Convention Happenings
After you Leave Orlando and Daytona
Driving in May - Now that the Fun and Friendship has ended you are free to roam the many interesting, cultural, and recreation activities in the rest of Florida. Year Round Event walks abound but some very interesting cities may interest you like the mural city of Plant City, the Everglades, Lido Key, the unusual Wicki Wachee (where mermaids swim), or the gulf highway SR 98 from Perry to Pensacola. There are also seven YREs from Palm Beach to Key West. Find out here.
See the things to do within 10 miles of I-10, I-75, & I-95
See the things to do in Southwest area
See the things to do in Southeast area
See the things to do in Northwest area
See the things to do in Northeast area
So long and thanks for being Footloose in Florida
Driving into Florida in April - arriving from the west on I-10 or from the north on I-95 or I-75 provides for many interesting areas of Florida. Of course you are heading for the two convention walks in the Tampa Bay area on 27 and 28 April and you can make some neat stops along the way. The two links below provide some fun things such as the Naval Air Museum (and walk) in Pensacola or the historic 1660‘s Ft. Caroline walk near Jacksonville. Coming from I-95 exit at State Road 40 and travel thru the Ocala Forest stopping at Silver Springs (older Tarzan movies shot there) for a glass bottom boat ride. From I-10 head south along the Gulf Highway and take this scenic route to Tampa Bay and Clearwater Beach.
See the things to do in the Northwest area
See the things to do in the Northeast area
See the things to do within 10 miles of I-10, I-75, & I-95
April 27 - Clearwater Beach at Sand Key Park
In vibrant and beautiful Clearwater Beach
See the things to do in the Tampa area
April 28 - Thonotosassa at Hillsborough River State Park
One of Florida’s two time National Gold Star Parks
In Thonotosassa there is one of Florida’s oldest state parks, Hillsborough River State Park. This huge 3500 acre park will provide a great walk in shaded woods, on a CCC built swinging bridge, and you may again reserve an optional lunch for $10. Tour bus leads please call the POC. Following the walk come to Orlando and you can have fun on the way at Lakeland’s Florida Southern University (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright), Bok Tower in Lake Wales, or in Orlando at Disney, Sea World, Universal Studios, and Gatorland, Finally you drive down one of the many toll roads to the airport, and exit to your waiting room at the Marriott. Time for some rest.
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April 29 - Winter Park at Winter Park’s Island Park Hall
Convention Registration begins and 29 April finds you about 8 am in the tree- lined city of Winter Park. The walk provides a a flexible set of routes from 5km to 15km where immaculate homes, trendy shopping, the renowned Rollins College, and two spectacular museums are located. Afterward, you can walk again in Maitland where you pass the 34-year-old Audubon’s Birds of Prey Center.
April 30 - Titusville at Fox Lake Park and Sanctuary
Convention Registration continues. You also walk in Fox Lake Sanctuary adjacent to the start in Fox Lake Park, Titusville. This newly opened, 80% shaded, Brevard County Sanctuary is a great example of Florida’s ecosystem and has been designed with having visitors enjoy the many different systems making up the Sanctuary, two lakes and wonderful park start point. Bug spray (available) and walking sticks are recommended. Afterward you can visit nearby places like Kennedy Space Center, Enchanted Forest, Tyco Warbirds Museum, and Port Canaveral, host to many cruise ships. After a really fun day go back on State Road 50 and, with some time left, take an airboat ride on the St. John’s River at Midway. Then if needed, get back to the Marriott for the Regional Meetings at 5:30 before the “Meet & Greet” at 6:30. Wear those shorts, club tees (no holes please), and pins / patches. 
See the things to do in the Orlando area
May 1 - Christmas and Orlando Wetlands Park
Go to Ft. Christmas Historical Park where you park in a GIGANTIC field and take the $3 pp (preregister, cash, or check) park fee and shuttle bus to the park. If you are on an AVA bus transportation package, you will pay $1 and go directly to the park (tour buses please call the POC). This environmentally unique park has few trees (where you walk) but has unusual vistas and wildlife (never been there when we did not see a gator (no, not a University of Florida grad)). Remember to have cash for the bus shuttle. Once you have finished this event the convention has workshops (at 1 and 2 pm), a Town Meeting, and a general session at 3:15. Meet the Officer’s in the election at 5:45 pm. Wednesday evening you are on your own (well you do need to get those Walk the Plank! Pirate Party costumes ready), so where to go depends on your interest. See the star link to the right.
May 2 - Leesburg Venetian Gardens
This provides for a hour drive 60 miles northwest to Leesburg. This town settled in the mid 1800s right after the War Between the States is rich in history. Start at the WPA constructed Venetian Gardens. The 6km and 10km walks lead you from Lake Harris to Downtown and on urban trails. A low key day is needed to save your strength for TONIGHT’s Walk the Plank! Pirate Party. Some will board the buses back to Orlando and the afternoon finds you in some workshops to hone your volkssporting skills and the General Meeting. Others may visit nearby Dade Battlefield YRE where a major battle was fought by the Army in the 1830s with the Seminole Indians. People then scurry to their pirate hideaways to don the appropriate attire to be prepared to “WALK the PLANK!” at 6:30.
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May 3 - President’s Walk - Orlando at Fashion Square Mall
You awaken refreshed, throw off the pirate shirt, and you are ready for the 7:00 bus and 7:30 start at Fashion Square Mall. Check in at the 1st floor of the mall and then enjoy a stroll into the 10-year-old Baldwin Park. This work / live and shopping environment was built from land the Orlando Naval Training Center occupied until 2000. The walk ends in and the air conditioned mall is a good place for lunch and stroll to cool off before returning to the hotel. The AVA Club Sharing is at 1 pm and the last workshops are at 1 pm and 2 pm and then the AVA General Meeting and elections are held. Whew. TIME NOW for a fun “Night in Key West” at 7:00. You can also visit the three Orlando walks.
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May 4 - DeLand at the Volusia County Courthouse
If you are leaving the Marriott, you say farewell to the Last Night in Key West, load up the car, and head northeast to DeLand, the county seat of Volusia County. We walk in a shaded walk in a college town. This event provides a nice stroll through Stetson University, the older sections of town, and an opportunity to visit the museums and antique stores downtown. Just 4 miles south in Orange City is the YRE in Blue Springs State Park where our mascot Floyd visits regularly during the winter.
See the things to do in Central East Florida area
May 5 - Daytona and the "World's Most Famous Beach"
After a Saturday in the east central part of Florida along the I-4 corridor, we invite you to join us for the final 18th AVA Biennial Convention event on the “World’s Most Famous Beach” starting at Jackie Robinson Park (this baseball Hall of Fame member started here). The walk provides a glimpse of the famous Main Street where 1000s of BiketoberFest members gather, crosses the Intracoastal Waterway, and delivers you onto the barrier island and Daytona Beach. After you finish, enjoy multiple eating and fun activities on the beach.
See the things to do in Central East Florida area
