Any Plans for 4th of July, 2011?

Apparently Orlando/Central Florida is one of the top Independence Day travel destinations in the county.  The theme parks can probably take most of the credit for this, but don't think that's the only place to have fun and see great fireworks.

Downtown Orlando

The fountain at Lake Eola Park just got a complete overhaul.  After being struck by lightning multiple times over the past few years, it was decided that the original 1957 fountain needed some serious TLC.  But the new jets and light features aren't the only update.  The entire park got an upgraded sound system.  Both the new fountain and the new sound system will be debuted this Independence Day.  Fireworks at the Fountain begins on July 4th at 4:00pm with live music and kids' entertainment.  The fireworks begin at 9:30pm.  It gets busy, so get there early.


Theme Parks

Orlando was voted the #1 Fourth of July weekend destination by Travelocity.  That's probably because five of our theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld), as well as Tampa's Busch Gardens, feature fireworks events.  They're some of the best shows around, complete with music, lasers, and whatever else you could imagine.  This site offers a good break down for each park.  But you know what?  EPCOT has a 14-minute fireworks show every night.  So if you live here, avoid the crowds and see the show on an off day. 

Cocoa Beach

Brevard County has its own lineup of events for Independence Day weekend.  The most notable of these is probably the Fireworks over the Ocean show in Cocoa Beach.  Events will be going on July 3rd at Alan Shepard Park (211 East Cocoa Beach Causeway, at the end of 520).  The fireworks will be shot after dark from an anchored barge in the water.  Grab your spot at the park or on the beach and enjoy the show, but know that fireworks aren't allowed on the beach itself.

Other Events

Independence Fest 2011 Orlando, Central Florida's biggest hip hop event.  July 3rd, noon to 8:00pm at the Tinker Field.  Click here for ticket information.

Click here for a list of free Fourth of July events in your town, including Winter Park, Oviedo, Altamonte, Mount Dora, St. Cloud, Winter Springs, Baldwin Park, Celebration, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, and Sanford.

There are also other special events going on that weekend.  For example, the Morse Museum of American Art has free admission on the 4th and the Central Florida Zoo is celebrating its 35th birthday with special events the whole weekend.

Tip: A lot of events are July 2nd and July 3rd, or both, so double check before you make plans!

Summer Exhibits

The temperatures in Orlando are climbing the thermostat, and after 4th of July there are few events until September.  This is the perfect time to check out some current exhibits at museums in and around Orlando.  This summer's exhibits cover everything from rock and roll to video games.

Exhibit  "The Velvet Years: 1965-1967, Warhol's Factory"
and "It's Always Rock and Roll: The Work of Photojournalist Janet Macoska"
(among others) 
Where  Cornell Museum at Rollins, 1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park 
When  July 2nd through October 9th, 2011 
Cost  $5 Adults, FREE for Students with any valid ID 

Details Photographs and works of art about the people that shaped music and art from 1965 to now. 

Exhibit  "Rock 'n' Roll Laser Light Show"
Where  Orlando Science Center, 777 E Princeton St, Orlando
When  Fridays and Saturdays, July 1st through August 19th, 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Cost  Night Pass $13 Adult, $12 Student/Senior, $8 Kids; $7 each add. show
Details  Check the website to find when your favorite band will be played.  Night Pass admission includes one show and entry into the "Guitar" exhibit (see below).

Exhibit  "Guitar: The Instrument that Rocked the World"
Where  Orlando Science Center, 777 E Princeton St, Orlando
When  Until September 11th, 2011
Cost  General Admission $17 Adult, $16 Student/Senior, $12 Kids
Details  Over 5,000 square feet of guitars and guitar history, including live performances and meet-n-greets.  Included in your general admission or with the Night Pass (see above). 

Exhibit  "FLA ART Summer Fare II"
Where  Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E Princeton St, Orlando
When  May 13th through September 25t, 2011
Cost  $4 Adults, $3 Seniors, $1 Students
Details  Art by Florida artists.

Exhibit  "Games People Play: The Evolution of Video Games"
Where  Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando
When  July 2nd through September 10th, 2011
Cost  $9 Adult, $7 Student/Senior/Military, $4 Kids
Details  Development of video game technology and their relevance to society.  Check for special discounts.

These are just a few of many exhibits going on this summer.  The collections at museums like the Orlando Museum of Art are always changing.  For more exhibits, take a look at the Links page for a list of Central Florida museums.

Orlando Power Yoga - 40 Days for $40

A coworker recently told me about her new favorite yoga studio, Orlando Power Yoga.  They offer classes every day of the week, ranging from 6:45am to 8:00pm.  The best thing is, they have a great new student special: 40 days of unlimited yoga for only $40.  For both absolute beginners and experienced students, you won't find a better deal than $1/day.

Location
2415 East South Street
Orlando, FL 32801
(408 Exit 12B towards Crystal Lake Drive)

Performing Arts Center Groundbreaking Party

As I mentioned in an earlier post, after much ado the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center (DPAC) is finally breaking ground next week.  There are events planned for three days.  The actual groundbreaking celebration is Thursday, June 23rd from 5:30pm to 7:15pm on Magnolia Ave between Anderson St and South St.  The next two days feature a Community Open House with information on the project, such as models and renderings, performances by local artists and groups, and refreshments.  These events are free and open to the public.

Location 
Magnolia Avenue, between Anderson Street and South Street
Air-conditioned tent and outside

Groundbreaking Time
Thursday, June 23rd, 5:30pm - 7:15pm

Open House Times
Friday, June 24th, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Saturday, June 25th, noon - 4:00pm

Florida's Juneteenth Festival 2011

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or African American Emancipation Day, has been observed  every 19th of June since 1866.  Today, it's an official holiday in 37 states and commemorates the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 and the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865.  Juneteenth celebrates the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the United States, as well as Black music, art, and literature.

In Orlando, Florida's Juneteenth Music Festival is taking place Saturday, June 11th to Saturday, June 18th at various locations in Central Florida.

Saturday, June 11th

Event   Juneteenth Gospel's Best
What  Gospel singing competition.
When  6:00pm to 9:00pm
Where  St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 30 Fred L Maxwell Blvd, Orlando
Price  Free

Event   5th Annual Triple "A" (African American Arts) Festival
What   Art and music education awareness festival, Collar Greens Cook-Off
When  10:00am to 4:00pm
Where  Speer Park, 331 N Tubb St, Oakland
Price  Free

Monday, June 13th

Event Jammin' Jazz Session
What  Special edition of GB's weekly live music.
When  8:00pm to 11:00pm
Where  Grand Bohemian Hotel, 325 S Orange Ave, Orlando
Price  Free; free valet with food or drink purchase

Tuesday, June 14th

Event  Literary Review
What  Lucas Boyce, Orlando Magic Executive, gives presentation "Leadership for the Next Generation: The 5 Qualities of a Champion."
When  Reception 6:00pm to 7:00pm, Presentation 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where  Wells'Built Museum, 511 W South St, Orlando
Price  ?

Wednesday, June 15th

Event  Education Fair
What  Information on education options, including GED, high school, college, financial aid, and more.  Sponsored by the Young Fathers of Central Florida.
When  5:00pm to 7:00pm
Where  Wells'Built Museum, 511 W South St, Orlando
Price  Free

Thursday, June 16h

Event  Spoken Word
What  Poetry readings and open mic artists.
When  Reception 6:00pm to 7:00pm, Poetry 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where  Wells'Built Museum, 511 W South St, Orlando
Price  ?

Friday, June 17th

Event  Urban Youth Leadership Summit
What  Presentations and workshops for goal setting, life skills, and leadership; launching of Emerging Scholars Project. 
When  9:00am to 2:00pm
Where  Valencia Community College, West Campus, Building 8, 1800 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando
Price  Free

Event  Artist Review
What  Showcase of Central Florida artists.
When  Reception 7:00pm to 8:00pm, Music Review 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Where  Wells'Built Museum, 511 W South St, Orlando
Price  ?

Saturday, June 18th

Event  4th Annual Juneteenth Health & Youth Opportunity Fair
What  Health enrichment and youth opportunity.  Education, health tests, blood drive, job opportunities, and more.
When  10:00am to 2:00pm
Where  Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando
Price  Free

Event  Juneteenth Music Festival
What  Silkee Smoove Band
When  Starts 3:00pm
Where  Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando
Price  $30 VIP, $10 general, 17 and under free; free parking

Free Downtown Orlando Concert Series

Radio station WMMO 98.9 has been running a free Downtown Concert Series.  This Sunday, June 12 at 4:00pm for example you can see a live outdoor performance by Rick Springfield in the Amway Center's plaza.

Past acts have included Yes, Foreigner, Cheap Trick, and many more.  There will also be food and drink vendors.  If you can't make it to this free outdoor party, be sure to mark Mayhem Street Party (July 29th) and Tastes and Sounds of Downtown (every Wednesday) on your calendars. 

Vote for your Favorite Cultural Organization

Until Tuesday, June 14th, you can help the United Arts of Central Florida decide who will receive a $5,000 arts grant.  Simply click the button below, browse the list of cultural organizations, and click on the organization of your choice.  Two simple clicks, no registration required.

On the list you can choose from over 50 different Central Florida organizations.  Do you want to support theater, dance, music, movies, or museums?  An established venue or an up-and-coming organization?  Downtown Orlando or closer to home?

If you're wondering how there could possibly be dozens of cultural organizations in and around Orlando, definitely visit the website to discover and support the arts in Florida.

Outing: Christmas, Florida

You know that place you drive by on your way to the beach?  The one with a Christmas tree and nativity scene up all year?  That's Christmas.  Christmas, Florida.

A lot of people visit this little town of just over 1000 people in eastern Orange County.  Specifically, they visit the post office.  Why?  Because it's one of the few places in the country where you can get all your holiday mail stamped with the official "Christmas" postmark.  But that's not all there is to see in Christmas, Florida.

See Larger Map

Food  Before you set out on your pioneer adventure, be sure to fuel up for the long walk.  For classic country cooking, try Rudolph's Restaurant.  A well-portioned, quality down-home meal will run you anywhere from $5.95 to $9.95. 

Fun  Christmas, only 20 minutes from the UCF/Waterford Lakes area, boasts three different attractions.  Jungle Adventures Nature Park is worth driving by just to see the world's largest papier-mâché alligator (over 200 feet long).  But you don't have to pay to see alligators in this little town.

Head over to the Orlando Wetlands Park for a good dose of Florida outback.  Ironically, the beautiful woods, wetlands, and lakes are all part of a man-made water treatment re-naturalization facility.  But being Florida, it hasn't taken long for hundreds of plant and animal species to take over this park.  Miles and miles of multipurpose paths let you explore the park on foot, bike, horse, or even golf cart.  I visited the park for the first time this week and saw racoons, snakes, turtles, all types of birds, and at least half a dozen alligators up close.  The park and its visitors center are open February 1st through November 14th and are always free.

Christmas' third attraction is the Fort Christmas Historical Park, which is also free of charge.  The park features an accurate replica of Ft. Christmas as it looked after being built during the Second Seminole War (1835 - 1842) as well as seven reconstructed pioneer houses.  Also in the park are grilling areas, a playground, basketball court, tennis court, and baseball field.

Drinks  If you're weary after hiking through history, visit Old School Coffee Stop, Inc.  Enjoy a cold iced tee ($1.75), a smoothie ($3.75), and their surprisingly large and interesting selection of grilled goods, salads, and sandwiches. 

Total Cost for lunch, a visit to the Wetlands park and/or Ft. Christmas, and drinks: $8 + per person.

Top Chef is Coming to Orlando

If you're a fan or Bravo's Top Chef, don't miss the Orlando stop of the fourth annual, 21 city Top Chef: The Tour.  Come to the Lake Eola Farmer's Market (500 East Central Blvd.) this Sunday, June 5th to witness a quick-fire challenge cook-off, play games, rate food, win prizes, and meet your favorite Top Chef contestants.

Demonstrations are at 10:30am, noon, and 1:30pm, but plan to check in 30 minutes before the show.  The event is free and part of the weekly Orlando Farmer's Market, which takes place every Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

 

Orlando Construction Updates

Nothing says economic recovery like new buildings.  Here are some new projects, and hopefully some old ones resurfacing, that we'll see in the next few years:

Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center (DPAC)

After much discussion and drama, the DPAC has finally announced a groundbreaking date: June 23rd, 2011.  Phase I will include the 2700 seat Disney Theater and a 300 seat community theater.  Phase II will include the third performance space, a 1700 seat theater, and eventual plaza built-out in front of the Center.

SunRail

Although it won't be official until July, things are looking positive for a SunRail approval.  If things go as planned, we should see the commuter rail open in 2013 and a slew of new development around the stations (two especially interesting ones are the Health Village at Florida Hospital and a unique design for the Longwood station).

Possible Extensions to SunRail

These projects are at various stages, from speculative to approved and waiting.  If SunRail gets approved, the next commuter rail project will surely be the Orange Blossom Express, connecting downtown Orlando with Eustis via Apopka.  There are also talks of a light rail route that would run from Orlando International Airport to International Drive, via Sand Lake Road where riders could catch the SunRail.

East Orlando

East Orlando has a couple projects of its own going on.  These include new UCF buildings (such as the new UCF Performing Arts Center), new student housing around UCF, the widening of South Alafaya Trail with a link to Lake Nona Medical City, and of course the Medical City buildings.  However, progress is being hampered as usual by Gov. Scott's budget decisions.

Downtown

Downtown Orlando will finally see some new buildings after a long construction break.  In addition to the DPAC, we can expect groundbreaking this year at the hotel at Lake Eola, more apartments along Orange Ave and Colonial, and possibly at the Mills Park and Renaissance at Carver Square sites.  Most of these are still in the approval process.  More information to come.

Creative Village

Although many citizens of Orlando are sad to see the Amway Arena go, the Creative Village that will take it's place will surely have a huge impact on the region.  The new neighborhood will include apartments, retail space, restaurants, office space, creative space, and hotels just a block away from the main Lynx Bus/future SunRail station.  The project will take up to 15 years to complete, but the old Arena will be demolished later this year.  In 2012 we'll see new infrastructure like roads and parks, with buildings appearing by 2013 or 2014.