Go Shop View archives

• The Cheese Shop on Park

  For a fun foodie souvenir, stop by this gourmet goods outpost in Winter Park where you'll find locally made chutneys and jams and delicious raw honey. As the shop’s name implies, cheese features big here and the selection is world-class. (9/2011)

  329 N Park Ave; Winter Park
  407-644- 7296
  thecheeseshoponpark.com
  

• The Beauty Spot Spa & Boutique

  This College Park salon doubles as a women’s clothing boutique and is a great place to find bohemian-chic fashions, unique belts and locally made accessories. Funky brands include Custo, Miss Sixty and Betsey Johnson. (9/2011)

  2305 Edgewater Dr
  407-481-1188
  beautyspotinc.com
  

• Urban ReThink

  Downtown Orlando’s hub for cultural and literary events, this Thornton Park bookstore has a great Florida authors section and hosts regular wine tastings and book signings. (9/2011)

  625 E Central Blvd
  407-704-6895
  urbanrethink.com
  

 

Go See View archives

• Sebastian Inlet State Park

  Autumn in Florida is prime time for watching surfers ride the waves at Sebastian Inlet State Park, one of the state’s most famous breaks. It's also one of the best saltwater fishing spots on Florida's east coast, known to be a great spot for catching snook, redfish, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel. (9/2011)

  9700 S. Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach
  321-984-4852
  floridastat...astianinlet
  

• Fantasy Surf

  Catch an indoor wave at this Kissimmee aquatic attraction that uses the FlowRider system to give surfers the feeling of riding on an endless wave. Anyone who loves surfing, snowboarding or wakeboarding will get a kick out of it. (9/2011)

  5151 Kyngs Heath Rd, Kissimmee
  407-396-7433
  ultimateindoorwave.com
  

• Scenic Boat Tour

  Board an 18-passenger pontoon boat for a scenic cruise through the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. During the hour-long tour, you’ll see the town’s gorgeous homes, Mediterranean-style Rollins College and wildlife like alligators, turtles and wading birds. (9/2011)

  312 E Morse Blvd; Winter Park
  407- 644-4056
  scenicboattours.com
  




• The Well’s Built Museum of African American History

  This small historical museum in an erstwhile hotel that once welcomed such esteemed guests as Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles, houses a well-edited collection of memorabilia from Orlando’s African-American community as well as Civil Rights movement displays. (9/2011)

  511 W South St
  407-245-7535
  pastinc.org
  

• Florida Cultural Tours

  Book one of these exciting tours to learn more about the city’s African-American history, ogle homes of the rich and famous during the Gardens and Lakes Tour, or customize your own. There’s even a Dinearound Tour, during which you bus around for a multicourse dinner at some of the area’s top restaurants. (9/2011)

  floridaculturaltours.com
  407-504-4405

• Lakeridge Winery

  It’s no Napa Valley—but it’s not every day you get to see wine produced in the nation’s swampiest state. (Florida even grows a “swamp grape.”) This 127-acre estate west of Orlando in surprisingly hilly surrounds has complimentary tours and tastings daily. (9/2011)

  19239 US Highway 27 N, Clermont
  352-394-8627
  lakeridgewinery.com
  

 

Go Eat View archives

• Dragonfly Sushi

  Robata specialties (meats and seafood grilled on an open fire) star at this super-stylish Japanese restaurant in the upscale Dr. Phillips shopping plaza. The sake menu is expansive and ordering tapas-style is the way to go for a taste of it all—because you will want to try everything. $$$ (9/2011)

  7972 Via Dellagio Way
  407-370- 3359
  dragonflysushi.com
  

• Nappasorn Thai

  This downtown Orlando favorite, located in the middle of the bar and restaurant district, is known for its traditional Thai food and sushi. Try green mussels on the half shell, steamed with fresh basil and lemongrass and served in a clay pot or the sweet and sour fish. $$ (9/2011)

  56 E Pine St
  407-245-8088
  thaidowntown.com
  

• Anthony’s Pizzeria

  Snag a table on the streetside patio at this casual Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Orlando’s hip Thornton Park neighborhood. New York-style pizzas are topped with tasty tidbits like fresh pesto, sundried tomatoes and Genoa salami. Don't let the name fool you, as there are also other options, including salads, pastas ,and chicken, eggplant and veal entrees. $ (9/2011)

  100 N Summerlin Ave
  407-648-0009
  anthonyspizza.com
  

 

Go Party View archives

• ICEBAR Orlando

  Take a break from Orlando’s searing heat with a stint inside this wintry wonderland that stays a constant 27 degrees. The bar is carved from 50 tons of ice,making it the largest permanent ice bar in the world. You’re outfitted in a heat-trapping robe and gloves to stay toasty while sipping cocktails from cups made from—what else—ice. Try a Raspberry Flirt, made with raspberry vodka and sour mix, sprite and Curacao. (9/2011)

  8967 International Dr
  407-351- 0361
  icebarorlando.com
  

• Stardust Lounge

  A local hidden gem, this swanky underground club evokes Las Vegas with red leather booths and mood lighting. The music—mostly '80s and '90s hits—is retro cool all the way. (9/2011)

  431 E Central Blvd
  407-839-0080

• BULLITT BAR

  In the town that spawned boy bands like 'N Sync, it’s refreshing to find a true rock bar. Vintage auto accessories and signs pair with brick walls for a grungy-chic atmosphere,at this new bar where the music is all rock, all the time. (9/2011)

  33 E Pine St
  407-841-1068