We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Orlando’s the place to be. But, we’ll admit, it’s even better if you make the right moves. Here’s some key things to keep in mind as you brave the City Beautiful.
Get an Express pass at Universal
Time is money. Or, in this case, more opportunities to get a little queasy on really fun rides. Credit: Image via AdobeSmile for the photo booth at Will’s Pub — and stay for the show
Not only will you have a good night, you’ll get a lasting memory in the form of a photo booth print. Credit: Photo via Will's Pub/Google MapsCredit: Image via AdobeThe Ravenous Pig
565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
Using sustainable food methods and cooking with ingredients sourced close to home, The Ravenous Pig asks that you make reservations because there’s often a wait to get into this foodie heaven. The stylish gastropub and beer garden offers inventive New American eats, an in-house taproom and hand-crafted cocktails, all definitely worth the splurge. Credit:Photo via The Ravenous Pig/FacebookDon’t feed the swans at Lake Eola, but pet all the dogs
Feeding wild animals is never a good idea, and we can promise you the Lake Eola swans don’t want your scraps. Let’s not forget what happened to Lake Eola feathered royalty Queenie, whose past lover died from a popcorn overdose. Credit: Photo via cityoforlando.govGet standing room tickets for an Orlando City home game
Sure, you do have to stand the whole time, but that’s a small price to pay for an afternoon of excitement. Credit: Photo via Orlando City/FacebookTip your bartender at your favorite neighborhood bar
We’re all in this together — spread love to your community and leave a nice tip. Credit: Photo by Matt Keller LehmanValentine’s Day dinner at Enzian Theater
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Alternative movie house Enzian Theater offers independent, foreign and classic films and film events throughout the week, as well as special events the week of Valentine’s Day. Credit:Photo via Enzian Theater/FacebookGet an Orange County Library card
You can get books home-delivered, learn how to use Photoshop, reserve free meeting spaces, use Melrose Center podcasting facilities for super cheap, take a free sewing class, learn ESL, check out comic books, get five free movies a month from Kanopy… the list of free and nearly free stuff is almost endless. Credit: Photo via Friends of the Orange County Library System/FacebookPreorder your Pub Sub
Order your Pub sub online and thumb your nose at the crowd in line as you stroll in and pick it up with no waiting. Follow @PubSubs_on_sale on Twitter so you always know when there’s a bargain. Credit: Image via AdobeVisit the Lake Eola Farmers Market on the weekend
Grab a drink — make it a mint limeade, if the vendor is around — fill up on good food and stroll to your heart’s content. Credit:Photo via Orlando’s Farmers Market via FacebookPay your respects at the Pulse site
Remember the 49 people killed in our city, and vow to work in whatever you way you see fit to prevent a tragedy like this ever happening again. Credit: Photo by Monivette CordeiroTune into WPRK
One of the country’s longest-running student radio stations is right here in our backyard. Give it some well-deserved love: 91.5 FM on the radio dial or listen live at wprk.org. Credit: WPRK/FacebookWatch a rocket launch from Cocoa Beach
Just a drive away from Orlando is Florida’s own taste of the final frontier: the Space Coast. Catch a rocket launch and grab some unforgettable Instagram pics. Credit: Photo via visitspacecoast.comSee at least one show at Orlando Fringe Festival
It’s art, it’s weird, it’s Orlando’s finest amalgamation of all things creative. Credit: Image via Orlando FringeCheck out at the show dogs at the AKC National Championship
These very good boys and girls take over the Orange County Convention Center every December. Credit: Photo via akc.orgHang out on Wekiva Island
Reserve a cabana at Wekiva Island and make new friends while partying your ass off. Credit: Photo via Wekiva Island/FacebookCruise through Winter Park’s canals
Scenic boat tours of Winter Park’s waterways launch hourly starting at 10 a.m. every single day. Sit back and learn about this beautiful part of town and its best sights to see. Credit: Winter Park Boat Tours/FacebookTake advantage of the Melrose Center at the downtown library
Sign up to use a photography studio, a video production studio, an audio recording studio, 3-D printers, interactive whiteboards and myriad other creative tools at the Orlando Public Library’s technology hub for extremely reasonable prices. Like, extremely reasonable prices. Credit: Photo courtesy Orange County Library System/Facebook
