About.com Orlando

What to do on Thanksgiving Day in Orlando

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:24:16 +0000

Thinking about having someone else do the cooking this Thanksgiving? Orlando area hotels and restaurants are offering some wonderful Thanksgiving Day brunches and lunches. For those who prefer to eat at home but don't want to do all the cooking, there are several places that will cater your Thanksgiving Day dinner.

How about going all out this year? Try the new Westin Imagine Hotel near I-Drive where you can rent one of their beautiful one or two bedroom suites complete with a kitchenette, dining area and balcony. Enjoy a Thanksgiving feast that is delivered right to your room.

Looking for something to do on Thanksgiving Day? Here are a few places that will be open:

Orlando Premium Outlets - Open 10 am - 7pm to shop early for great savings.
Prime Outlets - Open noon - 8pm for you to get a jump on your holiday shopping.
Leu Gardens - Relax at the beautiful gardens, open from 9 am to 5 pm on Thanksgiving Day.
Bok Towers - Thanksgiving Day Concerts at 1 & 3 pm. Reflect on life's blessings while listening to carillon music during the day. For more info: 863-676-1408. Admission charge.
Winn Dixie - Select Winn-Dixie stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 7am - 4pm.

What to do on Thanksgiving Day in Orlando originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 11:24:16.

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Sunday Eola Farmer's Market

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:20:19 +0000

Take a break before the holiday rush! The Sunday Eola Market in Downtown Orlando is a great place to relax and enjoy a bloody Mary while listening to live music. Be sure to pick up some fresh produce or holiday crafts while you are there.

Coming up during the 3rd weekend of November, December and January is Renninger's Antique Extravaganza!

More: Flea and Farmers' Markets in the Orlando area.

Sunday Eola Farmer's Market originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 08:20:19.

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Save Time & Money When You Check On-Line

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:01:55 +0000

In the mood for a pizza but can't remember where you stashed that coupon that you clipped? Never fear, local pizza joints have lots of on-line specials and deals that you can print off at any time.

A few other Orlando area restaurants also offer printable coupons and discounts for you to use.

Not sure what you want for dinner tonight? Preview the menu's of over 20 Orlando area restaurants. While you are there, check prices, directions and restaurant hours.

Do you have a favorite pizza restaurant in the Orlando area? How about a money saving tip? Take a minute and post your comments below.

Save Time & Money When You Check On-Line originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 08:01:55.

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Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:08:56 +0000

A magical experience, a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. The Festival of Trees, the Orlando Museum of Art's nine day holiday celebration begins on November 14, 2009. Partake in the glittering wonderland of decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses. Each day a presents a special activity or theme. General admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children. More on the Orlando Museum of Art.

Friday, Nov. 13: Patron's Gala
Wednesday, Nov. 18: Reindeer Romp Wednesday
Friday, Nov. 20: Jazz Stroll Friday

How do you get into the holiday spirit? Share your ideas in the comments below.

Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 08:08:56.

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Santa Arrives in Style at the Mall at Millenia

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:02:05 +0000

Welcome Santa to the Orlando area with one of the grandest arrivals around. The Mall at Millenia marks the kick-off to the holiday season with a free spectacular celebration that begins at 6p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2009 with a dance party for children of all ages. Whimsical characters from Hollyville, Millenia's winter wonderland, mingle, perform and dance with the crowd. At 6:45p.m, Santa, magically descends from the night sky in a haze of Orlando snow. Families can enjoy hot dogs and beverages throughout the event by making a small donation to the Salvation Army.

The Mall at Millenia continues to offer support of local families in need by hosting The Salvation Army's Angel Tree. The spirit of gift-giving begins at Noon on Friday, November 13 with an exclusive live broadcast by WKMG Local 6, located in the Orangerie Cafes. Guests are invited to adopt an 'angel' from a decorated holiday Angel Tree and give clothing, shoes and unwrapped toys. All donations brighten the holidays for many local deserving children. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program will conclude on Saturday, December 13.

Santa Arrives in Style at the Mall at Millenia originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at 14:02:05.

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Free Friday Evenings at the Morse Museum of American Art

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:37 +0000

The Morse Museum of American Art contains the most comprehensive collection of the works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. If you have never had the opportunity to visit this famed museum, now is the perfect time. From November through April, visit the museum for free on Friday evenings. This year the museum is offering an eclectic mix of live music in the galleries on Friday evenings.

November 13: Joshua Englert (classical guitar)
November 27: Harpist Bizarre Quartet (bass, flute, guitar, and harp)
December 4: Beautiful Music Holiday Flute Trio
December 11: Beautiful Music Chamber Quartet (cello, flute, viola, and violin)
December 18: Raintree Chamber Players (cello, flute, and viola)

^{Photo � Charles Hosmer Morse Foundation}

Free Friday Evenings at the Morse Museum of American Art originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 08:00:37.

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Where Have All the Pretty Pirates Gone?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:07:01 +0000

Villains, Vixens and Vampires the 2009 Fantasy Fest Celebration ended on October 31.� Readers are starting to post about this year's event.� First-time visitors are a little surprised at what they encountered on the streets of Key West this year.

Started in 1978 as a way to bring visitors to Key West to stimulate the non-existent October tourism, Fantasy Fest has grown in size to close to 100,000 visitors.� Party-goers from all over the world now visit Key West on the last full week before Halloween for a 10 day party.� Hotel prices are close to triple, restaurants are booked and parking is at a premium.

Have Fantasy Fest visitors gone overboard?� Have creative costumes been replaced with bawdy nudity?� Readers are posting their opinions on what they thought of this year's (2009) Fantasy Fest in Key West (and it doesn't sound pretty!)� Read the blog comments here.

^{Photo � M.Mcleskey, FF 2006}

Where Have All the Pretty Pirates Gone? originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 10:07:01.

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Orlando Food & Wine Fest 2009

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:28:37 +0000

The 2nd annual Orlando Food & Wine Fest returns to downtown Orlando on November 14th & 15th. Tickets are now available. Buy a weekend pass for only $15 and experience two days of live music from artists including Average White Band, Nick Colionne and Maysa, Warren Hill, Oli Silk and many more.

Over 35 of Orlando's best restaurants will be participating in this year's festival. There will also be a wide variety of wine, beer and microbrews.

Don't want to miss the big game? Football games will be shown on three plasma TV's at the Sports Bar. Stop by and get tips from the pros at the Chef's Stage, where local chefs will be preparing their favorite dishes.

Follow me on Twitter.

Orlando Food & Wine Fest 2009 originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at 08:28:37.

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67 Days of Smiles

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:06:50 +0000

Their time with us is coming to an end. Orlando's Smile Ambassadors Kyle Post and Stacey Doornbos will complete their mission on November 2, 2009. The task - as difficult as it sounds - was to experience everything Orlando has to offer within 67 days and keep the world posted on their activities via Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flicker and their very own Blog. The fun loving, adventurous duo from New York applied for the position over the summer, and was selected by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Some of their stops included:

University of Central Florida, including a concert with The Killers at the UCF Arena.
The Orlando Brewing Company - the only certified fully organic brewery in the State.
Downtown Disney's Cirque du Soleil performance of La Nouba.
ZoomAir at the Central Florida Zoo.
Kouzzina at Disney's Boardwalk owned by Iron Chef Cat Cora.
Fantasy of Flight - one of the largest collections of vintage aircraft in the world.
Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
Green Meadows Farm petting zoo complete with a hayride and milking a cow.
Cuba Libre with their authentic Cuban cuisine and Latin dancing.
The Enzian Theater and Eden Bar with signature drinks.

Orlando has so much to offer. Going through their 67 days did you come across any venues that you would like to try out? Post your comments below.

67 Days of Smiles originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 10:06:50.

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Free Orlando ToursLearn More About Orlando History

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:58:41 +0000

Get to know the Orlando area a little better by taking one of the many local walking tours. Tours are always free - some are self-guided others require a reservation.

Discover the 8 square block downtown historic district or see examples of diverse architectural styles and building materials used throughout historic Sanford.

Historical Orlando:

^{Photo courtesy of the State Library and Archives of Florida}

Free Orlando ToursLearn More About Orlando History originally appeared on About.com Orlando on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 09:58:41.

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