Author: Kristen Manieri
Best of Orlando 2016
Tacos to trivia nights. Golf courses to doggie salons. Athletes to arts groups. Once again, readers have picked their O-town faves in dozens of categories.
Rebel Without a Pause
For four years, Jeff Sonksen has blazed a mile-long trail for public art along a Seminole County bikeway. And he’s nowhere near finished.
Fun Things to do with the Kids!
We’ve assembled dozens of activities designed to strengthen family connections—from biking to hiking, star gazing to wall climbing, making pancakes to camping in the backyard, sharing a book to solving a mystery. An abundance of activities on our list are low-cost or free. So let the fun begin!
Holiday Dining
Special-Occasion Dining for the Holidays in Orlando
Community Angels
They help get the vote out, minister to the homeless, counsel the grieving, give kids a sense of purpose.
Celebration of Taste
Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival marks 20 years with noteworthy new offerings.
6 Family-Friendly Finds
These stellar spots are surprisingly accommodating for both kids and parents.
Turning the Tables
Here’s some advice on navigating the finer-dining scene with children—along with who’s putting out the welcome mat.
7 Things to Love About I-Drive 360
The Orlando Eye is open for business, along with an abundance of other treats, at I-Drive 360, the $200 million entertainment destination that has something for everyone—tourists and locals alike. Here are some best bets.
Story of a… Comic
For more than half his life, Brian Bradley, 60, has made others laugh—and learned to master tough crowds.
An Oil for What Ails You
Essential oils have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties.
Escape Acts
Orlando boasts a half-dozen attractions that challenge you to think outside the box in order to leave the room. Puzzled? Read on.
Backyard Blockbuster
Turn your outdoor space into your own private movie theater.
When the Spirits Move You
Pub crawls take revelers on a tour of local watering holes.
Celebrities Who Got Their Start in Orlando
Check out our list of celebrities with Orlando roots.
Story of a…Barista
Coffee, like beer, has gone craft, and no one knows that better than Aaron Albright, 26, of Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen.
Natural Beauty
Organic foundations and concealers for toxin-free glam.
Chef Challenges
How do the culinary experts get their kids to eat? We asked for some strategies.
Bucket (of Fun) List
10 things every Central Florida family should do at least once.
Save the Date
Tired of dinner and a movie? Score some new skills with these five paths to education and enlightenment.
Story of…a Children's Entertainer
Richard Peeples, 53, and his quirky songs have delighted thousands of youngsters over the past decade.
A Place for All Seasons
From fly fishing to waterfall hunting, Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina, keep outdoor enthusiasts busy year-round.
Upgrade Your Look
Raise your beauty bar with these 5 simple enhancements.
Less is More
20-minute, high-intensity workouts burn major calories in little time.
Blown Away
Orlando blow-dry bars are an affordable indulgence.
Fringe Benefits
Dubbed a celebration of G through OMG...
DIY Exercise
7 fitness apps for stellar at-home workouts.
Story of a… Magician
Kostya Kimlat, 31, created a career out of magic using some sleight-of-hand and a lot of hard work.
Home to Roost
Orlando’s urban chickens provide eggs and entertainment.
A Way With Words
Check out these 5 free open mics and reading series events, where audiences can experience the raw authenticity of writers, poets and soapbox orators.
Out of the Ordinary
These colorful antique shopping districts and artsy markets offer home décor ideas and a bounty of unique finds.
Story of a… Romance Novelist
A Rollins College librarian by day, Dorothy Mays, 47, transforms into an award-winning writer at night.
Running Like Crazy
Check out six sprints that mix fun with fitness.
Local Delights
Central Florida’s Etsy retailers have all the best in wedding favors.
Garden Party
Say your vows in Central Florida’s lush greenery at any one of these special garden venues.
Night Watch
Cooler nights are here, meaning it’s a perfect time for couples and families to enjoy movies under the stars.
Yoga: Version 2.0
Head out to the water or into the air for your sun salutations. Kristen Manieri
Get Your Geek On
Orlando’s nerd culture blooms with help from nightly local events.
Steals on Wheels
Orlando’s fashion trucks successfully take to the streets.
Water World
Get your feet wet exploring Charlotte Harbor’s rivers, estuary and Gulf islands.
Gourmet Fête
Newlywed foodies focus on creating memorable receptions.
Get Your Motor Running
Reignite passion in the bedroom.
Messing Around
I-Drive’s art bar, DRIP, is painting the town red. Literally.
A Farm-to-Table Affair
Bringing the Slow Food movement to your wedding day.
Old, New, Borrowed, Blue
Exploring wedding customs past and present.
Ring True
Vintage wedding bands offer enduring style and a bit of history.
Personable Fowl
Providing eggs and entertainment, Orlando’s urban chickens apparently are all they’re cracked up to be.
