Daytona Beach Symphony - Society and Guild

The Daytona Beach Symphony Society  is about to start its 65th season! Though Daytona does not have its own symphony orchestra, the Symphony Guild and Symphony Society manage to wow, entertain, and delight Daytona Beach residents every year with world-class acts.

This season will kick off on November 11 with Siberian Virtuosi – an ensemble of 11 brilliant violinists bringing you a thrilling evening. Throughout the season you can also experience the Prague Philharmonia, The Vienna Boys’ Choir, Bamberg Symphony, Theatro Lyrica, and much more. Every last performance featured by the Daytona Beach Symphony Society is of outstanding and high-class nature. Truly fabulous cultural experiences! Get your tickets here .

Thanks to tireless efforts of the Symphony Guild, the greater Daytona Beach area can enjoy these incredible performances every year! The Guild’s work includes advocacy for the Symphony Society, and of course fundraising. In addition, the membership dues make a program possible for 2,500 school children to see the performances each year at no cost to them. Many of the 6 to 18 year-old students are at risk, and at least 40% percent live below the poverty line. Here they can experience top-notch musical performances, which would not be possible without the Guild’s program. 

In May of this year, the Symphony Guild elected a new president, Gerri Wright-Gibson, with whom the new guild season will kick off on Monday, October 3 at 10am at the St. James Episcopal Church in Ormond Beach.

Meetings are every first Monday of the month, October through May. Being a member comes with some terrific benefits! You get to meet and socialize with interesting and fun people. As a guild member, you can receive a 35% discount on season tickets to the Symphony Society performances. And you receive invitations to the Daytona Beach Symphony Guild’s cultural excursions and outings, unique parties, dinners, luncheons, and a newsletter. You can be on one of 13 committees! Most importantly, you can be an advocate for Daytona Beach’s premier source of music, dance, and performance: The Daytona Beach Symphony Society.

If you would like to join, the annual fee is $40. You can email Joan Fenton, who is in charge of memberships, and she will advise you how to proceed. Email Joan

Creative Florida Living

Janet Sells 

Underrated and Unknown Attractions in Central Florida II

If you live in Central Florida, you know that there is always something fun to do. And if you are visiting, you are probably here to experience some of those fun things. Most notably are, of course, the Disney Parks near Orlando, that draw millions of visitors every year. But those parks are pretty pricey, especially if you are going with your family. 

However, not to fear! Here are some great attractions and activities that are not expensive and some are even free! Moreover, they are not as well known, so you may not encounter hordes of people when you go. 

Mount Dora Museum of Speed

Mount Dora Museum of Speed is small but mighty. It is packed with some of the rarest auto history you’ll find anywhere in Florida. The museum includes an odd collection of cars, clothing, neon signs, signed guitars and a lot more.

The museum is privately owned and operated, so it is good to call ahead and make sure they are actually open. Some of the cars on display are for sale, so if you’re in the market, you might find your classic car gem here!

This quirky showcase is ranked in the top 3 of things to do in Mount Dora on Tripadvisor, and it is a fun activity to integrate in your Mount Dora visit (where you should go anyway, because Mount Dora is awesome!). 

The museum is open Monday – Friday from 10AM-5PM. Admission is $15. The guided tour costs $20 and requires a minimum of 20 people. No people under 14 are allowed in the museum. Call 352-385-0049 to see if they’ll be open when you want to go!

M&M’s World

Yes, you read it – M&M’s WORLD! 

It’s at the Florida Mall in Orlando. 

You can meet life-size M&M characters! In person!  The M&M World is a fun shop to explore with some interactive exhibits but the M&M guys are what make this retail experience a must see if you’re at the mall.

There is a lot of stuff to see and buy – and of course there are M&M’s. Not much else to say here… M&M’s… mmmm! 

There are a lot more Central Florida attractions we will explore. Whether you live here year round, are visiting, or are thinking about relocating, Florida is THE entertainment state!  

 Creative Florida Living

 Janet Sells