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tsgmobilebayalabama · 5 years

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Scouted Calendar: May

As far as transitional months are concerned, May might be our favorite. Beautiful weather—plus plenty of reasons to celebrate, thanks to Mother’s Day and the kickoff of graduation season—give it a festive, anticipatory feel, and there’s always a variety of events and activities happening to fill our calendar. Here’s what we’re looking forward to in May.

Haley Dermatology May Specials

All May Long Learn More

Fillers $100 off each syringe 15% off all Sun Screen May 29th Walk-in Botox/Dysport Clinic

15th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

May 2nd -4th | Foley Festival Grounds

The event will feature 45 balloons from across the country! General Admission: FREE! Come watch live entertainment on Friday and Saturday night for free! There is no cost to come watch the balloons fly (weather and wind permitting)! Learn More

Hemline Grand Re-Opening

May 3rd | 10:00am - 6:00pm | Hemline

Hemline has renovated and is reopening with Rose all day, Sweet Treats, Gifts + Giveaways, $100 Gift Certificate. Learn More

Fairhope Art Walk

May 3rd | 6:00pm | Downtown Fairhope

Stroll through the streets of Downtown Fairhope celebrating the arts! Explore this free monthly showcase of visual and performance arts and enjoy the works of local artists and artisans while supporting downtown merchants.

Kentucky Derby Brunch

May 4th | 10:00am | Fairhope Brewing Company

Find your best Kentucky Derby hat and come out for an amazing menu created by Tin-tins Rock And Roll Food Truck. FBC will have a special mint cider named I'll Have Another on tap, as well as their first-ever beer/wine combo called Run for the Rosé. If you don't already have a hat worthy of the Kentucky Derby, they will have a trunk show featuring fancy headwear from PCox custom hats. Learn More

Derby Day

May 4thth | 4:00pm | GrandHotel Golf Resort & Spa’s Bucky’s Lounge

Enjoy the Kentucky Derby viewing party at the Grand Hotel. $6 Mint Juleps, A Complimentary glass of champagne for ladies wearing Derby hats, Raffle for free Bucky’s appetizer. Learn More

Market in the Park

May 4th - July 27th (Every Saturday) | 7:30am -12:00pm | Cathedral Square

Each year, the Mobile Arts Council and the City of Mobile Special Events Department work together to produce Market in the Park. Each week, the market features live musical performances, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts produced by local artisans, and locally grown produce, seafood, cheese and eggs, honeys, flowers and plants, baked goods, pasta, and more. Learn More

Local Goodness

May 5th | 4:00pm | USA Health Strada Patient Care Center

Local Goodness, a unique farm-to-table event, pays tribute to local cuisine, art and music while raising awareness and support for our mission of providing the highest quality healthcare for the children and women in this region. Tickets are $150. Learn More

Live Music on the Patio

Reocurring every Friday and Saturday | 5:30pm-8:00pm | GrandHotel Golf Resort & Spa’s Bayside Grill

Join Bayside Grill for live music on the patio every Friday & Saturday night from 5:30pm-8:30pm Learn More

Neu Dawn 2: Time Has Come Today

May 5th | Sway Downtown Mobile

Neu Dawn 2 is an installation event where fashion, art, beauty, and music collide. This come-and-go event will feature the collaborative efforts of over 70 local creatives: 21 artists, 21 costume designers, 21 models, 15 hair & makeup artists & 1 music maestro.

After each Artist gives their first sketch to the costumer each customer will design and create a wearable costume for their assigned model that is inspired by the art. On the day of the event, the Beauty Squad are paired up with up to two Models each and they get to put the final creative details and placed pull it all together. This event is the heart and soul project of curator Courtney Matthews, created out of a desire to have local artists of different mediums working together to create individual installations. Each installation is a mystery until the moment the model steps into place on the day of the event. This year the proceeds will go to help provide scholarships and supplies to the summer art program at Alabama Contemporary Art Center. Admission is $5 cash at the door. Learn More

Prenatal Yoga + 3 Week Series

May 5th | 4:30-5:30pm | Soul Shine Yoga

Prenatal yoga gives a woman energy to enjoy her pregnancy, serenity to build a deeper intimacy with her own body and baby, and the presence of mind to expect the unexpected and be present. The benefits are numerous: release stress, enhance the ability to relax, boost physical strength, increase flexibility, improve balance, ease discomforts of pregnancy, open hips and pelvis, strengthen pelvic floor, build confidence, and expand a woman’s circle of community support. Take this time to foster a deeper connection to your self, to your body, to your baby. Learn More

$5 Yoga on Tap

May 7th| 6:00pm | Fairhope Brewing Company

Soul Shine Yoga’s Hoppy Hour meets at the Fairhope Brewing Company. It’s a fun 60 minute Vinyasa Flow class for all levels. Come for the yoga, stay for the outstanding local beer! Bring a mat and a friend. (All levels, unheated) | Learn More

The Park Clinic May Day

May 9th | 4pm-7pm | The Park Clinic & MedSpa at the Park at MPRSD

Annual May Day Event highlighting new treatments, products and hours with giveaways, discounts and door prizes. Learn More

Alabama’s 50th Anniversary Tour

May 9th | 7:30pm | The Wharf

Alabama and The Charlie Daniels Band perform Live at The Wharf Amphitheater. Learn More.

LoDa Art Walk

May 10th | 5:30pm | Downtown Mobile

Stroll downtown Mobile celebrating the arts! Explore this free monthly showcase of visual and performance arts and enjoy the works of local artists and artisans while supporting downtown merchants. Learn More

Bryan Adams

May 10th | 8:00pm | The Wharf Amphitheater

Bryan Adams live at The Wharf Amphiteatre. Learn More

Rock the Block

May 10th | 5:30pm | Steeple on St. Francis

The Steeple and The Mobile Rundown present Rock the Block on May 10th in Downtown Mobile! Come party at a street party like none other! Rock the Block will be on Joachim St between St. Francis and Dauphin St. during ArtWalk. This family-friendly fun night will include food trucks, a fire truck for the kids to explore, entertainment, kids activities, face painting, Frios and so much more! Come casual and ready to party. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Free admission. Open to the public and all ages are invited. Learn More

Mother’s Day Brunch

April 11th | 6:00pm-7:30pm | Gand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

Annual Mother's Day buffet. The buffet will be served in the Grand Ballroom from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and from 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Grand Hall. The menu will feature soups and salads, carving stations, entrees and sides, and a decadent dessert table. Reservations are required, please call 251.928.9201. $79.95 Adults | $39.95 Children Ages 5-11 Learn More

Judge Roy Bean Reunion

May 11th | 3:30pm | Loxley Municipal Park

If you missed the first one here is your chance to catch up. If you made the first one - this one will be bigger and better then ever. Authentic Bean food, Silent Auction & Raffles featuring vintage JRB memorabilia, the Bean Photo Booth, great music, friends, family and libations - and all on the Beach in Fairhope at one of the hottest venues around - The Historic American Legion. Bring a friend, a chair and your wallet because this one is for charity. Help make more Bean history and you just might take some home with you - if the price is right! No coolers, over 21 only, and bring a chair! Sponsored by Judges Square. Learn More

Wet Willie

May 12th | 11:00am | Fairhope Amphitheater

Fairhope's Live at Five Concert Series returns - featuring Southern Rock icon Wet Willie in a rare return to the Mobile area stage May 12th. Sponsored by Judges Square - admission just $10. Learn More

Hangout Music Festival

May 17th-19th | The Hangout, Gulf Shores

Music festival on the beaches of Gulf Shores. Learn More

Beverage Academy: Wine 101

May 17th | 5:30pm-7:00pm | Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

Each month, the Beverage Team at the Grand Hotel will be teaching classes at the resorts’ Beverage Academy. The classes are aimed at expanding the participants’ knowledge of beverage basics while also incorporating more advanced techniques. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the classes are fun, hands-on experiences that will have people raving about your beverage skills. In each Grand Beverage Academy, you will receive a one- hour beverage demonstration, recipes and beverage sampling.

In their introductory wine class we will help you get comfortable with wine by using all of your senses. In this fun class you will explore both red and white varietals and learn the progressive format. Learn More

80’s Prom Night

May 18th | 7:00pm-10:30pm | Fairhope Brewing Company

Welcome back to your senior year, with their 1980's themed Prom Night, benefitting friends at the Alabama chapter of The Gift of Adoption. They’ve got music by The Truffle Shuffles and a shrimp boil courtesy of Big Mike's Steakhouse Orange Beach, as well as a photo booth where you can show off your 80's prom night best. Learn More

Culinary Academy: Cooking Essentials V: Entrees-Saute

May 18th | 10:00am | Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

Each month, a Chef at the Grand Hotel will be teaching classes at the Resort’s Culinary Academy. These classes focus on expanding the participants’ knowledge of the culinary basics while also incorporating techniques that are more advanced. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the Chef’s classes are fun, hands-on experiences that will have people raving about your culinary skills. In each Grand Culinary Academy, you will receive an in depth cooking demonstration, recipes, food sampling and a diploma. Learn the art of Sauteing, meaning "to jump", while being taught the step-by-step process of making the following dishes: veal schnitzel, corn puree, crispy chicken thighs with broccoli and wild mushrooms. Learn More

Daphne Sunday Sunset Concert Series

May 19th | 6:00pm | Bayfront Park Pavilion

Daphne's 2019 Sunday Sunset Concert Series - FREE spring concerts at Bayfront Park. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and join us for this great series. Learn More

Mindfulness with Megrez

May 20th | 7:30pm-8:30pm | Soul Shine Yoga

Mindfulness with Megrez meets for an hour on the 3rd Monday of Each Month. For beginners and all levels of meditation experience.

Students will choose a cushion, mat, or hammock to meditate in. The first part of the session will be an intro on meditation, followed by a guided sequence and then a period of meditation in silence. After the meditation, there will be a follow-up on our experiences and tips on how to deepen ones own at-home meditation practice. Learn More

+ class located at 265 Young St

+ donation based class

Thomas Rhett

May 25th & 26th | 7:00pm | The Wharf

Thomas Rhett live at The Wharf Amphitheater. Learn More

TELL THEM SCOUT SENT YOU

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cerebral-posi · 7 years

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No Barriers 2017 Recap

From June 1-4, I attended my first No Barriers Summit at the Resort at Squaw Creek in Tahoe, California. It was the first multi-day, destination conference that I've attended as a tech professional. No Barriers USA, the organization that hosts the Summit, aims to provide people with all types of disabilities avenues to explore physical activities they didn't think they were capable of participating in, as well as cutting-edge technologies that could help them live happier, more independent lives. The Summit is a place for people with disabilities to gather and connect over shared challenges, the stories of our struggles and triumphs, and learn about incredible technologies, services, and organizations that are working hard to have a positive impact on the world. Being around so many like-minded people, most of whom have some sort of disability, is deeply stimulating. Four consecutive days of this creates a profoundly empowering experience. Each night, all 1000 or so of us would gather for a series of speakers and performances celebrating our stories and experiences, both similar and different.

I arrived in Reno, NV around 11 pm Wednesday, May 31st. I slept in a cheap hotel near the airport where the bathtub had a layer of dirt the size and shape of a bath mat. The next morning, I got on a shuttle back to the airport to rendezvous with my ride to Tahoe and a few other No Barriers participants. I was the only total newbie in the SUV. Getting to know these other Summiters and hearing their stories of previous Summits got me pumped for what was to come. There was a lot of traffic once we got into Squaw Valley, so a drive that should have taken us an hour took us 90 minutes. I walked into the lobby of the Resort at Squaw Creek, looked out the window and could not believe what I saw. The lobby overlooked much of the hotel's beautiful grounds, which included a waterfall protruding out of the building, a pavilion which had been set up for us to gather for evening activities, a swimming pool (with water slide!), a lush green golf course with a creek running through it, and breathtaking, snow-capped mountains along the horizon. I connected with my roommate Steve, who was manning one of the registration tables. We checked in and I brought my bags up to the room to settle in. I spent a little time working to tie up some loose ends before completely "leaving the office" for 4 days. I headed down to the innovation Village a little after 4. Innovation Village is a small tech exposition set up as part of the Summit to showcase cutting edge technologies that help people with all kinds of disabilities live more independent, autonomous lives. Some highlights include Re-Voice, a glove built by Sensidy that translates American Sign Language (ASL) in real-time as the wearer of the glove signs. There was also Aira, a company that leverages Google Glass to provide live audio descriptions to people who are blind or visually impaired. I got to catch up with my friends at AbleThrive as well. AbleThrive is a one-stop platform for people with disabilities and their families to access curated and customized resources from around the world.

After dinner, everyone gathered at the pavilion for the Opening Ceremony. Angie Shireman MC'ed. Mark Wellman spoke about climbing El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park as a paraplegic, Marlee Matlin spoke about the challenges she has faced in her acting career as a deaf woman, Infinite Flow, a professional wheelchair ballroom dance company, danced for us, and Noah Galloway discussed what it was like recovering from an injury he sustained as an American soldier during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Later that night, I ended up chatting with Marisa and Adelfo of Infinite Flow at the resort bar. I went to bed that night exhausted and excited. I hadn't been there long, but it was already better than I could have imagined.

Friday morning, I participated in Intro to Adaptive Cycling. This activity allowed me to try out a few recumbent bicycles and ride one around a golf course. When I returned from the golf course, it turned out there was ample time left in the 4-hours allotted for the morning activities, so I went back out with one of the volunteers and got to ride around the Squaw Valley bike trail. We ended up having so much fun we went over the time allotted for the activity. Imagine gliding around a beautiful green space, with ducks floating around a nearby stream, the sun shining down from a powder blue sky, and snow-capped mountains along the horizon. This may seem ordinary to someone without a physical disability, but for me, there is no feeling that compares.

Friday night, dinner was held at Innovation Village. After I ate, I walked around chatting with exhibitors and other Summiters, and out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Zach Anner handing out raffle tickets! I awkwardly ended the conversation I was having and started chasing him. I had to wait a few minutes because so many people were flocking around but I was eventually able to say hi to him and get a photo with him. I'm usually super awkward when I meet people who I look up to or are even mildly famous, and this time was no different. I didn't even tell him how much I love his work! I still kind of regret that, but it was great to meet him. Later that night, there was a concert at the pavilion. Mark Goffeny opened the show. He was born without arms, and is impressively able to play guitar, drive, and do many common tasks with his feet. X Ambassadors played a short but invigorating set. I didn't realize until that night that I had heard a couple of their songs previously, or that their keyboardist is blind. An incredible singer-songwriter, Mandy Harvey, who lost her hearing at the age of 18, also performed a few songs throughout the night. It was deeply moving and empowering to see people with disabilities exude so much confidence. To see them get on stage in front of a thousand people and play an instrument that you can't see and sing despite not being able to hear your own voice has made me rethink my own challenges and barriers and is pushing me to work harder to break them. If I want something bad enough and am persistent, I can achieve what I've set out to conquer. If these people can do what they do in spite of their barriers, I can certainly accomplish my goals in spite of my own. It made me realize how much I hold myself back sometimes purely due to fear.

Kayaking on Stunning Lake Tahoe was the title listed for my Saturday morning activity. While this may sound cheesy, that title is truly accurate. Even though it was a bit gloomy that morning, it was a welcome change from day 1's blistering sun. I rode in a tandem sit-top kayak with a guide from Environmental Travelling Companions (ETC) in the back. ETC organizes and provides single and multi-day kayaking trips for people with disabilities. They had fairly recently developed a custom chair that serves the needs of their program participants, the AdventureMaker Chair. This chair reminded me of a Crazy Creek with significantly more padding. It provided ample support and comfort for me, even allowing me to tailor the support so that there is more on the right side of my body, where I need a little extra help to maintain proper posture. I also used an adaptive paddle that had a device attached to it that helped me keep my right-hand gripped on the paddle. We straggled behind but didn't care. It was so tranquil and relaxing, I was perfectly content soaking up the scenery and chatting, motorboats periodically leaving us in their wake and mountains poking out of the fog.

That afternoon, I attended an Adaptive Self-Defense class, which was probably the most practical activity I participated in over the four days. The instructor cracked a lot of jokes while teaching us a few basic self-defense techniques to employ if we encounter someone who invades our personal space. On my way to dinner, I found my friend Avi hanging out near the Outrider USA tent. Avi had mentioned this company earlier in the day, so out of curiosity I took a closer look. Outrider USA builds what they call "electric adventure vehicles". They were letting people try them, so I got on line and signed a waiver. I was a little nervous. The closest thing I'd ridden to these vehicles at that time was a go-kart. When it was my turn I put a helmet on, sat down in the vehicle (which reminded me of a mountain bike with an extra wheel and motor), and slowly engaged the throttle. The further away from the tent and other people I got, the more excited and comfortable I felt piloting the Outrider. It was incredibly exhilarating riding around the golf course, the sun shining down on me and mountains in the background. I was so giddy I couldn't stop laughing. One of the Outrider employees was riding in another vehicle alongside me and got a few really nice videos of the ride.

Saturday night was the Closing Ceremony. Mandy Harvey performed again. Watching her never ceases to astonish me. Her level of commitment to her craft, and the trust she has for not only herself but also her audiences is deeply admirable. A couple days after the Summit, she performed on America's Got Talent. If you haven't seen her audition, I strongly urge you to watch it. Sam Morris, founder of Zen Warrior Training MC'd, ushering Zach Anner, Liz Murray, and Erik Weihenmayer on stage one at a time to speak. Zach gave a hilarious speech about the importance of having a good support network. Liz spoke about overcoming homelessness to attend and eventually graduate from Harvard. Erik was the last to speak, closing things out by reflecting on the events of the past few days and what it means to live a "No Barriers life". To sum it up concisely, if you fail, keep trying, and don't be afraid to rely on your "rope team" because we are stronger when we work together.

On Sunday, the last day of the Summit, I joined the Amazing Race. We gathered into teams, each team competing against the others in various physical and mental challenges. I didn't expect this activity to be as fun as it was. My team worked very well together to complete each challenge. Some of the challenges escape me now, but they included an obstacle course in an off-road wheelchair, a rafting activity where you had to throw bean bags into hula hoops while moving down a fast-moving creek, and one where we had to pass an object from one person to the next using only wooden spoons.

I left Tahoe around 2pm that day, in a car with my friends Avi, Evelyn, and Courtney. Avi had to drop off his rental car around 3, and Courtney had an earlier flight than the rest of us. Since we had some time to kill before our red-eye flights at midnight, Avi, Evelyn, and I took a free shuttle from the airport to a nearby casino. Little did we know what we were about to get into. When we got to the casino we were surprised to see someone outside wearing a furry wolf mask. We walked inside and left our bags at the bell-desk. As we started walking away from the bell-desk, we noticed another furry-costumed being, and then another, and another. We soon were amused to discover that we had stumbled into a furry convention.

The whole experience feels so surreal now. I arrived and left in such a short amount of time that I don't think my body ever fully adjusted to the different time zone. I was constantly blown away at how friendly and down to earth everyone was. Even the board members of No Barriers were frequently hanging out and chatting with participants. Sometimes they participated in the daily activities too. It was the kind of environment where you smile and say hello to everyone you walk by, and they smile and say hello back, sometimes even stopping to have a conversation. It felt like everyone was truly on the same level. This is something I'm not used to as a New Yorker, and I really miss it. It was a refreshing change of pace.

Since returning home I feel a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. I'm pretty sure I met the most people with disabilities I've ever met at the No Barriers Summit. Even the most people with cerebral palsy specifically. I've never felt so connected to a group of people either. From the first meal I ate there (lunch on Thursday) to waiting for my ride back to Reno on Sunday, I made friends everywhere I went, with everyone I spoke to. Experiencing the Summit together felt like a bond. Everyone has their own unique struggles and barriers to work through, and seeking to break these barriers, overcome these struggles, brings us together. No one can find success without asking for help from others, but sometimes asking for help is the hardest part. No Barriers USA provides a safe space and resources for people to learn how to harness their potential and break any barriers in the way. They not only promote self-empowerment but also live it.

#living with disability #accessibility #a11y #cerebral palsy #summit with us #no barriers #cerebralposi #positive mental attitude #pma

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vacationsoup · 6 years

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Things To Do In Orlando [Florida] With Videos – Bucket List Guide

Our Things To Do In Orlando Guide

Ever think about taking a trip to The Theme Park Capital of the World?

Things to do in Orlando, Florida

Surely enough, when talking about Orlando, Florida, the first thing that comes to mind would be the bevvy of amusement parks that attract millions of tourists every year.

Disney World, Universal Studios, Seaworld, it seems that Orlando’s got a theme park to suit every every man, woman and child. But who’s to say that that’s all the city’s got to offer?

This guide gives you the full rundown of what to see and do…

Quick Navigation

Where is Orlando

Theme Parks

Food & Drink

Activities

Where Is Orlando?

Orlando is a city in Florida, USA., the heart of the Orlando metropolitan has a population of over 2 million and still growing.

Orlando is given the moniker “The City Beautiful”, and it is easy to see why. Its official symbol is the equally beautiful fountain at Lake Eola. The city is also called the “Themepark Capital of the World” because of the numerous amusement parks that can be found there.

Being one of the world’s most famous and top tourist sites, Orlando’s well-known attractions form the foundation of the city’s tourism industry. Two of the major attractions in Orlando are Walt Disney World, started by the Walt Disney Company in 1971, and located estimated 21 miles (34 km) southwest of Downtown Orlando in Bay Lake; and the Universal Orlando Resort, which opened in 1999. Most of the most significant attractions are located beside International Drive with one of those being the iconic Orlando Eye.

Orlando is also one of the busiest cities in the USA for conferences and conventions, as the Orange County Convention Center, the second-largest convention facility in the United States, can also be found in Orlando.

The Weather In Orlando

Orlando has a warm climate like much in the south of the United States. There are two basic seasons in Orlando: hot and rainy.

The rainy season lasts from May until late September, and a warm and dry season that lasts from October through April. The city’s warm and humid climate is caused by its low elevation.

Where is Orlando

Theme Parks

Food & Drink

Activities

Bucket List Things To Do In Orlando

(Theme parks)

Disneyworld

Epcot

Universal Studios

Gatorland Orlando

Seaworld

Animal Kingdom

Disneyworld

Disneyworld – Orlando, Florida’s ultimate bucket list attraction

The very first Disneyland park ever opened still offers a unique variety of thrills and laughs for every generation of Disney lover.

Aside from meeting larger-than-life-sized Mickey and his troupe of friends, for a hundred bucks US you can enjoy dazzling nighttime fireworks displays behind the legendary Cinderella Castle (featured prominently as THE Disney logo), stroll down any of the park’s SIX different ‘lands’ (Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Main Street and Liberty Square), eat a bunch of Mickey-themed food and be a part of the Disney magic.

It definitely is true when they say that at Disneyworld, everyone is a kid at heart: reminiscing your childhood (or enjoying it as one) will never be simpler.

Our Fav Rides

To know which rides to hop onto first, here are the top 5 you would not want to miss:

Pirates of the Caribbean

A landmark achievement in theme park storytelling, it is a pitch-perfect attraction with perhaps the coolest theme park ride song ever.

. The burning city scene was so realistic; the Anaheim Fire Department was initially concerned about the ride’s safety. But of course, it is safe.

Little kids might not enjoy this ride, though, as it has mildly frightening images and small splashdowns.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

It is a contemporary classic Disney theme park attraction that incorporates a breathtaking free fall ride, amazing effects, and a familiar storyline.

The “fourth dimension” sequence, in which the ride vehicles move horizontally through the ride building is just plain incredible.

Star Tours: The Adventure Continues

Launch to a Star Wars galaxy far, far away in this cool, modernized adaptation of one of the first motion simulator rides. The technology behind the attraction, which allows multiple possible story lines, is justly astounding. , which will bring two new attractions and a allegedly surprising level of detail and immersion is set to open in the Studios park in 2019.

Splash Mountain

Disney combines the classic log drop ride to an animatronics-filled dark ride themed to the Uncle Remus characters from “Song of the South.”

You’ll won’t be able to hum “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” until after you get back your composure from this thrill ride!

Where Is Disneyworld?

Opening hours

Magic Kingdom Park – open from 9.00 AM to 10.00 PM

Top Tips For Visitors

https://youtu.be/kviHYkow8_Qhttps://youtu.be/ixWtJXFtTp4 Money Saving Tips For Disneyworld

Universal Studios

The other famous amusement park is another giant of the entertainment industry, boasting movie franchise-themed attractions for Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Transformers, Minions (Despicable Me by extension), E.T. and many more.

Universal Studios Orlando, Florida

You could take a tour bus to explore the whole park, eat thematic food, go space bowling, as well as engage in such mundane, everyday activities as hanging out with Velociraptors, getting your own magic wand at Ollivander’s.

Or you could listen to Bob Marley’s music, watch Animal Actors, reading along with The Cat in the Hat, fidget with Men in Black style architecture or meet the Simpsons… the place has got it all.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

This is not only the best attraction at Universal Orlando, it arguably one of the top theme park rides in North America. When the first Hogwarts simulation experience launched in 2010, its vivid detail and high level of immersion caused the Potter fans’ hearts to soar, and J.K. Rowling proud. The highlight of this attraction is the wild romp which includes a exit through the Hogwarts Castle, an airborne Quidditch match, terrifyingly close encounters with Death Eaters, and more wizarding world experiences.

Revenge of the Mummy

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This mummy ride will definitely have you screaming for your mommy!

Revenge of the Mummy presents a marriage of a dark ride with remarkable computer graphics and special effects and a remarkable, launched roller coaster experience.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Showing the cheeky, jesting humour from the films, Minion Mayhem is both hiarious and irreverent.

It is the third attraction to be offered in the park’s ride in film theatre. With its high-def resolution and appealing story, it is by far the best of the three.

Where Is Universal Studios?

Click for prices

Seaworld

Seaworld Orlando

Some people say that the ocean is as mysterious and incomprehensible to humankind as outerspace itself; you never know what secrets are yet to be uncovered in the vastness of the depths, what incredible sights and creatures we are yet to uncover.

If you’re more of a nature and water lover, Seaworld offers the curious visitor a taste of what we DO know, and then some. Check out vast underwater tunnels while sharks and manta rays swim overhead, see vibrant corals and billowing kaleidoscopes of exotic fish, watch orcas and dolphins do unbelievably intelligent tricks, and even feed penguins in polar-themed exhibits.

Then there are the rides..

Seaworld Orlando Sesame Street 2019

Where Is Seaworld

The Epcot Center

Disney Epcot Center is one of 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort that measures around 300 acres.

It is twice the size of Magic Kingdom Park, and is divided into two parts: Future World and World Showcase.

The Future World is a zone dedicated to all things scientific, and it is divided into different subsections such as: agriculture, automotive safety, fossil fuels and geography.

Future World also serves as the center’s main entrance and it showcases the park’s iconic landmark, Spaceship Earth, a large geodesic sphere formation which holds a themed attraction inside.

The current attractions in Future Word include: Spaceship Earth, Innoventions, Mission: Space, Test Track: Presented by Chevrolet, The Seas with Nemo & Friends (Turtle Talk with Crush), The Land (Soarin’ and Living with the Land: Presented by Chiquita), Imagination! (Journey into Imagination with Figment), and Festival Center (Seasonal operation) (formerly Wonders of Life).

The second zone is the WORLD’S SHOWCASE.

This part will allow you and your family the chance to travel around the world and stop in friendly countries:United States of America, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, and Italy.

Circling a 40-acre lake, the 1.3 mile stroll will take you to eleven national pavilions which are filled with native entertainment, food and merchandise, brimming with each county’s culture.

If you are going to Epcot this video is a must watch as it really does share some great tips from rope drop to where to watch the fireworks from (and everything in between).

https://youtu.be/UPK0OD5Q3Rchttps://youtu.be/vcqvHUjtqpQhttps://youtu.be/Z3977KTcXwU

We found discount tickets for Epcot… Just click on the buy now button below

(We are not associated with the company, we’re just sharing the love)

Epcot discount tickets

Gatorland Orlando

Gatorland Orlando, Florida

Aside from the amusement parks, what makes Florida so unique amongst all of the USA’s 50 states would be the Everglades, a vast swampy region which serves as home to countless species of flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth.

Of course, this natural habitat is home to the American Alligator, a large and rather dangerous creature in its natural habitat, so it is best to leave Mother Nature undisturbed and head out to Gatorland Orlando, where you can see these humungous reptiles in action from behind the safety of the stands.

If you’re really raring for a taste of the life-threatening, head to the zipline, where you’ll zoom across alligator infested waters. Definitely NOT for the faint of heart!

Prices and opening hours – Open 10am to 6pm from the 26Th of May

Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Orlando

Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened its gate to tourists and guests in April 22, 1998. It is the biggest of the 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park is brimming with rides, attractions, adventures and entertainment that reflect Walt Disney’s commitment to nature preservation and conservation. The park pilots in animal care and research for a truly unique and memorable experience that combines learning with fun. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to more than 1,700 animals from 250 species and are spread across 500 acres of lush landscape.

It is divided into 7 zones: The Oasis; Discovery Island; Africa; Asia; Rafiki’s Planet Watch; Dinoland USA; Pandora—The World of Avatar.

Africa Zone

In the Africa zone, guests get to ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari which will take them through the African Savannah. It also offers the Wild Africa Trek, a package that offers up-close views of the animals, lets them walk on a rope bridge over hippos and crocodiles and have a sumptuous lunch in a private safari camp on the savannah.https://youtu.be/gpdwDVfKJF0

Asia Zone

A major growth of the park came after the opening of the Asia zone. The most notable attraction here is the Maharajah Jungle Trek, a walking tour that features bats, komodo dragons, bats, deer, and birds.https://youtu.be/eIM1g1Vja1c

Dinoland

The Dinoland USA boasts of the famous attraction Dinosaur, a fast-paced and rough ride that’s not advised for those with back/heart conditions.https://youtu.be/WPi3-KH9ZNM

Pandora

Pandora—The World of Avatar opened in May 27, 2017.

It is an exceptionally immersive zone that lets guests to walk into the world of the Na’vi. This park area, which was breathed into life from James Cameron’s film Avatar, has Flight of Passage, an exhilarating ride that allows guests to fly on the back of a banshee as they soar around Pandora.

Flight of Passage Avatar ride

The majority of your experiences here in Disney’s Animal Kingdom are related to nature conservation. This is an ideal place to visit to have fun with the whole family while instilling in the children a genuine love and care for nature and wildlife.

Here are some tips for making your visit to Animal Kingdom the best day out possible…

https://youtu.be/Nn-4ue14PFghttps://youtu.be/RJ_PqFPHZ7I

Where is Animal Kingdom

Where is Orlando

Theme Parks

Food & Drink

Activities

More Things To Do Around Orlando

Kennedy Space Center

Wekiwa Springs

Golf

Shopping

Orlando Eye

Orlando Magic

More Things To Do In Orlando

Kennedy Space Center

More of a museum than a theme park or space station, this piece of history serves as NASA’s launching pad for America’s travails into outer space.

It has served as the base for, among others, the Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs. For the curious visitor it features many relics of space travel, both successful and otherwise, such as the Apollo Saturn V rocket.

There are also virtual simulators that can take you to outer space, minus the stress of actual travel of course!

Admission starts at $47 for children (ages 3 – 11) and $57 for adults (12 years and over). You can even have lunch with an astronaut for $15.99 (child) and $29.99 (adult).

Full details on pricing and packages here https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/info/tickets

Orlando Magic

Aside from the theme parks and attractions that Orlando, Florida houses, it has also become a household name because of the NBA team Orlando Magic. The Magic started in 1987 when NBA granted them franchise, along with Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.

However, they had two wait until two years after before being given the chance to play on the hard court. The very first game they played was on October 13, 1989 against the then champions Detroit Pistons, which The Magic won. Even though they won a lot of other games after that, history changed when The Magic picked their first star player—yep, you guessed it, the big man Shaquille O’Neal.

Orlando Magic – Dwight Howard

More things to do in Orlando…

The Magic once again became the NBA’s most improved franchise, as they were better by 20 games. Shaq-o-Macwas the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985.Stuff the Magic Dragon has been the Magic’s mascot since 1987. Its name is a pun on Puff the Magic Dragon and the alternative name for slam dunk, “stuffing.”

Miss Stuff already?

No worries, the Orlando Magic has pre-season upcoming games at the start of October all the way to April of next year.

Tickets range from $14 to $540 for the best seats available. You may book tickets on the NBA site here: https://www.nba.com/magic/schedule

Wekiwa Springs

Wekiwa Springs has been welcoming tourists and visitors since half of the nineteenth century, making it one of the oldest attractions and tourist site in Orange County.

The emerald waters and lush greeneries in this unique park are a sight for sore eyes if you’ve been hopping from theme parks to theme parks and malls to malls in Downtown Orlando. It provides 13 miles of hiking trail that’s begging to be explored.

The trail is ideal for biking, horseback riding, or just easy strolling to observe the abundant wildlife and lush hammocks that the park offers. The river also presents opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, while the spring for cooling off on a hot summer’s day.

https://youtu.be/CXBC5eVqWb0https://youtu.be/38Yl-LUCRTw

Wekiwa Springs also offers camping options, which include a full facility campground and primitive camping areas.

All in all, the park is the best place to go if you are seeking a quiet sanctuary and want to enjoy Orlando in a natural setting.

Orlando Eye

The Orlando Eye

If you are looking for more things to do in Orlando then the Orlando Eye is right up there , literally.

Orlando Eye or ICON Orlando is truly the ride of iconic proportions.

It is the highest observational wheel on the North American east coast.Atop the ICON, you get to enjoy breathtaking views (literally if you are acrophobic) from 400 feet up that include Orlando attractions, downtown, and the East Coast and Cape Canaveral.

It has a total of 30 Unique Air-Conditioned Capsules, with a capacity of 15 people per capsule. Hence, you can enjoy an intimate moment with a glass of wine or champagne while sightseeing with your date, or have fun and take Instagram-worthy panoramic pictures with your friends.

Getting into one of Orlando Eye’s capsules into one of Orlando Eye’s capsules costs $20, with a whole bunch of other package options available (such as flex passes, special occasions, groups etc).

Address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819-9309 Phone number: +1 407-601-7907 Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Fri – Sat: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Golf In Orlando

Bay Hill Club

Waldorf Astoria Golf

Orange County

Champions Gate Golf

Reunion Golf and Spa

Disney’s Magnolia

Playing golf around Orlando

More things to do in Orlando…

You could say that Florida is the golf capital of the world with over 1,250 courses (just don’t tell Scotland). If you are staying in or around Orlando you will find just under 100 courses to choose from.

Here are six of the top golf courses in the area.

Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lounge

Bay Hill Club’s famous 17th hole

The Bay Hill Club and Lounge used to be the late Arnold Palmer’s headquarters. Hence, it follows that this course is as lavish and luxurious as his lifestyle was.

The United States PGA Tour for Arnold Palmer Invitational is held here annually, and the players compete against each other on this three nine-looped course. Bay Hill’s rippled terrain adds favourable elevation changes to many of the holes, which is a bit uncommon for Floridian golf courses.

The tranquil ponds, albeit beautiful, pose a threat at the risk-reward par-5 16th, par-3 17th, and superb par-4 18th. These brilliantly crafter holes provide challenge from the novice golfer to the pro players.

9000 Bay Hill Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

+1 407-876-2429

Pricing: $275, golf cart included

Orange County National

Panther Lake

Orange County National or Panther Lake Course is one of Orlando, Florida’s golfing gems.

It boasts of two first-rate Championship courses (Panther Lake and Crooked Cat) and an excellent practice facility. This tough and visually appealing course has plenty of water in the form of lakes and ponds.

The landscape of the Panther Lake course was designed to provide a hilly feel.

16301 Phil Ritson Way, Winter Garden, FL 34787, USA

+1 407-656-2626

Pricing: Monday – Wednesday: $135; Thursday/Sunday: $145; Friday/Saturday: $155,

golf cart included

Reunion Golf and Spa Resort

Tradition course

The Reunion Resort has three excellent layouts, with the Jack Niklaus designed Tradition course being the best of the three.

The two other courses, The Legacy and The Independence, have more distinct elevation shifts, but The Tradition is characterized by softer undulations. It also has its own clubhouse, so it’s definitely the top choice.

Among many very expertly crafted holes, the par-4 14 is a masterpiece. It has an elevated tee, vast sandy waste area, and waters along the green field, so it is as stunning as it is challenging.

The Tradition course, inarguably, is one of Jack Niklaus’ design legacies.

7593 Gathering Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34747, USA

+1 407-662-1000

Waldorf Astoria Golf Club

Waldorf Astoria Golf Club is close to Walt Disney World’s Caribbean Beach Resort.

This golf club is a newcomer, but it has handsomely made its way to the top golf course list because of the expert design by Reese Jones. It boasts of many challenges adorned with hazardous but stunning waters, and fancy bunkering.

14224 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln, Orlando, FL 32821, USA

+1 407-597-5500

Pricing:Monday-Thursday: $195; Friday-Sunday: $215

Champions Gate Golf

ChampionsGate golf, Orlando

The magnificently crafted setting of the ChampionsGate Golf Club is home to two equally superb gold courses: National and International.

This course has an authentic British feel to it. Unlike many British links layout, though, the ChampionsGate Golf Club has a vast expanse of water around many of the holes.

The par-5 3 resembles the par-5 14 at England’s Royal St. Saint George’s.

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Greg Norman designed this course with a wide array of golfing challenges, in a setting unlike most of its Floridian peers.

8575 White Shark Blvd, Davenport, FL 33896, USA

+1 407-787-4653

Pricing: Monday-Thursday: $137; Friday-Sunday: $147

Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course

The famous Mickey Mouse bunker

Who says anything Disney is only for kids?

Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course is a delight to novice and professional golfers alike. The excellently manicured links are adorned by beautiful Magnolias, with no housing in sight.

The layout is in natural setting, trees lining the perimeter of the course with some parts dense, some parts sparse.

Joe Lee designed this beauty with some water hazards, undulating greens, and several golfing challenges.

1950 Magnolia Palm Dr, Orlando, FL 32830, USA

+1 407-938-4653

Pricing: $35-$129 plus tax

Shop Till You Drop in Orlando

Shopping in Orlando

Orlando, Florida receives annually receives around 68 million tourists with their wallets brimming with cash.

After splurging on theme parks and attractions, their next favorite locations are the malls, and The City Beautiful also provides them with a lot of shopping options to choose from. The biggest of these malls is the Florida Mall, which draws around 20 million visitors to its more than 250 fashion, hardware, and electronic shops.

Of course, Disney World that made Orlando famous also gets some retail action with their souvenirs that tourists can’t resist. Nevertheless, here are our top shopping picks in Orlando:

Orlando Premium Outlets

Orlando Premium Outlets is the Holy Grail of discount lovers (hey, who doesn’t like big discounts, right?), which makes it one of the top shopping destinations in Orlando.

The mall offers discounts from 25% to a whopping 65% on designer brands like Victoria’s Secret, Hugo Boss, Diesel, Levis, Nike, Adidas, Quicksilver, Ralph Lauren, and 150 more.

This doesn’t look like your typical mall, though, because it doesn’t have outlets, but rows of shops all outdoors. The outlets are divided into several categories: ‘Designer Fashions & Sportswear’, ‘Fine Leather & Luggage’, ‘For Children’, ‘Gifts & Specialty items’, ‘Shoes’‘Accessories & Jewelry’, and ‘Food’.

The outlet also has an Outlet Marketplace Center, which houses a few more stores. Orlando Premium Outlets has 180 stores in total.

New Parking Options At Orlando Premium Outlets

Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00 daily

Address: 4951 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

Tel: (407) 352-9600

Mall at Millenia

If you are looking for luxury brands and you do not care much about discounts (Wow, you’re a rare kind of species), then the Mall at Millenia is the place for you.

This upscale shopping center has big brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Chanel, Jimmy Choo, and so much more.

Nowhere else in Orlando ever comes close to the Mall at Millenia. You can find this mall just south of Downtown Orlando, near major theme parks like Disney, Universal, and Seaworld.

Opening Hours: 11:00 – 23:00 (close 00:30 on Fri & Sat)

Address: The Mall at Millenia, 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839

Tel: +1 407-226-0333

The Florida Mall

The Florida Mall is the biggest mall in the whole of Orlando.

It houses 250 stores and caters to 250 million visitors yearly. It covers around two million square foot of space and its shops range from small boutiques to designer brands. Moreover, it also has gadgets, electronics, home decor, DIY, accessories and health and beauty shops.

Aside from hundreds of shopping options, The Florida Mall also has its own hotel with 510 rooms. It’s also just a few minutes away from Disney World and Universal.Latest renovations have also included a 105,000 square foot ‘Dining Pavilion’ to the mall complex, as well as more shops, a bigger seating area and free Wi-Fi all over the mall.

It also has other facilities like foreign exchange service, valet parking, taxi stands, and children’s playground.

Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00 daily

Address: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809

Tel: +1 407-851-6255

Shopping At Disney Springs

No Disneyland experience is complete with nothing else but pictures to show for it.

Hence, the Disney Springs in Orlando is the destination to buy souvenirs and other theme park –related merchandise. But don’t get us wrong, there is something here for everyone, and you can easily spend the day enjoying everything they have.

A lot of those shops are specialty and novelty boutiques and specialize in a particular theme, such as Disney’s Days of Christmas, The Candy Cauldron and Pin Traders.

The biggest and most famous shop is World of Disney, where you can find clothes, accessories, house ware, gifts, and toys in the largest collection of Disney theme park products Disney World has to offer.

Opening Hours: 09:00-24:00 daily

Address: Downtown 1486 East Buena Vista Drive, Downtown Disney Boat Dock, Orlando, FL 32830

Tel: +1 407-939-6244

Winter Park Orlando

Shopping at Winter Park Orlando

Winter Park in Orlando is a quaint upscale village that is brimming with cultural and historical attractions.

Aside from that, it is also a place for some retail therapy. The shops and alleys will remind you of authentic European boulevards that marry history, art, and specialty shops under a long line of oak canopy.

The area offers apparel options as well as brilliant art collections. Aside from the several museums nearby, Grace Gallery Fine Art has an impressive collection by top artists, and Scott Laurent Collection has a selection of modern art and home decorations. Also, hundreds of artists exhibit and sell their art at the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival in mid-March and the Autumn Art Festival in mid-October.

Eating Out In Orlando

All tastes can be catered for in Orlando

Take a Bite of Their Gastronomic Paradise

The theme parks and other charming sights aren’t the only things that made Orlando, Florida a top tourist destination; food is also one of the reasons why this city has been called “The City Beautiful”.

We have rounded up our top picks on where to grab your grub when you’re in Orlando, so you know exactly where to go:

Without further ado, here are the top restaurants in Orlando

Kres Steakhouse in Orlando

Main Dining Kres Steakhouse in Orlando

Kres Steakhouse in Orlando dishes up sumptuous steaks and seafood for the family. This steakhouse is voted as the top restaurant in Downtown Orlando by several prominent publications.

Foodies visiting Orlando shouldn’t miss Kres Steakhouse, as they only use in-house prime aged beef, and fresh local Floridian seafood on their menu.

Some of their bestsellers are beef Wellington, Porterhouse steak, and their delicious Lobster bisque. Their food servings are impressive too, so even the largest of appetites would find it a challenge to finish their three-course meals. They also have a bar, which gave a nice, fancy touch to their restaurant.

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri 11:30 – 00:00, Sat 17:00 – 00:00

Address: 17 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801, USA

Tel: +1 407-409-7227

Victoria and Albert’s, Orlando

Lamb Loin Rainbow Carrots Banana Curry

Fine and fancy dining isn’t new around the Disneyworld compound, but all the others pale in comparison with Victoria and Albert’s.

Their prix five seven-course meal is nothing but a top-of-the line, crème de la crème dining experience. Meals here are not only food; they are an event worth remembering, whether they’re served in the chic dining room, or even on the Chef’s table. Victoria and Albert’s is most likely just reserved for special occasions, but the food and their top-notch service will surely create memories that will last for lifetime.

Onion Ash Dusted Wild Texas Boar

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday – 5:30PM – 7:30PM

Address: 4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, FL 32830, USA

Phone: +1 407-939-3862

Chatham’s Place, Orlando

Chatham’s Place has been the impressing the fine-dining foodies of Orlando, Florida since 1988.

It is one of the most notable restaurants in and around Orlando because of their excellent food, wonderful ambiance, and unbeatable service. Their Cajun Crabs, Filet Mignon, and freshly-caught Floridian Grouper is a favorite on the menu.

Their menu is not that broad, but you wouldn’t really need a lot with the superb choices that they have.

Their service is also attentive, but not intrusive, so you can enjoy an intimate meal with live piano accompaniment, which makes it a top choice for client dinners and romantic dates.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday – 5:30PM – 9:00PM

Address: 7575 Dr. Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Phone: +1 407-345-2992

Beth’s Burger Bar

Beth’s Burger Bar, Orlando

Beth’s Burger Bar didn’t earn their approval stars for nothing; they offer a customizable, build-your-own-burger menu, local and international beers, and delicious wines.

They also have a ton of available board games, beer pong, bingo nights, and daily specials to satisfy the kid within us.

Create your own burger at Beth’s

Their burgers are made only from fresh black Angus beef for optimum quality.

If meat isn’t your thing, they also have succulent veggie burgers and tasty chicken sandwiches. Their beer special is only $2 all day, every day.

The prices here at Beth’s Burger Bar are reasonable, and their service quick, so make them a first choice when you’re looking for a place to grab some fast bites.

Opening Hours:Monday-Saturday: 11AM – 10PM, Sunday: 10AM –10PM

Address: 9938 Universal Blvd #120, Orlando, FL 32819, USA

Phone: +1 407-203-8100

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop is a dessert place second to none.

It is said to be a chocolate heaven, and they even give you choco samples when you are there. The only downside to this shop is the long line that you can expect every day. But hey, when you want the best, you gotta go get the best.

This is by far, the best ice cream shop in the whole of Orlando.

Another top seller in Ghirardelli’s is their warm brownies with fresh vanilla ice cream on top, with melted chocolate, chopped almonds, and a succulent Maraschino cherry on top. They have a wide array of luscious ice cream flavors, different drinks, and many MANY chocolates. This is definitely an outstanding ice cream shop that’s more that what meets the eye.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain – Nom nom

Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Sunday: 9:30AM – 11:30PM,

Friday-Saturday: 9:30AM –12AM:

Disney Springs, Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830, USA

Phone: +1 407-939-5277

Where is Orlando

Theme Parks

Food & Drink

Activities

Orlando Florida definitely earned its nickname “The City Beautiful” with the plethora of theme parks, upscale malls, excellent golf courses, and fancy dinner date destinations it boasts of, and the magnificent sights and sounds it offers.

But Orlando has more than just wizards, marine wildlife, and the iconic mouse. It is also a haven of artists and performers, of artisans and entertainers. It also has a rich historical past that is still reflected in its structures and architectures.

The beauty of The City Beautiful goes beyond skin deep; there is more to Orlando than the attractions that puffed up its reputation for everything fun and dandy. But whether you’ve come to the city for fun or a deeper exploration of its culture and arts, you will never run out of things to do in Orlando, Florida.

#Florida #golf #Orlando

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cicelyrenee · 7 years

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I stressed a lot when I began planning for my birthday. I knew I wanted to do something life-changing. I had the urge to do something I have never done before. Eventually, it came down to taking a mini vacation to travel solo. I tried the hardest to go to San Francisco and every time I tried to book something, Travelocity would say, “Oh we hate this, your trip just went up…” it would give me a price $300 more. It did this for about 2 weeks and I just said forget it. I have no idea how I ended up going to Santa Fe but it just happened.

When I booked it, I thought I was flying into Santa Fe, but no, when I got my ticket, it said Albuequorqi, NM and I was like huh? Where is this? I looked on the map and it was about an hour away. I was slightly irritated because now I had to rent a car. So when I got there and went the get my car rental, they gave me keys to some car and the person next to me was getting a mustang. My mouth dropped open and I said, “I want one” and they had one, a cherry red Mustang convertible. I was nervous to drive it at first, but got the hang of it and enjoyed the ride.

I drove an hour in the desert with the top down, basking in all the beauty of the mountains around me! I was so at peace. I work a lot and definitely needed this getaway.

A little about Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe is the second oldest city founded by European colonists in the United States in 1607. Built upon the ruins of an abandoned Tanoan Indian village, Santa Fe was the capital of the “Kingdom of New Mexico,” which was claimed for Spain by Coronado in 1540. During the next 70 years, the Spanish colonists and missionaries sought to subjugate and convert the some 100,000 Pueblo Indians of the region. However, in 1680, the Pueblo Indians revolted, killing almost 400 Spanish colonists and drove the rest back into Mexico. The conquering Indians then burned most of the buildings in Santa Fe except for the Palace of the Governors and the San Miguel Chapel. The Pueblo Indians occupied Santa Fe until 1693, when don Diego de Vargas reestablished Spanish control. Santa Fe remained Spain’s provincial seat until 1821, when Mexico won its independence from Spain and the city became the capital of the Mexican territory of Santa Fe de Nuevo México. Read more here.

Santa Fe Is a Gem and a great place to travel solo, it is a small city with tons to do. It is about 37.33 square miles. Little traffic. So it is very good on gas and most hotels offer shuttle services in a 5-mile radius. There isn’t much of a nightlife and it was actually ok, one of the reasons why I think it is a great place for solo travel. It was very safe and the people are very helpful.

The weekend I went, they were having fiestas, “Viva la Fiesta” which was held from Sept 1-11 celebrating annually to commemorate Don Diego De Vargas’ peaceful reoccupation of the City of Holy Faith in 1692. Read more here. There were a ton of parades and they take their parades seriously, I got stuck in one the day I needed to drive back to the airport and they wouldn’t let me out.

Things To Do in Santa Fe, NM

Meow Wolf

This was such a wild experience and it blew my mind. Everyone that asked for suggestions on what to do all stated Meow Wolf. This dope experience was like an adult playground that was full of art. I literally crawled through freezers, climbed up tiny secret spaces to other floors, jumped from future to the past in 2 minutes. It is a story and you are supposed to figure out what happened but I just enjoyed exploring. I did get sick though, sensory overload but the staff were super helpful and offered me water and told me to relax.

Museum Hill

Explore four world-class museums presenting the art, history and culture of the Native American Southwest, the Spanish colonial past, and folk traditions from around the world! Plus a cafe and Botanical garden. I got there too early but did a little peeping!

The Plaza (Downtown)

Here is where they had all of the fiestas, shopping, eating and more. It was really awesome to watch the festival happening and the people walking around and eating. There is a mall with some great deals on gift items! See videos below.

Santa Fe Farmer’s Market

This was one of my favorite places to visit. Voted one of the “Top Ten Farmers’ Markets” by Sunset Magazine, the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest, largest, and most successful growers’ markets in the country. Click heading to read more. This place was so live with all the happy people. There was live music under the pavilion.

Railroad Artisan Market A Stroll Down Canyon Road

I met a couple of amazing artists and it definitely sparked my creative side! I heard that Santa Fe is top 5 places for artists and I can see why! Being in Santa Fe gave me a feeling where all I wanted to do was create. Two of my favorite vendors were K. Allyson Hayes of Precious Elements and she makes jewelry and sculpts and the other is Frank Osborne of Oasis Fiber, he spun his own natural haired yarn, it was amazing to watch.

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A Stroll Down Canyon Road

I walked and viewed so many art galleries that had sculptures large and small, mixed media paintings and other art that I had no idea about.

Drive Up in the Mountains

One of my favorite things that I did in the morning was that I drove almost to the top of the mountain. That was the easy part, totally slipped my mind that you had to go down it. So many windy roads and steep hills to go down. The locals are used to it, they were flying up and down it. Just know that Santa Fe already is at a high altitude and that going up that mountain makes it even worse, my ears kept popping.

Santa Fe’s Oxygen and Healing Bar

This gorgeous place had me at hello. The vibes were so calming and peaceful. Here they offered massages, oxygen sessions, healing cocktails and more. My friend took me to this place right before I had to leave. I got a little tour and was like I need this in my life here in Texas. I ordered the pomegranate infusion and it was amazing!

Restaurants I Enjoyed

Jambo Cafe– I ate the Jerk Chicken with rice and platanos! It was really good!

Tia Sophia’s- Their Huevos Rancheros was amazing and you have to try Christmas style- green and red sauce! OH EM GEEEE

Jinja Asia Cafe– I ate their Shaken Beef and rice with veggies, it was so good.

Kakawa Chocolate House– I ordered some macaroons with honey and chocolate and some horchata. They are known for their chocolate elixirs some has chili in it! SO definitely check it out!

Check out my reviews on Yelp

Videos with beautiful pictures

Vlog

SnapStories of Santa Fe, NM

Do you travel solo? What are some places to go? What do you love about it? If you haven’t, what is stopping you? Where would you want to go?

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it!

Peace and Blessings, CicelyRenee

Places to Travel: Santa Fe, NM, Best City To Travel Solo in the USA. I stressed a lot when I began planning for my birthday. I knew I wanted to do something life-changing.

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