After visiting Orlando countless times since I was 12, we came across by word of mouth Harry P. Leu’s Gardens. Located off of I-4 East on Princeton Street, the Leu Gardens is an exceptional 49 acre gardens filled with old oaks, camellias, roses and most everything you can grow in Florida. The setting is majestic, right on Lake Rowena.

You first walk into a well designed and “cool” visitiors center. The mostly volunteer staff will help you on your way. Towering oaks greet you when you first start to walk. The path is large enough for the handicapped. Just getting out of the hustle and bustle of Orlando is well worth the price of admission. The price, though, has gone up to $10, but is is well worth every penny.

The Gardens can be visited year long. My favorite time is during Christmas. The Leu House Museum is well decorated and there is an informative tour. Volunteers will take you through the house every half an hour. One major factoid I thought was interesting was the Leu’s were not Japanese as I had thought, but Swiss.

There are different areas portraying varied botanical favorites like roses, camillias and even bamboo.

One of the short trails even takes you along Lake Rowena and there are a number of majestic Cypress trees–and you may even spot an alligator or two. Overall, the gardens is a relaxing way, a respite of sorts, from the confluence of all the man-made attractions that exist in the over-powering Orlando area.