There are lots of amazing nonprofit arts organizations in and around Orlando that bring stellar cultural offerings to area residents and do so much to help promote local artists and strengthen the community at large. Among them is Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts), which is specifically devoted to the musical arts. 

For active adults in Central Florida, the organization's shows and concerts are great opportunities to have affordable, enriching cultural experiences while providing essential support to local artists, the arts community, and worthy causes. It puts on musical theater productions, choir and orchestral concerts, seasonally themed concerts, and all sorts of other events. 

Take a look at what the group has coming up on the Events page of its website. 

A Quickly Growing Phenomenon 

The organization has grown considerably and quickly since its inception in early 2011. It gave its first choir and orchestra concert to an audience of more than 1,200 people—impressive for an inaugural event—but now regularly gives performances to well over 5,000. The initial 130 choir members and 35-piece orchestra has grown to more than 400 choir singers spread across several themed groups and a symphony orchestra with 130 member musicians. CFCArts runs a variety of other programs now too. 

Good Causes 

Central Florida Community Arts does more than just give musically inclined local artists well-attended platforms for their performances. It also offers musical instruction to people of all ages through classes and workshops at the CFCArts School for the Performing Arts. If you've been looking for a way to add musical instruction to your 55+ years, this is definitely an opportunity to consider. 

The organization also partners with other area nonprofits to help support their causes and efforts. CFCArts provides free live musical performances at numerous fundraisers and charity events throughout the year and the region. 

Bring Their Community to Your Community 

If the HOA or a social club at you active adult community is looking to hire some affordable, top-notch musical entertainment for an event, look no further than Central Florida Community Arts. A variety of choirs, a youth ensemble, vocal soloists, a jazz band, a string quartet, a brass quintet, and even a full-scale orchestra are available to perform. The talent is real and the groups have performed at many of the Orlando area's leading venues, so your community can expect an entirely professional experience when working with CFCArts.

Gazing at the vibrant sunrise, basking in its warm glow, arms interlocked, your partner's head resting lovingly on your shoulder... even if it's a bit cliché, it's still a beautiful, romantic moment. But have you ever considered kicking it up a few notches by watching the sun rise as you float 2 or 3,000 feet off the ground? 

The Experience of a Lifetime 

If it's romance and adventure entwined that you're after, a hot air balloon ride at sunrise fits the bill perfectly. Assuming you or your sweetheart isn't acrophobic—afraid of heights—that is. It's a truly unique, memorable way to spend quality time with your darling, and it just so happens that Central Florida has numerous reputable companies offering these fantastic flights. 

While the services and details vary depending on which company you fly with, the concept is similar across the board. Some agencies have a few takeoff sites around Central Florida (Osceola, Polk, and Lake Counties have a particularly high number of hot air balloon operators), while others have 100 or more. Many operate 365 days per year, weather permitting, and most rides begin about 30 minutes before sunrise and last around an hour or two. 

You and your partner will drift serenely over Central Florida cities, lakes, wilderness, and wildlife as the golden sun breaks on the horizon and makes its way up in the east. It's a bird's-eye view you'll cherish together in the moment and for a long time to come. 

Typically, commercial hot air balloons travel at altitudes between just over the treetops and 3,000 feet in the air. They glide along at the same speed as the wind. Because these vessels are predominantly driven by the whims of the wind, no two flights are ever the same. 

Some companies even pour glasses of champagne to toast a successful landing. Feel free to add a toast to your sweetheart and to embracing another adventure in 55 plus active adult living in Central Florida. 

Finding a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride 

A quick Google search for sunrise hot air balloon rides in Florida will give you lots of options. Check out the websites, confirm that their pilots are all FAA licensed hot air balloon operators, check for a proven track record of safety, compare prices, and find a company offering a launch site that's convenient for you. 

While we're not endorsing any particular companies, a few well-known local ones include:

• Bob's Balloons
• Florida Balloon Rides
• Magic Sunrise Ballooning
• Orlando Balloon Adventures
• Orlando Balloon Rides
• Painted Horizons
• Thompson Aire

Playing golf today at Royal Highlands, Central Florida. Start a new sport with your extra time! Trevor at the Monarch Golf Club in Royal Highlands can help you learn to play golf and improve your golf skills.

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Explore the Florida springs and oceans when you learn SCUBA! Your adventure awaits you in Central Florida.

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Having fun learning to dance! Lots of active adult communities have ongoing social events with lots of dancing for couples. Don’t miss out, add dancing to your bucket list.

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If you’re unfamiliar with pickleball, you probably haven’t lived in a 55+ community yet, because the game’s all the rage now among active adults. It’s been around since 1965, but has recently grown in popularity, particularly among older adults.

The game is played by two to four players who use wooden or composite paddles to hit a plastic ball with holes (similar to a whiffle ball) back and forth over a net. It’s sort of a blend of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong. A pickleball court has the same layout and dimensions as a badminton court at 40 feet long by 20 feet wide, and it includes the same net as a tennis court, hung 36 inches high at the ends and 34 inches high in the center.

The game is as much about socializing as showing off your physical prowess. For information on the game rules, visit the USA Pickleball Assocation’s website at www.usapa.org/rules-summary.

If you are familiar with the game and are a big fan and happen to be looking for a 55+ community in Central Florida that caters to pickleball players, consider Royal Highlands in Leesburg. It has a brand new pickleball court, which makes a nice addition to the community’s long list of amenities, sports courts, and social activities.

To learn more about Royal Highlands, or to discuss the finer points of pickleball game play, get in touch with us at Central Florida 55 Plus Realtors.

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TAnother bucket list item for Realtor, Nicky Martz is painting. At the 55 Plus community, Trilogy, in Orlando, Nicky learns to paint in one of their beginner art classes.

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Nicky spends the day with Jeff Chastane, professional bass Fisher, in Lake County to go bass fishing on the Harris Chain of Lakes.

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Nicky enjoys a cooking class with Executive Chef Jason at Trilogy in Clermont, one of Central Florida's 55+ active adult communities. In this class, Chef Jason gives Nicky a cooking demonstration on how to make a pan seared salmon with a farrow salad and truffle oil. Trilogy has a top of the line kitchen and expert chefs to teach you amazing and delicious recipes that you can recreate and share with your friends.

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Although biking is not necessarily a standard bucket list item, it is still a fun activity and now that you have the time, let’s enjoy a ride through the West Orange Trail.

Don’t have a bike, rent one! Don’t want to bike? Experience Florida on a kayak, paddle board or just take a tour with Clermont Waterfront Bikes and Boards and see Florida’s manatees.

Hope to see you on the trail!

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