NONA
L A K E N O N A S O C I A L M AG A Z I NE V O L U M E 2 | I S S U E 6 | 2 0 21
LIVING
IN LAKE NONA
WELCOME
N ONA
LETTER FROM THE
PUBLISHER
L AK E N O N A S OC I AL M AGAZ INE
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6
A publication of LAKE NONA SOCIAL
Publisher Omar Hickman Graphic Design Renée Blair Blair Creative Group, Inc. Contributing Writers Katherine Foote Joelle Ebanks Denee Hickman Sarah Logan David Plowden Photography Denee Hickman
ADVERTISING Shy Guthala 321.514.3069 Shy@lakenonasocial.com
Nona Magazine is published by Lake Nona Social. The publisher disclaims all liability for any and all advertisements, promotions, articles, and other affiliated content contained within this publication. The opinions of the authors are those alone. We do not accept any liability for information or advice provided by any advertiser, sponsor, or associated business provided in this magazine. ©2021 Lake Nona Social. All Rights Reserved.
DENEE HICKMAN
LakeNonaSocial.com
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This issue is dedicated to residents who love our community and the businesses we share it with! We've added many layers that make this issue special, such as insight into living in Lake Nona from a resident's point of view. Home decor inspired by life in Lake Nona from another talented local, along with restaurant updates and fun things to do. We've also brought back our events calendar. Check it out and stay in the loop! Omar Hickman Publisher
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LAKENONASOCIAL.COM | NONA MAGAZINE
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CONTENTS
4 1 Welcome
HOT TOPICS 4
Living in Lake Nona Cover Story
6
8
ON THE SCENE 14 Sip & Paint 16 Chick-Fil-A Anniversary 20 Things to Do
By Katherine Foote
HOME & GARDEN 6
16
Design Tips & Rec's Island Home Interiors By Joelle EBanks
AROUND ORLANDO 8
New in the Big O
Orlando welcomes two new restaurants
By David Plowden
HEALTH & WELLNESS 10 Healthy Slogan Exercise and nutrition tips
By Sarah Logan
EAT LAKE NONA 12 7 New Restaurants Coming Soon Lake Nona's new
dining options
By Denee Hickman
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ON THE COVER Code Wall, located in Lake Nona Town Center. Photo: Courtesy of Lake Nona
NOW OPEN
EMERGENCY CARE
CLOSE TO HOME. Anyone can find themselves needing emergency care at a moment’s notice. Opening soon in your community is Orlando Health Emergency Room - Randal Park, a 24-hour state-of-the-art ER. With the experience and expertise to treat any medical need – from pediatric emergencies, to stroke and cardiac issues – our board-certified physicians and expertly trained clinical team are close to home and ready to safely care for you. We have 13 convenient locations throughout Central Florida, so should you need us, trust you’ll be treated in the safest environment possible.
OrlandoHealth.com/RandalPark
A service of Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. This is not an urgent care. Its services are billed at emergency department rates.
HOT TOPICS | COVER STORY
LAKE NONA
LIVING
IN LAKE NONA BY KATHERINE FOOTE
One of my favorite things to do within our community is to check out new places to visit, eat, and explore. So, I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite things around town; let's go!
EXPLORING LAKE NONA TOWN CENTER
As I mentioned already, The Lake Nona Town Center is one of the ever-evolving locations in Lake Nona that I've loved visiting and watching it grow. My favorite thing about the town center is that it's a one-stop shop for all of your recreational needs. Seriously, when I say that I visit for date night, the farmers market, AND my hair and facial appointments, I mean it. While I can walk from my house, I usually opt to drive, primarily because of the unpredictable Florida rainstorms. Plus, there's SO much parking it's effortless to park, explore, and drive home.
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A FOODIE'S DREAM COME TRUE
As you may already know, I'm a big foodie. It's incredibly important to me to have fun, tasty, and trendy restaurants nearby to visit with my boyfriend, friends, or visiting family. I'm happy to report that the options in Lake Nona are incredible — and there's more coming! Some of my absolute favorites are Chroma, Maki Hibachi (the best sushi in Lake Nona, hands down), and Park Pizza. If you're planning a date night, be sure to check out one of my latest blogs, The Best Date Night Spots in Lake Nona, on www.creativelykatherine.com.
STAYING FIT AND HAVING FUN
One of my favorite ways to relax, explore, and spend time is through exercise and active hobbies. From heading to the gym in the mornings to playing a round of golf at a nearby course, I always love to find ways to stay active and try new things. In Lake Nona, there is a wide variety of options to stay busy and active. The Lake Nona Performance Club recently opened up in the heart of the Lake Nona Town Center. This 130,000-square-foot facility has everything that you need to stay active and to meet your local com-
COURTESY OF LAKE NONA
W
hen I first moved to Lake Nona in 2017, I knew that it would be an incredible place. With all of the plans for the Lake Nona Town Center, I was really excited to watch it grow. Now, in 2021, the footprint of Lake Nona has expanded drastically, and I am more excited now than ever to see what's next.
munity. While I typically stick to weights and cardio and the occasional spin class, they have endless amounts of amenities for you to enjoy, like an extensive rock climbing facility, virtual golf, a meditation spa, and more. Another of my favorite spots is the Nona Adventure Park. You may be wondering, "Katherine, do you wakeboard?" And while the answer is no, I absolutely love stopping by and enjoying watching those who do. Plus, they have an Aqua Park, which looks like a set from the ABC show Wipeout. And as someone who has experienced the Aqua Park first hand, I can assure you that wiping out occurs often.
COURTESY OF LAKE NONA (TOP IMAGES); DARIOUS EAST (BOTTOM RIGHT)
TRAVELING AND ADVENTURING
When it comes to travel, there really isn't a better spot to live in Orlando than Lake Nona. With only a 10 minute drive to the airport, traveling has never been easier. Whether you're looking to hop on a flight for a quick weekend away or you're hosting friends and family, it really makes everything that much easier when you're close to the airport.
That's a wrap on a few of my favorite things about the Lake Nona area. If you are planning your move to the Lake Nona area and are looking for recommendations or advice, please send me an email or message me on Instagram @katherine_foote. I'm here to help in any way that I can!
Plus, the proximity of Lake Nona to the rest of Orlando is fantastic. You can easily get across the city to spend a day at the theme parks or even the beach!
If you're already lucky enough to call yourself a Lake Nona resident, let me know on Instagram your favorite things about living in Lake Nona—I'd love to know. l
OUR COMMUNITY
I know this sounds cheesy, but something that I really love about living in Lake Nona is the sense of community. When my boyfriend, Chase, and I moved here from Maryland, we didn't know many people. Thanks to our great community in Laureate Park and Lake Nona in general, we've met so many great friends and continue to explore on a regular basis. The Lake Nona community does a great job hosting local celebrations and events, like the incredible fireworks show for the 4th of July each year and even random celebrations like the Pineapple Festival that they recently hosted. It's a great community, and it's in a great location to be able to explore the rest of Orlando.
Follow Katherine's Blog, Creatively Katherine: www.creativelykatherine.com and on Instagram: @katherine_foote
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HOME & GARDEN | ISLAND HOME INTERIORS
DESIGN TIPS
and Rec's BY JOELLE EBANKS
TRUST YOUR DESIGNER
SPEND YOUR DOLLARS IN A DEFINED AREA
Finish/Complete one area of your home before moving on to the next. Do one room at a time. That way, you see the results of your dollars spent rather than spread throughout the entire house, and you don't know where it all went.
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M SUAREZ PHOTOGRAPHY
You've done the research to find the right designer, so it is essential to trust them to have a successful working relationship. A good interior designer has the training and experience to be able to find the right balance between your comfort zone and their vision. They are offering things that will allow you to see your home's truest potential. When there's trust, beautiful things happen.
LIMIT SELECTIONS TO MAKE DECISIONS EASIER
Psychology has proven that more choices are not always better. Having too many choices often makes it harder for us to make decisions. We are privy to thousands of selections daily, so when we make selections for our clients, we only show a limited range of choices to make their decision a lot less overwhelming. So having their trust to make the proper selection for the home is imperative, cost-effective, and lends to a more cohesive home in the end.
DESIGN FOR YOU
M SUAREZ PHOTOGRAPHY
While you're getting inspired by various trends and styles, please don't get caught up in copying them. Your home should reflect your style and taste. Don't be trendy; otherwise, you'll end up spending more in the long run, changing everything in a short space of time to keep up. Select pieces you love, and that represents your vibe and your family. Stay true to yourself. That's unique enough to stand out from everything else. l
Founded on the philosophy that your home is a reflection of who you are and a collection of what you love, Joelle Ebanks is committed to creating spaces that are unique and memorable, timeless and yet functional with a touch of an island flare. For more information, visit https://islandhomeinteriors.com
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AROUND ORLANDO
NEW IN THE BIG O BY DAVID PLOWDEN
I
Kicking it off, world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay has officially opened up one of his quick-service restaurants inside one of the most iconic parks in all of Orlando, ICON Park. The restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, infuses a casual dining experience with British-inspired seafood platters that are simply delicious.
COURTESY DAVID PLOWDEN
t's a new season, which also means new restaurants in The Big O. Just recently, Orlando has welcomed two new establishments that have both tourists and Florida natives buzzing.
Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips
Taking a quick stopover to the Dr. Phillip's area, The H Orlando—a new hybrid restaurant/nightclub—has officially opened its doors to patrons to wine & dine. The H Orlando brings a fine-dining experience, all whilst transforming into a nightclub after hours. A few enticing features the restaurant offers are a live DJ, comfortable lounge sofas, and live food presentations—the flaming cheese wheel presentation is spectacular. Make sure to swing by these new establishments during your next visit to Orlando; there's never any harm in trying something new. l Follow David on Instagram: @davidsmanor
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The H Orlando
The Flaming Cheese Wheel, The H Orlando
MAKING YOUR HOME SMILE Exterior House Cleaning Services • Window Washing
• Power Washing
• Gutter Cleaning
• House Cleaning
• Christmas Lights
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE
SHACKSHINE.COM | 1-888-808-7751
LAKENONASOCIAL.COM | NONA MAGAZINE
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
HEALTHY SLOGAN BY SARAH LOGAN MS, RDN, CPT
I
am Sarah Logan, the owner of Healthy Slogan. I am also a registered dietician at Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital.
Sarah Logan
My background is in nutrition education, and wellness studied at the University of Florida, as well as nutrition and dietetics from Sanford University. My goal in creating Healthy Slogan is to help women achieve their body goals by reversing the diet mindset of punishment/reward. The first step in getting started is to become aware of your current habits and ask yourself, "What is one habit I can improve to be healthier?" Nutrition can be abundant! Not always about removing things but adding to your foods, things like vegetables, fruits, healthy carbs/fats, lean proteins."
Sarah Logan MS, RDN, CPT Healthy Slogan @sarahh_logann
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COURTESY OF SARAH LOGAN MS, RDN, CPT
Working out can be challenging, but it does not have to be. Keeping fitness simple; do what you love while still challenging yourself is vital. l
EAT LAKE NONA
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NEW
BACÁN
RESTAURANTS
COMING SOON T BY DENEE HICKMAN
here are so many exciting things happening in Lake Nona. I am happy to announce several new additions to the foodie side of our community. We are introducing 7 of the most anticipated restaurants that are coming soon to Lake Nona.
GATOR'S DOCKSIDE
A casual restaurant and sports bar with locations found in central and northeastern Florida, finally to open in Lake Nona 2021. Gator's Dockside serves mainly Americana fare, with offerings similar to dishes that can be found at local family eateries, but with some localized features, including seafood and fried alligator tail.
MILLER'S ALE HOUSE
A Florida-based American restaurant and sports bar that serves dishes such as steaks, chicken, burgers, salads, seafood and more will be opening its doors to Lake Nona residents soon.
MECATOS BAKERY & CAFÉ
Mecatos is a new concept café bringing delicious and highly sought after pastries, baked and fried foods typical of Colombia. In a relaxed, modern and sleek setting, this bakery will be located in the suite where Toasted
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Gator's Dockside
Miller's Ale House
birthdays, weddings, showers, office parties, appreciation days, and any other everyday celebration! Trixie, the CUTEST cupcake truck around, will continue to take the Dress My Cupcake Experience™ to neighborhoods all over Central Florida.
TABLA INDIAN CUSINE
Azteca D'Oro
used to reside. Combining exquisite coffee drinks, hot chocolate, fruit smoothies and more, Mecatos Bakery is working on creating a brand recognized for its dedication to providing customers with a unique experience every single time they try an item on the menu.
your special occasions. However, they will be opening their doors here in Lake Nona this Fall and still providing the sweet centerpiece for
At Tabla, you'll find the best authentic Indian food with amazing taste. Offering a wide variety of Indo-Chinese, Vegan, and Thai food selections in Florida, Tabla attributes its success to great food with passionate chefs. Over the years, they have taken traditional recipes and enhanced them with a modern approach. They've also created memories as a premium caterer for past years, and now they will bring the same creativity and uniqueness to rediscover the Tabla Restaurant in Lake Nona. l
AZTECA D'ORO
Since opening its doors in 2007, Azteca D'Oro has been the ambassador of Mexican culture, traditions and being an industry leader. They are committed to offering you their loyal guests: our Azteca D' Oro family, the finest foods from our land, unsurpassed service, a family atmosphere, and a place to enjoy an authentic Mexican Fiesta.
Mecatos Bakery & Café
The Naked Cupcake
BACÁN
This new dining concept is described as influenced by the many flavors of the Americas and centered around a dramatic open theater kitchen; BACÁN is elevated yet approachable, innovative, and just a little bit unexpected. BACÁN will be revealed as the signature restaurant at the new Lake Nona Wave Hotel.
THE NAKED CUPCAKE
The Naked Cupcake is where you can Dress Your Cupcake! Currently an online scratch-bakery and cupcake truck that offers unique and custom cakes and cupcakes for all
Tabla Indian Cuisine
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ON THE SCENE
DENEE HICKMAN
SIP & PAINT
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Certified Nurse Midwives offering Women’s Health Care in the comfort and safety of your home. Services include Annual Exams, Menopause Management, Birth Control Consult, as well as problem visits at a time convenient for you. Bringing our experience of over 15,000 deliveries to you, providing the safest home birth option in the Orlando area.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call:
407.974.7171 Tracy Cowart, APRN, CNM Michele Anderson, APRN, CNM
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ON THE SCENE
DENEE HICKMAN
CHICK-FIL-A ANNIVERSARY
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r u o y d Spen mer at Sum
INDOOR PLAYGROUND AND SO CLIMATE-CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING
FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES (0-12 YEARS)
MUCH MORE!
JUNGLE GYM, ESCAPE ROOM, WIPEOUT
www.ourkidiverse.com
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We pride ourselves on our weddings and offer a variety of wedding packages that include a champagne toast, complimentary wedding planning and vendor selection. Our team of experts will be with you every step of the way during your planning to ensure every detail works out the way you desire. We're here for you and your events which include customizing menus with our executive chef and collaborating with our staff on the perfect schedule of events. Our reception space is unique in that it is a grand Belfry room with a sweeping panoramic view through our bay windows from the ceiling to the floor along with beautiful sky lights in the center atrium. In addition to our beautiful weddings we provide planning for life's other major milestones including bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, anniversary parties, birthdays, class reunions, corporate banquets, corporate meetings and more!
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ON THE SCENE | THINGS TO DO WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th 6:30 P.M.–8:30 P.M. Drive Shack Orlando 7285 Corner Drive Orlando
MEDICAL CITY MIXER
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Wine Down Wednesday women's edition! Women's networking with a twist, indoor/outdoor activities such as Bay play, and a mini fashion show for the upcoming Fall Season.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th 6 P.M.–8 P.M. Lake Nona Performance Club 675 Chopra Terrace • Orlando Connect, socialize and network with Lake Nona Healthcare & Business professionals as well as business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders, executives, and industry authorities from across the city. Come join us!
MOMMY & ME (Brunch with Cinderella)
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HISPANIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th 10:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. Eagle Creek Golf Clubhouse 10350 Emerson Lake Boulevard • Orlando
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25th • 3 P.M.–7 P.M. Nona Adventure Park • 14086 Centerline Drive • Orlando
Our Mommy & Me Brunch is back! The beautiful Eagle Creek Golf Club on the green will be our backdrop for this wonderful princess brunch. Join us for food, fun, crafts, a photo op with Cinderella, and storytime under the trees.
Food Vendors • Cooking Demo • Kids Zone
Wear your prettiest outfit, bring your friends for a good time!
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Experience the vibrant flavors of Hispanic cultures. Taste delicious authentic dishes from 7+ different countries, enjoy live music and interactive kids zone. All attendees will receive 50% of the Aqua Park Activities at Nona Adventure Park.
OCTOBER–SAVE THE DATE: SEAFOOD & ISLAND FESTIVAL
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9th 3 P.M.–7 P.M. Nona Adventure Park 14086 Centerline Drive, Orlando More details to come…
GLOW SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30-31st More details to come…
>> For more information and/or to register for events, visit: lakenonasocial.com/news/things-to-do 20 N O N A M A G A Z I N E | V O L U M E 2 • I S S U E 6
