Blog Cabin: Lakeside

Explore DIY Network's Blog Cabin 2014 location: Winter Haven, FL!

DIY Network went lakeside in the City of Winter Haven, FL for its Blog Cabin 2014 location. Fans helped enovate a beautiful 1920s home into a one-of-a-kind luxury retreat at DIYNetwork.com/BlogCabin.

Explore the plethora of things to do in and around the charming City of Winter Haven and its Chain of Lakes. And remember, nearby Orlando beckons with some of the country's best amusement parks, restaurants and nightlife.

1. Fun Things to Do in Winter Haven, FL

Paddleboarding Winter Haven

SUP’s up in Winter Haven. Go stand-up paddleboarding on Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes. Local watersports companies like Paddleboard Winter Haven offer 2 hours of SUP time, starting at Lake Summit, and passing through a canal into Lake Eloise, one of the larger lakes in Polk County, where Winter Haven is located.

Photo by: iStock

iStock

An hour from Orlando, Winter Haven, FL, is home to 50 lakes, luring bass fishing and waterskiing enthusiasts alike. Slip on your skis, and get out your fishing rod, its time for fun on the lake.

2. Best Lake Getaways

Lake of the Ozarks

Anderson Hollow Cove at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri is a haven for both spring breakers and summer revelers alike. More popularly known as “Party Cove,” it’s considered the oldest established permanent floating bacchanal in the country.

Photo by: Image by James Carr through Creative Commons License

Image by James Carr through Creative Commons License

At some of the world's most popular lake destinations, you'll find spring breakers flocking to "Party Cove," and tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the mystical Loch Ness monster.

3. Orlando's Top 5 Attractions

Univeral Orlando Resort

Photo by: 2012 Univeral Orlando Resort

2012 Univeral Orlando Resort

From Shamu to the infamous boy wizard, see which hot tourist attractions made our Top 5 list in Orlando, including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Gatorland.

4. Universal Orlando

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

On Flight of the Hippogriff at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, climb into a wicker Hippogriff to go on a training flight and ride on Flight of the Hippogriff, a family-friendly rollercoaster at the theme park.

It's family fun time! Take an amazing adventure through Universal Orlando Resort to experience Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk.

5. Disney on a Budget

Disney on a Budget

Travel Channel has a few helpful tips on how to save money on lodging, tickets, food and transportation to make your magical dream trip become a reality.

6. Orlando's Best Local Restaurants

Seasons 52

Photo by: Seasons 52

Seasons 52

Known for it's amazing amusement parks, Orlando has some hot spots for foodies. Check out our list of the city's best local restaurants, which include Seasons 52 and "big food" at Graffiti Junktion.

7. Top 7 Orlando Escapes

Cirque du Soleil La Nouba

Photo by: Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil

See our fun suggestions on how to unwind and explore your adventurous side while visiting Orlando -- go skydiving, check out an amazing Cirque du Soleil show and more.

8. Orlando's Best Cocktails

David's Club

Photo by: Hilton Orlando

Hilton Orlando

Whet your palate after a long day. Visit one of these Orlando bars or lounges to sample of of the city's best cocktails, including the Burning Cocktail at Rocks Bar.

9. Guide to Orlando's Hottest Nightlife

Lux

Photo by: Thinkstock

Thinkstock

Paint the town red and check out Orlando's hottest nightclubs -- heat things up at Fire Lounge, chill out at Icebar or show off your best salsa moves at the Latin Quarter.