Orlando Weekly Annual Manual 2015

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ORLANDO WEEKLY ● ANNUAL MANUAL 2015 ● orlandoweekly.com

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Publisher Graham Jarrett Associate Publisher Leslie Egan Editor Erin Sullivan Editorial Arts & Culture Editor Jessica Bryce Young Associate Editor Ashley Belanger Senior Staff Writer Billy Manes Calendar Editor Thaddeus McCollum Interns Haley Cannon, Kaitlyn Pleasants, Luis Vazquez Contributors Rob Bartlett, Jenn Benner, Jeffrey C. Billman, Rob Boylan, Justin Braun, Teege Braune, Patrick Cooper, Jason Ferguson, Christopher Garcia, Matt Gorney, James Greene Jr., Scott Horn, Holly V. Kapherr, Faiyaz Kara, Seth Kubersky, Bao Le-Huu, Nick McGregor, Cameron Meier, Jeff Meyers, Dave Plotkin, Richard Reep, Steve Schneider, Yulia Tikhonova Advertising Senior Multimedia Account Executive Dan Winkler Multimedia Account Executives Jon Bowers, Dave Freedman, Matt Whiting, Candice Andrews, Scott Navarro Account Manager Candice Andrews Marketing and Events Marketing and Events Director Brett Blake Promotions Manager Andreina Icaza Marketing/Promotions Interns Rachel Hoyle, Emma Schledorn Promotions Coordinator Chelsea Pedersen Creative Services Creative Services Director Adam McCabe Creative Services Manager Shelby Sloan Graphic Designers Christopher Kretzer, Leroy Santos Business Business Manager Stacey Commer Office Assistant Alma Hill Circulation Circulation Manager Chase Knowlton Euclid Media Group Chief Executive Officer Andrew Zelman Chief Operating Officers Chris Keating, Michael Wagner Chief Financial Officer Brian Painley Human Resources Director Lisa Beilstein Digital Operations Coordinator Jaime Monzon euclidmediagroup.com National Advertising: Voice Media Group 1-888-278-9866, voicemediagroup.com Orlando Weekly Inc. 16 W. Pine St. Orlando, FL 32801 orlandoweekly.com Phone 407-377-0400 Fax 407-377-0420 Orlando Weekly is published every week

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PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

LIVING & WORKING Orlando by the numbers 8 Top 3 walkable neighborhoods 10 5 great co-working spaces 11 Orlando’s biggest & best employers 11 Meeting people is easy 13

NEIGHBORHOODS Downtown 15 Thornton Park 19 Mills 50 20 Ivanhoe Village 22 Milk District 25 College Park 26 Audubon Park 29 SoDo 30 UCF 32 Winter Park 35 Sanford 39

SHOP, PLAY, EAT, DRINK 8 cool shops 40 5 essential vintage stores 41 7 local farmers markets 44 5 boozy brunches 46 6 wine walks & pub crawls 47 10 restaurants open late 48

TOURIST TOWN Top 6 Disney tips 51 Top 6 Universal tips 52 Top 6 I-Drive stops 55

LISTINGS Attractions 56 Arts & Culture 59 Nightlife 67 Sports & Recreation 75 Events 80

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SUNRAIL

No car?

No problem Not everyone wants life to revolve around the car. We checked out how our local ’hoods ranked on walkscore.com, which rates neighborhoods in terms of walkability and bikeability.

Turns out, Orlando may be leaving behind its reputation as a car-centric place where you can’t get anything done on foot or by bike. With access to Lynx, Lymmo and SunRail, and the addition of car-share services and bike shares, more Orlando residents are finding that they don’t have to rely on their cars as much as they used to. Here are the top three neighborhoods, according to walkscore.com, where you don’t have to have a car to get things done.

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1. South Eola

Walk score: 90 Bike score: 75 With 113 restaurants, bars and coffee shops, most people living in South Eola have access to one within five minutes of home, and most errands can be accomplished on foot or by bicycle. The Publix located at Lake Eola means you don’t need to trek to the ’burbs for groceries.

Access to SunRail makes it possible to commute to Winter Park, south Orlando or other north/south destinations.

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2. Central Business District

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Walk score: 83 Bike score: 74

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Most people have an average of 22 restaurants, bars and coffee shops within a five-minute walk from their front door, and the Lake Eola Publix is walkable or bikeable from much of downtown. Tons of entertainment options, including the Cobb Plaza movie theater, live music venues, a gym, an awesome library and access to SunRail make the Central Business District an easy place to live if you don’t have access to a car at all.

Even though Thornton Park doesn’t have the same density of restaurants, bars, coffee shops and other amenities as South Eola or the Central Business District, its location adjacent to both of those areas means it’s still a solid option for those who’d rather walk than drive.

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PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER GARCIA

Walk score: 82 Bike score: 77

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3. Thornton Park

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THE SHARING ECONOMY: 5 ORLANDO CO-WORKING SPACES

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tain point, a table at Starbucks or the corner of the couch just won’t cut it anymore. When you need a desk, a printer/copier/scanner, a conference room – and the absence of distracting TV and pets – it’s time to step up and join a co-working space. Here are a few places located in Orlando where entrepreneurs can find a place at the table (or whiteboard), without having to pay for the whole thing themselves.

Canvs A slick, modern atmosphere tucked into the vintage-y Church Street Exchange building features indoor bike storage and a tech-centric clientele, not to mention a juice bar right next door.

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101 S. Garland Ave., Suite 108, 407-915-3903, canvs.org

1. Walt Disney World Resort (70,000 employees)

The newest kid on the block features blazing-fast FiOS Internet, private offices and an in-house coffee bar, all in the very center of downtown.

2. Orange County Public Schools

1 S. Orange Ave., 5th floor, 407-701-5577, catalystspaces.com

3. Universal Orlando Resort (19,000 employees)

The creatives at CoLab live by three principles: “Connect, collaborate, coffee.” In that spirit of creativity, those who spring for a private office are free to decorate it however they like.

37 N. Orange Ave., 9th floor, 904-417-8430, colabusa.com

Factur

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Central Florida’s Top 5 Major Employers

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Small business owners often face an early stumbling block: At a cer-

Though it’s not a co-working space in the frowningover-a-computer sense, Factur applies the shared-cost model to businesses that require access to 3-D printers, woodworking tools, and a safe workspace for small fabrication.

520 Virginia Drive, 407-801-3228, factur.org

Swivel Spaces More of a general business vibe (that is, not specifically targeted to tech or creative industries), Swivel is nevertheless a quiet, airy workspace for professionals who need a home.

(22,347 employees) 4. Florida Hospital (18,668 employees) 5. Orlando International Airport (18,000 employees)

Orlando Business Journal’s 2014 Best Places to Work in the Orlando area 1. Westgate Resorts (Mega division) 2. Fairwinds Credit Union (Giant division) 3. Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport (Large division) 4. VOA Associates Inc. (Medium division) 5. Kavaliro (Small division) Source: Orlando Business Journal, bizjournals.com

315 E. Robinson St., Suite 525, 407-843-6603, swivelspaces.com

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Social Networking

Whether you’re new in town and need to make friends, or just want some new ones, these meet-ups are just the place to strike up a convo.

Orlando Conductor Crawl Speed Dating Monthly, Church Street SunRail Station, $3.25, facebook.com/orlandoconductorcrawl

Starting at the Church Street SunRail station and continuing up and down the track, switch cars at each station for a new crop of partner potentials.

Orlando City Soccer Watch Parties at Harry Buffalo 129 W. Church St., 407-422-6656, harrybuffalo.com

PHOTO BY THE DAILY CITY FOOD TRUCK BAZAAR

A little less intense (but no less crowded) than the tailgates, the watch parties at OCSC’s official bar are full of chicks and dudes who bleed purple.

Food Truck Bazaar Various locations in Central Florida, schedule available at thedailycity.com

Check the Daily City’s website for the schedule, but you can count on a gathering of more than 20 food trucks most Fridays in the month, where you can bond over mutual love of mobile meals.

Seneff Arts Plaza at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 S. Magnolia Ave., 844-513-2014, drphillipscenter.org/shows-and-events

6700 Conroy Windermere Road, 407-601-7800, paintingwithatwist.com/orlando

You don’t have to be Matisse to put a paintbrush on a canvas and drink some wine. Go with a group and let the wine do the work while you chat up the cutie next to you.

1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-629-0054, enzian.org

Another perk of our new performing arts complex: free live music where dancing and mingling is encouraged.

Bring your blankies and order a couple of pitchers and flatbreads to share with the people behind you (free food = instant pals) at this free flick on the lawn in Maitland.

East End Market Classes

Cocktail Classes at the Courtesy Bar

3201 Corrine Drive, 321-236-3316, eastendmkt.com/events-classes

First and third Saturdays of each month, 5:45 p.m., 114 N. Orange Ave., 407-450-2041, thecourtesybar.com

What could possibly solidify a friendship better than a shared love of good food, local beer and cold-brew coffee? East End Market’s classes and lectures bring together those of similar interests.

Wine & Beer Classes at Total Wine Colonialtown and Millenia locations, totalwine.com

For a couple of bucks you can learn about beer, wine and spirits – bolster your courage to tell that girl her shoes are super-cute.

Maybe coffee sometime?

There Will Be Words Painting With a Twist

Wednesday Night Pitcher Show at Enzian Theater

Second Tuesday of each month, 7-8 p.m., 39 S. Magnolia Ave., therewillbewords.com

For the literary set, this live reading series features local writers sharing their poetry, short fiction and nonfiction at the Gallery at Avalon Island.

Shake things up in a cocktail shaker and in your social life twice a month for $55, which covers materials for three full-sized DIY cocktails.

1st Thursdays at OMA First Thursday of each month, 6-9 p.m., 2416 N. Mills Ave., 407-896-4231, omart.org

There’s a new theme every month for this mixand-mingle event at the Orlando Museum of Art, featuring local artists, cash bars, live music and food from local nosheries.

Celebrity Ballroom Super Sunday Dance 4241 L.B. McLeod Road, 407-270-5936, celebrityballroomorlando.com

If your foxtrot needs fixing or tango needs a tune-up, come to the free class before the dance begins, where asking a stranger to mambo isn’t at all uncomfortable.

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DOWNTOWN Can we just take a moment to give three cheers for the Downtown Orlando Development Board? In the past couple DR. PHILLIPS CENTER PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER GARCIA BETH’S BURGER BAR PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT

of years, Orlando’s downtown has been transformed from just the place you go to watch fireworks on July Fourth to somewhere people actually want to be, and not just between the hours of 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. With the addition of the flagship Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the swanky new Starwood hotel and its cocktail bar across the street, a soccer team that garners sell-out crowds, craft cocktail bars and more aboveaverage dining experiences, downtown is getting DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

really cool really fast. Keep it up.

GRAB A BITE Artisan’s Table 22 E. Pine St., 407-730-7499, artisanstableorlando.com

This restaurant menu is full of new American and fusion cookery – not quite a gastropub, but really, don’t we have enough of those already? Brunch dishes are standout, including the Japanese-style sticky rice bowl and fluffernutter latte (though maybe not best together).

Beth’s Burger Bar 24 E. Washington St., 407-650-4950, bethsburgerbar.com

Trust on this: Try the peanut butter burger.

The spot Beth’s occupies on Washington is prime real estate for drunkies (pre or post) looking for a gullet-filler. Sub fries for “frickles” (fried pickle chips) and you’ve got a meal. Take the DD challenge, but we can’t promise the fat will go to your boobs.

The Boheme 325 S. Orange Ave., 407-313-9000, grandbohemian.com

Fancy-schmancy, yes. High-quality fine dining in a super-romantic atmosphere, yes. Pricey, hell yes. Sunday brunch in the Bösendorfer Lounge is worth the price of admission, though, as it gets you unlimited champagne, free parking and access to a grand buffet.

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D O W N T O W N C O N T.

HAVE A DRINK Hanson’s Shoe Repair 27 E. Pine St., 407-476-9446

Call ahead for a reservation and get the password for the night via text. Sadly, it doesn’t mean you’ll get in right away. Located up the stairs in the back of NV Art Bar, this is a speakeasy in the true sense, with 1920s decor, cozy nooks for whispering sweet nothings, a doorman and plenty of hooch.

Avenue Gastrobar 13 S. Orange Ave., 407-839-5039, avenuegastrobar.com

A roomy cell on Orange Avenue slinging $10 cocktails like the Around the Campfire – a concoction that tastes like summer camp combining pumpkin vodka, ginger-based Art in the Age Snap, orange juice and lemon. There’s plenty of craft beer on tap, including Belgians and locals from Orlando Brewing.

Hundreds of beers available and a terrace overlooking Lake Eola means downtown’s WOB is A-plus real estate. This location also sports a food menu (as other locations will in the near future) with items like kale salad or steak frites, complete with pairing suggestions.

Harp & Celt 25 S. Magnolia St., 407-481-2928, harpandcelt.com

A cozy two-story Irish pub with plenty of accents behind the bar. Stop by on Sunday morning for Irish breakfast or bangers and mash and a black-and-tan. During soccer season, don’t be surprised if the place is packed on game days with out-of-town fans looking for a draught.

HANSON’S PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER GARCIA

431 E. Central Blvd., 407-270-5541, worldofbeer.com

HANSON’S SHOE REPAIR

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World of Beer Downtown

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YOGA IN THE PARK

CHECK THIS OUT Yoga in the Park Lake Eola Park, facebook.com/yogainthepark

Gather on the northwest lawn at Lake Eola Park for a free mass yoga class to start your weekend (donations are encouraged, of course). It’s one of the only places you can dog-watch while you’re in downward dog. Bring your own mat, towel and water, as loaners are scarce.

Orlando City Soccer Tailgate at the Citrus Bowl Once the new OCSC soccer-specific stadium opens in 2016, there’s no guarantee tailgating will be allowed (it’s not at most of the other MLS stadiums), so get in on it while the Lions play at the newly revamped Citrus Bowl. Bring your tiny Weber grill and join the purple-clad supporters of the Ruckus and Iron Lion Firm as they march into the stadium waving flags and singing.

Florida Music Festival April 15-18, floridamusicfestival.com

The 15th annual music festival takes over downtown in mid-April, when all the live-music venues will be jam-packed with revelers swaying and moshing and headbanging to their favorite local, national and international acts. Past acts have included Taylor Swift and Third Eye Blind.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 S. Magnolia Ave., 844-513-2014, drphillipscenter.com

Touring Broadway shows like Wicked and Motown: The Musical are headlining the inaugural year of arts and culture at the shiny new Dr. Phillips Center, but the state-of-the-art spaces would even make watching paint dry super-comfy. Good thing you have a slew of shows to choose from instead. Grab a cocktail at the W XYZ bar at the Aloft Hotel across the street before curtain.

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T P the POP PARLOUR PhOtO BY ROB BARtLett the FALCON PhOtO BY ChRIStOPheR GARCIA

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Thornton Park

THE FALCON

the POP PARLOUR PhOtO BY ROB BARtLett the FALCON PhOtO BY ChRIStOPheR GARCIA

the rows of pastel bungalows and wrap-around porches might speak to Key West more than Central Florida, but this “neighborhood for locals” is one of Orlando’s best-kept secrets (and we hope it stays that way). With new brunch spots, art galleries and its own microdowntown shopping district, thornton Park has all the walkable charm Orlando can muster.

GRAB A BITE Benjamin French Bakery & Cafe 716 E. Washington St., 407-797-2253, benjaminfrenchbakery.com

Probably the best quiche in the city, not to mention the best croissant. there aren’t many seats at this tiny enclave, but the espresso is hot and there are French pastries overflowing from the case – unless you get there too late and they’re sold out. tough luck.

THE POP PARLOUR

HAVE A DRINK

CHECK THIS OUT

The Pop Parlour

Aku Aku Tiki Bar

The Abbey

431 E. Central Blvd., 321-348-7677, thepopparlour.com

431 E. Central Blvd., 407-839-0080, akuakutiki.com

100 S. Eola Drive, 407-704-6103, abbeyorlando.com

Gourmet popsicles in a storefront just outside the Lake eola Farmers Market spot proves that ice pops aren’t just for kiddos. Boozy combos like mimosa and Nutella-Maduro (made with tampa’s Cigar City brown ale) are fun for over-21s.

Statues of easter Island heads and flaming rum cocktails served in coconut shells. tiny parasols galore. Lush greenery, rattan furniture and tropical fish. Orlando’s only true tiki bar is like a little slice of Oahu’s North Shore just steps from Lake eola’s south shore.

Soco

The Falcon

629 E. Central Blvd., 407-849-1800, socothorntonpark.com

819 E. Washington St., 407-423-3060, thefalconbar.com

this resto answers the question “Can there be too many Southern restaurants in one city?” with a resounding negative. Fast becoming one of Orlando’s top spots for a fancy midmorning meal, Greg Richie’s newest concept dishes up BBQ pork-belly biscuits topped with chow-chow and other well-balanced combinations.

half watering hole, half art gallery, this corner spot on Washington is full up with character and characters. If you’re unattached, affix your photo and bio (ask the bartender for a form to fill out) to the wall o’ local singles trolling for a night out. No need to swipe left or right; just pick up the phone.

Performances almost every weekend of the year featuring some of the city’s best-loved performers, ranging from comedy to live music to local theater to cabaret and the occasional off-Broadway show. On non-show nights, it’s an open-space lounge for the upstage crowd.

Thornton Park Block Parties Various holidays throughout the year, Washington Street at Summerlin Avenue

the most popular being halloween and New Year’s eve, the block parties that close off Washington at Summerlin are a local’s answer to the insanity just a few blocks away at Wall Street Plaza. Arrive by Uber or Lyft if possible, though, as parking can be frustrating.

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PIG FLOYD’S URBAN BARBAKOA

Mills 50

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Mills 50 is fast becoming one of Orlando’s most urban, walkable neighborhoods. Within the confines of a couple of miles, you’ll find two grocery stores (a Publix on

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Virginia), upscale dining (the Strand), quirky casual (Pig

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Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa), live music joints (Will’s Pub, Lil Indies), a new craft beer bar (Brass Tap), art venues (Snap, the Space), coffee bars (Propagation, Segafredo)

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multiple Asian grocery stores and eateries … and there’s

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more new stuff coming all the time.

Grab a bite Mamak Asian Street Food

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1231 E. Colonial Drive, 407-270-4688, mamakasianorlando.com

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This sleek new eatery takes the Asian street food concept to the next level – sample tapas, soups, salads, rice dishes, light bites and wok specialties in a chic, modern dining room.

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Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa 1326 N. Mills Ave., 407-921-1696, pigfloyds.com

Segafredo Espresso 1618 N. Mills Ave., 407-930-6558, sze-orlando.com

This new espresso bar and lounge serves up reasonably priced breakfast, lunch and dinner options ranging from croissant sandwiches to salads and flatbreads. Check out the rooftop lounge, where DJs spin tunes while you sip cocktails and wine.

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This newer addition to the neighborhood offers a fresh take on the barbecue experience – main courses include such favorites as smoked brisket and spice-rubbed chicken, but some of the dishes have a bit of a Latin flair – in place of traditional sides, platters come served with your choice of such things as plantains, fried yuca, chili-lime rubbed corn on the cob, or beans and rice.

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Have a drink Brass Tap 1650 N. Mills Ave., 855-336-3653, brasstapbeerbar.com

The wide-ranging menu will satisfy the pickiest craft-brew expert, and comfy tables on an airy patio and an affordable menu of pub grub make this new bar in Mills Park an ideal casual hangout.

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Lil Indies

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1036 N. Mills Ave., 407-898-5070, willspub.org

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Hip, low-key hole-in-the-wall Lil Indies upped its drinking game when it added craft cocktails devised by genius mixologist Kaitlin McGavock to the menu, which used to be dedicated to craft beer and wines.

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Quantum Leap Winery

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1321 Wilfred Drive, 407-897-2117, quantumleapwinery.com

Orlando’s only winery doesn’t grow its own grapes, but it does finish, blend and bottle all of its wines on site, where you can sample the winery’s environmentally sustainable wines on tap and buy by the bottle.

CHeCk tHis out Snap! Space

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1013 E. Colonial Drive, 407-843-8700, snaporlando.com

This gorgeous modern gallery in the old Cameo Theater building brings exciting art shows to town on the regular; stop in and look around, but if you get the chance, don’t miss the gallery’s show openings. Snap! proprietors Patrick and Holly Kahn know how to throw an opening party.

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1042 N. Mills Ave., willspub.org

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Will’s Pub You haven’t really lived in Orlando until you’ve been to a show at Will’s, Orlando’s quintessential venue for live indie music, craft beer and a drunken good time.

Browse the Asian markets Poke around the storefronts on East Colonial Drive between North Ferncreek and Hyer avenues, and you’ll find an interesting group of Asian groceries, gift stores and even a jewelry store or two. You could – and should – spend an entire afternoon browsing and exploring. orlandoweekly.com ● ANNUAL MANUAL 2015

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Ivanhoe Village After

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unprecedented growth from humble strip mall attractions and antique shops (this particular stretch

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Avenue is colloquially known as Antique Row) into something of a hip, drinky, artsy free-for-all, even more change lies on the horizon for Ivanhoe Village. In the coming years, new mixed-use development is PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT

expected in the form of the Yard at Ivanhoe Village. Developers of that project have been working closely with the upstart kids who managed to transform the neighborhood, so it is promised to be a positive development. For now, though, the charm is definitely intact and exploding in one

CLOAK AND DAPPER

of Orlando’s greatest commercial/residential areas.

CHECk THIS OUT GRAB A BITE

HAVE A DRInk

Ta-Ke Sushi Bar

The Lucky Lure

1421 N. Orange Ave., 407-826-1964

1427 N. Orange Ave., facebook.com/ theluckylureorlando

One of Orlando’s freshest (and Ivanhoe’s only) sushi haunts, it’s a welcome addition in the Ivanhood. Happy hour from 5-7 p.m. daily.

Cindy’s Tropical Café

Is it a shack? Is it a boat? Whatever this tinroofed, open-air construct is, it’s about as close to a beach bar in landlocked Orlando as you can get.

2512 N. Orange Ave., 407-898-6878, cindyscafeorlando

The Locker Room

This recently relocated favorite (it’s been around in some form or another since 2001) offers traditional Cuban sandwiches, beans and rice and other Caribbean fare. Also excellent coffee.

Gay bar superstar Savoy’s quieter next-door cousin may be no-frills, but it’s also a little less intense when you’re looking to have a conversation without noise or boys (in underwear) blocking you out.

1219 N. Orange Ave., 407-250-6783, cloakanddapper.us

Men’s fashion store Cloak and Dapper is cornering the market on high-end masculinity, including those things used to groom yourself into hard-parted perfection.

The Venue 511 Virginia Drive, 407-412-6895, thevenueorlando.com

Local dancing chanteuse Blue Star’s venue for most of her Varietease productions– along with things like cat circuses and beatnik re-enactments – sits at the core of this neighborhood’s resurrection. Any show at the Venue is an inspirational experience.

1618 Something Different

1905 N. Orange Ave., 407-237-0921, wolfiespizzamia.com

The Hideaway

1618 N. Orange Ave., 407-897-6707, somethingdifferentretro.com

The greatest pizza crust we’ve experienced in this town comes from White Wolf Caféadjacent Wolfies, which offers a full line of fresh, artisanal Italian fare that should keep you in the warm, opulent and woody restaurant space for hours.

516 Virginia Drive, 407-898-5892, thehideawaybar.net

If you’re in the market for a console record player, a crazy person’s coffee table or any other conversation piece worthy of a swank cocktail party, this longtime antique haunt – with amazing prices – is likely a good place to start.

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If a full-on neighborhood bar replete with bar food and pool tables and bikers and hipsters and artists and rednecks is what you’re after, then here’s where you’ll want to hide. Away.

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Wolfies Pizzamia

1913 N. Orange Ave., savoyorlando.com

Cloak and Dapper

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Milk District The Milk District is deceptive – at first glance, it seems like a sleepy strip of storefronts, but once you spend a little time in the area, you’ll find that the eclectic character of the Robinson SPORTSTOWN BILLIARDS

Street strip across the

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the T.G. Lee dairy plant is the hub of a wider area of cool bars, restaurants and hangs that make it one of the city’s most bustling areas.

MILK DISTRICT STRIP

Have a Drink Barley & Vine Biergarten 2406 E. Washington St., 407-930-0960

Grab a bite Se7en Bites 207 N. Primrose Drive, 407-203-0727, se7enbites.com

SPORTSTOWN PICTURE BY THADDEUS MCCOLLUM MILK DISTRICT STRIP PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT

Tasty confections, amazing breakfast and lunch concoctions (homemade pop tarts, chorizo benedict, eggplant and mushroom pot pies) and heavenly dessert pies (salted caramel dark chocolate pecan, apple ginger, coconut cream) make this one of our favorite places to fill our pie holes (as the mural painted on the wall outside suggests).

Gringos Locos

It didn’t seem like we needed another craft beer joint in town, but then Barley & Vine opened and we realized that oh yes, we did.

Awesome craft selection, knowledgeable and friendly bartenders and a patio that’s perfect for outdoor drinking make this one of our favorite new hangs.

Spacebar 2428 E. Robinson St., 407-228-0804, facebook.com/spacebarorlando

This small but mighty club hosts weekly underground comedy shows, DJ nights, live music, reggae nights, dance nights and more – some would say it’s even the heart and soul of the hip Robinson Street strip.

Sportstown Billiards 2414 E. Robinson St., 407-894-6258, sportstownbilliards.com

Downtown’s favorite cheap eats now has a spot in the Milk District. Counter service only, so you’ll have to get your nachos, burritos and sloppy tacos to go.

Sometimes, you need a side of ping-pong with your beer. Or pool. Or foosball. Or skee ball. Or a video game. When that’s the case, you go to Sportstown, which has all the games you need to keep you busy when you’re imbibing.

Pho K5

Whiskey Lou’s

101 N. Bumby Ave, 407-532-7373, phok5orlando.com

121 N. Bumby Ave., 407-896-2593

20 E. Washington St., 407-841-5626, gringoslocos.net

Though it’s located just outside the area generally known as Orlando’s Little Saigon, the pho at this Vietnamese noodle house is sublime.

The giant neon sign looming over this humble watering hole on Bumby lures those looking for a divey, old-school bar, which is exactly what you’ll find when you walk through the doors.

CHeCk tHis out Kyle’s Bike Shop 203 N. Primrose Drive, 407-228-7088, kylesbikeshop.net

Yes, you can stop in here to get your wheels tended to, but Kyle’s is also a great biker’s resource – Kyle’s hosts regular bike rides for riders of various levels. Get to know your city by bike while getting to know other cycling enthusiasts, too.

Crossfit Milk District 2401 E. South St., 407-894-1272, crossfitmilkdistrict.com

The neighborhood’s home base for non-traditional (but totally hard-core, as well as fun) workouts. How else are you going to burn off those calories you consumed eating at Se7en Bites and Gringos Locos?

Comedy nights Interestingly, the Milk District is home to multiple local comedy nights. On Wednesdays starting at 10 p.m., you can check out Spacebar’s comedy showcase (2428 E. Robinson St., 407-228-0804, facebook.com/ spacebarcomedy). On Fridays at 8:30 p.m., you can check out a comedy open mic at the Drunken Monkey coffee shop (444 N. Bumby Ave., 407-893-4994, drunkenmonkeycoffee. com). Every first and third Saturday, the Bull & Bush (2408 E. Robinson St., 407-8967546, bullandbushorlando.com) hosts Shit Sandwich, a standup comedy showcase.

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College Park It was one of the last neighborhoods to resist the call of the developer, but even College Park’s shady streets of tidy bungalows are feeling the incursion of five- and six-story condo buildings. For the time being, however,

the

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feeling remains strong, with local-owned businesses lining Edgewater Drive and kids walking to and from the newly expanded high school. It’s no surprise Orlando’s mayor lives in College Park – it’s walkable, bikeable and offers plenty of green space.

GRAB A BITE K Restaurant 1710 Edgewater Drive, 407-872-2332, krestaurant.net

Indefatigable chef Kevin Fonzo is seen all over town lending his talents to one foodrelated charity or another, but he’s the mack daddy of College Park: Dining at this Italianinflected spot is a must, not a might, when in the neighborhood. The scene at the wine bar is pretty lively, too.

RusTeak 2625 Edgewater Drive, 407-540-1100, rusteakwinebar.com

A new face on the Edgewater strip, RusTeak offers inventive pizzas, burgers, pastas and seafood, with a focus on local and sustainable products. They also offer a rainbow of wines by the glass, plus exquisite craft cocktails – all in all, a welcome addition.

2120 Edgewater Drive, 407-985-2577, facebook.com/trevipastallc

Beautiful simplicity is the hallmark at this family-owned and operated pasticceria. Pick up handmade pasta, high-quality antipasti and house-churned gelato on your way home for a weeknight feast.

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HAVE A DRINK Downtown Credo 706 W. Smith St., 407-250-4888, downtowncredo.com

A coffee shop with a social mission, Credo’s pay-what-you-will model seems to be working for them. And they seem to be working for others, sponsoring five local charities and a network of Guatemalan coffee growers. (It also doesn’t hurt that they serve a great pourover in a charming space.)

Grounding Roots 710 W. Princeton St., 407-276-0091, groundingroots.com

Whether or not cold-pressed juice makes you healthier, it definitely makes you happier – particularly the cocoa-almond-avocado-date “shake” served at Grounding Roots.

The Soda Fountain 2525 Edgewater Drive, 407 540-1006, thesodafountain.com

Sip on a strawberry-basil sorbet spritzer, a caramel egg cream, a chunky monkey milkshake or a cherry kick float at this old-timey ice cream emporium.

CHECK THIS OUT Alchemy 2812 Edgewater Drive, 407-650-8022, alchemyorlando.com

Don’t follow trends, set them – get your hair cut and colored at one of Orlando’s most creative hair studios.

Artichoke Red Vegan Market 2808 Edgewater Drive, 407-898-3353, artichokered.com

Find all manner of cruelty-free products, from ice cream to beer to pet food, plus stop by for a food-truck brunch behind the store on Sundays.

Dance on the Drive May 2, 6 p.m., Edgewater Drive between Smith and Bryn Mawr streets

Eat, drink and learn to cha-cha right in the middle of Edgewater at this annual familyfriendly event. Three blocks of the Drive are closed off and tables and a dance floor are installed for the live-music event.

PHOTOS BY ROB BARTLETT

Trevi Pasta

DOWNTOWN CREDO

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Audubon park One of Orlando’s most organic neighborhoods has suddenly become one of its hottest. With the arrival of local food hub East End Market, the sleepy little enclave centered at the corner of Corrine Drive and Winter Park Road hit critical mass. Stardust Video and Coffee is the pioneer here – they’ve been holding it down since the 1980s, and while they aren’t doing so many movie rentals these days, it’s a very necessary caffeine and cocktail spot – but younger fixture Park Ave CDs is also a strong

PHOTOS BY ROB BARTLETT

attractor, with coveted vinyl, collectibles, books and instore performances. In addition to the robust area retail, Audubon Park is passionate about its leafy greens, encompassing Harry P. Leu Gardens’ 50 acres of roses, camellias and flowering trees.

EAST END MARKET

GRAB A BITE Txokos Basque Kitchen

CHECk THIs ouT

3201 Corrine Drive, 321-972-8852, txokoskitchen.com

The neighborhood’s most upscale restaurant, serving up Spanish and Basque classics, is also a fine place for a cocktail, with a mouthwatering gin-tonic menu and a surprisingly wide selection of imported ciders.

Kappo 3201 Corrine Drive, facebook.com/kappoeastend

Palmer’s Garden and Goods AUDUBON PARK COMMUNITY MARKET

HAvE A dRInk

Kappo wins the crown for most buzzedabout new sushi joint – their chefs’ tastings at the tiny (just seven seats) counter have reached near-legendary status. If you can’t score one of those hard-to-win dinner reservations, though, stop by for a chirashi-bowl lunch.

Redlight Redlight

La Femme du Fromage

Winter Park Beer Co.

3201 Corrine Drive, 407-571-9947, lafemmedufromage.com

1809 E. Winter Park Road, 407-913-2739, facebook.com/winterparkbeer

2810 Corrine Drive, 407-893-9832, facebook.com/redlightredlight

Under the vintage HVAC sign, find an amazing trove of beers and a nationally respected crew of beer specialists.

Belly up to the bar for decadent grilled cheese sandwiches and flatbreads, or take your pick from the case to assemble your very own cheese plate.

With live music, trivia nights, art openings and a pool table, there’s more to do than just drink here. But you won’t want to miss the beers brewed in-house, either.

Junior’s Diner

Lineage Coffee Roasting

2920 Corrine Drive, 407-894-8871

3201 Corrine Drive, 407-205-8096, lineageroasting.com

Sometimes you just want a basic plate of eggs, and Junior’s is here for you. Tried-andtrue diner fare makes mornings right.

Sip exquisitely crafted pour-overs, presses and flat whites at this bean-obsessed shrine.

2611 Corrine Drive, 407-896-5951, palmersgarden.com

Get some inspiration at Leu Gardens, then browse the winding, leafy paths of Palmer’s and pick up the makings of your own earthly paradise.

The Lovely Boutique Market 2906 Corrine Drive, 407-270-7729, facebook.com/thelovelyboutiquemarket

Browse through the stalls of several on-point vendors selling well-edited vintage clothing and housewares in this airy emporium.

Audubon Park Community Market 6-10 p.m. Mondays, 1842 E. Winter Park Road, facebook.com/apmarket

Every Monday night in front of Stardust, the market brings together local organic farmers and food producers and the healthy people who want their stuff. Live music, beer and on-the-go bites make it a party.

Blue Jacket Park 2501 General Rees Ave., 407-246-2283, cityoforlando.net/parks/blue-jacket-park

Bring a dog, a frisbee, your running shoes or just a blanket and enjoy 75 acres of sunny green space.

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Grab a bite Sister Honey’s 247 E. Michigan St., 407-730-7315, sisterhoneys.com

ZaZa New Cuban Diner 3500 Curry Ford Road, 407-228-0060, zazacubandiner.com

PHOTOS BY ROB BARTLETT

The award-winning pies – seriously, try the country apple – cupcakes, pound cakes, cookies and more served at this South Orlando bakery are one of South Orlando’s hidden secrets. Try the rum pound cake.

Or the Southern sweet potato pie. Or the tropical pineapple upside down cake. Offerings change daily, and most things can be ordered by the slice, so call ahead if you’re looking for a whole cake or pie.

This affordably priced Cuban eatery serves simple but succulent vaca fritas, perfectly sweet fried plantains, buzzy café con leche and more.

This place is usually hopping all week long.

La Fiesta Mexican Grill 2901 Curry Ford Road, 407-985-4340, facebook.com/lafiestagrillandcatering

This traditional Mexican restaurant was so popular that it had to relocate across the street to make room for the crowds that poured into the dining room of its original location. All of the essentials of a Mexican feast are on the menu: tacos, enchiladas, carnitas, chilaquiles and more.

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Have a Drink Vanbarry’s Public House 4120 S. Orange Ave., 407-704-8881, orlandopublichouses.com

As soon as this cool new space on South Orange Avenue opened, it became a hotspot – on weekends, people gather on the spacious patio to catch a game or catch up with neighbors. Tacos, sandwiches, burgers and flatbreads make it an ideal happy hour meeting place or Sunday Funday hang.

The Rogue Pub 3076 Curry Ford Road, 407-985-3778, facebook.com/roguepub

South Orlando’s first dedicated craft beer bar just celebrated two years of booming business at its low-key Curry Ford Road home, which attracts young hipster couples who’ve just moved to the neighborhood as well as blue-collar folks who’ve lived here their whole lives.

CHeCk tHiS out Conway Farmers Market Barber Park, 3701 Gatlin Ave., conwaymarket.org

Live music, a bounce house for kids, baked goods and produce – this is the community market the Conway area has needed for years. It’s just getting up and running, so it only happens periodically. Check the website to find out when the next one takes place.

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4895 S. Orange Ave., 407-859-8991

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South Orlando has its very own indie record store, where you can browse the stacks of vinyl to your heart’s content. The selection may be smaller than some other places in town, but the prices are great and the owner is the bees’ knees. A must-visit spot on Record Store Day.

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Thrift store shopping along Orange Avenue Travel south on Orange Avenue and keep your eyes peeled once you get past the Michigan Street intersection, because there are multiple small thrift stores hidden along the corridor here that are packed to the brim with all manner of fun finds. A couple of our favorites are I Feel Used (3557 S. Orange Ave., randyifeelused.com) and Thrift Deals (6450 S. Orange Ave., thriftdeals.com), but there are a handful more to hunt and peck through if you look around.

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UCF area The University of Central Florida’s distinguished reputation does not just stem from the fact that it’s one of the most affordable colleges in the country or that it’s the second-largest university in the nation. It’s also, at least in part, due to the pride the students take in being part of their community. For instance, after taking a Snapchat in the area, swipe left and you’ll get a custom “Knight Nation” filter to add to your photo – UCFers love their alma mater that much. Just off campus, sprawling strip malls and apartment plazas spread out in all directions to

GRAB A BITE Lazy Moon Pizza

HAVE A DRINK

11551 University Blvd., 407-658-2396, lazymoonpizza.com

Knight Library

If you’re in the UCF area and need to choose just one place to visit, make it Lazy Moon Pizza. The vibrant pizza shop is always booming from lunchtime to late into the night, with hordes of hungry people eager to indulge in giant slices and pitchers of PBR. One slice is all you need to get the job done – they’re huge – and you can customize with pretty much any topping you can think of.

Sus-Hi Eatstation 4498 N. Alafaya Trail, 407-826-1682, sushieatstation.com

Sushi rolls, wraps and rice bowls served inside a dojo by ninjas – that’s what you get when you stop into this busy counterservice restaurant in University Commons.

Don’t be startled if you hear somebody screech “FIRE!” out of the blue – it just means a customer is getting cheese melted on top of a rice bowl.

Latin Roots Restaurant 11903 E. Colonial Drive, 407-730-9634

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BAR LOUIE

11448 University Blvd., 407-704-7477, knightlibrary.com

UCF students spend a lot of their time hard at

World of Beer

work in the campus library, but when it’s time

3402 Technological Ave., 321-235-9741, wobusa.com

to put the books down, students still head

World of Beer is one of the UCF area’s prominent drinking destinations. Head over to WOB any day of the week and you’ll find beer lovers, young and old alike, indulging in a variety of brews from around the world.

to the library – the Knight Library. Nationally recognized as one of the top college bars in the country, it is rare to find this hotspot vacant. With a different event every night of the week soundtracked by live DJs, the Knight Library is a key player in most UCF students’ lives.

CHECK THIS OUT

Knights Pub

Jay Blanchard Park

3910 N. Alafaya Trail, 407-382-4171, knightspuborlando.com

2451 N. Dean Road, 407-254-9030

good place to settle in on game days.

This 80-plus-acre park is the perfect place to walk, bike or just take in a gorgeous afternoon. An 8.1-mile paved path runs along the bank of the Little Econ River, and soccer fields, tennis courts and volleyball make it a popular outdoor destination for people from all over east Orlando.

Bar Louie

CFE Arena

4100 N. Alafaya Trail, 407-428-2980, barlouieamerica.com

University of Central Florida, 12777 Gemini Blvd. N., 407-823-3070, cfearena.com

Lunch, dinner, late-night eats and awesome

The CFE Arena is home to UCF’s sporting events, but it also serves as the neighborhood’s primary entertainment source throughout the year, when it hosts concerts, comedy shows, family shows, live performances and the annual holiday event Light Up UCF.

Operated by UCF alumni – the same folks who run popular downtown clubs Tier and Ono – Knights Pub knows what students want from their college bar. That is to say, drink specials every night of the week and a

happy hour specials make this a popular hang in the college corridor. Unlike the dueling Knights Pub and Knight Library, though, Bar Louie is a little less undergrad-oriented, so even a visiting professor can kick back comfortably here.

PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT

Located in the Alafaya Commons shopping plaza, this family-owned hole-in-the-wall, Puerto Rican-style establishment is as authentic as abuela’s kitchen. The menu has a variety of signature dishes, but the mofongo relleno de camarones a la criolla (mofongo stuffed with shrimp) served in a pilon is a must-try when you visit.

PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT

cater to the growing UCF student body.

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WINTER PARK Winter Park is like Paris. If anything changes too much, the locals throw a hissy. It’s a good thing most of the time; all the great stuff stays put, and all the not-so-great stuff sticks around long enough to see a rebirth. From the corner of Orange and Fairbanks to Aloma and Semoran’s mammoth intersection, Winter Park’s offerings are as diverse as its population.

GRAB A BITE

HAVE A DRINK

The Coop

Park Social

610 W. Morse Blvd., 407-843-2667, asouthernaffair.com

358 N. Park Ave., 407-636-7020

John Rivers’ chicken place has taken root and there’s a line out the doors most days for lunch, dinner and, most recently, breakfast.

Dine on homemade Moon Pies, shrimp and grits, and of course, chicken and waffles.

Cask & Larder 565 W. Fairbanks Ave., 321-280-4200, caskandlarder.com

The other half of WP’s restaurant royalty, James and Julie Petrakis, opened this temple of Southern cookery, canning and craft beer

Taps

THE COOP

480 N. Orlando Ave., 407-677-5000, tapsrestaurantbarandlounge.com

Scratch

A huge beer list, wine on self-tap, a chic lounge space, tons of TVs – it’s got everything for all people. Plenty of munchies, too, like nine different types of bruschetta and blue-kernel popcorn with truffle oil and grated Asiago cheese.

223 W. Fairbanks Ave., 407-325-5165, scratchtapas.com

The Wine Room

just down the road from their flagship, the Ravenous Pig. Look for their retail store, Swine & Sons, to open in spring of 2015.

If you blink, you’ll miss the tiny storefront on Fairbanks, but inside is a feast for the senses.

Antique furniture, local art and seriously succulent small plates like pork belly adobo with black rice excite.

Toasted 1945 Aloma Ave., 407-960-3922, igettoasted.com

A restaurant devoted solely to gourmet grilled cheese is as American as it gets, especially when the bread is slathered with butter, served extra crispy (with plenty of roasty burnt cheese bits) and paired with homemade tomato soup.

PHOTOS BY ROB BARTLETT

Opened atop Boca, the newest resident of the high-turnover space on Park and Canton, Park Social is a “speakeasystyle” bar (meaning you need a password to get in and its existence is not immediately apparent) with a swingin’ 1970s vibe.

Swill cocktails (both classic and original) and order the cheese plate.

Shake Shack 119 N. Orlando Ave., 321-203-5130, shakeshack.com

The New York chain has expanded worldwide and Orlando is officially cool enough to have one (or two; a second is soon to open on I-Drive). It’s a cheat day place – you can’t even get a burger on lettuce here – so go when you have the kcals to spend.

270 S. Park Ave., 407-696-9463, thewineroomonline.com

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a wine-obsessed yacht captain’s study (ahoy!). More than 100 wines are available via machine dispenser, and each has a description so you can study up before you hit that “pour” button. Tasting pours start at about $2.

The Porch 643 N. Orange Ave., 407-571-9101, winterparkporch.com

As the name suggests, most of this spot is outside, so it’s best on clear days. Cocktails and beer are the focus here, but there is food available. Live music on Tuesday nights, brunch on Saturday and Sunday (the place has a mean Bloody Mary), and all-you-can-eat wings on Monday nights from 6-10 p.m.

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W I N T E R P A R K C O N T.

CHECK THIS OUT Scenic Boat Tour 312 E. Morse Ave., 407-644-4056, scenicboattours.com

Well worth your $12 (bring cash or write a check; no credit cards), this hour-long tour through the Winter Park chain of lakes is a sweet, Old-Florida way to spend an afternoon. Ogle cypress trees, scope for sorority girls sunbathing at Dinky Dock and spy on the wildlife.

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival March 20-22, 328 N. Park Ave., 407-644-7207, wpsaf.org

More than 225 artists, photographers and artisans display their creations at this juried art festival in Central Park. Catch live music and entertainment throughout the festival, and pick up some new wall ornaments or one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Popcorn Flicks in the Park 251 S. Park Ave., 407-629-0054, enzian.org

Trader Joe’s 131 N. Orlando Ave., 407-622-0874, traderjoes.com

If you’re coming to Winter Park from anywhere else in town, chances are you’ll want to visit our only Trader Joe’s (another is slated to open in early 2015 on Sand Lake Road in Dr. Phillips). Parking is tight, admittedly: Two Buck Chuck and cookie butter comes at a price.

PHOTOS BY ROB BARTLETT

Our local art house, Enzian Theater, partners with the city of Winter Park to present family-friendly films on the second Thursday of each month in Central Park. Bring a picnic (or a vat of ice cream from Kilwin’s) and some blankets, and lounge on the lawn from 8 p.m. (weather permitting) till credits roll.

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Sanford now that you can take the Sunrail to Sanford (at least during the week), our northern neighbor and its enticing historic district has become even more attractive as a little Orlando escape – or even as a place to which we wouldn’t mind relocating. The fast-growing strip in downtown Sanford has nabbed some of Orlando’s best spots (Christo’s Café, Tony’s ImperIal WIne Bar & Beer Garden

Deli, the Imperial), but it’s the truly distinct treaPHOTOS BY HannaH GlOGOwer

sures that keep us coming back.

From magical places like Hollerbach’s willow Tree Café, a German beer hall where you can knock back das boot and sing oom-pah-pah, or the alley blues bar, which an eerily spot-on John waters lookalike is known to frequent, to newly memorable destinations like the impressive Sanford suds factory wopsHops and an entire shop dedicated to serving the marvelously inventive sugary morsels of wondermade (find exclusive marshmallow flavors at the café that nobody else in the world gets to try), Sanford is rich in curiosities.

GRAB A BITE Shantell’s Café 406 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-732-7728, facebook.com/shantellcafe

restaurateur Shantell williams greets her diners warmly at this soul-food joint, where fried foods like chicken and waffles and fish and chips rule and bellies rumble for homemade chocolate cake.

HAVE A DRINK Buster’s Bistro 412 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-732-6880, bustersbistro.com

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café

at Buster’s, expect to find a casual spot for dinner and drinks with a row of motorcycles lined up out front and dependably laid-back service to go with interesting craft beer choices.

205 E. First St., Sanford, 407-321-2204, willowtreecafe.com

Celery City Craft

what with the rousing shouts from huge parties, the giant beer mugs and the pretzels bigger than your head, there’s big fun to be found at this German favorite, which is why it’s a popular destination for celebrations or just to say “Prost!” and brighten any day.

114 S. Palmetto Road, Sanford, 407-915-5541, celerycitycraft.com

Stocking tons of craft beer and wine (more than 100 varieties!), Celery City Craft plays games with your heart by challenging visitors to darts, shuffleboard and other games to fully embrace competitive spirits.

Wondermade Café 214 E. First St., Sanford, 407-205-9569, wondermade.com

Savor a range of flavored treats at this new marshmallow café that’s certain to stick around, serving up plump sweets in creative flavors like bourbon or carrot cake in s’mores, hot chocolate or lineage coffee.

Little Fish Huge Pond 401 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-221-1499, littlefish-hugepond.com

The eccentric Irish-american pub known as little Fish Huge Pond throws wicked theme parties, features creative draft beers and serves homey pub grub like Guinness stew.

HOllerBaCH’S WIllOW Tree CaFÉ

CHECK THIS OUT Paw Park 427 S. French Ave., Sanford, pawparksanford.org

Unleash your beast at Sanford’s nationally renowned historic dog park, where you’ll find obstacle courses and other pets for your best friend to pal around with.

Rabbitfoot Records Coffee Lounge 309 E. First St., Sanford, 321-926-3417, rabbitfootrecords.com

Since moving to Sanford, rabbitfoot records grows more each year. recent news is that they will once again offer affordable walk-in record-cutting services, in addition to coffee and sweets, in a low-key environment where any record in the place can be played on demand.

West End Trading Co. 202 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-322-7475, drinkatwestend.com

It’s half raucous bar, half live music venue, and while never the twain shall meet, it’s always a trip bouncing between both sides and taking in great local bands while downing draft beer and comfort food.

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Eight cool local shops you need to know about people often make the mistake of assuming that the best shopping in orlando happens in the outlets and shopping malls. that’s simply not true. here are eight local stores that prove that when it comes to shopping in this town, local is lovely.

Dear Prudence Shoppe 2912 Corrine Drive, 407-894-4941, dresssweet.com

adorable jewelry, jewelry-making supplies, women’s fashion and stuff you won’t find anywhere else make this audubon park boutique one of our favorite stops when we’ve got money burning a hole in our pockets.

Cloak and Dapper: A Gentlemen’s Store 1219 N. Orange Ave., 407-250-6783, cloakanddapper.us

a carefully curated selection of menswear, grooming supplies and “provisions” – we dare not call them “accessories” – makes this Ivanhoe Village general store for men the place to get your specialty pomades, well-made shirts and not-mass-produced manly items. Spendy but stylish.

Dechoes Resale 2110 Edgewater Drive, 407-6487480; 2525 E. Colonial Drive, 407894-6622; the Village at Artegon, 5250 International Drive, store A7; dechoesresale.com

on one side, it’s a fully stocked art-supply store that serves both the working artist and hobbyist alike. on the other, it’s the perfect place to find last-minute gifts, craft papers, framing supplies and more.

Bargain Box Resale Shop 2010 N. Orange Ave., 407-898-1700, jlgo.org/bargain-box

Donations from the public stock this resale shop, run by the Junior league of Greater orlando. In addition to gently used clothing and accessories for men and women, you’ll also find furniture and household goods.

Bookmark It East End Market, 3201 Corrine Drive, bookmarkitorlando.com

this little bookstore, which puts local and Florida authors in the spotlight, is not just a place to buy books – it’s also a community literary hub that hosts readings, author talks, book signings, book fairs and more.

Filthy Rich Celebrity Jewelry

every major city needs a progressive store that takes the creep factor out of shopping for adult novelties. at Fairvilla, you can shop for sex toys, lingerie and whatever fetish gear gets you going, but you can also be more involved if you so choose – take classes in the erotic arts and attend “educational” seminars or one of the shop’s many themed parties and happy hours.

Fairvilla Megastore 1740 N. Orange Blossom Trail, 407425-6005, fairvilla.com

photo by hannah GloGower

this franchise sells replicas of jewelry items worn by celebs – have you always adored the emerald drop earrings First lady Jackie Kennedy wore? you can buy a pair inspired by them here. want a gold and diamond ring like the one brad pitt wears? your best bet for finding a lookalike.

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Sam Flax 1800 E. Colonial Drive, 407-898-9785, samflaxorlando.com

a droolworthy selection of designer goods, vintage finds and gently used accessories makes Dechoes the kind of place you stop at on the regular to hunt for clothing bargains. Unlike a lot of resale stores, Dechoes has an upscale but edgy vibe, so you never have to feel like you’re slumming it when you shop here.

216B N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407960-3950, worldfamousjewelry.com

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5 essential Orlando vintage stores In a city that’s as mixed-and-matched as a thrifter’s closet, rooting out good vintage stores can be a challenge without a little guidance. From authentic garments dating back to the ’20s to unique bright fashions from the ’80s and ’90s, orlando’s vintage stores quite literally have your EtoilE BoUtiqUE

back if you’re looking to stand out in tourist town. here are the essentials.

Déjà Vu Vintage Clothing and Accessories 1210 Michigan Ave., 407-838-3609

photo by hannah GloGower

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Celebrating 30 years in 2015 of timewarped treasure-hunting, Déjà Vu relocated recently, so many locals lost their way to their truly unique racks, but it is certainly worth plotting your course to rediscover everything from jumpsuits to jewelry at the new location.

Etoile Boutique 2424 E. Robinson St., 407-895-6363, etoileboutique.com

It was a gem in the Milk District before people even went to the Milk District, so it’s no shock their trendy vintage threads

catch on just shoppers who bonus: on-site in case you fall or snug.

as quick with savvy-chic don’t have time to thrift. tailoring and adjustments, in love, but it’s a little loose

Orlando Vintage Clothing and Costumes 2117 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 407-5997225, orlandovintage.com

whether you’re looking for that perfect period piece to rent for a theme party or matchless outfits that demonstrate your distinct flair, orlando Vintage houses a huge collection, from fur coats to sport coats, and they’ve been doing it with flair for the past 20 years.

The Owl’s Attic 4031 Forsyth Road, Winter Park, 321-300-6957, theowlzattic.com

off the beaten path and frankly hard to find if you aren’t looking for it, this quaint shop with vintage and one-ofa-kind fashion is all about the thrill of discovery. It’s frequently less pickedover than stores closer to hip districts.

Postmarket Vintage 2906 Corrine Drive, 407-270-7729, etsy.com/ shop/postmarketvintage

previously only found at local festivals or on etsy, the inspired attire picked by postmarket Vintage can now be found at their shop located in the lovely.

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Stock up on fresh produce, bright blooms and local art at O-town’s outdoor farmers markets.

Orlando Farmers Market Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., East Central Boulevard and North Eola Drive, orlandofarmersmarket.com

local art and artisans, cheeses, baked goods, produce. Dogfriendly. beer and wine garden.

Winter Park Farmers Market

Fresh produce, baked goods, local meats and cheeses, food trucks, flowers.

City of Maitland Farmers Market at Lake Lily Park Sundays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 701 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland, 407-539-6200, itsmymaitland.com

Fresh produce, baked goods, local dairy and meats, pet treats.

Mondays, 6-10 p.m., 1842 E. Winter Park Road, audubonmarket.com

all-local produce, pet treats, local honey, vegan snacks, live music, food trucks.

Winter Garden Downtown Farmers Market Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 104 S. Lakeview Ave., wintergardenfarmersmarket.com

produce, baked goods, fresh flowers. Dog-friendly. live music.

Mills 50 Community Market Tuesdays, 4-9 p.m., 1050 N. Mills Ave., mills50market.com

arts and crafts, ice cream, baked goods, local dairy, fresh produce.

phOtO by hannah GlOGOwer

Saturdays, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., 200 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, 407-5993397, cityofwinterpark.org

Audubon Park Community Market

Edgewood Farmers Market Thursdays, 4-8 p.m., 405 Larue Ave., 407-851-2920

produce, baked goods, jams and preserves, food trucks.

LAKE EOLA FARMERS MARKET

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boozy brunches

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As any occupant of the Facebook hive mind knows, Sunday Funday is the greatest opportunity to boast about last SANTIAGO’S BODEGA night’s walk of shame, somebody’s endowment, a weird dance, a dark alley or whatever else made Saturday night so memorable – there are always stories to be told the morning after. Here are some places to don your sunglasses, order a mimosa and spill your gorgeous guts for brunch. Carry on.

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Artisan’s Table photo by hannah GloGower

22 E. Pine St., 407-730-7499, artisanstableorlando.com

Dressed gorgeously and sparsely at the same time, this recent addition to the downtown thoroughfare brings the brunch brilliance in a manner that seems almost effortless. the food is amazing – um, hello, prime rib with ramen – but the specialty cocktails seal the deal.

Dexter’s Thornton Park 808 E. Washington St., 407-648-2777, dexwine.com

we’re singling out this particular Dexter’s location because it’s our favorite place to see downtown dwellers eating alone at the bar with heads in hand. the food is amazing and all over the place, with changing brunch menus, and the bar is stacked for your stomach lining’s pleasure. we had our first flavored mimosas there!

Paxia 2611 Edgewater Drive, 407-420-1144, paxiarestaurant.com

perfectly perched for your stumble home should you live in College park, paxia offers a modern Mexican take on all things bright and beautiful and requiring sunglasses because, oMG, last night. even the menu for the brunch Unlimited brings the humor, with “la Cruda” (“the Hangover”) and “la Manana Siguente” (“the Morning After”) leading the bill, alongside all manners of beans, eggs, plantains and bacon.

Santiago’s Bodega 802 Virginia Drive, 407-412-6979, santiagosbodega.com

White Wolf Café 1829 N. Orange Ave., 407-895-9911, whitewolfcafe.com

this is a bustling go-to for brunchers of all makes and models. the legendary white wolf gives you every liquor-absorbing food option your ailing liver could want, along with the mimosas meant to ruin it. there are benedicts for days (lobster! beans and rice!), even if you only have one afternoon to take it all in.

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A fairly dressed-up tapas joint that’s part of the Ivanhood explosion just north of downtown, Santiago’s throws down variations on all of your favorite breakfast nibbles, but generally in smaller portions. like, this one time, when we only wanted half a delicious eggs benedict with our seven drinks, that’s exactly what we got. reservations help.

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SIP & SWAGGER Stumble your way through orlando’s burgeoning bar scene with suds or vino.

WINE WALKS Thornton Park 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk Second thursday of each month, 6:30-9:30 p.m., 712 e. washington St., $10, thorntonparkdistrict.com

Audubon Park “May the Fourth Be With You” Sip & Stroll May 3, 2-5 p.m., 2810 Corrine Drive, $15, audubonparkgardens.com

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Winter Park Sip, Shop & Stroll June 11, 5-8 p.m., corner of Morse boulevard and park avenue, winter park, 407-644-8281, $25, winterpark.org

photo by hannah GloGower

BAR CRAWLS

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Orlando Conductor Crawl Second Friday of each month, 6:55 p.m., Church Street Sunrail station, $3.75, facebook.com/orlandoconductorcrawl

Orlando Pub Crawl Monthly (check site for dates and themes), 8 p.m., $10-$20, orlandopubcrawl.com

Sanford Pub Crawls on Limo Cycle on request (visit site to book), 855-756-9386, limocycle.com

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QUANTUM LEAP WINERY

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GRINGOS LOCOS

10 PLACES TO SATISFY THOSE LATE-NIGHT MUNCHIES PAST MIDNIGHT

Planet Pizza open until 3 a.m. weekdays, 4 a.m. weekends, 14 W. Washington St., 407650-8859, planetpizzaorlando.com

the king of downtown slices. there’s a line after bars close, but that just means it’s good, right?

there’s really no reason to sit on the curb outside Scratch until 1:45 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 7-eleven with a microwave burrito, or to go home open 223 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, and order Domino’s. not anymore, anyway – orlando 407-325-5165 restaurants serving past midnight, even on weekdays, less of a drunk-nosh, more of a glamorous-dinner-at-midnight are slowly but surely on the rise. thing. Scratch is one of the best Beth’s Burger Bar

Gringos Locos

Oblivion Taproom

open until 3 a.m. WednesdaySaturday, 24 E. Washington St., 407650-4950, bethsburgerbar.com

downtown, open until 3 a.m. every day; Milk District, open until 3 a.m.

Monday-Saturday, 20 E. Washington St., 407-841-5626; 2406 E. Robinson St., 407-896-5626; gringoslocos.net

open until 2 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 5101 E. Colonial Drive, 407-802-4800, obliviontaproom.com

one word: frickles. oh oK, here’s a few more – the fried pickles are great, but so are the crispedged, griddle-fried burgers.

open until 2 a.m. every day, 900 E. Washington St., 407-426-9503; 3100 Alafaya Trail, Oviedo, 407-542-5902; graffitijunktion.com

of the various orlando Graffiti Junktions, these two keep their kitchens open past midnight, so you can chow down (while still knocking back cocktails, if you like) every night of the week.

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Junior Colombian Burger open until 2:30 a.m. weekdays, 4:30 a.m. weekends, multiple locations, juniorcolombianburger.com

with restaurants near Seaworld, Universal and UCF, you’re never far from a messy, drippy, specialsauced burger.

Pita Pit check website for hours; 1 S. Orange Ave., 407-447-7482; 140 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 407-478-8688; pitapitusa.com

It’s not high cuisine, but your body will thank you in the morning for eating a pita stuffed full of fresh veggies and grilled meat instead of pizza or fries.

Teak Neighborhood Grill open until 2 a.m. every day, 6400 Time Square Ave., 407-313-5111, teakorlando.com

It’s one of the biggest menus we’ve ever seen: Dive in, don’t be intimidated.

WOB Downtown open until 2 a.m. every day, 431 E. Central Blvd., 407-270-5541, wobusa. com

the grill closes at 11 p.m., but the rest of the menu – flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, wings and pretzels – is fair game until close.

photo by hannah GloGower

Graffiti Junktion

Gringos stormed the scene a couple of years ago and has since become the afterhours burrito of choice for discriminating partiers.

the artistry of the craft beers on tap here is matched by the handcrafted burgers coming out of the kitchen. (Vegan patties too, so no one’s left out.)

restaurants in the city, and the fact that they keep cooking till the wee just makes us love them all the more.

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surviving your trip to Walt Disney World in six easy steps Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time tourist, at some point everyone in Orlando enters Mickey’s magical mousetrap. The key to emerging alive is to go in with an attack plan, a realistic budget and (our preference) a hidden flask.

1. Get youR tickets in ADvAnce The best-case scenario is to make friends with a Disney employee (or “cast member,” in Mickey-speak) who can get you in for free. Otherwise, look into legit brokers like Official Ticket Center (officialticketcenter.com) and Undercover Tourist (undercovertourist. com), or Florida resident specials direct from Disney; MouseSavers. com always has the latest intel on discounts. Whatever you do, don’t

the Magic Kingdom. You SEVEN DWARFS MINE TRAIN can do the same with the BoardWalk Inn for Epcot and Hollywood Studios, but there’s no good alternative at Animal Kingdom. On busy days you may need a reservation to pull this off.

Whatever you do, don’t try parking at Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) and busing to the parks until the current construction apocalypse there concludes.

buy partially used passes online, or pay the $105 gate price for a day at the Magic Kingdom. If nothing else, buying early not only saves you time, it allows you to …

2. PRebook youR fAstPAss+ ReseRvAtions Once you’ve got your park ticket, you can register it with a MyMagic+ account through Disney’s My Magical Experience website (disneyworld.disney.go.com/plan/my-disney-experience)

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free

mobile app. Up to 30 days in advance of your visit (60 if you’re staying at a Disney hotel), you can book advance FastPass+ reservation for three attractions in a single park. You can only get additional passes on the day of after you’ve used the first three, so pick carefully.

Best uses for your FastPass+ are:

Magic Kingdom: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight, the Frozen princess meetand-greet

Epcot: PHOTO COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY WORLD

Soarin’, Mission: Space, Spaceship Earth

Hollywood Studios:

4. ADR oR Die(t) Speaking of Advance Dining Reservations (or “ADRs”), if you want a sit-down meal inside a Disney park, you need to plan up to 180 days ahead. Popular restaurants like Be Our Guest and Le Cellier book solid months in advance. Alternatively, throw caution (and cholesterol) to the wind and subsist on quick-service heart-cloggers like smoked turkey legs and pork shanks. The best park for street snacking is Epcot, especially on weekdays during the Food & Wine or Flower & Garden festivals.

5. PRioRitize youR RiDes Don’t be the people you see blocking up park pathways, squinting at the map and arguing over where to go next. Use a professionally designed attraction itinerary (like the ones provided by TouringPlans.com) or at least familiarize yourself with what the rides are about via YouTube. Arrive before the park officially opens, and immediately hit the most popular rides that you didn’t book FastPass+ appointments for. You can do more in the park’s first hour of operations than in the next three, provided you stay ahead of the crowds.

6. stAy off the (MAin) stReet

Toy Story Midway Mania, Star Tours, Tower of Terror

Animal Kingdom: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids, Expedition Everest

3. PARk cReAtively Most guests bite the bullet and pay to park in Disney’s expansive surface lots. Another option is to park and eat at the Contemporary Resort (Chef Mickey’s character meal is insanely popular, California Grill is overrated and the Wave is often overlooked), then walk into

Disney recently renovated Magic Kingdom’s iconic Main Street hub to provide more parade and fireworks viewing areas, but it will cost you a valuable FastPass+ to use them. Instead, watch the parades from the waterfront path in Frontierland, from which you can escape afterward toward Splash Mountain or the Haunted Mansion. Fantasyland and Tomorrowland offer great views of the fireworks with plenty of elbow room, though you’ll miss the projection-mapping pre-show on the castle. Better yet, watch from the beach at the newly refurbished Polynesian Village Resort with a rum drink or Dole Whip.

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six tips for exploring universal orlando Once an also-ran to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando now has the hottest attractions in town, thanks to Harry Potter. A visit to Universal requires less advance planning than a Disney vacation, but a little preparation will help you master Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure like a wizard.

1. invest in An AnnuAl PAss Universal’s one-day prices are just as outrageous as Disney’s, especially if you add the park-to-park option that’s required to ride the Hogwarts Express train. But Universal’s multi-day tickets are much cheaper, with the entry-level Florida resident annual pass costing barely $40 more than a one-day park-hopper. Upgraded annual passes include generous discounts on food, merchandise and hotel rooms, which becomes handy if you …

2. consiDeR stAyinG the niGht on-site Universal’s Loews-operated on-site hotels are some of the nicest in town, and one night in any of them includes early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – a huge perk. The three deluxe properties also toss in unlimited Express Passes for the rides, which could cost a family of four more than the room itself if purchased a la carte.

3. PAss on PRefeRReD PARkinG There’s no easy way to get around paying for parking in Universal’s ginormous garages, so don’t pony up extra for a “preferred” spot; you’re only guaranteeing that you won’t need to take an escalator, but DIAGON ALLEY PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL ORLANDO COWFISH PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT

your space may be further from the central hub than a cheaper one on another level. Emeril’s and other CityWalk restaurants validate for two hours of free valet parking at lunch, and Hard Rock Hotel’s Palm and Royal Pacific’s Tchoup Chop validate for dinner.

4. visit PotteR AfteR lunch Most guests will sprint straight for Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley at opening, overwhelming the attractions there until late morning, when attendance in those areas tends to dissipate. If you are at Universal on a peak day, you may need a timed return ticket to enter the Potter areas (if so, pray or flee). Otherwise, do the other popular attractions at opening – Despicable Me, Rip Ride Rockit, Transformers and Mummy at Universal Studios; Hulk, Spider-Man, Doctor Doom and the water rides at Islands of Adventure – and explore the Wizarding Worlds in the afternoon and evening, when they look especially beautiful.

5. sAve RooM (AnD Money) foR siGnAtuRe snAcks

DIAGON ALLEY UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

Universal’s per-guest spending is sky-high, thanks to signature snacks and sweets that you can’t get anywhere else, like Butterbeer (best frozen or hot, though the cold and ice cream varieties aren’t bad), giant Lard Lad donuts and Duff Beer (available in regular, light or dry).

The Potter restaurants’ British pub grub is pretty good, but for a better sit-down meal, you’ll want to escape to CityWalk, where Antojitos Authentic Mexican, Vivo Italian Kitchen and the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar are solid options.

6. sAvoR the siGhts Some guests rush from ride to ride, then dismiss Universal’s theming as inferior to Disney’s. Take time to relax in some of the parks’ quieter pockets, like New York’s alleyways, Central Park, and the London and Springfield waterfronts in Universal Studios; and the Port of Entry, Sweethaven and Seuss shorelines, and Jurassic Park Discovery Center in Islands of Adventure.

Of course, Potter fans will want to spend hours soaking up the Wizarding World’s details, especially in Diagon’s spooky Knockturn Alley.

Spring for a $47 interactive wand if you want to activate interactive effects, or just creep on kids using them.

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six of the best stops if you’re spending a day on international Drive Long considered just a low-rent alternative to Orlando’s major attractions, International Drive is becoming a destination in its own right. There’s enough to do on I-Drive to occupy you for a full day, provided you can endure the traffic.

ESCAPOLOGY

1. finD An outlet foR youR shoPPinG ADDiction Every tourist town in America has its outlet malls, and the Orlando International Premium Outlets mall (4951 International Drive, premium outlets.com/orlando) on the north end of I-Drive is among the biggest. Along with the discount designers, don’t miss the Character PHOTO COURTESY OF ORLANDO EYE ESCAPOLOGY PHOTO COURTEST OF ESCAPOLOGY

Warehouse filled with last season’s Disney souvenirs. For something completely different, check out nearby Artegon Marketplace (5250 International Drive, artegonmarketplace.com), a sea of artisan stalls installed inside an ex-mall. The vendor selection leans more Magic Mall than Faneuil Hall, but you’re sure to spot something unique.

Proving you don’t need a big price tag to deliver huge thrills, Fun Spot America (5700 Fun Spot Way, fun-spot.com) sports Central Florida’s only wooden roller coaster. This GCI-designed compact out-and-back delivers a surprising amount of out-of-your-seat airtime, and is well worth the $9 for coaster junkies. If you want multiple re-rides, or to race on Fun Spot’s patented go-kart tracks, an all-day pass is about

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Amid the chain restaurants and rubber lobster buffets, there are actually some ethnic eateries along International Drive worthy of the road’s name. If you’re looking for an authentically exotic I-Drive lunch, three of the best are Aashirwad Indian Restaurant (5748 International Drive, aashirwadrestaurant.com), Nile Ethiopian Cuisine (7048 International Drive, nile07.com) and Hanamizuki Japanese Restaurant (8255 International Drive, hanamizuki.us)

4. tAke the Wheel foR A sPin

2. Get soMe WooD

$40 with free parking.

3. tAste inteRnAtionAl flAvoRs

The surroundings may not be quite as scenic as at similar observation wheels in London and Las Vegas, but the new 400-foot-tall Orlando Eye (8401 International Drive, officialorlandoeye.com) at I-Drive 360 is sure to provide stellar views of the theme parks. And while $18$32 for a single 30-minute revolution may seem steep, a $35 combo pass with the adjoining Madame Tussauds wax museum and Sea Life aquarium could be a good way to kill an afternoon.

5. hAve A MysteRy MeAl Orlando is home to several dinner theaters, most featuring stunts, special effects and substandard food. The standout is Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows (8267 International Drive, sleuths.com), which employs some of the area’s best comic actors in nightly interactive whodunnits. There are numerous scripts and solutions, and the prime rib and Cornish hen are a cut above the competition.

6. MAke youR escAPe The best way to escape traffic is to stick to Universal Boulevard, which roughly parallels I-Drive from Wet ’n Wild south to the Convention Center. Rejoin I-Drive at State Road 528 and head south past SeaWorld. Once down there, make one final escape, this time from an elaborately themed “puzzle room” at Escapology (11951 International Drive, escapology.com), the slickest of a number of similar attractions to open locally in the last year. For $28, think your way free from an Oriental freighter or Cuban embassy in under an hour, and you’ll have conquered I-Drive from top to bottom.

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attRactiOns Theme parks? Yeah, we’ve got ’em.

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But Orlando is also home to a host of

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other attractions that have an appeal all their own – from escape rooms to indoor go-kart racing to a park dedicated to gators, here are some of the diversions worth checking out when you’re visiting our tourist corridor.

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AQUATICA

17 MORE cOOl attRactiOns wORth yOuR tOuRist dOllaR Aquatica 5800 Water Play Way 888-800-5447, aquaticabyseaworld.com

SeaWorld’s water park. Enjoy a variety of slides alongside animal attractions. Hours vary seasonally; admission prices vary with deals for Florida residents.

Artegon Marketplace 5250 International Drive, 407-3517718, artegonorlando.com

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens 3755 N.W. Highway 17-92, Sanford, 407-323-4450, centralfloridazoo.org

The Orlando area’s only zoo is home to more than 400 animals, as well as the Zoom Air Adventure Park.

CSI: The Experience 7220 International Drive, 407-226-7220, orlando.csiexhibit.com

Hands-on science experience gives visitors a chance to pretend they’re investigators trying to crack a crime.

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4755 N. Kenansville Road, St. Cloud, 407-957-9794, foreverflorida.com

Eco-safaris of a 4,700-acre Florida nature preserve by horseback, open-air coach or zipline offer views of a traditional Cracker-style ranch, gators, black bears and other wildlife. Overnight horseback tours available.

Fun Spot America 5700 Fun Spot Way, 407-363-3867. fun-spot.com

Go-karts, bumper boats, carousels, slides, an arcade and an awesome wooden rollercoaster make this park worth checking out. Pay by the ride or buy an armband for unlimited fun.

Gatorland 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail , 407855-5496, gatorland.com

Gatorland is a roadside attraction turned eco-preserve.

The flesh-eating beasts roam (almost) free, along with many more scary things.

I-Drive 360 Entertainment Complex 8445 International Drive, 407-6017907, i-drive360.com

They say that on a clear day, you’ll be able to see the Kennedy Space Center from the top of the Orlando Eye,

I-Drive NASCAR Indoor Kart Racing 5228 Vanguard St., 844-437-4831, idrivenascar.com

This indoor go-kart race facility isn’t just for the little ones – big kids will also enjoy racing the environmentally friendly electric carts around the half-mile track at up to 45 miles per hour.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex State Road 405 east of Titusville, 321449-4444 , kennedyspacecenter.com

Space junkies, this complex is worth the drive to Titusville: Take guided tours of launch areas, see historic rockets, ride the Shuttle Launch Experience and see the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Magical Midway Thrill Park 7001 International Drive, 407-370-5353, magicalmidway.com

Elevated wooden go-kart tracks, a ginormous slingshot ride, bumper cars and boats, a carousel and an arcade, all in one plaza right on I-Drive.

Orlando Science Center 777 E. Princeton St., 407-514-2000, osc.org

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How can you not love a museum that’s home to SimMan, a lifesized simulated sick person whose vital signs you can follow until he flatlines? The science center also has Florida’s largest refractor telescope and all sorts of hands-on learning experiences that’ll appeal to kids and adults alike.

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Ripley’s Believe It or Not! 8201 International Drive , 407-3540501, orlando.ripleys.com

You’ve probably seen Ripley’s Believe It or Not “odditoriums” at pretty much every tourist trap you’ve ever visited. This one is home to a full-sized car made out of matchsticks, a portrait of Beyoncé made out of candy and an actual human shrunken head, all housed inside a building that looks like it’s falling into a sinkhole.

Titanic the Experience 7324 International Drive, 407-2481166, titanictheexperience.com

The 20,000-square-foot interactive museum offers a guided tour of authentic artifacts by costumed actors portraying the famous passengers and crew of the “unsinkable” ship.

Wet ’n Wild 6200 International Drive, 407-3511800, wetnwild.com

Experience thrill rides with vertical drops, multi-person tubing rides, toboggan slides and more. If you like your water rides on the milder side, float along the lazy river or splash in the wave pool.

AQUATICA PHOTO COURTESY OF SEA WORLD ORLANDO

This repurposed mall is now an open-air market of sorts that houses booths where artists, artisans, craftspeople and more hawk their wares.

Forever Florida

a 400-foot-tall observation wheel that’s the centerpiece of the newest of I-Drive’s entertainment destinations.

Catch the breathtaking view, then check out one of the other attractions: Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Sea Life Aquarium or the Skeletons museum. The complex is scheduled to open on May 4, 2015.

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WhirlyDome 6464 International Drive, 407212-3030, whirlydome.com

Play a game that’s a combination of hockey, jai alai, basketball and bumper cars at this unusual I-Drive attraction. There’s also an arcade, lazer tag, lazer frenzy, a restaurant and bowling, which makes it the perfect one-stop attraction for days when it’s too rainy to take in the parks.

WonderWorks 9067 International Drive

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Housed in an upside-down building, this attraction has high-tech effects that simulate earthquakes, hurricanes and a hanggliding experience; plus indoor zip lines, a 4-D theater ride and more. n

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MakE yOuR EscapE Escape room attractions, in which groups of people are locked in a room and must solve puzzles, riddles and challenges in order to get out, are popping up all over Orlando. If you’re the sort who likes your entertaining diversions with a side of brain-teasing mystery, here are four challenging escape rooms you need to check out.

America’s Escape Game 8723 International Drive, Suite 115, 407412-5585, americasescapegame.com

Three challenging scenarios await you here, and the scenarios

you can choose from include Project Hephaestus (a mysterious pandemic is sweeping the planet and you must navigate an old lab to find the cure), Lost Tomb of Monthu (navigate a mysterious tomb to unlock the secret of the mysterious disappearance of a renowned Egyptologist) and Crisis at 1600 (a paramilitary group threatens the White House). Tickets are $35 per person.

The Great Escape Room 23 1/2 S. Magnolia Ave. thegreatescaperoom.com/orlando

The Great Escape Room in downtown Orlando is located on Magnolia Avenue, right between the Harp and Celt. The rooms are based on Sherlock Holmes, and you get your choice of two rooms to break out of: the Library (Sherlock’s Study) or the Gameroom. Tickets are $28 per person and you must book in advance at their website.

It’s a Trap!

6744 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, 407-960-3824, itsatrapgame.com

Winter Park’s It’s a Trap! drops you into fantasy and science fiction-themed scenarios involving evil necromancers, trapped dragons, deadly pathogens and an incoming post-apocalyptic zombie horde.

Tickets are $23 and must be booked in advance at their site.

Escapology 11951 International Drive, 407-278-1515 orlando.escapology.com

Escapology only has one other location, in Koh Samui, Thailand, but plan on further expansion.

They offer three different scenarios – a Cuban missile crisis, a Wild West saloon shootout and a shanghaied ship – and they’re planning a fourth based on a virus that threatens humanity.

Tickets range between $24 and $30, depending on how many people are in your group.

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ARTS AND CULTURE Here you’ll find all the museums, galleries, theaters and cultural spaces of Orlando that we can fit in one place. Check out our calendar at orlandoweekly.com every day to keep up with your city’s many enlightening, edifying and ORLANDO BALLET

GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS

in the heart of this charming beach town.

Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens

Atlantic Center for the Arts

633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park, 407647-6294, polasek.org

The Czech artist’s former residence is now a gallery, surrounded by gorgeous lakeside gardens full of his bronze sculptures.

Anita S. Wooten Gallery Valencia College East Campus, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail, 407582-2298, valenciacollege.edu/ artsandentertainment/gallery

Valencia students and faculty display their work in this whitebox gallery alongside that of visiting and local artists.

Art and History Museums – Maitland 231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, 407539-2181, artandhistory.org

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educational events.

The cultural complex includes the Maitland Art Center (newly designated a National Historic Landmark), the Germaine Marvel multi-use space, the Victorianera Waterhouse Residence, the Telephone Museum and the Carpentry Shop Museum.

Arts on Douglas 123 Douglas St., New Smyrna Beach, 386-428-1133, artsondouglas.net

The exhibition arm of Atlantic Center for the Arts shows cutting-edge visual works

1414 Art Center Ave., New Smyrna Beach, 386-427-6975, atlanticcenterforthearts.org

Thursday art strolls. It hosts shows that change monthly, and it’s home to a number of independent galleries and arts spaces.

Cornell Fine Arts Museum

The residency program, which draws internationally renowned visual artists, writers and musicians, also offers public exhibits and performances several times per year.

Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum 656 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407628-8200, casafeliz.us

Winter Park’s landmark farmhouse, designed by noted architect James Gamble Rogers in 1932, hosts art, music and talks on historical preservation within its luxurious walls.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407645-5311, morsemuseum.org

This museum features an astounding collection of works

by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including a recently opened wing dedicated to recreating the essence of Laurelton Hall, Tiffany’s Long Island estate.

CityArts Factory 29 S. Orange Ave., 407-648-7060, cityartsfactory.com

This downtown arts space is the center of Orlando’s Third

1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, 407646-2526, rollins.edu/cfam

Tucked away on the campus of Rollins College, this museum recently received a major gift of contemporary art, the Alfond Collection, from a pair of alumni.

Crealdé School of Art 600 St. Andrews Blvd., Winter Park, 407-671-1886, crealde.org

The school, set in lakeside bungalows with a sculpture garden, is known for creative classes as well as ever-changing gallery shows.

THEATER GROUPS AND DANCE COMPANIES Some vital performing arts groups around town that don’t have a fixed address.

Baggy Pants Theater baggypantstheater.com Community theater group with a focus on social outreach.

Beth Marshall Presents bethmarshallpresents. wordpress.com The longtime Fringe Festival producer has formed her own company, producing an ambitious slate of plays and events.

Center for Contemporary Dance thecenterfordance.org Home to resident modern dance companies Moore Dance Project, U-Turn Dance Company, Explore Theatre & Dance Co. and Coby Project.

Central Florida Community Arts cfcarts.com This very inclusive musical arts organization believes every artist of every age should have a cultural platform to connect and perform.

Dark Side of Saturn facebook.com/sideofsaturn Edgy musical theater company launched in 2012 by Nick Baniewich.

Emotions Dance Company

The Falcon

emotionsdance.org A contemporary dance company that seeks to engage social and environmental issues.

819 E. Washington St., 407-4233060, facebook.com/thefalconbar

Empty Spaces Theater Co.

Faith Arts Village Orlando

emptyspacestheatre.org John DiDonna and Seth Kubersky lead a group known for producing challenging contemporary works.

221 E. Colonial Drive, 407-222-1231, faithartsvillage.com

Florida Opera Theatre

This ministry of Park Lake Presbyterian Church, housed in an old motel, provides individual artists studios and hosts a monthly art market.

floperatheatre.org FOT stages chamber operas and recitals in collaboration with Orlando Philharmonic and other Florida opera groups.

Revolving shows from emerging local artists, specializing in lowbrow, street and graffiti art.

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Jai Gallery 47 E. Robinson St., 407-921-0693, jaigallery.net

Flying Horse Editions 500 W. Livingston St., 407-235-3619, flyinghorse.cah.ucf.edu

University of Central Florida’s fine art research facility and nonprofit publisher of limitededition prints, artist books and multiple-edition art objects.

Gallery at Avalon Island 39 S. Magnolia Ave., facebook.com/ thegalleryatavalonisland

The historic building recalls Orlando’s past; the sophisticated exhibits within feature local, national and international artists.

Hannibal Square Heritage Center 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, 407-539-2680, hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org

Established in 2007, the gallery presents exhibitions and displays archival photos and historical documents related to the African-American experience in the evolving west Winter Park neighborhood.

The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida 851 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland, 407628-0555, holocaustedu.org

Jeanine Taylor Folk Art 211 E. First St., Sanford, 407-3232774, jtfolkart.com

This gallery in downtown Sanford actively promotes visionary folk artists such as Purvis Young and Mary Proctor.

Loft 55 Gallery 55 W. Church St., 407-451-6186, mkt.com/loft55gallery

Urban art gallery and boutique with a focus on supporting local artists and causes.

Museum of Art DeLand Main location: 600 N. Woodland Blvd., satellite: 100 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, 386-734-4371, moartdeland.org

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Smart curating and passionate board members have led to impressive in-house exhibitions by artists from Florida and beyond.

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The Mennello Museum of American Art

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900 E. Princeton St., 407-246-4278, mennellomuseum.com

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The space is tiny, but it packs a lot of punch. It’s a showcase for works by folk artist Earl Cunningham and an eclectic mix of traveling exhibitions.

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CORNELL FINE ARTS MUSEUM

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The tiny gallery within the Jewish Community Center hosts rotating exhibits that challenge the viewer.

Contemporary art gallery hopes to encourage a new generation of collectors.

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65 E. Central Blvd., 407-836-8500, thehistorycenter.org

This storehouse of archived wonders fills its exhibition spaces with traveling exhibitions as well as homegrown collections.

Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Ave., 407-896-4231, omart.org

Nestled into Loch Haven Park, the newly reinvigorated OMA shows work by major artists as well as homegrown talent.

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Redefine Gallery 29 S. Orange St., 407-648-7060, redefinegallery.com

A tiny space within CityArts, Redefine is the area’s most reliable purveyor of cuttingedge graffiti and street art.

Snap Space 1013 E. Colonial Drive, snaporlando.com

Slick photography-centric gallery in Mills 50 based in the historic Cameo Theatre building hosts the best art parties in town.

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Orange County Regional History Center

Southeast Museum of Photography Daytona State College, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Building 1200, Daytona Beach, 386506-4475, smponline.org

Yes, it’s way out there in Daytona, but photography lovers know it’s worth the drive to the coast to visit. Just about every angle of photography

gets explored in the expansive institution with multiple galleries of national and international works.

The Terrace Gallery Orlando City Hall, 400 S. Orange Ave., 407-246-4279, cityoforlando.net/arts

This gallery showcases some of the city of Orlando’s public art collection, as well as nationally touring and locally curated exhibitions.

UCF Gallery University of Central Florida, Visual Arts Building, 12400 Aquarius Agora Drive, 407-823-5470, gallery.cah.ucf.edu

Parking at UCF can be tough, but the gallery’s faculty and student shows feature innovative modern works.

Well’s Built Museum 511 W. South St., 407-245-7535, wellsbuilt.org

Housed in a historic hotel, Well’s Built is a trove of AfricanAmerican artifacts.

Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts 227 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville, 407-647-3307, zoranealehurstonmuseum.com

This little gallery is devoted to African-American history and culture, and features the often-challenging work of contemporary artists of African descent.

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ARTS AND CULTURE Winter Garden hosts theater, film and family shows.

Improv Orlando 9101 International Drive, 407-4805233, theimprovorlando.com

Touring and local stand-ups, magicians and sketch comedy troupes perform while patrons enjoy dinner and drinks.

Mad Cow Theatre 54 W. Church St., 407-297-8788, madcowtheatre.com

The established and wellregarded Mad Cow Theatre features regular stage productions as well as classes, workshops and socials.

Orlando Ballet 445 S. Magnolia Ave., 844-513-2014, drphillipscenter.org

Orlando’s professional ballet company settles gracefully into its new home at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

PHANTASMAGORIA

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THEATERS AND PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS The Abbey 100 S. Eola Drive, 407-704-6261, abbeyorlando.com

Annie Russell Theatre Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, 407-646-2145, rollins.edu/annierussell

Red velvet curtains, plush cinema seats and the ghost of the namesake actress accentuate the dramatic at this student theater known for its productions of challenging works.

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Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Athens Theatre 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand, 386-7361500, athenstheatre.org

DeLand’s restored historic theater hosts a resident community theater group, youth theater and concerts.

Bach Festival Society 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, 407646-2182, bachfestivalflorida.org

BFS presents an annual season of classical music, performed by the 160 volunteer members as well as visiting artists.

Bob Carr Theater 401 W. Livingston St., 844-513-2014, drphillipscenter.org

445 S. Magnolia Ave., 844-513-2014, drphillipscenter.org

Brand-new and beautiful, downtown’s airy glass-and-steel cultural facility offers various multi-use spaces and theaters.

DRIP 8747 International Drive, 347-8553747, ilovedrip.org

Dance/performance art troupe is known for flinging colored liquids and powders about the stage and on each other.

Footlight Theatre at the Parliament House 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-4257571, parliamenthouse.com

Now operated by the Dr. Phillips Center, this old standby still hosts the Orlando Phil, as well as concerts and variety shows.

The legendary gay resort is home to this small theater, which thrills audiences with drag delights and original comedies, musicals and guest productions.

Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park

Garden Theatre

421 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 407-920-4034, breakthroughtheatre.com

160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, 407877-4736, gardentheatre.org

The lovingly restored historic theater in quaint downtown

812 E. Rollins St., 407-770-0071, orlandophil.org

Wider fare than just classical music keeps the only professional orchestra in action: pops, film scores, opera and distinguished guest artists.

Orlando Repertory Theatre 1001 E. Princeton St., 407-896-7365, orlandorep.com

Professional family theater productions have become the domain of Orlando Rep, which also presents shows from its Youth Academy.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St., 407-447-1700, orlandoshakes.org

One of the top Shakespeare companies in the country, OST produces a regular season in addition to PlayFest, which showcases new works.

The Princess Theater 115 W. First St., Sanford, 321-578-1463, princesstheatersanford.com

Home to the Cornerstone Theatre Company, which produces a well-received slate of classics each season.

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PHOTO BY KRISTEN WHEELER, KHPHOTOGRAPHICS.COM

A small mixed-use room in an ornate setting – with full bar service – hosts cabaret, comedy, community theater and concerts, as well as the Orlando Ballet Uncorked series.

Non-Equity community theater features dance, theater and musical events.

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Queen’s Head Theatre 5429 Lake Howell Road, Winter Park, 407-960-4856, queensheadtheatre.com

Theatre company founded in 2014 has thus far presented a mix of sentimental classics (Steel Magnolias) and edgy new work (Tracy Letts’ Bug).

SAK Comedy Lab 29 S. Orange Ave., 407-648-0001, sak.com

Good, clean fun is the hallmark of the troupe that specializes in improvisational comedy shows.

Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows 8267 International Drive, 407-3631985, sleuths.com

Some of the best improvisers in town make it work here.

Theatre UCF 4000 Central Florida Blvd., 407-8232862, theatre.ucf.edu

University of Central Florida’s theater undergrads and grad students tackle an ambitious year-round schedule.

The Venue

PHOTO BY HANNAH GLOGOWER

511 Virginia Drive, 407-412-6895, thevenueorlando.com

This theater and performance space is the home of Blue Star and her Varietease troupe, but also hosts plays, concerts, dance performances and cabarets.

The Winter Park Playhouse 711 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, 407645-0145, winterparkplayhouse.org

Cabarets, musicals and holiday fare – this little community theater offers a busy theatrical calendar all year round. n

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Greater Orlando Actors Theatre goatgroup.org The GOAT Group seeks to provoke reflection on contemporary events through traditional and avant-garde productions.

Phantasmagoria facebook.com/ phantasmagoriaorlando A Victorian steampunk circus troupe offering “macabre and delicious Halloween treats and tricks.”

Playwrights’ Round Table theprt.com The mission of the writers group is to find and nurture new playwrights and their works and give a home to new stage works.

Theatre Downtown theatredowntown.net Though they lost their longtime home at the corner of Orange and Princeton at he end of 2014, TD is still producing shows.

Voci Dance facebook.com/vocidance The modern dance company specializes in presenting theatrical experiences incorporating original music and elaborate set and costume design.

Wanzie Presents wanzie.com Local impresario Michael Wanzie presents camp classics at the Parliament House gay resort, as well as producing his own works around town.

Yow Dance yowdance.org Contemporary dance troupe performs original and repertory works.

SNAP SPACE PENZEY’S

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MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE SIDESHOW

OrLaNdO INdIE VENUES 101

parks are our city’s

Improving your Orlando concert experience only takes a little familiarity and a dash of foresight, so here are some tips to get the most out of seeing shows at five of Orlando’s independent venues.

main draw. With bars,

Backbooth

clubs and live music

37 W. Pine St., 407-999-2570, backbooth.com

In the heart of Orlando, those in the know snicker at the fools who believe theme

venues that go above and beyond the moment the sun goes down, locals know the truly treasurable Orlando experiences are encountered in more genuinely fun spots – during a legendary guest DJ night at Bullitt Bar, at the lip of the stage at the Social, on Player 1 Video Game Bar’s interactive dance floor, or even at the bottom of a punishingly strong double at

Visibility can be an issue at Backbooth if you get stuck by the front bar behind that barrier wall between the bar and the music room, but it’s an easy fix – just suck in your gut to wriggle past the wallflowers and stool-perchers along the back wall and break free to the other side. There, you get a clear view of the stage from anywhere and can easily access the crow’s nest lounge above the sound booth (be warned, though, it can get pretty hot up there). This is especially

Wally’s. Go beyond the norm, and you’ll see Orlando’s underground fosters so much

appealing when the back bar

more than our pre-packaged reputation suggests.

is open, so if drinking is your priority, bring a friend and show up early to grab a stool along the back wall and trade

LIVE MUSIC Amway Center 400 W. Church St. 407-440-7000 amwaycenter.com

The biggest national pop stars stop at Amway, making its calendar our city’s one-stop shop for finding arena rock, in addition to detailing sports and other major events occurring on downtown’s biggest stage, which Paul McCartney graced.

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER GARCIA

Austin’s Coffee 929 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407-975-3364 austinscoffee.com

For fans of open-mic nights, this establishment hosts some of the best amateur nights for music and comedy. It’s a friendly launch pad for a variety of budding talents and also happens to serve some of the best iced coffee in town.

Bombshell’s Tavern

The Copper Rocket Pub

5405 Edgewater Drive 407-730-3999 bombshellstavern.org

106 Lake Ave., Maitland 407-645-0069 copperrocketpub.com

With one of the city’s most active concert calendars, Bombshell’s provides an awesome alternative venue that hosts rad heavy rock and punk concerts weekly that music fans would be remiss to ignore.

For fans of rock and blues, Copper Rocket is a mainstay, with excellent local shows and the occasional surprising national band stopping through.

You really can’t beat their trivia nights, and don’t expect to beat the regulars at pool either.

CFE Arena

Hard Rock Live

North Gemini Boulevard 407-823-6006 cfearena.com

Don’t discount this venue just because you’re not a student – CFE Arena books mainstream rock and hip-hop artists like the Avett Brothers and Kendrick Lamar, invites national comics to town, hosts sports and holds many special events that are a huge draw for community members to come down to campus.

6050 Universal Blvd.

407-351-5483 hardrock.com/live

Allow yourself plenty of time to park and haul ass through CityWalk to see shows at the Hard Rock, which often includes nostalgic tribute concerts in its Classic Albums Live series, the nation’s best touring comedians and the type of big-name bands that form the venue’s longstanding legacy.

turns journeying to the front bar.

The Beacham 46 N. Orange Ave., 407-2461419, thebeacham.com Sound is the biggest complaint folks have about the Beacham, so if you’re worried the mix will get lost in the big room, arrive early and plant yourself in front of the stage, where the sound mix seems to translate the best.

If it’s a crowded show, you’ll be wedged there all night, though, so if you’re claustrophobic, upgrade to balcony, where visibility isn’t blocked by the floor bars or the swarm of people in front of the stage.

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House of Blues 1490 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista 407-934-2583 hob.com

This Downtown Disney venue is where you’ll find your mascaracaked pop-punk acts, as well as the occasional ’80s reunion act.

But enough good can’t be said about the venue itself, which is cozy and inviting and offers great vantage points.

The Plaza Live

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER GARCIA

425 N. Bumby Ave. 407-228-1220 plazaliveorlando.com

For live sound, the Plaza rules all in Orlando, whether you wind up in the big room or the small room. When you see acts booked here, join the rush to reserve front row seats for the best folk, country, hip-hop, comedy and classical music you’ll hear performed within our city limits.

The Smiling Bison 745 Bennett Road 407-898-8580 thesmilingbison.com

The foodie favorite transforms into a jumping music club after 9 p.m. when the jazz, country, folk and rock styles of seasoned local musicians take the stage and admirably push the Bison’s notably excellent menu to the background. Don’t miss out on Jazz Tuesdays.

St. Matthew’s Tavern at the Orlando Beer Garden 1300 N. Mills Ave. orlandobeergarden.com

When now-defunct dive the Peacock Room closed, St. Matthew’s Tavern quickly picked up the vastly creative concert calendar that often features intriguing one-off shows by hip punk, rock and soul bands on the chill outdoor stage. It’s also become like a second Stardust Video and Coffee for whimsical performance art and variety shows.

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33 E. Pine St. 407-839-0999 bullittbar.com

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Hip downtown watering hole Bullitt Bar parties hard and often hosts incredible DJ nights that, we kid you not, often feature legendary rappers like Nas and Talib Kweli, who filmed a music video at Bullitt Bar last year. Follow their Facebook (facebook.com/bullittbar) if you don’t want to miss out.

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1000 Universal Studios Plaza 407-363-8000 universalorlando.com

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INDEPENDENT BAR

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Stardust Video and Coffee 1842 E. Winter Park Road 407-623-3393 stardustie.com

Timucua White House 2000 S. Summerlin Ave. 407-595-2713 timucua.com

Tanqueray’s Bar

Venue 578

100 S. Orange Ave. 407-649-8540

578 N. Orange Ave. 407-872-0066 venue578.com

One of the few bars downtown you can depend on for live music every night of the week, Tanqueray’s provides all the funk, jazz and blues you can handle, including a talented crop of locals like Kaleigh Baker, Leisure Chief or Ancient Sun performing regularly.

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With some of the best EDM nights in town, it doesn’t matter if we can’t call it Firestone anymore. Venue 578 brings massive hip-hop stars and huge international talents to town for unique shows made even more memorable by the bar’s winding layout.

Combine classic arcade games, campy ’80s movies and a cooler full of craft beer, and you’ll get Bart, the Mills 50 bar/art/ arcade. They pack a lot of fun into the small space they have, with mostly free arcade gaming and a lounge area for those not interested in the nostalgic allure of Frogger or Missile Command.

Most of their inspired art shows are pop culture-themed.

Big Daddy’s 3001 Corrine Drive 407-644-2844

It’s either your dream or your nightmare: a karaoke night with an attentive audience who will hang on every squeaky note as you eke out your rendition of “I Touch Myself.” But that’s what you get at Big Daddy’s, where you can get a stiff drink or knock back pints for courage before signing up to serenade the other barflies.

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The Courtesy 114 N. Orange Ave. 407-450-2041 thecourtesybar.com

Orlando is not trying to be Brooklyn, but the Courtesy Bar’s theming does transport you a little bit, although their craft cocktails pay homage to local ingredients. Go for happy hour to enjoy the punch of the day.

In

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The Falcon 819 E. Washington St. thefalconbar.com

In Thornton Park amid burger joints and sports bars, this art bar provides a hip alternative setting with original concepts that form the basis of both art shows and music nights; it’s a fun escape on certain nights and otherwise divinely low-key.

The Geek Easy 114 S. Semoran Blvd. facebook.com/thegeekeasy

In the expanded bar in back of A Comic Shop, you’ll find weekly open mics, creative performance pieces and the best nerd rock in town, or just enjoy guzzling beer while you pore over your new favorite graphic novel.

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The Stardust main room provides a den that welcomes all the weird ideas its devoted community cooks up in terms of quirky live music performances, original plays, performance art and nerdy nights aplenty. Plus it’s there for you with hangover brunch on Sundays.

The family home of Cirque du Soleil conductor Benoit Glazer is also home to stellar jazz and world artists, and Glazer frequently opens the doors of his self-made venue for free, once-in-a-lifetime shows. Also, tasteful promoters the Civic Minded 5 host many of their events in the beautiful space with stunning acoustics.

1205 N. Mills Ave. 407-796-2522 bartcade.com

Whether you’ve been dragged there by visiting friends and family, know someone who works out at Universal or are just out on some tourist-inspired whim, CityWalk has its own merry lure for locals in Rising Star karaoke, Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom and Margaritaville. Although there’s no cover to get on the strip, you will have to pay to park.

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MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE Gilt Nightclub 740 E. Bennett Road 407-504-7699 giltnightclub.com

Housed in the notorious Roxy space on Bennett Road, Gilt Nightclub expects you to break out your baller threads (there’s a dress code) to enjoy hip national and international DJs in style.

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Hanson’s Shoe Repair 27 E. Pine St. 407-476-9446 hansonsshoerepair.com

A lavishly designed throwback to speakeasy culture, Hanson’s asks that you call ahead to get the password, then ascend the stairs to a warm den for classic cocktails mixed the oldfashioned way.

The Hideaway Bar 516 Virginia Drive 407-898-5892 thehideawaybar.net

In a loud building done in Miami Dolphins colors, you wouldn’t expect to find a dive bar that feels delightfully small-town, but that’s the Hideaway, where people are serious about pool, sports and strong drinks.

Incidentally, it’s also a great greasy-food joint in the morning to cure your hangover.

Independent Bar 70 N. Orange Ave. 407-839-0457 facebook.com/ independentbarorlando

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I-Bar is hipster central. There’s no other way to put it, which makes it a target for teasing, sure, but it also means that you always have a story to tell after a night there. Themed dance nights often feature D-list celebrities and nostalgic pop stars.

Lil Indies

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1036 N. Mills Ave. willspub.org

A tiny bar with huge heart, Lil Indies mixes up some of the city’s most innovative cocktails and is home to Eugene Snowden’s Ten Pints of Truth, a raucous live music night that we strongly urge anyone with a soul to attend at least once. Best of all: There’s rarely, if ever, a cover.

Little Fish Huge Pond 401 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford 407-221-1499 littlefish-hugepond.com

You never know quite what you’ll find going on at this trippy hangout: intimate soul performances, pirate parties, hookah-passing, or maybe even cheese-inspired art shows. End your all-nighter here, and you’ll swear the whole thing was a dream the next morning.

Lizzy McCormack’s 55 N. Orange Ave. 407-426-8007 lizzymccormacks.com

Drunken camaraderie marks this Irish pub with one of the longest happy hours in downtown Orlando and one of the best atmospheres, to boot. You don’t want to be anywhere else for St. Patrick’s Day. The pudding shots are a great trashy tradition.

Olde 64 64 N. Orange Ave. 321-245-7730 olde64.com

In the former Bar-BQ-Bar space, Olde 64 serves as a before-andafter spot for many attending concerts downtown, alongside sister-space Aero, the rooftop bar where you can party in the elements.

Player 1 Video Game Bar 8562 Palm Parkway, Lake Buena Vista 407-504-7521 player1orlando.com

Go overboard as a game geek at Player 1, where there are 30 classic arcade games in addition to modern consoles, a motion gaming dance floor, plus cash tournaments for the true l33t.

Redlight Redlight 2810 Corrine Drive 407-893-9832 redlightredlightbeerparlour.com

If Orlando was famous for something other than Mickey Mouse, it’d be Redlight Redlight.

Their exhaustive beer list and impeccable taste make it tempting to take up residence on a barstool, and now they brew their own award-winning beers on top of everything else.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 67 with the Social is the drink prices, and the venue combats this with their early-bird drink specials – for the first hour of the show, it’s $3.50 calls. That definitely helps. Getting there early has other advantages, allowing you to post up at the bar,

AERO

at a table or at the lip of the stage.

We prefer the visibility from the middle stairs, personally, where you can nestle in along the rail, see over the heads (and swaying cellphones) of people in the pit and have easy access to the bar.

Uncle Lou’s Entertainment Hall 1016 N. Mills Ave., 407-898-0009 The biggest intimidation factor of Lou’s for anyone who’s never gone is just getting through the door. Sometimes, it’s unclear who’s collecting admission (or if there is an admission charge). If you don’t see someone in a chair on a mission, just walk in. Remember: It’s an informal venue, but the bands still need love.

Someone will hit you up for the door charge if they’re collecting, or you can keep an eye out for when someone does appear. The friendly show environment typically trumps any door drama. General advice: Don’t be a dick. If it’s a packed show, you might want to wear your sturdiest shoes with decent traction, because between the sweat and the beer sloshed in your average Lou’s pit, that floor becomes a slippery slope.

Will’s Pub

20 E. Central Blvd.

407-317-9129 tiernightclub.com

Tier Nightclub is where you go to look good and feel good, with enough debauchery on their dancepacked calendar to get wild any night of the week.

Wall Street Plaza 19 N. Orange Ave. 407-849-1532 wallstplaza.net

Special occasions, from New Year’s Eve to Oktoberfest, belong to this cantinathemed meeting place for the masses. Located at the epicenter of downtown Orlando, Wall Street Plaza and its seven venues take up an entire city block. Plus, the new carnival environment of Sideshow upped the fun factor even more in 2014.

if you’ve got more time to spare

1001 Mills Ave.

than money. The music room is

407-896-6975

pretty easy to navigate, so you

wallysonmills.com

don’t necessarily have to get there

Wally’s is the only place in town as committed to your drinking habit as you are. It’s open at 7:30 a.m., meaning you can find a good, strong drink or marvel at Orlando’s celebrities in full drunken splendor at pretty much any hour. n

of the stage. But you don’t want to get stuck in that unspoken avenue between the sound guy and the crowd, a well-trod path between the music and the bar where you will get bumped and brushed against frequently.

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER GARCIA

Wally’s Mills Avenue Liquors

early to get a prime spot in front

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Tier Nightclub

Drinks are $1 cheaper before doors

1042 N. Mills Ave., willspub.org

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SportS & recreation Central Florida was made for the sports enthusiasts – during most of the year, the weather is perfect for hiking, running, biking and kayaking, and when it’s not, we have plenty of sports teams you can cheer on as a spectator.

SportS teamS Orlando City Soccer Club Major League Soccer Season: March through October Orlando Citrus Bowl 1610 W. Church St. 407-478-4007

ORLANDO CITY SOCCER

orlandocitysc.com

Orlando Magic NBA basketball

Biking and hiking Cady Way Trail Entrance is 1/4 mile north of State Route 50 on Herndon Avenue

This 6.5-mile paved path connects Orlando and Winter Park and the Cross Seminole Trail in Seminole County. It features water fountains, rest stops and mile markers, as well as a cool suspension bridge that crosses Semoran Boulevard.

Econ Trail

PHOTO BY KARA ROUNTREE

Dean Road, just north of State Road 50

This ever-expanding trail in East Orlando begins at Jay Blanchard Park and extends all the way to Alafaya Trail. It runs alongside the Little Econlockhatchee River, which offers pretty views and plenty of good spots to fish, canoe or just sit in the grass and enjoy a riverside picnic.

Wekiwa Springs State Park 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, 407-884-2008, floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings

You can canoe or kayak here (rentals are available), but

this park also has 13 miles of pristine, wooded hiking, biking and horseback-riding trails. This park is popular, particularly in summer when visitors like to swim in the clear blue spring.

When the parking lot fills, the park entrance closes. So get there early.

Rock Springs Run State Reserve 30601 County Road 433, Sorrento, 407-884-2008, floridastateparks.org/ rockspringsrun

The park, located about 10 miles west of I-4 on County Road 433, is really just a giant swatch of underdeveloped land. It features 17 miles of multi-use trails.

West Orange Trail 501 Crown Point Cross Road, Winter Garden

This 22-mile trail stretches through Winter Garden, Apopka and Orlando. It’s open to walkers and bikers, and some parts are open to horses, too. Four trailheads with parking are located at various points along the way.

Bicycle ShopS

Season: October through April

Ace Metric

400 W. Church St.

1844 E. Winter Park Road, 407-7907802, acemetric.blogspot.com

800-745-3000

This bike shop rallies cycle enthusiasts from all around and carries cool gear for those on the go, too. The new location, next to Stardust Video & Coffee, is sleek and stylish and industrial.

Amway Center

orlandomagic.com

Orlando Predators Arena Football League Season: March through August Amway Center 400 W. Church St. 407-355-2200

Kyle’s Bike Shop

orlandopredators.com

203 N. Primrose Drive, 407-2287088, kylesbikeshop.net

Orlando Solar Bears

Bike sales and service, including repairs and custom wheels.

Kyle’s also has a parts junkyard, so if something’s broken on your bike, they might be able to save you some money on the repair with a gently used part rather than ordering new.

East Coast Hockey League

Loco Motion Bikes

Season: August through

1776 Jake St., 407-898-6411, locomotionbikes.com

January

In addition to sales and demos, this bike shop also offers rentals, a service that’s particularly

Season: October through April Amway Center 400 W. Church St. orlandosolarbearshockey.com

UCF Knights NCAA College Football

Bright House Networks Stadium University of Central Florida 407-823-1000 ucfathletics.com

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appealing because of its Baldwin Park location, just a leisurely ride away from a paved bike path that winds around Lake Baldwin.

Mr. Bikes n Boards 950 W. State Road 434, Longwood, 407-790-4964, mrbikesnboards.com

This is the former Mesh Skate park owner’s store. It leaves the park behind and goes heavy into skateboard and cycle culture.

Mr.’s repairs old bikes and sells new ones.

Orange Cycle

An absolute jewel hidden at the eastern edge of the Orlando sprawl, the Econ can be easy or difficult, depending on the water levels (high in the summer, low in the spring). Paddlers will be able to catch a glimpse of a diverse array of wildlife from sandhill cranes to bald eagles to bears along the 19-mile stretch.

This is the area’s largest bike store, and it not only carries cycles, clothing and gear – it’s also a hub for the cycling community. This shop holds bicycling events and repair clinics, and its website is full of useful information if you’re looking for bike paths or trails.

Near Titusville, fws.gov/merrittisland

Commuters, tricycles, mountain bikes, fixies and even unicycles – this family-owned south Orlando bike shop is friendly, full-service and caters to cyclers of all ages and interests.

Retro City Cycles and Greenway Bicycles 1806 N. Orange Ave., 407-895-2700, retrocitycycles.com

The owners of Retro City Cycles don’t just run a bike shop – they sort of run a cycling community. They’re members of various biking organizations, they helped found women’s mountain biking club the Dirty Divas, and they select the bikes they sell in store with the help of customer feedback.

canoeing and kayaking Blue Spring State Park 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City floridastateparks.org/bluespring

Covering more than 2,600 acres, Blue Spring State Park is a designated manatee refuge. It is an excellent place for a swim, paddling or a picnic. During manatee season, mid-November through March, the waterways

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Chuluota, dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/ paddle.htm

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

1809 S. Orange Ave., 407-999-9821, ragincajunbikeshop.com

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Econlockhatchee River

2204 Edgewater Drive, 407-4225552, orangecycleorlando.com

Ragin Cajun

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are closed – you can look at the dozens of manatees that winter here, but you won’t be allowed in the water.

This refuge offers somewhat limited paddling opportunities since paddling is not permitted in refuge impoundments, but what is available to paddlers can be spectacular. You might see manatees, scrub jays or an alligator if you’re lucky. We also suggest Turnbull Creek and Eddy Creek for paddlers.

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Rock Springs Run-Wekiva River

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Apopka-DeBary, dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/paddle.htm

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Put in at King’s Landing near Apopka, if you want to experience the entirety of this 27-mile respite from congestion and travel a designated wild and scenic river right in the heart of the Orlando metro area. Stop at Wekiwa Springs State Park on your way for a swim in the clear blue springs.

1,000 Islands Cocoa Beach, kayakcocoabeach.com

This site is found on the Banana River in Cocoa Beach. Paddlers often find themselves a bit geographically challenged when they are visiting here, so bring a compass with you.

Bioluminescent Bay Mosquito Lagoon, near Titusville

If you can’t afford to travel to Puerto Rico’s famous bioluminescent bay, Florida’s Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon come alive with bioluminescence from May through September. The luminescence is caused by dinoflagellates (tiny things you

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Boot campS Bill Bennett Boot Camps 1035 N. Mills Ave., 407-242-5333

Camp Gladiator Various parks and locations around Orlando, 214-205-1334, campgladiator.com

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Forte Fitness Boot Camp 2501 General Rees Ave., 407-340-7618, fortefitness.com

Not Your Average Boot Camp

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401 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-865-2876, notyouraveragebootcamp.com

Orlando Fit Body Boot Camp 1223 N. Mills Ave., 407-536-9540, fitobdybootcamp.com

can’t see), which glow neon-blue whenever the water is disturbed.

Guides are recommended for this paddling adventure, but they are not necessary.

5kS, marathonS and fun runS Savage Race March 28-29, 17951 Hamilton Road, Dade City, savagerace.com

This aggressive 6.5-mile race requires participants to conquer 25 insane obstacles with names like the Colon Blow, the Mud and Guts, and the Nutt Smasher.

IOA Corporate 5K April 16, Lake Eola, Central Boulevard and Eola Drive, corporate5k.com

Insurance Office of America has sponsored this event since its inception 21 years ago; business and nonprofits form teams to participate, and more than 18,000 runners and walkers from 700 organizations participate.

The Color Rave 5K Glow Run April 18, Bill Frederick Park, 3401 S. Hiawassee Road, thecolorrave.com

Run/dance/walk your way through this nighttime 5K, in which runners are decked out with glow sticks, glowing paint and other glowing gear.

Pre-party it up before the race and get decked out for your run, then party at the finish line at the Electric Glow electronic dance party.

Expedition Everest Challenge May 1-2 Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Park, rundisney.com

An obstacle-laden 5K race and scavenger hunt that takes place at Animal Kingdom. This is the last chance you’ll get to run this race, because this is the final one Disney’s planning to host.

Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Nov. 6-7 Walt Disney World Resort, rundisney.com

A series of races for runners of all ages, including a Jungle 5K, runDisney kids races and the Wine and Dine halfmarathon, which concludes with a finish line party at Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival.

Tough Mudder Nov. 7-8 Location TBA, toughmudder.com

Hard-core obstacle race along a 10- to 12-mile-long course.

OUC Orlando Half Marathon and Track Shack Lake Eola 5K Dec. 5 Lake Eola and downtown Orlando, trackshack.com

More than 6,000 runners take to the streets of downtown Orlando for this annual event, which is one of the biggest road events in the Southeast.

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seven days a week. Full Circle has spacious studios and variations on traditional yoga styles.

Harmony Yoga Studio 110 N. Orlando Ave, Suite 2, Maitland, 407-234-6454, yoga. harmonywellnesscenter. com

This studio offers something for everyone: gentle yoga for beginners, prenatal yoga for expecting mothers, yoga for fitness and a sampling of specialty classes, including laughter yoga and Mysore yoga.

Inspirit Yoga Studio 7575 Kingspointe Parkway, 407-2036866, inspirityogastudio.com

Hot yoga, power yoga, ashtanga, vinyasa and more are offered at this drop-in-friendly yoga studio.

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The Orlando Shuffle facebook.com/orlandoshuffle

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Feb. 18-21, 2016 Walt Disney World Resort, rundisney.com

A weekend of “majestic” runs in the Magic Kingdom. Special courses, princess events and Disney princesses along the running route to cheer you on.

SportS leagueS 8coed.com

Soccer, flag football, kickball and softball played in parks around the city. Open to players 18 and older.

Orlando Bike Polo orlandobikepolo.com

Drink casually while playing polo on a bike – just be careful, willya?

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Orlando Sport and Social Club orlandosportandsocialclub.com

Fun sports league offers soccer, flag football, sand volleyball, softball, kickball and more. After the game, meet your teammates for a beer at one of the league’s sponsoring bars.

yoga StudioS Bikram Yoga Orlando 3218-B E. Colonial Drive, 407-8962530, bikramorlando.com

The Baron Baptiste-style of power yoga takes the spotlight at this yoga sanctuary. Don’t be surprised if the air conditioning’s not on; to raise students’ internal heat, this studio stays ablaze at 85-90 degrees.

Shine on Yoga

College Park Yoga

shineonyoga.com

3029 Edgewater Drive, 407-999-7871, collegeparkyoga.com

This World Adult Kickball Association league is open to players 21 years of age and older

XL Soccer

Full Circle Yoga

825 Courtland St., 407-641-4791, xlsportsworld.com

972B Orange Ave., Winter Park, 407644-3288, fullcircleyoga.com

Adult and youth indoor and

This busy studio offers classes

kickball.com/orlando

orlandopoweryoga.com

Invigorating 90-minute hot yoga classes are this studio’s forte.

This studio teaches ashtanga, vinyasa and power yoga classes, but also offers a yoga-for-wimps beginner class. For those on a tight budget, “community yoga” is offered every Saturday at 9 a.m. for $5.

WAKA Central Florida Coed Kickball

2415 E. South St., 407-719-0101,

619 N. Thornton Ave., 321-236-2068,

This yoga studio believes yoga should be affordable and accessible to all – based on that philosophy, all classes are now donation-based, pay-what-youcan. Cash only.

Yoga in Lake Eola Park facebook.com/yogainlakeeolapark

Free yoga classes outdoors in downtown’s Lake Eola park, taught by a rotating team of yogis. Check Facebook for exact meeting spot. n

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER GARCIA

8Coed Sports and Social

Free shuffleboard games the first Saturday of each month at the Beardall Senior Center, 800 Delaney Ave.

outdoor soccer leagues, offering games for all experience levels.

After a game, get a bite and a beer at the Sideline Pub.

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GRANDMA PARTY

Great Orlando Mixer The swinging-est party in town, featuring 1920s-themed costumes and music, and drinks from the best mixologists in Orlando.

March 26, Cheyenne Saloon, 128 W. Church St., thegreatorlandomixer.com

april Florida Film Festival Whether you’re a fan of dramas, comedies, documentaries or shorts, the Florida Film Festival has it all.

April 10-19, Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-6291088, floridafilmfestival.com

Fiesta in the Park Wander around Lake Eola and check out food, live music, and arts and crafts from tons of vendors.

April 11-12, Lake Eola Park, North Eola Drive and East Washington Street, fiestainthepark.com

Florida Music Festival A downtown music festival geared toward artists looking to break into the major-label industry.

April 16-18, downtown Orlando, multiple venues, floridamusicfestival.com

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Come Out With Pride

Annual party in honor of our Best of Orlando winners. If you snag a ticket to this exclusive party, congratulations: We like you.

A week of LGBT events and our favorite downtown parade party.

July 30, The Beacham, 46 N. Orange Ave., orlandoweekly.com

May Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival

Winter Park Harvest Festival

Orlando Nerd Fest

A festival that focuses on local agriculture and sustainable harvests.

This event brings in video game music composers and nerdcore luminaries like Nobuo Uematsu and MC Frontalot.

May 13-26, Loch Haven Park, 777 E. Princeton St., orlandofringe.org

Aug. 7-10, venue TBA, orlandonerdfest.com

Bite30 A monthlong celebration of the best food Orlando has to offer, with special prix fixe menus at each participating restaurant.

septeMber Artlando A day in the park that features all kinds of art, from choirs to puppets to painting to dance and everything in between.

June 1-30, multiple locations, bite30.com

September (date TBA), Loch Haven Park, 777 E. Princeton St., artlando.com

Gay Days

Halloween Horror Nights

Organized trips to Walt Disney World Resort during the day, themed parties every night.

Over a month of special haunted houses and scare zones. Bring your heart medication.

June 2-8, multiple locations, gaydays.com

Sept. 18-Nov. 1, Universal Studios, 6000 Universal Blvd., halloweenhorrornights.com

July Fireworks at the Fountain Nothing says patriotism like the “oohs” and “ahhs” elicited by this annual firework and light show at Lake Eola.

July 4, Lake Eola Park, North Eola Drive and East Robinson Street, cityoforlando.net

nOveMber

august

Thespians from all over the world descend on the theater complex at Loch Haven for two weeks of performances.

June

Oct. 5-11, multiple locations, comeoutwithpride.com

OctOber Orlando Indie Comedy Fest Check out some of the country’s best underground comedians at intimate venues like Bull & Bush and Will’s Pub. October 2015 (date TBA), multiple locations, orlandoindiecomedyfest.com

November 2015 (date TBA), Central Park, North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park, alocalfolkus.com/wphf

Florida Blue Florida Classic Annual football game between Bethune Cookman University and Florida A&M.

GRANDMA PARTY PHOTO BY ASHLEY BELANGER RALPHFEST ARTWORK BY JEFF SWEAT

March

Best of Orlando

November 2015 (date TBA), Orlando Citrus Bowl, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, floridaclassic.org

DeceMber Christmas in the Park The Morse Museum decorates Central Park with stained glass windows and the Bach Festival Choir performs a Christmas concert.

December 2015 (date TBA), Central Park, North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park, morsemuseum.org

Grandma Party Handmade crafts from local artisans and live

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music from local bands make this our favorite stop for holiday shopping.

has treats and games, live music and all the butt your pooch can sniff.

December 2015 (date TBA), Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Road, stardustie.com

February 2016 (date TBA), location TBA, puppylovefestival.com

January

This DIY festival pays tribute to slain Orlando musician Ralph Ameduri and tends to reunite some of Orlando’s bygone bands for special sets.

Zora! Festival Eatonville’s most famous writer gets a festival in her honor every year featuring live music, arts and educational activities.

GRANDMA PARTY PHOTO BY ASHLEY BELANGER RALPHFEST ARTWORK BY JEFF SWEAT

FILM FEST ILLUSTRATION BY LURE DESIGN

January 2016 (date TBA), downtown Eatonville, zorafestival.org

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl The Citrus Bowl plays host to one of the BCS games every New Year’s Day. Jan. 1, 2016, Orlando Citrus Bowl, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, buffalowildwingscitrusbowl.com

February Puppy Love This annual tribute to man’s best friends (hosted by yours truly)

Ralphfest

February 2016 (date TBA), multiple locations, ralphameduri.com

Lunar New Year Dragon Parade Formerly taking place in Mills 50, this Lunar New Year celebration got so big that it had to move to the Fashion Square Mall in 2015.

February 2016 (date TBA), Fashion Square Mall, 3201 E. Colonial Drive, centralfloridadragonparade.com n

Stay on top of what’s going on all year long by keeping an eye on our calendar at orlandoweekly.com.

Updated daily with all the newest info on the events you want to know about.

FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL

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