Welcome to Orlando Family’s inaugural Best of the Best, featuring our picks for the best places to eat, drink, shop and be pampered throughout Greater Orlando. In addition to racking our own brains and those of our family and friends, we traversed the area to follow up on hot tips about worthy winners from both well-known establishments and those off the beaten path. Alright, maybe that doesn’t sound like particularly grueling work, but the payoff is being able to give you our selections for everything from chocolates and cigars to fine jewelry and flowers. And starting next year, we’ll add you to the mix via readers’ choices for your own favorites. Doing this list annually will certainly keep us busy, but trust us: We’re up for the job.

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LIFESTYLE

FESTIVAL
ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
It’s billed as Orlando’s most unique cultural experience, but what impresses us is that the Orlando International Fringe Festival is actually the longest-running of its sort in the U.S., continuing a tradition that began in Scotland. It just celebrated a quarter-century in May, and we look forward to enjoying it for a long time to come. Orlando (Loch Haven Park), (407) 648-0077, OrlandoFringe.org

DANCE CLASSES
RHYTHMX
Need to learn some new moves or get fit in a fun, exciting way? Then we recommend shaking your stuff over to RhythmX, which offers a lineup of dance classes that will teach you the rhythms of the world. Zumba is their specialty, but Brazilian zouk, hip-hop, kizomba and even the tango are represented. Orlando (Horizons West), (407) 412-6976, ZumbaOrlando.net

DOG PARK
LAKE BALDWIN PARK
Covering more than 23 acres adjacent to Lake Baldwin, including a sandy beach, pavilions, picnic tables, restrooms and a boat ramp, this park is perfect for anyone—and thanks to off-leash privileges from 8 a.m. to sunset, “anyone” includes canines. Our dogs can’t get enough of it, and we’re sure yours won’t be able to, either. Winter Park, (407) 599-3334, CityOfWinterPark.org

ACTIVITY CENTER
RDV SPORTSPLEX ATHLETIC CLUB
If you’re familiar with RDV Sportsplex Athletic Club, you know that it’s a fantastic place to get fit, play sports and more. What we were surprised to discover, though, is that it’s also a world-class activity center, as the multisport gym can be rented out for special occasions. Full-featured conference facilities are available, too. Orlando (North Orlando), (407) 916-2442, MVPSportsClubs.com

Dog Day Afternoon

DOGGIE DAYCARE
DOG DAY AFTERNOON
If work or play make it difficult to leave Fido at home all day, we know of no better local doggie-daycare solution than Dog Day Afternoon. Anna Waldrop and her experienced team give all pooches the attention they deserve, and your furry friend can either play with other dogs or just with people, depending on their preferences.Orlando (Downtown), (407) 835-9200, DogDayAfternoon.net

GOLF DEAL
WINTER PARK COUNTRY CLUB
Orlando is home to many exceptional golf courses, but most also have exceptional greens fees. Fortunately, the 9-hole Winter Park Country Club is a notable exception. Fees top out at $16, and a replay will only set you back $5. It’s also Orlando’s second-oldest course, which means you’re playing on history. Winter Park, (407) 599-3339

COMEDY CLUB
ORLANDO IMPROV
We love to laugh, and no local comedy club tickles our funny bone as well as the Improv. Orlando’s extension of the worldfamous chain brings big names and up-and-comers alike to town, and the evening-only hours make it a perfect part of a memorable date or fun night out with friends and family. Orlando (International Drive), (407) 480-5233, TheImprovOrlando.com

Central Florida K-9

DOG TRAINING
CENTRAL FLORIDA K-9
Don’t let the name fool you; Central Florida K-9 does indeed train law-enforcement dogs, but they’ll train civilian canines, too. We particularly appreciate the fact that options include group classes, in-home training and specialty training, and you can even opt to board your pooch with them till training is complete. Orlando (South Orlando), (407) 926-8100, CentralFloridaK9.com

THEME PARK
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT’S EPCOT
Considering how many theme parks are in Orlando, this was probably our hardest decision to make, but Epcot largely pulled it off thanks to the one-two punch of fall’s Food & Wine and spring’s Flower & Garden festivals. We also appreciate that the park’s attractions arguably cater to young and old alike better than any competition. Orlando (Lake Buena Vista), (407) 939-5277, Epcot.com