Lazy Moon, Orlando, FL

This college pizza joint attracts all ages with their enormous slices

by Amy Cassell | July 26, 2010

If there’s anything that can be considered a University of Central Florida dining institution, it’d be Lazy Moon, the pizza joint tucked into the corner of a strip mall right across the street from the school’s main entrance.

Many have been known to come to Lazy Moon to wind down after a test (or even before!) with a Boxcar Willy special: a slice of pizza and pint of PBR. Alumni who have …

The Social Chameleon, Orlando, FL

Small plates made for sharing in an intimate, backyard space

by Amy Cassell | July 22, 2010

Don’t’ be put off by the tiny, older building that houses The Social Chameleon, one of downtown Orlando’s newest dining establishments. Once you’ve walked in the front door and through the small front space (with tables to seat a handful of people) and past the kitchen, you’ll find yourself amidst a beautiful landscaped terrace with private, intimate seating – one of downtown Orlando’s secret gardens, if you will.

Located in Orlando’s Milk …

Orlando Science Center, Orlando, FL

A fun-filled day of interactive learning for the kids

by Amy Cassell | July 19, 2010

There’s nothing better than watching your children actually enjoy learning, and that’s what happens on most trips to the Orlando Science Center. Most of the museum’s more than one hundred exhibits, shows and programs (spread out across four floors) are hands-on, allowing kids to be both amused and enriched.

The Science Center has several permanent exhibits: See one of the state’s largest refractor telescopes in the Crosby Observatory at the top of …

The Social, Orlando, FL

Get up close and personal with local and national musicians

by Amy Cassell | July 12, 2010

Spend a night at the Social, known as the best independent music venue in Orlando. The intimate space offers up live music virtually every night, whether it is the local kids or prominent national touring acts (Dashboard Confessional, New Found Glory and The Ting Tings and have recently stopped by. Located right off Orange Avenue in the heart of downtown, the venue’s location makes it easy to stroll by and catch an act …

Cypress Lake Airboat Tours, Kissimmee, FL

Zip through Central Florida marshland on an airboat tour of the area

by Amy Cassell | July 06, 2010

Kissimmee’s clear blue Chain of Lakes cover more than 100,000 acres and are some of the best spots in the South for freshwater and largemouth bass fishing. One of the lakes in this chain –Cypress Lake – is home to the popular Cypress Lake Airboat Tours.

More than 4 million annual visitors come to Florida for wildlife viewing, and an airboat tour into the undeveloped marsh of is one of the best …

Ethos Vegan Kitchen, Orlando, FL

Simple, delicious and healthy vegan fare just outside downtown

by Amy Cassell | July 06, 2010

It’s usually a challenge for vegetarians – let alone vegans – to find restaurants while traveling that cater to their dietary needs. That’s not the case at Ethos Vegan Kitchen, just outside of downtown in Orlando’s antique district, where every single entrée item, drink and dessert is made free of meat and dairy. Even if you’re not vegan, you’ll be surprised at how tasty (and filling!) the fare is.  

Ethos’ owners …

Orlando Film Festival, Orlando, FL

Enjoy independent film (for free!) at the 5th annual fest, November 3-7

by Amy Cassell | June 28, 2010

The organizers of the Orlando Film Festival wanted to make it easy for anyone who loves the movies to be able to attend – so they made the entire 5-day fete absolutely free! They hope by making this event free, they can increase everyone's appreciation of independent cinema while successfully promoting culture and arts in downtown Orlando.

All of the films are shown at downtown Orlando’s Plaza Cinema Café (read our …

XL 106.7’s Red, Hot and Boom,  Altamonte Springs, FL

On July 3, take part in a local radio station’s popular Fourth of July celebration

by Amy Cassell | June 22, 2010

Every Fourth of July weekend, Orlando’s local hit music radio station XL 106.7 takes over Crane’s Roost Lake Park in Uptown Altamonte Springs (just north of downtown Orlando) for a monstrous outdoor concert and fireworks spectacle. Bring a blanket and bask in the hot Florida sun with thousands of others attending Central Florida’s largest Fourth of July celebration. (We’re talking more than 150,000 people!)

This year’s fete will take place …

CityWalk’s Rising Star, Orlando, FL

This is no ordinary karaoke bar

by Amy Cassell | June 19, 2010

If you’ve ever aspired to be the lead singer of a world-famous rock and roll band (or perhaps just a contestant on American Idol), a night at CityWalk’s Rising Star karaoke bar at the Universal Orlando Resort just may make your dreams come true. Because this isn’t the type of karaoke where you find yourself standing on a stage alone, awkwardly reading lyrics off a small screen while background music pipes …

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Orlando, FL

Everything you need for exploring the great outdoors — under one roof

by Amy Cassell | June 14, 2010

Planning on doing some camping, fishing or golfing on your next visit to Central Florida? If so, be sure to include a visit to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World off of International Drive to stock up on every single item you could possibly need. With more than 150,000 square feet of space (including a putting green, driving cage, shooting arcade, wildlife displays and a 17,000 gallon aquarium), the store is by far the …

Dubsdread Golf Club, Orlando, FL

Orlando’s oldest public course makes for an affordable round of golf

by Amy Cassell | June 08, 2010

Just a few minutes from downtown Orlando, on the border of Winter Park, Dubsdread is the oldest public golf course in the area. It was originally designed in 1924, but recently renovated in 2008.  Once the site of the Orlando Open, the course has hosted golf legends like Sam Snead and Ben Hogan.

The course is relatively short (Par 71), making it easy to walk, and features narrow fairways and heavily bunkered …

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, Orlando, FL

Islands of Adventure’s new attraction opens on June 18

by Amy Cassell | June 05, 2010

Potterwatch is officially in full force.  Fans are camped outside Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure theme park, clamoring to sneak a peek at its new themed world – dedicated completely to author J.K. Rowling’s character Harry Potter and his fantasyland of wizardry. The park has begun to let season pass holders and those who bought special Harry Potter-themed vacation packages preview the attraction, but the official grand opening isn’t …

Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, FL

The perfect setting for a romantic Southern wedding

by Amy Cassell | June 02, 2010

Leu Gardens, with its 50-acres of impeccably manicured surroundings, is an extremely popular outdoor wedding venue for Floridians and destination bridal parties alike.  The gardens and the two-story wood frame home on the property are on the National Register of Historic Places and include America’s largest camellia selection outside of California, the state’s largest formal rose garden, and a butterfly garden, among other botanical treasures.

Built in 1855, the property switched owners …

Plaza Cinema Café, Orlando, FL

Enjoy dinner, drinks and a movie in the heart of downtown.

by Amy Cassell | May 27, 2010

With tomorrow’s release of the much-anticipated Sex and the City 2, the summer blockbuster season has officially arrived. One of the best places in town to catch a first-run flick is at the new, state-of-the-art Plaza Cinema Café off downtown Orlando’s Orange Avenue. 

From the contemporarily styled wine bar overlooking the city to the showcase of local artists’ work in the corridors, this isn’t your normal cinema. Yes, there are …

SeaWorld, Orlando, FL

Explore the world of marine animals and ride a roller coaster in the same place

by Amy Cassell | May 25, 2010

An enormous marine animal haven-combination-theme park makes for both a fun and educational experience for the family. At SeaWorld, you’ll spend the day observing animals in natural-like environments, watching them perform in entertaining stage shows, and even getting to ride some good old-fashioned roller coasters.

A park map will help you select the shows you plan to attend. The most popular one is “Believe,” which mixes killer whale performances and state of …

Ron Jon Surf Shop, Cocoa Beach, FL

Base camp for your beach trip

by Amy Cassell | May 19, 2010

It’d be pretty hard to miss the Ron Jon Surf Shop when driving down A1A, the main thoroughfare along Cocoa Beach. The store’s flagship location has been billed “the world’s largest surf shop,” and its 52,000 square feet of beach-themed merchandise is sure to help perfectly prepare you and your family for a day at the beach.

Opened in 1959 on the Jersey shore, and now with several locations along the East …

Walt Disney World Customized Maps, Lake Buena Vista, FL

The theme park’s free feature makes planning your trip much easier

by Amy Cassell | May 14, 2010

It’s easy to be confused or overwhelmed when first arriving at Walt Disney World. Previously heard coming from families at the park:

“Where’s Space Mountain!?”

“When can we see the Beauty and the Beast show?”

“I want to go to the Haunted Mansion now!”

But, you must not forget that Disney is supposed to be the happiest place on Earth, not the most stressful, and the theme park’s new …

Hontoon Island State Park, DeLand, FL

Spend a weekend at this state park in the middle of a river

by Amy Cassell | May 10, 2010

There’s something extra adventurous about camping at Hontoon Island State Park. Maybe it’s the extra work it takes to get there (the island is only accessible via private boat or ferry), or the island’s deep-rooted history (there are Indian burial grounds from more than 3,000 years ago!). Perhaps it’s the excitement of spotting manatees from the shore. Whatever it may be, a weekend here, in the middle of the St. John’s River (about …

Café Tu Tu Tango, Orlando, FL

The meals are made for sharing at this festive restaurant on International Drive

by Amy Cassell | May 07, 2010

In 1991, three friends had just returned from a trip to Barcelona, Spain, and were so inspired by the bohemian atmosphere they witnessed there that they wanted to recreate it at home. So they did just that — and opened Café Tu Tu Tango, a tapas restaurant set in a replica of a Spanish artist’s loft.

The restaurant, with its exposed wood beam ceilings and brightly painted walls, is meant to evoke …

Eõ Inn & Spa, Orlando, FL

Rejuvenate yourself here after a long day at the park.

by Amy Cassell | May 03, 2010

Whether you’re looking for a boutique lodging for your visit to Orlando or just looking for a place to get pampered for the day, the Eõ Inn & Spa is an excellent choice. Located right off Lake Eola in downtown Orlando’s Thornton Park, the modern accommodations and spa make for a blissful escape in the city.

The spa offers a vast array of treatments, including five types of massage (Swedish, deep tissue, …

4Rivers Smokehouse, Winter Park, FL

Brave the lines for some of the best barbecue around

by Amy Cassell | April 26, 2010

4Rivers Smokehouse just opened last November, but has quickly become Orlando’s most popular barbecue joint.  It’s no beginner’s luck, though—founder/pitmaster John Rivers has been perfecting his sauce in his kitchen and serving up his Texas-style barbecue specialties at local fundraisers for more than four years.

Located off Fairbanks Avenue in Winter Park, the rustic restaurant has a down-home, family-style picnic feel. Customers place their order at the far end of a counter, …

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, Orlando, FL

Escape to the Italian seaside—in the heart of Orlando

by Amy Cassell | April 22, 2010

What would you say if somebody told you that during your next Central Florida vacation, you could stay in an Italian town? On the seaside, yet still on the middle of the state? It’s hard to fathom, yet somewhat possible. Inspired by the town of Portofino in the Italian Riviera, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is a recreation of a fishing village in Italy.

The hotel is a great …

Orlando Magic, Orlando, FL

Orlando’s professional basketball squad starts their quest for the championship

by Amy Cassell | April 19, 2010

Last year’s Orlando Magic squad made it to the NBA Finals (where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers), but this year the team is back with a vengeance and has started its postseason with a defiant victory over the Charlotte Bobcats on Sunday. Right now is the most exciting time of the season, and if you’re in town this week or plan on traveling to Orlando in the next month-and-a-half (as long …

Florida Music Festival & Conference, Orlando, FL

Downtown Orlando’s venues showcase up-and-coming musical acts

by Amy Cassell | April 15, 2010

April 21-24 are going to be a very few busy and jam-packed days in downtown Orlando, because more than 25,000 music fans will be converging to watch more than 250 performances at the 9th annual Florida Music Festival & Conference.

Local and national musicians will perform at showcases at 15 different venues, with the hopes that an invited industry expert will catch their set and offer them a record deal. The end …

Winter Park Saturday Farmers’ Market, Winter Park, FL

The early bird gets delicious breakfast and local treats on Saturday mornings in Winter Park

by Amy Cassell | April 13, 2010

Held at the old train depot on West New England Avenue in downtown Winter Park, the Winter Park Saturday Farmer’s Market is one of the best ways to get a local feel for Central Florida, away from the crowds, chains and tourist attractions.

This weekly market is small (with both an indoor and outdoor section), but packed to the brim with locally-known and reasonably-priced vendors. Just a sampling of what you’ll find: …

Crave, Orlando, FL

New restaurant brings its “fresh, vibrant and American” cuisine to Orlando

by Amy Cassell | April 09, 2010

Those lucky enough (including myself) to preview new restaurant Crave’s dinner menu (and wine selection) this week have probably only good things to say.

Crave is a chain, albeit a small one, with three locations in Minnesota. Expanding south to Florida, its 8,600-square-foot location near the Mall at Millenia is sure to attract trendy shoppers and foodies alike to its chic establishment. As a matter of fact, rumor has it …

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, FL

A national historic landmark 45 minutes outside of Orlando

by Amy Cassell | April 05, 2010

Spend an afternoon exploring the lush Bok Tower Gardens, a botanical oasis of azaleas, camellias, magnolias and 38 different plant species native to Florida.

Edward W. Bok, a Dutch philanthropist and Pulitzer Prize-winning publisher, spent his summers in Lake Wales in the early 1920s. He came to enjoy walking up “Iron Mountain” on the Lake Wales Ridge to take in the sunset and decided to build a bird sanctuary to preserve the …

Florida Film Festival, Orlando, FL

Renowned cinema and Southern cuisine highlight the Enzian theater’s annual fest

by Amy Cassell | April 01, 2010

The 19th annual Florida Film Festival (April 9-18), presented and produced by Central Florida's Enzian Theater, is a star-studded event that attracts some of the world’s newest and most reveled films. This year’s theme is Home Sweet Home, which celebrates Southern spirit, passion and warmth and features films that evoke a sense of home.  The movies will be shown at the Enzian theater in Maitland, the Regal Winter Park Village …

PlayFest!, Orlando, FL

A ten-day festival of original plays, panels and workshops

by Amy Cassell | March 26, 2010

PlayFest! (AKA the Harriett Lake Festival of Plays) is presented by the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, a non-profit organization in partnership with the University of Central Florida that aims to highlight Central Florida’s performing arts scene.

April 2-11 will be filled with world-premiere and other esteemed plays and artist panels, readings and workshops. The selection of plays includes Heavier Than (a mash-up of popular Greek myths), Once a Marine (about a …

Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Orlando, FL

The popular Manhattan hotel opens a new location in Orlando

by Amy Cassell | March 24, 2010

The Waldorf Astoria picked an excellent location for their first-ever property outside of New York City—the Bonnet Creek resort area, minutes away from Walt Disney World. Opened in late 2009, the hotel is one of the newest and most luxurious accommodations in Central Florida.

The guest rooms are spacious, decorated in soothing beige tones with elegant accents like fresh roses on the dresser and Egyptian cotton sheets on the bed. Each room …

Cevíche Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Orlando, FL

A popular Spanish-style tapas restaurant on downtown Orlando’s historic Church St.

by Amy Cassell | March 19, 2010

It’s easy to get carried away at downtown Orlando’s giant Cevíche Tapas Bar & Restaurant, pointing out savory small plate selections on the double-sided oversized menu. Before you know it, your mosaic-tiled tabletop is overflowing with plates of delicious looking (and smelling) food. Plus, there’s also that enormous pitcher of homemade sangria taking up space as well. 

The restaurant is a festive and popular spot for large parties celebrating birthdays and other …

Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival, Winter Park, FL

Spring weather and original art in downtown Winter Park

by Amy Cassell | March 16, 2010

Spring has finally arrived, making now the perfect time to get outside and take a stroll through one of Central Florida’s parks. This weekend, Winter Park’s Central Park is host to the 51st annual Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival, one of the largest and most prestigious art events in the country. Organized by a foundation of the same name, the festival aims to enhance local art appreciation and provide a forum for talented …

Orlando Premium Outlets, Orlando, FL

Shop ‘til you drop at more than 150 outlet stores

by Amy Cassell | March 11, 2010

Close to Disney World and Universal Studios, the Orlando Premium Outlets are kind of like a theme park made especially for shoppers. With more than 150 stores, it’s possible to spend an entire day bargain-hunting at this massive outdoor outlet shopping complex.  Some might even say it’s completely feasible to plan an entire trip to Orlando based around outlet shopping.

There are so many stores at Orlando Premium Outlets that it’d take …

Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub and Eatery, Winter Park, FL

On St. Patrick’s Day, keep it traditional at this Irish pub

by Amy Cassell | March 08, 2010

There’s no better place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Orlando than at one of the area’s most authentic Irish pubs. The atmosphere at Fiddler’s Green in Winter Park is always festive, with live Irish music and cheerful revelers downing pints of Guinness, so it’s guaranteed March 17 will be extra celebratory.

Fiddler’s is a popular happy hour sport and late-night haunt for students (Rollins College is just down the street) and …

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Lake Buena Vista, FL

Green thumbs unite at Disney World's annual spring festival

by Amy Cassell | March 04, 2010

Every spring for the past 17 years, Disney’s Epcot theme park has transformed into a botanical wonderland for the International Flower & Garden Festival. Character-themed topiary sculptures and millions of blooming flowers take over the park, displayed beautifully around every corner. 

Besides the wide array of flowers, the English Tea Garden, Fragrance Garden and Bonsai Collection (among others), there are several other festival-exclusive attractions. Green thumbs will enjoy learning new techniques from …

University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

Orlando is home to one of the fast-growing universities in the country

by Amy Cassell | March 01, 2010

It’s impressive that the University of Central Florida opened in only 1968 and is now the 5th-largest university in the nation. More than 53,000 students call Central Florida home and the Golden Knight their mascot.

UCF was once thought of as a commuter school, but the campus and surrounding area of East Orlando (about 15 miles away from downtown) has adopted more of a college town atmosphere, albeit still a metropolitan one. …

Old Town, Kissimmee, FL

Travel back in time for some old-fashioned fun in Kissimmee

by Amy Cassell | February 25, 2010

Founded in the late 1800’s, Kissimmee was a small town known for cattle ranching and citrus packing until the arrival of Walt Disney World in the 1950’s. Today, down the street from Disney, there’s a nostalgic reminder of what life was like before the monstrous theme park was around. Old Town is modeled like an old-fashioned family-friendly fair, with hours of dining, shopping and entertainment.

Old Town’s highlight is the …

903 Mills Market, Orlando, FL

Gourmet sandwiches and salads under the Florida sun

by Amy Cassell | February 23, 2010

The building at 903 Mills Ave. in downtown Orlando's Lake Davis neighborhood has worn many hats since it was first erected in 1920: jelly factory, meat market, dry cleaners, and now, jack-of-all-trades sandwich shop. A popular spot for dining al fresco, 903 Mills Market is the perfect place near the city to welcome the return of the warm and sunny spring weather.

The market serves up gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads, and …

Bravissimo Café, Orlando, FL

This cozy Italian restaurant is one of downtown’s best kept secrets

by Amy Cassell | February 19, 2010

Besides the outdoor tables and twinkling white lights, Bravissimo Café fits in quite discreetly with its surroundings. The restaurant is in a house on a quiet side street in downtown’s Thornton Park neighborhood (which was recently named one of the country’s best neighborhoods to live in by This Old House magazine). Don’t be taken aback by its small size and homely setting though, because this is where to find some of the city’s best …

Travel Guide to Orlando, FL

Why you should visit Orlando

by Amy Cassell | February 15, 2010

It’s the number-two tourist destination in America, so clearly there are several vacation-worthy reasons to visit Orlando.

What most are coming here for: the theme parks. Orlando is home to the happiest place on Earth—Walt Disney World—what’s more alluring than that? There’s also the Universal Orlando Resort. And Sea World. And International Drive’s museums, restaurants and activities. There are enough roller coasters and cartoon characters here to keep families busy …

The Grand Bohemian, Orlando, FL

An elegant, romantic escape in downtown’s arts and business district

by Amy Cassell | February 15, 2010

Those seeking a luxurious escape in Orlando will want to check out the Grand Bohemian Hotel. The Old World, Bohemian vibe meets swank grandiosity in this Flatiron-esque building that comes to a curve on a downtown city street corner. The hotel takes inspiration from its central location near Orlando’s art district with its own gallery that holds more than 200 pieces of rare works.

Each of the hotel’s 248 guest rooms encompass the hotel’s …

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios, Orlando, FL

Universal Studios turns into Bourbon Street for the next several Saturday nights

by Amy Cassell | February 08, 2010

Yes, the roller coasters looming overhead and movie characters strolling by are a reminder that you’re not exactly in the heart of New Orleans, but with everything else going on around you at Universal Studios during its 15th annual Mardi Gras celebration, you’ll still feel festive. The park’s thoroughfares are taking on the essence of Bourbon Street every Saturday night for the next couple of months, with extravagant parades and festive revelers.

The park …

First Thursdays at Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando, FL

This monthly gathering is Orlando’s first original art party

by Amy Cassell | February 07, 2010

Are you planning to be in Orlando on the first Thursday of the month? If so, mingle with the city’s art-crowd in Loch Haven Park at the Orlando Museum of Art’s First Thursdays event. The event is presented by the Associates, OMA’s volunteer support group that was formed to encourage the appreciation of the arts.

The popular, themed night is pretty much like an extended happy hour, lasting from 6p.m. to 9 …

ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk, Lake Buena Vista, FL

A super-sized sports bar fit for Super Bowl viewing

by Amy Cassell | January 31, 2010

At the ESPN Club on the grounds of Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk hotel, there are so many televisions that you could essentially be watching every sporting event on the air at any given time. This Sunday, though, every one of them will likely be tuned to the country’s biggest game: the Super Bowl. The lively atmosphere and casual American fare (large juicy burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, pitchers of beer) make this one of …

Gatorland, Orlando, FL

The alligator capital of the world

by Amy Cassell | January 29, 2010

Stepping through the iconic gator’s mouth entrance brings you to one of the oldest (and most unique) attractions in Orlando. Gatorland opened in 1949 as a simple roadside exhibit where Seminole Indians who lived on the property wrestled alligators for intrigued onlookers. More than 60 years later, the park has expanded to 110 acres of natural preserves and other ‘Old World Florida’ activities.

Besides the more than a thousand gators and crocodiles who call …

The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne, Orlando, FL

A romantic bed-and-breakfast tucked amongst gardens in downtown Orlando.

by Amy Cassell | January 27, 2010

Some of the oldest and most impeccably restored homes in Orlando make up the thirty accommodations at The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne. Situated around lush gardens and a giant courtyard, the hotel’s grounds ooze of romance: so much so that it’s also one of the area’s most popular wedding locales.

Kick off a romantic getaway by sharing the complimentary carafe of wine the hotel’s staff greets you with upon check-in. Then, venture to your …

Orlando Brewing Company, Orlando, FL

Florida's only certified organic brewery

by Amy Cassell | January 21, 2010

Beer connoisseurs looking for a good place to drink in Orlando won’t want to miss the Orlando Brewing Company, an industrial-size space in downtown’s Warehouse District. Try one—or sample 12—of the beers brewed on site. They’re made using only natural and organic ingredients and range from light-flavored (Blonde Ale) to dark (Eagle Stout, a delicious Oatmeal Stout). Other hard-to-find-at-your-run-of-the-mill-bar beers are also on tap.

Finding the place is a little difficult—the warehouse …

White Wolf Cafe, Orlando, FL

An eclectic American bistro in Orlando’s antique district

by Amy Cassell | January 18, 2010

Nestled amongst vintage clothing boutiques and furniture shops in Orlando’s antique district is the White Wolf Cafe.  Co-owners Michael and Anne Marie Hennessey opened the restaurant inside their antique store 19 years ago, and it has steadily gained a dedicated group of diners since. The space has evolved from an antique shop with a small cafe inside to just a cafe, but some antiques are still there: vintage maps, photographs and paintings take up …

Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria, Orlando, FL

Bring a big appetite to this tiny sandwich shop near downtown.

by Amy Cassell | January 14, 2010

If you’re not looking, you might drive right past Pom Pom’s, hidden in an unsuspecting shopping plaza off of North Bumby Ave., near downtown Orlando. But try your best not to miss it because to many locals, this is where to find the tastiest sandwiches in town.

Pom Pom’s is owned by Pom Moongauklang, a Thailand native who came to Orlando by way of New York City, where she worked as a chef at …

Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando, FL

Three floors of Central Florida history and other exciting exhibits make for a fun and education-filled day.

by Amy Cassell | January 12, 2010

Learn more about 12,000 years of Central Florida History at the Orange County Regional History Center, a three-story educational tome smack in the middle of downtown Orlando. The center’s permanent exhibits explore topics like nature and environment, cattle and citrus, aviation, and of course, Disney World. A highlight is the city’s original 1927 courtroom, on display at the center. It’s rumored that this is where Ted Bundy was arraigned.

Check the event calendar on …

Tijuana Flats Burrito Co., Orlando, FL

This popular Tex-Mex chain with its own brand of hot sauce started here in Orlando

by Amy Cassell | January 08, 2010

Granted, this casual, eclectic Tex-Mex restaurant chain may have locations outside of Orlando, but it’s here where the popular restaurant got its start. In 1995, recent University of Central Florida graduate Brian Wheeler took a $20,000 loan from his parents and opened up the first location near campus in Winter Park, Florida.  Now there are nearly 75 locations across the southeast, and the chain is one of the most popular restaurants in town.

The restaurants are …

Wekiwa Springs State Park, Apopka, FL

Skip the gym and head to Central Florida’s beautiful natural environment.

by Amy Cassell | January 06, 2010

Wekiwa Springs State Park is only 20 minutes north of downtown Orlando, but it’s a world apart from the city’s crowded streets and the theme park’s long lines. It’s here where one of the best workouts - with some of the best views - can be found. The land was once home to the Timucuan Indians and is located at the headwaters of the Wekiva River. In Creek Indian language, wekiwa means ‘spring of water’ and …

Park Ave CD’s, Orlando, FL

This local store is one of the best places in town for music.

by Amy Cassell | January 02, 2010

A 25-year-old Central Florida music institution, Park Ave. CDs is the area’s most popular and authentic independent music store. The shop used to be off of Park Avenue in Winter Park (hence the name) but moved to a new location off Corrine Drive in Orlando a few years ago.

The store is small, but the aisles are packed, brimming with CDs, records, books, DVDs, toys, magazines and clothing. The customers are as varied as …

Hard Rock Hotel, Orlando, FL

A hotel built for rock-star royalty.

by Amy Cassell | December 29, 2009

The Hard Rock Hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort is one of the hippest places to stay in town. The hotel has a mission-style, “Hotel California” theme, and its 650 streamlined rooms are equipped with flat screen televisions and framed photos of rock and roll stars on the wall.  There’s more than $1 million worth of memorabilia scattered throughout the hotel.

The lodging is on the grounds of the Universal Orlando Resort—so roller coasters, world-class restaurants …

New Year’s Eve, Downtown Orlando, FL

Downtown Orlando’s bars will be packed with New Year’s revelers.

by Amy Cassell | December 29, 2009

For a variety of options within a few blocks of each other, downtown Orlando is the best place to ring in 2010. There’s a little bit of something for everyone, with cozy bars, chic lounges and spacious dance clubs all located on or near Orange Avenue, downtown’s main thoroughfare. And as an added bonus, City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has extended the city’s drinking curfew from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. Here are just a …

Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure, Orlando, FL

Dr. Seuss’ classic Christmas story jumps from the page to the park at the Universal Orlando Resort

by Amy Cassell | December 21, 2009

Visiting the Grinchmas celebration at Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure theme park is like walking right into the pages of Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s Christmas tale, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The park is divided into different themed zones, like Jurassic Park, Marvel superheroes and Seussland, which is the center of this celebration.

Every year, the incredible and whimsical Seussland is transformed into the town of Whoville and decorated for Christmas. Cindy Lou Who’s house …

ICE! at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee, FL

This beautiful Central Florida resort is home to the area’s most unique holiday display

by Amy Cassell | December 17, 2009

It’s weird to be told to pack a hat, glove and scarf for a trip to Florida, but such is the case if you plan on visiting ICE! at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. This surreal, walk-through exhibit of larger-than-life ice sculptures is created annually at the resort with nearly two MILLION pounds of ice.

Once you’ve arrived at the exhibit in pants and closed-toed shoes (which are both required for entry), you’re given …

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Lake Buena Vista, FL

Disney's Hollywood Studios transforms its streets into the world's largest holiday display

by Amy Cassell | December 14, 2009

To find the biggest and best display of Christmas lights in the Orlando area – or in the entire world for that matter –head to Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Jennings Osborne decorated his Little Rock, Arkansas home with so many lights that his neighbors took legal action in 1995 and made him take them down. That’s when Disney came in, offering to house his lights as a …