The Orlando Real - Life in Orlando

Orlando Fall Events & Festivities 2023

By Roger Jimenez

As the summer sun starts to cool, Orlando comes alive with a mountain of fall events and festivities to kick off the month of August. From spooky Halloween preludes to delectable food and wine celebrations, the city offers a diverse array of entertainment for everyone to embrace the autumn spirit. Whether you're seeking family-friendly fun or adult-oriented soirées, Orlando's Fall lineup promises an unforgettable season filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories.

EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival

July 27 - November 18

Indulge in Disney’s annual celebration where delectable dishes are crafted by renowned chefs from around the globe. Sip on the finest vintages, and immerse yourself in a celebration of flavors…

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California-Based Restaurant Lazy Dog Now Open in Kissimmee

By Holley Long

The west coast has come to Orlando in the form of Lazy Dog! This laid back restaurant is a unique addition to Irlo Bronson Highway, an area that is continuing to see major revitalization. Follow along for more info about this new eatery - it just might become your new favorite dinner spot. 

Lazy Dog’s Story 

Inspired by small town vibes in the Rocky Mountains, Lazy Dog first opened its doors in California, but since then over 50 locations have opened across the country (with 25+ in CA alone!). According to the restaurant chain’s website, Lazy Dog was created to call to mind “unplanned adventures, an enduring love of food and fireside conversations.” 

Opening of the new Lazy Dog Kissimmee location

The Kissimmee location,…

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Best Free & Cheap Museums to Visit in Orlando

By Roger Jimenez

Orlando holds a rich cultural scene with a number of museums that cater to all interests and curiosities. Whether you're a history enthusiast or an art lover, Orlando's museums can offer a fascinating journey through time and space. 

Let’s go on a tour of some of the best museums in Orlando, where you can immerse yourself in interesting exhibits, uncover hidden treasures, and expand your knowledge in unique and memorable ways.

Rollins Museum of Art

1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park

Hours: 10 AM - 4 PM. Closed Mondays. 

Free Admission!

Image by Rollins Museum of Art

The Cornell Fine Arts Museum (also known as the Rollins Museum of Art) is the only teaching museum in the greater Orlando area. The museum is home…

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Piggza Serves Up Modern Italian-ish Dishes in Mills 50

By Yasmene Warren

Have you ever been in the mood for Italian food — or at least, something kind of like it? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get when you dine at Pigzza in Mills 50.

All About Pigzza

Pigzza is a modern “Italian-ish” restaurant in Orlando located on North Mills Avenue in the Mills 50 District. It was created by the same owner who started Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbacoa, and opened earlier this year in mid-April.

This restaurant offers a modern, contemporary twist on traditional Italian dishes and drinks, serving items like pizza, pasta, and parm.

You can find this place putting the pig in “Pigzza” Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to…

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5 Family-Friendly Nighttime Activities Around Orlando

By Holley Long

When it comes to family fun in Orlando, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. On the hunt for somewhere to take the kids that will keep them out of the excruciating summer heat? We have a few places in mind. 

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

4510 W VINE ST., KISSIMMEE, FL 34746

PRICES: $67.95 FOR ADULTS, $40.95 FOR CHILDREN

Image by Medieval Times Orlando

Travel back to an age of noble warriors, elegant royals, and exciting battles at Medieval Times Orlando. During a four-course feast, guests enjoy a tournament between fierce and well-trained knights as they compete for the favor of the Queen. By showcasing skills in weaponry, horsemanship, falconry, and more, one knight will prove himself worthy of the title…

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Orlando's Victoria & Albert's Ranked Top Restaurant in the US

By Yasmene Warren

When you’re envisioning top-of-the-line, high-class fine dining, you don’t picture anywhere in Florida, right? Well, you’d be wrong for that, because of all the best eateries in the country, number one rests right here in Orlando. It’s Victoria & Albert’s, and we’re going to tell you all about what landed them the top spot in the US.

What is Victoria & Albert’s?

Victoria & Albert’s is an upscale dining experience located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Walt Disney World.

The dining at this establishment is inspired by Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Celebration, and its craft has earned Victoria & Albert’s a variety of awards.

The restaurant has been awarded the AAA Five Diamond Award since 2000, has been a Forbes…

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Healthy Food Options Around Orlando

By Roger Jimenez

Whether you're a dedicated vegan, a fitness enthusiast, or simply seeking to make mindful food choices, Orlando has a world of healthy dining establishments that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling energized. From vibrant plant-based eateries to farm-to-table restaurants, the city offers a plethora of options for health-conscious foodies to call their favorite.

Toastique

14410 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden

Toastique is a boutique restaurant and culinary haven that celebrates the art of gourmet toast and juices with their thoughtfully sourced products, fresh ingredients, and a mission to make the city feel great. Last year, Toastique’s founder Brianna Keefe was listed in “Forbes 30 Under 30” thanks to the…

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Wine & Dine at The Wine Room on Park Avenue

By Roger Jimenez

The Wine Room on Park Avenue is a wine bar and restaurant that offers a unique self-serve wine experience. Located at the heart of Winter Park, this establishment has gained popularity for its viral interactivity and their extensive selection of wines from various regions around the world. Vino lovers, if you haven't made time for this wine heaven lately, make sure you do soon!

All About The Wine Room

The Wine Room provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their wine selections.

The space features a cozy lounge area, a bar, and an outdoor seating option. Additionally, they offer a menu of small plates and charcuterie boards that pair well with the wines on hand. 

Upon entering,…

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What to Expect at Orlando’s Newest Vacation Resort: Evermore

By Holley Long

Something exciting is almost complete right next to the Walt Disney World Resort area! Under construction just outside of Disney Springs is Evermore, a 1,000+ acre vacation resort. A redevelopment of the former Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort, Evermore, when finished, will offer guests a full range of experiences, from low-key to luxury. 

Read on to learn what to expect from this upcoming resort! 

Accommodations

Evermore will have many different types of accommodations suitable for travel parties of any size.

Highly anticipated is Conrad Orlando, a 433-room hotel with five restaurants and lounges serving unique cuisines. The hotel also has a motor coach that can take guests to Walt Disney World, which is just…

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Everything You Need to Know About the New Orlando Brightline Station

By Yasmene Warren

The long-awaited time has finally come for a high-speed rail to connect Orlando to Miami. The days of sitting backed up on I-95 or Florida’s Turnpike are over thanks to the new Brightline station in Orlando. If you’ve never ridden with Brightline before, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about the upcoming railroad system.

What is Brightline?

Brightline is Florida’s intercity railroad system that runs between Miami and West Palm Beach. Currently, it’s the only privately owned and operated intercity passenger railroad in the country.

The new Orlando Brightline station is located in the Orlando International Airport. When arriving at the station, riders will enter and exit near Terminal C, with the…

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