Took this picture at our night out on Saturday (so, technically it was already Sunday morning) inside the Independent Bar in Orlando.
As usual we had a great time and enjoyed the music, lots of 80s and new wave, just the right mix to dance and have fun.The inside reminds me a lot of the clubs in Europe, there’s something authentic to it. Also great are the many TV screens that play the music videos as you dance to the songs. I bet you will see and hear many long forgotten songs that will remind you of whatever you were doing when the song was popular (no matter if you were in Kindergarten, high school or college…)
I always like the Independent Bar because people there are very nice and easy going. There really isn’t any dress code and nobody will judge you if you walk in totally over- or under-dressed, this club really is about enjoying the music and being yourself.
Independent Bar is located on 70 N. Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando. For a taste of their music, more pictures and calendar of events visit their web site here.
… and later there will be a little video that shows you more about nightlife in Orlando (scenes of the Independent Bar towards the end!)
A great place to spend a Saturday morning is the Farmers Market in Winter Park. After a breakfast at one of the cozy cafes on Park Avenue we walked over to the old train depot (200 West New England Avenue,Winter Park FL). The Winter Park Farmer’s Market is said to be the number one produce and plant market in Central Florida and it shows: I was impressed with the huge variety and selection of fruits and vegetables but also plants.
Fresh Vegetables at the Farmers Market
Everything looked very fresh and we almost regretted having had breakfast already because walking by all the stands and booths you are really tempted to try those little samples and delicious crepes The kettle corn smelled fantastic, too.
I ended up buying a fresh pineapple (already cut and ready to eat) and it was absolutely delicious! Prices are very competitive with what you would find at the regular supermarkets, in fact, I saw lots of produce offered a lot cheaper (and fresher!). Also offered at the market are pastries, coffee, cheese, spices, crepes, kettle corn and much more.You may even find one or the other holiday gift here!
I will definitely be back at the Winter Park Farmers Market, it is definitely worth the drive. The event takes place every Saturday from 7am to 1pm with exception of the third Saturday in March (date of the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival). For more information you can call 407-599-3397.
To view more pictures click the Keep Reading button …
I thought this was really cute. Don’t you love our city Mistle Toad? You’ll see it sitting at the corner of First Street with Park Avenue.
There are not that many holiday events in Sanford left on the list (see below) but when you get to downtown Sanford next time make sure to walk around to see those beautiful holiday lights. What a great job of decorating the city has done! Jose was in Miami a couple of days ago and said Sanford has more lights up then Miami!!
The Gateway Orchestra
Where: Magnolia Square, Sanford, FL (downtown Sanford)
When: Saturday, December 13th; 6pm-8pm
Price: free The Gateway Orchestra is comprised of volunteer musicians who love music and love performing. They share a common bond of a passion for music and a willingness to share their passion with the community. This concert is presented by the City of Sanford Economic Development Department and sponsored by Lake Shore Software of Sanford.
Breakfast with Santa
Where: Central Florida Zoo, Sanford, FL
When: December 13 2008, – 12:00pm
Price: call for info
Contact: (407) 323-4450 Santa at the Zoo! This promises to be a fun holiday event for the little ones, but there will be activities for the whole family! After a delicious breakfast you’re invited to join the zookeepers as they give to the animals their own special holiday gifts.
Lake Monroe’s Illuminated Christmas Boat Parade
Where: Sanford Marina, Sanford, FL
When: December 13, 2008, starting at 5 pm
Price: free
Contact: 407-330-0633 Both Veteran’s Memorial Park and Wolfy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill will provide up-close and exciting views of the boats, both power and sail in all their holiday spirit.
Cinema in the Park
Where: Centennial Park in Sanford, FL
When: December 19, 2008; 7:30pm
Price: free
Contact: 407-688-5004 Like every third Friday of the month there will be a free outdoor movie playing at the Centennial Park in Sanford. Bring your blankets and chairs for a night of family fun. I suspect this month’s showing will be holiday related?
Cheers to the Holidaze Street Party in Sanford, FL
This month’s Alive After Five street party was of course all about the holidays, therefore the name choice “Cheers to the Holidaze”. Fortunately the heavy rain stopped right around 3:30pm and so the event was on!
Even though the event wasn’t as busy as usual it was still a big success. Of course, there was quite an amount of merchants offering sugar cookies, but the drinks were a bit more creative this time, for example delicious home made egg nog offered by the Swamp House of Debary. As usual there was also great music; we spent a lot of time in front of The Alley and The Wet Spot.
Here is a video with some scenes and impressions of the event:
And for those of you who would like to see more pictures just hit the Keep Reading button
One of Sanford’s most charming and unique restaurants is without a doubt “Two Blondes and a Shrimp” on downtown’s First Street. Starting with its name, this cozy little restaurant will grab attention. The romantic covered courtyard makes for a great dining experience with live music Friday and Saturday night, but best of all, their food is great too (excellent seafood!)
I love the brick walls inside, it reminds me of the old fashioned little restaurant in the big city. In fact, the building in which this restaurant is located used to be the location of Sanford’s first newspaper, The Sanford Journal. So if you’re tired of the usual chain restaurant (don’t get me wrong, those are good sometimes too) then head down to First Street and check out Two Blondes and a Shrimp.
One of my favorite local artists is having a solo art show in Maitland this Friday, December 12, 2008. Martha Lent’s art is truly inspiring and positive. You must see her work yourself to understand what I mean. I can highly recommend this exhibition if you are interested in art.
Here is Martha Lent’s Web Site. Take a look and get a little overview of her art and design concepts. While on her site, check out those beautiful mixed media dress installations! Those are my favorites
Event info for everyone who would like to attend:
Martha Lent Art Exhibition When: Friday, December 12, 2008- 11:00am – 8:00pm Where: Germaine Marvel Building (across from Maitland Art Center) – 210 W. Packwood Avenue, Maitland, FL Contact: 407-718-5245
First Street in Sanford - Location of Cheers to the Holidaze on Dec 11, 2008
This month’s Alive After Five Event “Cheers to the Holidaze” will be held as usual on First Street and Palmetto on the second Thursday of the month, which in this case is December 11th, 2008. As you can tell by the event title the event will be all about the holidays and for the very first time participating merchants will be allowed to offer products for sale. So while you’re there having good food (there will be over 25 sampling stations and $5 for your donation sticker opens all of them for you!) and fun you might also find some holiday gifts for your family and friends – great to get your holiday shopping done. As usual local artist will have exhibits and demonstrations and the shops, galleries & restaurants along First Street will be open as well.
The event starts at 5pm and ends at approximately 9pm. Be sure to stop by some of the local bars or restaurants for a good time after the event. The Sanford downtown area is usually pretty busy until 11pm on these second Thursdays
Just another picture scene on First Street in Sanford, taken in front of The Tin Lizzie Tavern. Very relaxed atmosphere, inside and out… I’ve personally never been in the Tin Lizzie tavern but I will certainly check it out sometime, maybe at this Thursday’s Alive After Five Event, even if it’s just to stop by for a beer or so.
Here the info:
The Tin Lizzie Tavern – 109 W 1st St, Sanford, FL 32771 – (407) 321-1908
Came across this special stop sign when shopping today at Office Max on 46 in Sanford. This sign is on their parking lot, right in front of the store and as I walked by it I couldn’t resist and just had to take a picture of it. Kind of sends a clear message, doesn’t it?
I love the contrast of the crisp blue sky with the red of the sign!
This Saturday we were invited to a very nice engagement party, so my daily picture was taken at that occasion. Around 40 people attended and it was nice to see some people I hadn’t seen in a long time.
Luckily the weather was steady and the “cold front” (at least for Florida it was going to be cold…) we were expecting didn’t come in until later in the night.
And of course I couldn’t resist to have my picture taken with the nutcracker himself …
The Nutcracker and Me
And for anyone who wants to actually see the nutcracker (the “real” one), starting December 14 the Orlando Ballet is presenting it at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.
Here are the dates and times:
Sunday, December 14 at 2:00pm
Friday, December 19 at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 20 at 7:30pm
Sunday, December 21 at 2:00 pm
Sarah and Rob, congratulations on your new home in Sanford FL! We hope you get to enjoy your beautiful home for many years to come and we are excited that, in the end, you found your perfect home! We had the pleasure to help Rob and Sarah, a young couple that had recently moved to the [...]
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(no matter if you were in Kindergarten, high school or college…)
