Great Escapes Without Leaving the State
There’s nothing like calling one of America’s favorite vacation destinations home. What most people travel from all over the world to cram into a vacation that never seems to last long enough or include everything to see and do, Central Floridians can enjoy any time of year. Plus, living in and around Orlando means you’re the first to know when something big happens, like... Read More
Grand Getaways
Now that the holidays have come and gone and 2022 is underway, it’s time to think about some much-deserved R&R. While planning a full-scale vacation still may have complications due to safety or budget reasons, we’re blessed in the Central Florida area to have a number of options for a quick escape to get refreshed, whether right in our own backyard or a short drive away.... Read More
Deck the Halls
Although the pandemic is still lingering over our heads, local holiday celebrations from area communities to the theme parks are in full swing. While everyone is eager to spread some cheer, please check with event organizers directly for specific information on their COVID-19 protocols. NOW THROUGH DEC. 18 Christmas, My Way: A Sinatra Holiday Bash Get into the holiday spirit... Read More
Rendezvous for Two
Safe and romantic getaways to escape pandemic fatigue, all within a day’s drive. Are you in desperate need of a date night or long weekend away with your significant other? You’re not alone. Even though the pandemic has people spending more time together, they are not connecting. After a long day of remote work and virtual education, couples are emotionally exhausted, and being... Read More
Outdoor Adventures
Get outside this fall and winter with these ideas for safe, family-friendly activities. With the weather turning cool and the coronavirus pandemic still a concern, families are looking for ways to enjoy the fall and winter season safely. Because social distancing is best achieved in the open air, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best places around town to engage in outdoor... Read More
Experience St. Pete-Clearwater
White sand and sunshine await you on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Neighbor to the bustling city of Tampa, the St.Petersburg-Clearwater area presents a more relaxed atmosphere with sandy white beaches and glistening ocean views. But these lazy beach towns are much more than just sand and sun. Known as Sunshine City, St. Pete has a bevy of family-friendly arts and culture institutions... Read More
Around the Neighborhood
A look at what’s new around the area and what local leaders of some of Greater Orlando’s most favored communities say is needed to move forward from the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a challenge for Central Florida’s cities and localities. For one thing, public officials must balance the health and safety of residents with the need to keep the local economy... Read More
Visitors Welcome
Orlando’s tourism industry looks to bounce back from the pandemic. For just about everyone who walks through the gates at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom—whether 5 years old or 50, a first-time visitor or an annual pass holder—there is something special about turning the corner on Main Street U.S.A. and approaching Cinderella’s Castle. For more than two months, however,... Read More
Feeling Festive: Holiday Event Guide
Celebrate the season with these holiday happenings taking place across Central Florida. December 1-31 St. Augustine’s Night of Lights Now in its 26th year, this annual holiday lights display brings over three million lights to the historic downtown district. Historic Downtown St. Augustine, begins at sunset, free, St. Augustine, VisitStAugustine.com, (904) 824-4997 December 1 Handel’s... Read More
In Vino Veritas
A look at Central Florida’s winemakers and producers. Central Florida may not be a revered wine region, but that doesn’t mean that our local winemakers aren’t bringing anything to the glass. In fact, it may be because the Sunshine State is not known for its vino that wine producers here get to have a little more fun including using nontraditional fruit (blueberries!) and repping... Read More
Moving Forward
When it comes to getting around in Central Florida, commuting by car is the option most residents choose. And maybe that’s not surprising considering Orlando was always designed for car travel between the far-flung suburbs, the strip malls and the giant parking lots. But while the city’s past may be about cars and highways, the future, according to transit advocates and experts,... Read More
Best of the Best 2019
Each year, we like to take inventory of some of Orlando’s BESTS. From the best food to the best shops to the best places for pampering yourself to the best activities for family fun. After a number of years of packing our Best of the Best list with all this goodness, you’d think we’d have run out of recommendations by now? But as always, compiling this feature reminds us that... Read More
Coveted Communities: Top Towns 2019
A look at Central Florida’s best towns and neighborhoods. Living in Central Florida is a blessing in itself in that there are so many communities here that provide everything a resident could be looking for: top-performing schools, walkability, beautiful parks—the list could go on and on. With that in mind, we decided to take a look around the ’hood to see how some of the... Read More
A Juicy Past, A Thrilling Future
Winter Garden embraces its history while keeping an eye toward what tomorrow brings. The streets of Downtown Winter Garden are almost always bustling with people and activity. “There isn’t a day or time where this street isn’t busy,” Melissa Braillard, director of patron development at the city’s historic Garden Theatre, says. “No matter what time of day it is, there... Read More
New Excitement and More Adventure
Orlandoans are lucky. Living right in the heart of the most visited city in the United States (yep, we’ve beaten the Big Apple for number of visitors), there are always new attractions to check out at the theme parks as well as fresh offerings all around the tourist district. This year’s big hitters include Walt Disney World Resort’s Toy Story Land and Universal Orlando’s... Read More
Sanford: Historic Charm
Spend a few hours in Sanford and you’ll see why the locals call it home. Read More Read More
Destination: Family Adventure
Family-friendly day trips that offer something for everyone. Read More Read More
Sun-Kissed Adventures
Visitors and residents alike find much to love about life in Kissimmee. Read More Read More
Celebrating the Good Life
The Celebration area offers a unique slice of Florida living for residents and visitors alike. Read More Read More
Time Out for Fun: 6 Easy Family Road Trips From Orlando
When it comes to family fun in Greater Orlando, do you feel like you’ve been there, done that? Well, maybe you just need to drive a little further. From historical forts and beaches to marine discovery centers and museums, Orlandoans have access to adventure from coast to coast. Ready to start exploring some fantastic spots? Consider these cool day-trip destinations, most of which... Read More
Tallahassee Offers Grade A Family Fun
Florida’s Capital is More Than A College Town! Tallahassee is one of Florida’s most famous cities ─ recognized as home to our state’s capitol and legislature and, as many ‘Noles fans can attest to, the stomping grounds of Florida State University (FSU), an institution comprised of 16 separate colleges and more than 110 centers, facilities, labs, and institutes that offer... Read More
