Day 350 – Orlando Museum of Art

Orlando Museum of Art

Orlando has obviously more to offer than only theme parks. Sure, Orlando will never compare to NYC, Washington D.C. or Chicago but we shouldn’t overlook culture and art in the City Beautiful. So I encourage everyone to visit the Orlando Museum of Art this Fall to learn a bit more about art and enjoy one of the current exhibitions.

Love Your Body Project

About 2 years ago my work was actually exhibited at the First Thursdays arts party. It was installation art for an arts class project. You can read more about the project and art work here.

First Thursdays is a great event that takes place every first Thursday of the month at the Orlando Museum of Art. Every month it’s a different theme and local artists are encouraged to enter their work for a chance to be exhibited at the museum that night. There is foods and drinks available and music in the back area of the museum. If you ever wanted to experience how it is to party at a museum, this is your chance! The next First Thursdays, “Orlando’s Original Art Party” will take place on October 1st, 2009 (info below). Check out the OMA web site for more information about First Thursdays.

October 1, 2009 “Rach”-tober: Music Meets Art From Rachmaninoff to Rockabilly. How do sound and vision unite in your world? The focus is on music, musicians and art influenced by music.

The Orlando Museum of Art is located in Winter Park. Here is their complete information. Be sure to visit their site to learn more about current exhibitions and programs. They really have a lot to offer!

Orlando Museum of Art
2416 N Mills Ave
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 896-4231

Day 349 – Eddie Money Concert Fields BMW Orlando FL

Eddie Money Concert Orlando FL

Tonight we were invited to the anniversary party of Fields BMW featuring Eddie Money who was going to perform live for all guests.

Well, Florida’s weather kind of got in the way and the concert was canceled last minute even though the stage and everything had already been set up.

Luckily Fields BMW had an outstanding buffet inside their facility and an open bar so we still had a great time. Well, maybe next time…

Fields BMW Orlando FL

For those of you who don’t know Eddie Money, here’s a video I found of one of his greatest hits ;o)

Connecting Sanford’s Past and Future at the Student Museum on 08/24/09

Sanford Student Museum

Here is an announcement for a special event in Sanford that will take place at the Sanford Student Museum (I had previously written about it on Day 221. I received this information from a Sanford365 reader who wanted to make the public aware of the event so below is the event description, quoted:

Mark your calendar for 8/24/09 to be at the STUDENT MUSEUM, 301 W. Seventh Street for two significant events! At 9:00 am the bell in the tower of the 1902 school will ring (for the first time in decades!) to signify the opening of the 2009-2010 for the Seminole County Public Schools. Afterwards, a plaque will be unveiled at the site of the first school lunch room in Seminole County. Then, the museum will be open for tours! Light refreshments will feature the yummy hot rolls long associated with the school. For additional information contact Judy Wiant at the Student Museum 407.936.1679.

This sounds like a great opportunity to explore Sanford’s past! I will try to be there )

August 31st Update: Here are some beautiful pictures of the event that SCPS shared with me. Thank you so much!

Bell Tower - Sanford Student Museum

Lunchroom Plaque

Dr.Vogel at the event

Next Alive After Five Event in Sanford is August 13 – Tropical Nights

Tropical Nights Party in Sanford FL

Just a quick note to let everyone know that the next Alive After Five Street Party event will take place on Thursday, August 13th, as usual every second Thursday of the month, from 5pm to 8pm on First Street. But don’t worry, the party is typically doesn’t end there because many of the visitors hang out at the local bars and restaurants until later in the night.

For $7.00 you can purchase your “sample ticket” and try free food and drinks at the vendors’ and restaurants’ booths. The theme this month is “Tropical Nights”, perfect with the weather these days )

This event will as usual have fun live music, this month on stage, the Junkanoo Band. They will represent Bahamian culture and also show us a costume parade through the streets of Sanford.

Something else you might want to do is stop by the Sanford Herald (corner First and Palmetto) to have your picture taken – condition: you must wear a tropical shirt and stop by between 5pm and 6pm. If they choose to take your picture you might appear in the next weekend issue in a photo collage. Now I am not really sure what exactly would qualify as a tropical shirt, but I am assuming if you show up colorful or in flower prints it should be fine ;o)

There will also be a Tropical Nights contest that will reward the winner with a $100.00 prize. All you need to do is stop by the vendors on a map that will be given to you when you get your sample ticket (wristband). Te vendors have to sign off on your map and once completed you simply drop it off at the Welcome Center on First Street (First Street and Palmetto).

Sounds like a fun summer party in Sanford, I will be there taking lots of pictures!

Day 292 – First Street Sanford Completed – Opening Party July 25

First Street Arches Sanford

On Day 131 I had blogged about the road construction on Sanford’s First Street. Well, the project is finished and it’s looking great. First Street now features beautiful brick pavers right from its start at 17-92/French Avenue. This ties the downtown area together and adds even more historic charm to Sanford. Thanks at this point to Debra of the new Hot Pots store on First Street for the tip!

Save the date: The official First Street opening party will take place on Saturday, July 25th. It’s an all day street party event so swing by and take a look at the improved downtown area of Sanford.The official ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 9am. There will be life entertainment and all businesses will be open for product sales, demonstrations and more. Of course, as every Saturday in Sanford, there will also be the Farmers Market on Magnolia Square.

Now all we need is some more stores, restaurants and bars Can’t wait for that to happen!

First Street Completed

4th of July Events in Orlando FL and Central Florida 2009

4th of July is only 10 days away! In case you haven’t made any plans yet, check out this list I have put together of Central Florida’s best 4th of July events in 2009.

In case you want to add an event to the list please post your comment below to share it with everyone!

Sanford 4th of July Event

4th of July in Sanford FL – Star Spangled Sanford - starts at 5pm until approximately 10pm

The City of Sanford and Orlando Sanford International Airport invite you to this fun 4th of July celebration that ends with spectacular fireworks over the St Johns River (around 9pm for 40 minutes). There will be music, entertainment (extreme trampoline show, acrobatic stilt walkers etc.), food, drinks and fun activities for the kids. There will be free admission to the Ft. Mellon Park Splash Pad from 10:00am to 8:00pm. Sorry but the city doesn’t allow you to bring your own food and drinks or pets! Parking is difficult so either be there super early or expect to walk quite a bit!

Sanford’s River Walk & Fort Mellon Park
300 N. Park Ave. Sanford, FL.
More Information at 407-688-5004

Cost: Free Admission

Sanford Zoo – Red, White and Zoo – July 4th 9am-3pm

This is a day time event at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford FL. Celebrate the 4th of July weekend and the Sanford Zoo’s 34th birthday with live music, games, food, children’s crafts, face painting, a water slide, watermelon eating contest and zoo animal encounters. While visiting you can also enjoy the zoo’s newest attraction, the ZOOm Air, a system of zip lines and rope bridges that lets you explore the world from the trees. Also fun on a hot July day: the popular water splash park for the kids.

Central Florida Zoo, 3755 NW Highway 17-92, Sanford, FL 32771

More info at 407.323.4450, ext. 136

Cost: Not free, call for tickets or visit their web site

Happy 4th of July!

Wekiva Falls 4th of July Celebration, Sorrento FL

I think this is a great idea for a 4th of July celebration: Visit the Wekiva Falls resort by Sorrento (click here to read more about Wekiva Falls) to enjoy a day by the Wekiva River and huge pool/lake. There will be a DJ for music and a fireworks around 9pm. Kayaking, canoeing and all the other fun activities are available that day and in case you want to stay over night you can camp here too. Bring your own food and barbecue. Bring a gazebo tent and invite your friends and family over. The cost is only $6 per person or $20/car of 6 people (saves you $16) and you can stay all day. Sounds like a fun beach/pool party in the nature of Central Florida – very relaxing!

Lake Eola 4th of July Event

4th of July by Lake Eola – Big Fun at the Fountain – starts at 4pm until approximately 10pm
WFTV Channel 9 News and the Mayor of Orlando will be present at this  4th of July celebration that ends with amazing 20 minutes fireworks over Lake Eola in downtown Orlando (around 9pm). There will be food (BBQ turkey legs, Spanish or Chinese food, traditional hamburgers, sausages, etc.), drinks (beer and wine gardens) and entertainment as well as fun activities for the kids. Bring a blanket and sit down in the park as you observe the fireworks. The event is an annual tradition in Orlando (this year celebrating its 32nd anniversary) I have attended this event in the past and felt it was a bit too crowded. No wonder, over 100,000 people attend every year. Parking can be quite complicated so try to get there as early as possible – and expect to face some traffic when leaving! Very conveneint though this year: since the 4th is a Saturday (and most of us don’t have to work on Sunday), just plan to stay downtown for one of the many 4th of July parties in the clubs and bars or for the block party on Wall Street (see below).

More info at (407) 246-3104 or visit www.cityoforlando.net
Lake Eola Park
195 N Rosalind Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Cost: Free Admission

Early 4th of July Celebration in Altamonte Springs – Red Hot & Boom – starts at 4pm on the 3rd of July (!) until 11pm

If you are planning to celebrate the 4th early or, even better, twice, this is a must go event: XL 106.7 presents this fun, annual 4th of July party (with nationally and internationally famous artists) at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs. Of course, this celebration also ends with awesome fireworks around 9pm. There will be food and drinks available for purchase throughout the event and this year you are not allowed to bring your own coolers or pets. This is the largest Independence Day celebration in Central Florida with nearly 200,000 people every year! So be prepared for a difficult parking situation and try to be there as early as possible! Great entertainment, music and activities await you at this popular event!

Scheduled live entertainment for 2009 Red Hot & Boom: We the Kings, Kevin Rudolf, Matt Nathanson, Carolina Liar, Hey Monday, Jessie James, Parachute, The Cab and Evan Taubenfield.

150 Cranes Roost Blvd. Altamonte Springs, FL.
More Info at (407) 571-8857

Cost: Free Admission

Red, Rock & Blue 2 – Lake Mary City Hall on July 3rd! starting at 6pm (until 9pm)
Another early celebration of the holiday takes place at Lake Mary’s Red, Rock & Blue event. A live band will perform all your favorite party songs! Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy this free concert! Food and drinks from local vendors will be available for purchase.

Admission is free.

4th of July Celebration in Deltona – Dewey O. Boster Park – starts at 6pm until approx. 10pm
This is the annual 4th of July celebration of the city of Deltona at Dewey O. Boster Park. The party starts at the Park and Sports Complex and end with with fireworks around 9:15PM. Live music will keep everyone entertained from 7pm-10pm. Of course there will also be food and drinks available for purchase.

Now can you guess? Be there early because just like all the other events, this one fills up fast! 10,000 to 15,000 people are expected at this event so expect it to be quite crowded!

1200 Saxon Blvd. Deltona, FL

Cost: Free Admission

Old-Fashioned July 4 Celebration in Debary – starts at 10am-2pm

Looking for an old fashioned 4th of July celebration? Then the DeBary Hall Historic Site is the place to visit. A DJ will play patriotic music, and guests can participate in a number of events, including pie-eating contests. You are allowed to bring your own picnic lunch but there will also be food and drinks available for purchase.

To make this event even more historic, there will be tours of the mansion (listed in the National Register of Historic Places) available. Entrance fees are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children ages 3 – 12, and the tour is free for children 2 and under.

DeBary Hall Historic Site, 210 Sunrise Blvd., Debary, FL 32713

More info at (386) 668-3840 or www.debaryhall.com.

Cost: Free Admission

4th of July Festivities in Orange City – starts at 3pm until approx. 9pm

Visit the Orange City Valentine Park on 1595 West French Avenue for an Independence Day Celebration with a firework show around 9pm. The admission is free, but the city requests you bring a canned food item or school supply. The donations will benefit local families in need – what a great idea! There will be lots of entertainment for young and old (including inflatables, a rock wall and bungee jump) as well as contests and prizes. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are welcome. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

More info at 386-775-5454 or x.5455.
Valentine Park, 1595 West French Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763

Cost: Free Admission

4th of July in Downtown Avalon Park – starts at 5pm to 9pm

This is a fun family event with hot dog eating contest, apple pie bake off, a bike parade and, of course, amazing fireworks!

Downtown Avalon Park, 3651 Avalon Park East Blvd., Orlando, FL 32828

4th of July Celebration 2009 in Apopka FL – starts in the afternoon

Join this fun Independence Day celebration with lots of live music, food, games, prizes and a amazing fireworks.

Roger Williams Field, Apoka High School, Apopka, FL
More info at 407-886-2777

Cost: Free Admission

Walt Disney World® July 4th 2009 Celebration

For all you Disney fans, of course Disney invites you all to any of their 4th of July celebrations (of course, those events are not free!). Be sure to call 407-W-Disney (407-934-7639) before you go, as some of these events can change schedule without notice, e.g. because of severe weather conditions.

Fourth of July celebrations take place at each of the the major parks – Magic Kingdom®, Epcot®, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios ™ without a doubt great places to see fireworks – the people at Disney sure know how to create magic, don’t they?

“Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” at Disney’s Magic Kingdom® starts at 9:00 PM. This is said to be one of the best 4th of July firework displays in Central Florida. There will also be a 10:30 PM and 12:30 AM “spectromagic” night time parade.

Here’s the only FREE Disney event: Downtown Disney® 4th of July Fireworks

Downtown Disney® is scheduled for its fireworks show at 10.30 PM. While there enjoy a bit of shopping or any of their restaurants.

4th of July in Central Park – Winter Park’s 2009 Old-Fashioned Celebration – starts at 9am to 1pm

This is the City of Winter Park’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration in Central Park. The celebration will include live entertainment, fun activities and food and drinks (for purchase).

Central Park, Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792 (map)

Admission is free.

2009 Celebration of Freedom in Winter Springs -starts in the afternoon

Enjoy awesome fireworks over Lake Jesup and a day of fun and entertainment in Winter Springs.

Central Winds Park, 1000 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida
More info at 407-327-6593

Admission is free.

2009 City of Kissimmee July 4th Celebration – starts in afternoon

Osceola County’s most popular event on 4th of July takes place in Kissimmee. This 4th of July Celebration attracts more than 45,000 people! Live entertainment, karaoke, arts and crafts, bingo, a food festival, water-ski show and a gorgeous fireworks show are only some of the things that await you.

Kissimmee Lakefront Park, 101 Lakeshore Boulevard, Kissimmee, Florida
More info at 407-93-EVENT (3-8368)

Admission is free.

2009 Fourth of July at Universal CityWalk

Of courseSpend the Fourth of July weekend enjoying the thrilling rides at Universal Orlando®. Experience an amazing Fourth of July extravaganza that involves a simultaneous display of fireworks from Universal Studios Florida®, Islands of Adventure® and Universal CityWalk®. The Fourth of July celebration at Universal CityWalk® is included in the regular admission price. For more information about 2009 Fourth of July at CityWalk, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Universal CityWalk®, Universal Orlando®, Orlando, Florida

More info at 407-363-8000

Downtown Orlando – 2009 Fourth of July Block Party

This is definitely the hottest spot to party on the 4th of July. Visit downtown Orlando at night for a fun block party at Wall Street plaza – or any of the many clubs that also offer 4th of July specials. One thing is for sure, downtown will be super crowded that night – the ideal atmosphere for a fun summer party! Even better, if you’re planning to view the Lake Eola fireworks show you are right there already!

Wall Street Plaza, Downtown Orlando, Florida

Here’s the winner of the most creative 4th of July event:

A Flashback 4th of July at the Celebration Town Center – starts at 9am until 11pm

If I hadn’t already picked my 4th of July event, I’d definitely check out this one! I love the 70s so this sounds like a blast!!

Quoted from web site:

This 4th of July, travel back in time to an era when “Pong” was a state-of-the-art video game,  Disco was king, Star Wars was a cinematic sensation and the whole world was just getting to know “The Brady Bunch”.

Celebration Town Center’s “A Flashback 4th of July” will feature a 70’s costume contest at 7:30 PM, so break out your leisure suits, your halter tops, or whatever you can find and come dressed to impress. It will also feature a fireworks spectacular set to the theme of the 70’s best loved music, and a concert by local favorites-The Reflections Band beginning at 6:00 PM. And if you aren’t ready to “Do the Hustle” yourself, professional dancers from the Arthur Murray Dance Schools will be on hand to show you how.

There will be something for people of all ages as Town Center’s KidZone will feature an assortment of inflatable games for kids and teens that will include a jousting area, a rock climbing wall, face painting and more.

Celebration Town Center, 610 Sycamore Street, Orlando, FL 34747
More info at 407-566-4007 or (407) 566-4015 or the event web site

Admission is free!

July 4th Celebration in Oviedo- starts at 12pm

MIX105.1 and the city of Oviedo invite you to this fun annual celebration. The event will end at 9:15pm with spectacular fireworks. There will be lots of entertainment, and of course, food and drinks.

Other spots in Central Florida that offer 4th of July Celebrations:

2009 St. Cloud 4th of July Celebration
St. Cloud Lakefront, St. Cloud, Florida
More info at 407-892-3671
Admission is free.

Cocoa Beach – The Cocoa Beach Pier is the ideal spot to watch the fireworks.

Historic Cocoa Village – Cocoa Village Riverfront Park Amphitheatre at 8 pm. The show is scheduled to begin at 9:15 pm.

Daytona Beach – Daytona Beach Main Street July 4th Block Party: 8-block long party with a summer barbecue theme. Starts at 6 pm until midnight with firework show at 9:30 pm (includes live music, food vendors & kids activities). On the same weekend there is also the Coke Zero 400, a 160 lap, 400 miles NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway (July 2 – 4, 2009). We went last year and had a blast, but it was honestly just a once in a lifetime experience – I’m typically not a fan of races.

Sea World Orlando 4th of July Celebration

Missed the 4th of July or simply can’t get enough of this holiday? Sanford’s Alive After Five Street party celebrates Independence Day one more time on July 9th!

With the theme Red, White & Bluegrass there will be lots of food, drinks ($7 for all you can eat samples) and entertainment. The event starts at 5pm and lasts until about 9pm on First Street in Sanfrod FL. The band Bluehemians will play live in the Riverhouse Pottery Courtyard (on Palmetto). Sanford’s Alive After Five has become Central Florida’s biggest monthly street party.

More info at 407-302-2586.

Day 275 – Carlos’n Charlies Lake Mary Opening Party

Carlos'n Charlies Lake Mary

Yay! Carlos’n Charlies in Lake Mary (at Colonial Town Park) is finally open! Since Jose and I were assigned to help the manager find a home in Lake Mary/Sanford we met him early on and were invited to the grand opening VIP party (Friday June 19th)! The party was a great success – it started at 6pm for invited guests with free drinks (love their margaritas!) and opened for the public at 9pm. At that time people literally stormed the place – I think I wasn’t the only one that couldn’t wait for Carlos’n Charlies to open

We got to try some of their appetizers, lots of their drinks and experienced a great party night – this atmosphere is supposedly normal for any Carlos’n Charlies location but I heard their restaurants/bars in Cancun and Acapulco are the really wild ones – even though, there were several guests dancing on tables and chairs. The music was perfect: a mix of pretty much everything, all very up beat. Sing along classics, pop, Latin music and rock. So I am glad to announce: with Carlos’n Charlies, Lake Mary has a new party location – and pretty decent Mexican restaurant

Some quick facts:

• Carlos’n Charlies is not only open for dinner but also lunch with specials starting at $7.99.
• Happy Hour is every day from 3pm-7pm with $2 Margaritas and 50% off their wine.
• Thursday nights is FIESTA LATINA starting at 9pm with $2 Margaritas and $5 Mexican Appetizers.
• Vamonos Taqueria (also opening in Colonial Town Park soon) belongs to Carlos’n Charlies as well.

Here’s their complete information:

Carlos’n Charlies
951 MARKET PROMENADE AV
LAKE MARY, FL 32746
(407) 333 3482

Below is a little gallery of pictures taken during the opening party and a “snapshot” video.

Carlos’n Charlies Lake Mary

Day 267 – At the Alive After Five Blues and BBQ and Jax Lake Mary FL

Alive After Five June 2009

Another fun Alive After Five event! I enjoyed the Blues and BBQ a lot – and the weather turned out perfect, not a drop of rain! The hot temperatures though may have kept some people in their homes because I have seen busier days. However, that made the lines shorter…

We met up friends (some of them at the event for the first time and they liked it a lot), had some refreshing drinks, and then spend some time at the Willow Tree Cafe.

After that we left to watch the Lakers-Magic game at Jax in Lake Mary, a great sports bar and ale house right off Lake Emma. They have flat screen TVs virtually in every corner of their large bar, even outside. So if you ever feel like watching a game, Jax is a fantastic place for that! Well, the Magic lost this game… But they still have a chance!

Here is the information for Jax:

Jax 5th Ave Deli & Ale House
951 Greenwood Blvd
Lake Mary, FL 32746
(407) 323-3354

Below are some pictures of a fun Thursday!

Alive After Five June 2009

Day 259 – Propagator for the Arts – ArtyGators in Baldwin Park

Propagator for the Arts

This is such a fun project that I came across when walking around Baldwin Park today. It’s called “Propagator for the Arts” and as you can see those are fun alligator sculptures each displaying a different design. As you may know I am fan of anything and everyone promoting art and culture in Central Florida.

Artygators actually had their world premiere at Colonial Town Park in Lake Mary. Their main purpose is to benefit the community. They are meant to local artists’ work, increase creativity and fund 25 non-profit organizations. Through October 2009 the artsy gators will be located in Baldwin Park all along New Broad Street. The makers of the project are now even talking about opening an ArtyGator themed restaurant in the future – how fun!

The next ArtyGator event is the ArtyGator Crawl on June 19th 2009 from 5pm-8pm in Baldwin Park. There will be live music, a karaoke contest, scavenger hunt and of course food and drinks. So come out for a fun Friday in Baldwin Park and support the arts in Central Florida!

Click here to visit the ArtyGator web site for more info!

A 6ft tall ArtyGator!

Day 227 – German Spring Festival by the German American Society in Casselberry FL

At the German Spring Festival in Casselberry FL

This was my first time at the German spring festival, organized by the German American Society in Casselberry. We (a bunch of German girls living in CFL and I) had a great time in a very idyllic setting with authentic music! Best of all: authentic food and German beer wherever you would look! To top it off, it was a sunny and beautiful day – not a single cloud in the sky!

For anyone who’s interested in some German food and culture, the German American Society in Casselberry organizes 2 festivals a year, the Spring Festival and – no surprise – the Oktoberfest in the Fall. In case I am not at the original Oktoberfest at the time, I will definitely be at that one

During te festivals you also get a chance to buy German products, from Milka and Kinder chocolate to Semmelknoedel and Spaetzle, there is a decent selection available – of course at import prices.

Contact Info of the German American Society:

German American Society
381 Orange Ln
Casselberry, FL 32707
(407) 834-0574

Email me if you want to meet other Germans in Central Florida or if you are interested in practicing your German. I can put you in touch with a group of fun and friendly people (Germans and German speakers)!

German Spring Festival in Central Florida

Some of Us