The Orlando Real - Life in Orlando

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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Lake Nona Announces Site Plans for New Lifestyle Shopping Center

By Jessica LaVigne

Owned by the Tavistock Group since 1996, we've seen the Lake Nona region grow exponentially over the past 20+ years. The 17-square-mile community has one of the best infrastructures Orlando has to offer, including five neighborhoods, state-of-the-art hospitals,  Boxi Park, the Wave Hotel, and so much more.

Site plans to further expand Lake Nona by adding a lifestyle shopping center on the west side of the region were just submitted yesterday morning by Tavistock Development - which will be named Lake Nona West.

Lake Nona West will include 405,000 square feet of open-air shops and ground floor parking, with elevated architecture and greenery to match the aesthetic of the area. The new project, planned across 54-acres of land,…

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The Best Uniquely Themed Bars in Orlando

By Roger Jimenez

Raise your glass and discover a new world where reality merges with fantasy, where the iconic themed bars in Orlando breathe life into your favorite stories and ignite your senses. Uncover the charm, creativity, and allure that await all over the city as we take you on a tour through the captivating realm of Orlando's themed bar scene.

Mathers Social Gathering

30 South Magnolia Avenue, Orlando 

Step into a hidden world of vintage charm at Mathers Social Gathering in Downtown Orlando. Behind a secret bookshelf, this Prohibition-themed bar awaits, offering a captivating and immersive experience. Indulge in unique snacks like Prohibition Milk and Cookies, paired with handcrafted libations. Don't miss their famous Bathtub Gin,…

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Swim with Sharks and More at Discovery Cove, an All-Inclusive Paradise

By Holley Long

Have you heard of Discovery Cove in Orlando? The all-inclusive day resort is a one-of-a-kind adventure, with opportunities to unwind, explore, and learn about oceans and marine life in a unique way - including swimming with sharks!

If your curiosity is piqued, let us walk you through what a day at this slice of paradise will look like!

What to Expect at the All-Inclusive Resort

As soon as you arrive at Discovery Cove, you’re treated like a VIP. A staff member greets guests at the resort’s reception center each morning before leading them to a day in paradise. 

Complimentary amenities during a visit include fresh towels and sunscreen, snorkeling gear, lockers, showers and changing facilities, and so much more to enjoy. 

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The Best Natural Springs to Visit Near Orlando

By Roger Jimenez

With record high heat covering the state, there is no better way to cool off than in one of the many breathtaking springs that surround Orlando! From the ethereal beauty of crystal-clear waters to the underwater ecosystems teeming with life, these springs provide an escape into nature that is much needed this summer. 

Join us as we dive into what makes these natural beauties worth appreciating! 

*Keep in mind that you should plan for early mornings because they may close due to capacity. Also, some springs do not allow pets or alcohol due to wild animals. Be sure to plan ahead!

Kelly Park Rock Springs

400 E Kelly Park Road, Apopka FL

30 - 50 mins from Orlando 

Entrance is $3 per vehicle (up to 2 people), $5 per…

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Teak Neighborhood Grill in Metro West and Maitland

By Yasmene Warren

Are you looking for a place to grab some grub from the comfort of your neighborhood? Well you can do just that at Teak Neighborhood Grill! Let’s check it out.

All About Teak Neighborhood Grill

Teak Neighborhood Grill is a bar and grill located in MetroWest in Orlando on Time Square Avenue. They opened their doors back in April of 2010, with a second location in Maitland at the Village of Lake Lily in 2017.

Teak Neighborhood Grill is more than just a restaurant, it's incorporated right into your neighborhood, hence the name. It’s the perfect place to go for a chill, laid back bar scene where you can watch sports and listen to live music while enjoying quality food, all just a short walk away from home.

You can stop by…

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Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Phase 3 Plan for Outdoor Expansion

By Holley Long

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is one of the best places to enjoy live entertainment in Downtown Orlando, and it has plans to become even better. The non-profit recently released renderings for phase 3 of its planned expansion, and they involve projects right on the center’s front lawn. 

The Front Yard 

In December 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Phillips Center transformed its front yard in order to host a six-month festival that helped bring live entertainment back to Orlando. With outdoor stages and socially-distant seating, the non-profit gave actors, musicians, and other performers the opportunity to provide joy to audiences during an otherwise dark time. 

The festival was a hit, and community…

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Small Gift Shops Offering Unique Finds Around Orlando

By Yasmene Warren

Most gift shops in Orlando tend to carry the same vibe: beachy, Disney, and endless summer. If you’re someone who doesn’t frequent Florida, those kinds of knick knacks may do you just fine. For those routine tourists however, you may need something different to take back home. Luckily, there are quite a few unique, small gift shops around Orlando. Let’s check them out!

YAY! Tiny Shop

If you’re looking for things that make you say “yay!” then we have the perfect place for you. YAY! Tiny Shop is a gift boutique on North Orange Avenue in Orlando nestled in Ivanhoe Village.

Although this store is as its name suggests, tiny, it has a lot to offer. This boutique sells a variety of trinkets, jewelry, candles, accessories,…

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Restaurants Now Open (and Coming Soon) to Flamingo Crossings

By Holley Long

A few years ago, Flamingo Crossings Town Center, located in Horizon West, was just a bunch of empty buildings, waiting to be filled with businesses. Now, the area is full of shops, hotels, and restaurants, and the people who call the area home have a spot to eat, drink, and hang out. 

Today we’ve compiled a list of all the restaurants that have opened fairly recently, and those that are opening soon, at Flamingo Crossings. From local chains to brand new restaurants joining the area, there are options for all to enjoy. Let’s check them out!

Now Open

Order up! The restaurants listed below are open now at Flamingo Crossings, and each one has something special to offer.

• Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ (opened June 2023) - The…

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