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Dine Alfresco in Historic Downtown Sanford..............................50 Discover What’s new at Universal Orlando Resort......................................52 And much more . . .

PRIMO

PATIOS Alfresco dining in historic downtown Sanford.

By Heather Turk

The spacious patio at The Breezeway has its own bar

St. Johns River Steak & Seafood is the only restaurant in Historic Downtown Sanford located on the lakefront

With high temperatures in the low 70s, Sanford, Florida, is one of the few places in the U.S. where foodies can still comfortably dine alfresco during the winter months. Not surprisingly, visitors will find several restaurants in Historic Downtown Sanford that offer year-round patio dining, so guests can bask in the warm weather while relishing some of the area’s flavorful fare.

At St. Johns River Steak & Seafood, guests can soak up beautiful views of Lake Monroe from the waterside eatery’s 70-seat screened patio or 40-seat sundeck while savoring a Cajun-inspired menu of grilled steaks and seafood. Known for its generous portions, the restaurant serves such must-try dishes as the Key West Mahi seafood combo: grilled jerk mahi and shrimp with honey mustard served with fried conch fritters, rice and broccoli. Depending on what time of day guests visit, they might even see the Rivership BarbaraLee sail by during one of the local sternwheeler’s lunch or dinner cruises. stjrss.com

Having expanded from a 75-seat restaurant to a 665-seat restaurant over the years, local favorite Hollerbach’s now boasts almost 150 seats of alfresco seating thanks to its recently expanded outdoor dining areas. Not only can guests dine on authentic German cuisine like wiener schnitzel and currywurst on the patio in front of Hollerbach’s main dining room, but they can also eat in its new rooftop biergarten — Sanford’s only rooftop dining experience! hollerbachs.com

The Breezeway Restaurant & Bar is another beloved alfresco dining spot. Guests can dine on the rustic restaurant’s 110-seat patio while enjoying a menu of fresh seafood and Southern fare, like the signature Big Fish sandwich made with blackened, grilled or fried North Atlantic haddock or the shrimp & grits. Live music is featured on the patio on most weekends, further adding to its popularity. breezewayrestaurantandbar.com

ADVENTURE

AWAITS Discover what’s new at Universal Orlando Resort

By Heather Turk

Universal Orlando Resort continues to bring to life some of Universal Studios’ most famous franchises with two recent additions that are sure to leave hearts pounding.

Inspired by the blockbuster “Jurassic World” movies, Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure theme park is the fastest, tallest and most intense launch coaster in Florida. Catapulting riders 155 feet into the air at extreme speeds up to 70 miles per hour, the thrilling attraction features an original story starring the Velociraptor pack from the film, with Chris Pratt (Owen), Bryce Dallas Howard (Claire) and BD Wong (Dr. Wu) reprising their roles, as well. Riders will be immersed within a genuine “Jurassic World” environment, surrounded by 36,000 square feet of elaborate rockwork, a giant waterfall and lush jungle vegetation, as they race alongside the ferocious Velociraptors. One of the most elaborate and ambitious roller coasters ever designed, the ride culminates in a spiraling 360-degree inversion just inches above a lagoon. Riders will feel a sense of weightlessness throughout the 2-minute journey — and be left breathless from screaming the entire time, too!

Pulses will also be racing over at The Bourne Stuntacular, Universal Studios Florida’s most technologically-advanced stunt show to date. Inspired by the “Bourne” film franchise, the show features an all-new storyline that takes place within the “Bourne” universe, with Julia Stiles reprising her role as Jason Bourne’s main confidant, Nicky Parsons. Audiences will feel like they’re right by Jason Bourne’s side throughout the action-packed production, which features a mix of live performers,

The Bourne Stuntacular is a first-of-its-kind stunt show that offers audiences a hybrid form of entertainment never seen before Jurassic World VelociCoaster

groundbreaking technology, extreme stunts and captivating practical effects to blur the line between stage and cinema. Additionally, “Bourne” fans will get to see actual props from the movies on display as they walk through the show’s queue, including the car from “The Bourne Identity’s” iconic chase scene.

Known for its incredible theme park attractions, Universal Orlando Resort is home to three unique theme parks, including its year-round water theme park, Universal’s Volcano Bay. Eight hotels are located on property for visitors to stay in, including the resort’s newest hotel, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort — Dockside Inn and Suites. Celebrating its first anniversary on Dec. 15, the hotel offers guests a value experience that’s unmatched in the Orlando area, with 2,050 extra-affordable guest rooms. Rates for select rooms start at less than $100 per night, plus guests get exclusive perks like early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter up to an hour before the parks open with their valid theme park ticket. With so much to experience on property, including the popular Universal CityWalk entertainment complex where visitors can shop, dine and be entertained, there’s really no reason to stay anyplace else! universalorlando.com

Photos courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

The spacious two-bedroom suites at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort — Dockside Inn and Suites are perfect for families

The standard rooms at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort — Dockside Inn and Suites have a calm, beachy vibe