year. I think about her and her friends. These trails aren’t going to go away; they’re going to be here. Between the county and FDOT, we’ve invested the money to make sure that the trail network grows and is maintained.

Q: How do you make sure this work continues into the next generation of leaders?

A: I have stayed close with county council members. Whenever there is anything on the agenda that relates to trails, I have their cell phone numbers and I text them all the time. I feel like I have to keep going until I die or until I can’t. This is my community. You owe it more than your tax dollars; you owe it a piece of yourself to make it better.

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

This was a Central Florida troop meeting for the Dog Scouts of America, an organization that aims to help dogs and humans bond, in turn improving lives — both of the human and canine variety.

“I’ll mention Dog Scouts and people ask, ‘What’s that?’ I’ll say, ‘You know, there’s Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Dog Scouts,'” said Jeanette Heideman, one of the troop’s members. “They have accomplishments and they get their little badges, even a vest if they get far enough.”

Dogs and their handlers can earn more than 100 merit badges in nine categories: agility, community service, competitive sports, nose work, obedience, responsible pet parenting, pulling, trails/outdoors and water.

At one meeting in late June, dogs tested their agility skills on a course, tried their noses at scent work and one border collie even practiced his painting skills. At another meeting, the troop visited “Rattie, Set Go!” in Clermont for a barn hunt, an activity that tests a dog’s scenting ability with rats hidden in hay bales.

Shirley Conley, the troop’s leader, said that these experiences help dogs and owners grow without worrying about competition.

“You’re challenging yourself and working toward your own goals. It’s not subjective like it is in obedience competitions, where it’s a matter of what the judge sees,” she said. “You’re not scored against other people, it’s just you and your dog against the standard. Once you meet that, it’s ‘Good job, here’s your badge.'”

The motto of Dog Scouts of America is to “learn new things, that we may become more helpful.” The organization promotes positive reinforcement like giving pups treats upon the completion of a task.

“The more people interact with their dogs and they become family members, the less likely they are to end up in shelters,” Conley said. “It’s all about building the human-canine relationship. It’s the bond that makes it worth your while when you come home and the dog makes you smile rather than rolling your eyes.”

Beyond that, the troop aims to get involved with the community while working with their dogs.

“Troops have been involved in Salvation Army bell ringing. People will teach their dogs to ring the bells or do tricks,” Conley said. “Well-behaved dogs are welcome in more places in the community.”

Conley’s troop meets at least once a month, and newcomers may participate twice for free before they are required to join the national organization, which collects $30 annual dues. There are no dues on the local level.

While some participating canines and their owners might be motivated to earn as many badges as possible, others enjoy coming to meetings simply to spend time with fellow dog enthusiasts.

“People can do as much or as little as they want,” Conley said. “There’s a social aspect. The dogs are having fun and learning something along the way.”

For more information, go to dogscouts.org. To find local troops, look under the homepage’s “Troop” tab. 

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.

From IceBar Orlando on International Drive to the Orlando Ice Den in Maitland, there are plenty of ways to get inside to experience cold places away from the summer heat. Here are some frigid experiences to explore in Central Florida.

Snow City

This Windermere-area eatery serves poke bowls, sushi, milk tea, smoothies and, most importantly — ice cream. Whether it’s boba tea, lunch or rolled ice cream you’re looking for, this shop has something for every palate and interest.

If you go: Snow City is open 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday at 8935 Conroy Windermere Road in Orlando. More information: snowcityfl.com

Orlando Ice Den

Ice skating seems like the sort of thing that would be reserved for wintertime in snowy northern states or Canada, but there is an indoor destination for year-round icy fun in Central Florida. Visit the RDV Ice Den in Maitland for lessons on how to skate, hockey, figure skating and public skating sessions.

If you go: RDV Ice Den is open daily at 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd. in Orlando. Hours of operation vary based on daily programming. Call 407-916-2550 or visit orlandoiceden.com for more information.

Frozen Ever After

Taking a walk “around the world” at Epcot would leave one feeling quite sweaty this time of year. Cool off with a ride on Frozen Ever After, a boat ride featuring Anna, Olaf and several other “Frozen” friends. The slow-moving boat attraction carries the possibility of getting slightly wet, which might be welcomed this time of year. At least it’s definitely air-conditioned inside, a relief even while waiting in the queue.

If you go: Check daily theme park hours for Epcot, which is located at 200 Epcot Center Drive in Lake Buena Vista. More information:disneyworld.disney.go.com

IceBar Orlando

If you’re of drinking age and want to find somewhere it’s possible to see your own breath, look no further than IceBar Orlando, a watering hole that keeps its thermostat set to a cool 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Find more than 70 tons of carved ice while sipping on cool margaritas or a “Snow Cosmo.” When heading into the cold winter wonderland, guests are equipped with thermal coats and gloves. Warm up in the adjacent Fire Lounge, which features food and flaming cocktails.

If you go: IceBar Orlando is open 5 p.m.-midnight Sunday-Thursday and 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday at 8967 International Drive in Orlando. The I-Drive bar has happy hour specials five days per week and plenty of special events on the calendar. More information: icebarorlando.com

The IceHouse Theatre

Set in the rolling hills of Mount Dora, the IceHouse Theatre is set inside what was formerly home to an ice plant. While it’s probably not ice cold anymore, the theatre’s air-conditioning should keep patrons plenty cool. What’s even cooler is that through Aug. 6, “Happy Days: The Musical” has performances with Central Florida singer-actor Devin Clark starring as Arthur “the Fonz” Fonzarelli.

Ayyy! As the Fonz from ‘Happy Days,’ Devin Clark stays cool at the IceHouse

If you go: The IceHouse Theatre kicks off its 2023-2024 season with “Happy Days: The Musical” showing through Aug. 6 at 1100 N. Unser St. in Mount Dora. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children ages 17 and younger and $15 for students ages 18 and older. More information: icehousetheatre.com or 352-383-4616

3 more cool thoughts

• Ice Pro is a Central Florida-based company creating custom ice sculptures for birthdays, corporate parties, holidays, weddings and more. The company also offers ice bars and craft cocktail ice. More information: iceprofl.com
• A Frosty Fun Camp from Central Florida Community Arts invites children ages 4-7 to “let it go” and let it snow through the “magic of theatre.” The one-week summer camp is July 24-28 from 9 a.m.-noon and costs $175 per student. More information: fcarts.com
• A “Winter Wonderland” showroom from Johannessen Lights has garland, wreaths, Christmas lights, a miniature village and more holiday merriment in the middle of summer. Eric Johannessen, whose home and family were previously featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” has turned professional holiday lighting into a year-round job. Visit the showroom’s open house with food, drinks and family activities from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 13 in Winter Park. Call 407-636-3232 to RSVP. More information: orlandoholidaylights.com

Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.