Destination Relaxation

As summer draws to an end and school gets underway, many residents are not quite ready to get back into their fall routines. Thankfully, there are plenty of day trip and staycation options that can provide a fun and relaxing escape from day-to-day life.   One of the great things about living in Central Florida is the close proximity to all of the amazing things that the Sunshine... Read More

Parenting Guide: Family Fun

Whether it’s a beautiful, sunny afternoon or a cloudy, rainy day, there is always something fun to do in the Orlando area. While out-of-towners may be hitting up all of the major theme parks that Central Florida has to offer, locals know that some of the best things to do and see in the area are often right around the corner or a short drive away. Here are a few of the many area... Read More

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

Scenic South Florida

One of the best places to visit in the state, as the weather begins to cool, is South Florida. While only a few hours away by car, it can often feel like an escape to a tropical paradise. From its pristine beaches with relaxing days to clubs and restaurants with a vivacious nightlife to its deluxe accommodations, South Florida is an ideal vacation destination for Central Floridians.... 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

Sand-sational Sarasota

Only a two-hour drive south from Orlando, Sarasota is known for its pristine white sand beaches, superb dining, unique shopping, not to mention, its endless cultural and recreational amenities. Home of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the official state museum of art, it’s no wonder that Sarasota is often referred to as Florida’s Cultural Coast. It’s nearly 40 miles... 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

Destination: Relaxation

Florida getaways that will give you a new appreciation for the state you call home. As summer approaches and last-minute vacations are being planned, we decided to pack our bags and hit the road in search of the perfect getaways. All of these desirable destinations are within driving distance, allowing you to escape from the Greater Orlando area without the hassle and headaches... Read More

Thrill Seeking

A look at what’s new and exciting for Orlando’s theme parks and attractions. Orlando’s slogan is, “Built for families, made for memories.” As eye-roll inducing as that may sound, it rings true as our theme parks have time and time again created experiences enjoyable for all ages. And Orlando knows how to keep the good times rolling with new attractions and experiences... 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