PLAYGROUNDAfter completing a decade of publications and now into our 11th year in print, it might be a good time to reintroduce ourselves to you. If you’re visiting PLAYGROUND for the first time, we’re so glad you found us! PLAYGROUND is a regional...
After completing a decade of publications and now into our 11th year in print, it might be a good time to reintroduce ourselves to you. If you’re visiting PLAYGROUND for the first time, we’re so glad you found us! PLAYGROUND is a regional...
Wendy Meyer is a Winter Park mom to son, Beckett, a self-proclaimed #Disnerd and an integral collaborator at PLAYGROUND Magazine. She currently holds the titles of social media manager, events editor and writer. (That's what happens when you're good at everything they throw at ya!) You can read her single-mom musings on her blog: Mommy’s Little Rebel.
Heather Reneau is an Oviedo mom of two and a graphic designer/art director with a natural flair for writing. Her entrepreneurial spirit has led her down many business paths, including conceiving and producing PLAYGROUND Magazine back in 2007. It's her passion to celebrate local people and spread the word about quality family businesses, services and events in Orlando and beyond.
Cortney Thekan lives in Conway and is the mother of two brilliant, quirky kids. She serves as PLAYGROUND Magazine’s irreplaceable editor-at-large, business consultant and den mother. Cortney is the owner of Core Publishing, providing professional writing and editing services to businesses large and small.
Brant Muekeley is married to the publisher and uses his engineering mind to crunch the numbers for PLAYGROUND as our financial manager. He works behind-the-scenes generating invoices and writing checks to keep PLAYGROUND financially successful. Brant is also the owner of Measure Dynamics of Orlando, which provides laser measuring and drafting services.
Alisha Champ lives in Ocoee but travels all around Central Florida attending to multiple creative projects and assisting parents with the business of their lives. Alisha is PLAYGROUND Magazine’s special projects manager and fashion editor. She is also the owner of Consider Any Thing Done, where she assists families with everything from babysitting to interior design.
Jessica Ventura lives in Baldwin Park with her husband and two kids. She is PLAYGROUND Magazine’s advertising manager and biggest fan. Jessica knows local business is the backbone of our community, and she works hard to create exciting marketing options for our partners. She is also a successful independent business consultant for Rodan+Fields.
Alicia McKee lives in Apopka with her husband and daughter. She is PLAYGROUND Magazine’s advertising coordinator and E-newsletter guru. Alicia came to us excited to have found a magazine that helped her navigate the new world of parenting. We put her right to work on the many important tasks surrounding our advertising partners.
Tracey C. Velt is a married mom of two children living in Heathrow. She's a UCF graduate and has been the editor-in-chief of regional and statewide magazines. In 2004, she start her own freelance writing and editing business, Tracey Velt Consulting. She's also a regular contributor of PLAYGROUND Magazine.
Nicole Mitchem is a Florida Native, proud mom of three sons and a former model. She picked up a camera when her oldest son was born 18 years ago and fell in love with photography. Nicole has been shooting professionally ever since. Her desire is to convey vibrance, fun and expression in all of her work.
Amanda Green is a native Floridian and mother of two. She enjoys writing about travel, family, adventure, and living the Florida lifestyle. Look for her next time you're outside exploring Central Florida's parks and trails.
Marliese Carmona is a commercial and editorial photographer in Central Florida. She is a toddler chasing, yoga loving, mad scientist creative with two kids, a house full of corgis, and a serious, serious love affair with light. Marliese also develops talent portfolios for models and actors in the Florida market.
Kristen Manieri is a prolific writer who has been blogging about relationships and date night for 12 years through her sites: Orlando Date Night Guide and Date Night Guide. Kristen is also the host of The Synced Life podcast, which explores topics related to human connection. She lives in the Orlando area with her husband, Marc and their two daughters.
Megan Navarro is a Central Florida native, born and raised in DeLand and has lived in Orlando for most of her adult life. She is a graduate of the UCF Rosen School of Hospitality Management and is an accomplished professional photographer. Megan produces the YouTube channel "I am Megan Navarro," where she specializes in budget-friendly home décor and organization tips, as well as awesome family-friendly adventures in Orlando. Megan is a truly positive person and lives by the motto: To the Top, Never Stop!
Viviana is the Assistant Manager for Community Relations of the Orange County Library System. She holds an M.L.I.S. from the University of South Florida and has 10 years experience as a Children’s Librarian. Viviana is a voracious reader, obsessed with all things Harry Potter and is happy to pass that on to her 5-year-old son.
JJ West lives in Oviedo with her husband and three children. She is a former teacher and a “wannabe blogger.” When she isn’t changing diapers, preparing snacks or answering a million questions, she enjoys the beach, sweet tea and college football. You can read more about faith, family and funny stories on her blog, Mrs. JJ West.
Kodi Churchill is an Orlando mom to a spunky 2-year old boy and enjoys fostering cats, listening to 90's band Hanson and watching Disney movies. Her previous roles include writing and marketing for the tech and sports media corporations. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina in Journalism and Mass Communications.
Angela C. Browning and her husband, Brandon, are the proud Orlando-based parents of three boys. Angela holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and literature from Eastern Michigan University and earned her Juris Doctor from Ave Maria School of Law. Follow her group’s effort at facebook.com/groups/ocpsrecess and @RestoreRecess on Twitter.
As a Family Therapist for over 20 years, Jodi empowers people to become their own healer. As an anxiety survivor and a mom of teens, Jodi totally gets it. Her TEDxWilmington talk, “Calm Anxious Kids,” and her new book, Anxiety...I’m So Done with You! are changing the way we understand the current mental health crisis.
Dr. Mandana Nabizadeh, DDS, known to her patients as Dr. Nabi, attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and earned her D.D.S. degree in general dentistry. She specializes in working with pediatric dental patients in the downtown Orlando-based pediatric practice Your Downtown Dentistry. Dr. Nabi is married to Dr. Ali Behzadi and has a young daughter, Melody.
Stephanie Vatalaro is a lifelong angler. She works to introduce newcomers to the water as senior vice president of marketing & communications for the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation and its Take Me Fishing initiative. Outside of work, you’re likely to find her fishing and boating with her family.
Avani Desai is a mom of two, executive vice president at Schellman & Company, member of board of directors at Central Florida Foundation and co-chair of 100 Women Strong, a collective giving initiative of the Central Florida Foundation that inspires women in Central Florida to help improve the lives of women and children through strategic philanthropy.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.
Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr. Oz.
What fall adventure would be complete without mouth-watering apple cider donuts, jolly Jumbo Jack carving pumpkins and strikingly beautiful sunflowers and zinnias for your family photos? Admission tickets must be purchased online in advance, no admission payments will be accepted at the farm. Tickets and more information can be found at https://southernhillfarms.brushfire.com/fallfestival/.
About the event:
• Held Thursdays through Sundays, beginning September 26th through November 8th. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Children 2 and under are free but will still need a Toddler Ticket to enter.
• On weekends, you will choose a reservation time. You have an arrival window of 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after your chosen time to arrive at the farm.
• Face masks are required when in lines, participating in activities and when social distancing cannot be maintained. Please ensure that you bring a mask for everyone in your group 3 years or older to use during these times.
• Complimentary Farm Wagon rides.
• Sunflower and zinnia u-pick! $1/stem zinnias, $2/stem sunflowers.
• Sweet corn available for purchase, grown here at Southern Hill Farms.
• Our pumpkin patch barn (please note that the pumpkins are already cut from the vine) boasts a wide variety of beautiful and unique pumpkins of all sizes and colors, corn stalks, Indian corn, gourds and more for purchase. We provide a complimentary pumpkin ‘holding’ area for your purchased pumpkins while you stay and play. Prices vary based on size and type.
• Live music by Jeff Whitfield from 11:00 am to 2:45 pm, and TBD from 3:15 pm to 7:00 pm (live music on weekends only).
• Food trucks: Southern Hill Eatery, Twisted plates, Bauer-BQ, Willy Ts Crab Shack, Peru Power Food Truck, A Lo Cubano Kitchen, The Big Hot Box, Rollin Dough and Absofruitly. Serving from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (guest food trucks on weekends only).
• Local craft beer, wine, frozen concoctions, and mimosas available for purchase from our Beer Shed. Serving from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
• Worried about missing your college or professional football team's big win? Don't be! We have flat-screen TVs playing all the weekend's biggest rivalries under our food truck barn.
• Bring home the feeling of fall on the farm with our unique products, all made right here in our Southern Hill Market. Shop our handmade lotions, sugar scrubs, lip balms and bar soaps. Enjoy the scents of the season with our hand poured candles. We have unfiltered, local raw honey for purchase, organic pure maple syrup, as well as your favorite Southern Hill Farms merchandise.
• Enjoy our delicious apple cider donuts, blueberry lemonade, frozen and hot apple cider, blueberry cobbler, pumpkin muffins and more from our vintage Airstream turned bakery, Southern Hill Sweets.
• Our grounds include a beautiful rooftop deck, covered playground for children, covered barns with picnic tables and clean, convenient permanent restrooms.
• Yard games are complimentary and include life-sized Jenga, bean bag toss, Connect Four, footballs, soccer balls and more.
• Our ‘picture perfect’ photo op areas for your fall family photos.
• We'll have rides on our one of a kind Blueberry Express (our converted cotton harvester) for purchase. $5 for adults, $3 for children and teens ages 3-17 (available weekends only).
• Enjoy our fire pits for roasting s’mores with family and friends. S'mores kits with roasting sticks available for purchase.
• Petting zoo – Parent or guardian must be present with young children. Food for the animals is $2, cash only, payment accepted at the entrance of the petting zoo.
• Touch-a-tractor – Children MUST be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
• Giant fun slide – 42” tall minimum, 32” can slide with an adult.
• Cyclone swing – 42” or taller to ride, 180 lb maximum.
• Inflatable sports games.
• Jump Pillows.We accept cash and card everywhere on the farm. Dogs are allowed at our fall events but must be leashed at all times and cleaned up after when needed. Our address is 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont, FL 34714. Please note that Schofield Road is a Lake County clay road. Southern Hill Farms is a working farm and does not have a paved parking lot, you will be parking and walking in grass areas. We want our farm to be a part of your cherished family traditions for years to come and we want to thank you for loving your local farmer! Please note that all events and event details are subject to change or cancellation at any time due to inclement weather, forced closures due to COVID-19, and unforeseen circumstances. Please always check our website, www.southernhillfarms.com, the day of your planned visit to ensure last-minute event details.
$39 per person when you book a carriage of five with your family and close friends!
Enchanting 30 Minute Experience Includes:
• Royal Crowning with a pear drop Tiara and White Glove Treatment
• 15 Minute Tour with a Royal Princess aboard a Cinderella Coach
• Princess Photo Opportunity in the Coach
• A "Sweet Treat" and Farewell Wish for a Happily Ever After…
Departing from Masonic Lodge, 230 W Bay street, Winter Garden, Fl 34787
For all adults and children ages 2 +
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
Crayola Experience's Screamin' Green Hauntoween returns for a month of spooky family fun! Monster-ific Crafts and special, spooky happenings all month long: a themed scavenger hunt, character photo ops, and more, ALL included with admission.
Have a Screamin' Green good time while exploring our 27 creative attractions.
*Paint a pumpkin and make your own slime at the Trading Post. *Additional fee applies. (Annual Passholders receive a discount on these activities).
• Prior to visiting please make sure to check guest protocols at www.crayolaexperience.com/orlando
You can do the $25 drop-in class rate or monthly membership is $75. There are limited spots available so please be sure to message me to reserve your spot. Social distancing will be practiced during this class.
An actress who never left the stage after her final curtain call? German prisoners of war still toiling in the orange groves years after the war is over? The spirit of an artist who couldn’t leave his work unfinished? With over 100 years of history and many famous visitors, this beautiful village has plenty of unusual tales that will make your skin crawl! While visiting local haunts and historic sites, you’ll learn about more about this shining gem of Central Florida, as well as its chilling stories, guaranteed to leave your spine-tingling! Our visit includes a stop at a haunted pub for a free drink!
What fall adventure would be complete without mouth-watering apple cider donuts, jolly Jumbo Jack carving pumpkins and strikingly beautiful sunflowers and zinnias for your family photos? Admission tickets must be purchased online in advance, no admission payments will be accepted at the farm. Tickets and more information can be found at https://southernhillfarms.brushfire.com/fallfestival/.
About the event:
• Held Thursdays through Sundays, beginning September 26th through November 8th. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Children 2 and under are free but will still need a Toddler Ticket to enter.
• On weekends, you will choose a reservation time. You have an arrival window of 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after your chosen time to arrive at the farm.
• Face masks are required when in lines, participating in activities and when social distancing cannot be maintained. Please ensure that you bring a mask for everyone in your group 3 years or older to use during these times.
• Complimentary Farm Wagon rides.
• Sunflower and zinnia u-pick! $1/stem zinnias, $2/stem sunflowers.
• Sweet corn available for purchase, grown here at Southern Hill Farms.
• Our pumpkin patch barn (please note that the pumpkins are already cut from the vine) boasts a wide variety of beautiful and unique pumpkins of all sizes and colors, corn stalks, Indian corn, gourds and more for purchase. We provide a complimentary pumpkin ‘holding’ area for your purchased pumpkins while you stay and play. Prices vary based on size and type.
• Live music by Jeff Whitfield from 11:00 am to 2:45 pm, and TBD from 3:15 pm to 7:00 pm (live music on weekends only).
• Food trucks: Southern Hill Eatery, Twisted plates, Bauer-BQ, Willy Ts Crab Shack, Peru Power Food Truck, A Lo Cubano Kitchen, The Big Hot Box, Rollin Dough and Absofruitly. Serving from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (guest food trucks on weekends only).
• Local craft beer, wine, frozen concoctions, and mimosas available for purchase from our Beer Shed. Serving from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
• Worried about missing your college or professional football team's big win? Don't be! We have flat-screen TVs playing all the weekend's biggest rivalries under our food truck barn.
• Bring home the feeling of fall on the farm with our unique products, all made right here in our Southern Hill Market. Shop our handmade lotions, sugar scrubs, lip balms and bar soaps. Enjoy the scents of the season with our hand poured candles. We have unfiltered, local raw honey for purchase, organic pure maple syrup, as well as your favorite Southern Hill Farms merchandise.
• Enjoy our delicious apple cider donuts, blueberry lemonade, frozen and hot apple cider, blueberry cobbler, pumpkin muffins and more from our vintage Airstream turned bakery, Southern Hill Sweets.
• Our grounds include a beautiful rooftop deck, covered playground for children, covered barns with picnic tables and clean, convenient permanent restrooms.
• Yard games are complimentary and include life-sized Jenga, bean bag toss, Connect Four, footballs, soccer balls and more.
• Our ‘picture perfect’ photo op areas for your fall family photos.
• We'll have rides on our one of a kind Blueberry Express (our converted cotton harvester) for purchase. $5 for adults, $3 for children and teens ages 3-17 (available weekends only).
• Enjoy our fire pits for roasting s’mores with family and friends. S'mores kits with roasting sticks available for purchase.
• Petting zoo – Parent or guardian must be present with young children. Food for the animals is $2, cash only, payment accepted at the entrance of the petting zoo.
• Touch-a-tractor – Children MUST be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
• Giant fun slide – 42” tall minimum, 32” can slide with an adult.
• Cyclone swing – 42” or taller to ride, 180 lb maximum.
• Inflatable sports games.
• Jump Pillows.We accept cash and card everywhere on the farm. Dogs are allowed at our fall events but must be leashed at all times and cleaned up after when needed. Our address is 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont, FL 34714. Please note that Schofield Road is a Lake County clay road. Southern Hill Farms is a working farm and does not have a paved parking lot, you will be parking and walking in grass areas. We want our farm to be a part of your cherished family traditions for years to come and we want to thank you for loving your local farmer! Please note that all events and event details are subject to change or cancellation at any time due to inclement weather, forced closures due to COVID-19, and unforeseen circumstances. Please always check our website, www.southernhillfarms.com, the day of your planned visit to ensure last-minute event details.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This is a drive through event at the farm for online order pick-ups only. Shop online, choose your desired pick-up date and time and we'll bring your order to your vehicle when you arrive!
Are you eager to get some of our refreshing homemade blueberry lemonade, along with our Southern Hill Market merchandise, frozen blueberries, baked goods and more this summer? Shop online and pick-up your favorite sweet treats to enjoy from the comfort of home!
How to pick-up:
Choose your desired Friday pick-up and time, and we’ll bring your order to your vehicle when you arrive. Our address is 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont, FL 34714. Please note that Schofield Road is a Lake County clay road. We ask that you please remain in your vehicle upon arrival.
What’s available, while supplies last:
Sweet treats and baked goods.
• Frozen blueberries, sold in 1 gallon bags
• Fresh blueberry donuts
• Fresh blueberry muffins
• Blueberry donut ice cream sandwiches
• Whole blueberry cheesecakes
• Whole blueberry cobblers
• Whole blueberry pies
• Gluten free blueberry and white chocolate cookies
• Gluten free whole blueberry and peach cobblers
• Handmade popsicles
• Italian ice
Refreshing beverages.
• Blueberry lemonade, sold by the gallon and by the cup
• Frozen blueberry lemonade, sold by the cup
• The “David Hill”, sold by the gallon
• Peach iced tea, sold by the gallon
• Adult beverages, including our blueberry mimosas and blueberry lemonade smash, by the gallon
• Craft beer, sold in 4 packs
• High Noon, sold in 4 packs
Kitchen staples and merchandise.
• Raw, unfiltered local honey
• Blueberry mustard
• Apple butter and maple syrup
• Dry baking mixes, including peach cobbler and blueberry crisp
• Kickles, our sweet and spicy pickles
• Blueberry, blueberry jalapeno, peach and peach jalapeno jams
• Blueberry and peach salsas, peach hot sauce
• SHF apparel, including our embroidered hats and drifit shirts
• Handcrafted sugar scrubs, lotions and bar soap
• Hand poured soy wax candles
• Stationary designed by Giddy Paperie
• SHF plastic tumblers, pilsner glasses and koozies
Flowers and ornamental trees.
• Fresh cut zinnias, sold in bouquets of 1 dozen
• 15, 30 and 50 gallon ornamental trees
Thanks for shopping local this summer, and thanks for loving your local farmer!
Buckle up for your wildest car ride yet! Travel down gravel paths within our Drive-thru Safari Park and discover more than 100 native and exotic animals roaming freely. During your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals often only found around the world. Enjoy identifying species from as far away as the African savanna to others from the deciduous forests of North America, all from the comfort of your own car.
