Last week we looked at fun ways to explore the outdoors for under $10 a car load, and this week we’re looking at fun ways to beat the heat with free (or mostly free) indoor activities for the kids.
On the Go in MCO: Indoor Activities for Kids
Free Bowling All Summer Long
Aloma Bowl: 2530 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792
Until September 5, 2021, children 15 and under can play two free games of bowling with the purchase of shoe rentals Monday through Friday from 11 am – 5 pm.
Online registration in advance is required and a parent or guardian must be present but they do not need to pay to take advantage of this offer.
While the Orange County Liberty Service programming may look a little different than it has in the past, they are still offering families free activities and incentives for summer reading!
With your OCLS library card you can attend their Summer Livestream Series of performances, learn new crafts, and kids can enjoy their own events where learning is fun.
And we can’t talk about the Library without mentioning a Summer Reading Program, and there’s still time for kids to join Tales & Tails!
Kids, ages 6 to 12, can participate in virtual events, track your reading and complete fun activities right at home to earn badges.
Also this summer, OCLS is working with Orange County Public Schools Food & Nutrition Services to offer grab-n-go meals at no charge to children and young adults under 18. Check out the locations here.
Museums with a Local Flair
Orlando is home to some amazing museum, and throughout the city you can find smaller museums that focus on the history of our area.
These hidden gems are all free, and are guaranteed to give your entire family a new appreciation for the City Beautiful!
You can find even more events as you are On the Go in MCO as well as theme park news and tips by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
This summer I am going to be sharing fun ways you can be On the Go in MCO to help bust boredom and break you out of your routine stops!
I’m going to start this series with a look at how you can explore the outdoors for under $10 a car load…that’s right! All of these things are either free or under $10 for the entire family!!!
On the Go in MCO: Fun Ways to Explore the Outdoors
Let’s start our adventures On the Go in MCO at Kelly Park which features a free-flowing natural spring (68 degrees year-round), full-service concession, picnic pavilions, and playground.
Tube rentals are available from vendors outside the park, but guests may bring their own pool noodles or floats that must be less than five feet in length or width.
It’s important to notes that the waterfront closes one hour prior to park closing and that during the summer, inclement weather can affect park operations.
The park does reach capacity almost every day, so you will want to arrive before the park opens to secure your place in line.
Park Admission Fee: $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people; $5 per vehicle for 3-8 people; and $1 for additional person/walk-ins/motorcycles/bikes. No pets and no alcohol.
If you want to walk on the wild side, the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is the place to go!
The drive is a one-way, 11-mile drive meandering through the eastern portion of the Lake Apopka North Shore Park.
The trail, which has an accompanying drive-through audio tour, begins at Lust Road and ends on Jones Avenue in Orange County, Florida.
The drive takes 1–3 hours, depending on the usage and how many stops visitors choose to make along the way.
The speed limit is 10 mph and the maximum vehicle length is 25 feet, and please not that they do not allow trailers.
There are a few restrooms and picnic pavilion are available on the property, but there is no drinking water provided.
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive entrance gate is open between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays. All vehicles must exit the drive by 5 p.m.
Big Tree Park is an 11-acre park that is part of the Spring Hammock Preserve, located on the beautifully shaded General Hutchison Parkway between U.S. 17-92 and State Road 427 in Longwood.
The park is a step back in time and a popular tourist destination, and it also serves as a Trailhead for the Cross Seminole Trail.
On the Go In MCO Explore the Great Outdoors Big Tree Park Boardwalk
Guests can walk through a natural hydric hammock swamp and then make their way on the boardwalk to the former site of “The Senator”: an approximately 3,500-year-old National Champion Bald Cypress Tree that was lost to fire in January of 2012.
A memorial has since been developed and includes interpretive signage along the newly renovated boardwalk, a playground piece that mimics a bald cypress tree stump, and a clone of “The Senator” that was planted near the playground called “The Phoenix.”
Big Tree Park is also home to the Senator’s sister tree, “Lady Liberty”, an approximately 2,000 year old Bald Cypress Tree.
Once called Acuera, or “Healing Waters,” by Mayaca Indians who inhabited the area, De Leon Springs is a place to cool off in clear waters, roam trails through a lush subtropical forest that features a massive old-growth bald cypress tree, and immerse oneself in a rich history.
A highlight of a visit to De Leon Springs State Park is a swim in the 72-degree spring water where depths range from 18 inches to 30 feet at the spring boil.
The swimming area is approximately 500 feet in circumference; swimming nine laps around the pool would be about a mile.
No lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk year-round.
No swimming is permitted in Spring Garden Run.
Pets are not allowed in the sunbathing area.
The swimming area will be closed when lightning is detected within six miles.
Floats and rafts are allowed in the swimming area; however, flotation devices cannot exceed 5 feet for a circle or 4 feet by 6 feet for a rectangle.
In addition to swimming, you can enjoy snorkeling, wildlife viewing, boat & kayak launches, fishing, hiking, and more at the park!
Admission Fee: $6 per vehicle: 2-8 people, $4 per vehicle: one person only, $4 per motorcycle, and $2 per person for pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers
You can find even more events as you are On the Go in MCO as well as theme park news and tips by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
Our adventures around Orlando took us to the Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park, and I have always seen my photographer friends post the most stunning wedding and portrait sessions here.
I wanted to go see it for myself after seeing their wonderful photos, and I am so happy that we did as it is a beautiful little gem of a park!
The Kraft Azalia Garden is a 5.22-acre public park that is located on the shore of Lake Maitland, making it so secluded and unique!
The park is full of beautiful and enormous cypress trees that provide a wonderful canopy for shade.
We visited on quite a hot Florida day, and the trees provide much relief while we walked around comfortably!
From what I have seen and heard about this place, it can get extremely busy, especially on weekends when there are more photographers and people heading over for picnics with their families.
Luckily, we went on a Monday afternoon and it was super quiet and peaceful, we even saw a group practicing, what I assume, was Tai Chi in the middle.
The views by the water were just spectacular, not only can you nosey at the gorgeous homes over the water but you can watch boaters and jet skiers going by, it was so peaceful!
My favorite area by far is the Exedra monument, it is located right by the waterfront to get those perfect idyllic photos. On the weekends, I can imagine this spot would be hard to get to, due to the professional shoots going on as its such a main feature of the park! The Exedra can also be reserved for events like wedding ceremonies at sunset, for up to 20 guests and can be reserved by calling 407-599-3334.
Don’t forget to look up when you’re here, because the views are quite stunning with the tall trees all around you. The park is actually home to a very large banyan tree. These trees are native to India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan and often planted around temples as it is considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. It is quite unusual to have one here locally as it generally only grows in USDA Plant Hardiness zones 10-12 which begin in an area south of Miami…the more you know!
Some have said that this tree may be the northern-most Banyan tree in the state. It is believed that the tree was planted in Kraft Azalea Garden when int was developed in 1938. Notable nurseryman Martin Daetwyler was hired to design the garden by well-known residents George and Maud Kraft, Mayor Frederick Cady, Forney Shepard, Leonard Hackney and Mrs. C. F. Ward.
On the way in to the gardens, it is hard to miss the sounds coming from the trees right by the entrance! At this time of the year, they are absolutely covered with great egrets nesting! Breeding for these birds occurs in the spring and they congregate into colonial nesting areas known as rookeries. These dense aggregations of nests are typically found in low trees near or over water. Winter park is fortunate to have a rare urban rookery for this stately bird. Every year between late February and early June, up to 50 nesting pairs of great egrets gather at Kraft Azalea Garden to begin nesting rituals.
Apparently, the males develop large showy feathers during the nesting seasons, and the females lay two to three eggs, and both parents share feeding duties. Its such a unique opportunity to be able to be up this close to so many at one time, it was such a nice surprise on our visit!
The gardens are open year-round from 8 a.m, until dusk. If you are planning on heading over to take professional photos and portraits, you must obtain a permit ahead of time to operate inside the park. This can be done by heading to www.cityofwinterpark.org/parks.
The Silver Spurs Rodeo will be hosting their annual summer June Rodeo and fans will be treated to seven of rodeo’s traditional events: bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, women’s barrel racing, steer wrestling, and team roping.
Plus, for the first time at the Rodeo, there will be a breakaway roping event! Breakaway roping is a variation of calf roping where the calf is roped but not tied. As soon as the rope breaks off their saddle, the clock is stopped. This is the second Silver Spurs Rodeo event for the women of rodeo, the first being barrel racing.
Part of the June Rodeo tradition includes junior barrel racing and junior bull riding events, featuring young rodeo stars who are ready to get their career started in the Silver Spurs Arena!
Plus, the Silver Spurs Riding Club is bringing back everyone’s favorite before each performance, ‘mutton bustin’ (a sheep riding event for the kids)!
“Every summer, the Silver Spurs Rodeo is how our community kicks off the summer break from school, highlighting our local youth in bull riding, barrel racing, and Quadrille,” said Chris Baker, Big Boss of the Silver Spurs Rodeo. “We have been celebrating this tradition since 1944 in Osceola County. We hope you will join us for one of the longest-running traditions east of the Mississippi.”
Tickets are just $20 per adult and kids 10 and under are FREE for the June Rodeo only, all active and retired military receive FREE admission when showing proof of military service at the Box Office.
All donations go directly to organizations in Osceola County for scholarships, cancer support, veteran needs, and more. All donations are greatly appreciated and can be made on our tickets page.
For more information on how to purchase tickets and rodeo guidelines for a safe rodeo, go to www.silverspursrodeo.com.
All week Wild Florida has been celebrating Florida’s most misunderstood residents, and this Saturday the fun kicks into high gear for National Gator Day.
National Alligator Day – Earlier this year, Wild Florida helped establish National Alligator Day to be recognized annually on May 29, giving alligators the official recognition they deserve! To celebrate, they’re throwing a huge 1st birthday party throughout our Gator Park with balloons, cupcakes, and more to celebrate the 1st EVER National Alligator Day.
Live Band – If you ever need to cool off and take a break from the activities, the Celery String Band will be playing live music throughout the day under our Gator Pavilion.
In addition to these activities, guests can enjoy live demonstrations and more with FREE Gator Park admission to everyone who brings in spare change to benefit Croc Fest.
Peach season is in full swing at Southern Hill Farms, and they have the sweetest deal for their u-pick guests!
For every 5 pounds of u-pick peaches purchased, you’ll receive an additional 2 pounds of pre-picked peaches for FREE, a bonus worth $10!
Sweet and juicy peaches are perfect for sharing with family, friends, neighbors and teachers, they are easy to slice and freeze to use in smoothies and baking, or to simply enjoy as a healthy snack.
This deal is available for the remainder of the season, or while supplies last.
If peaches aren’t your thing, blueberries, zinnias, sunflowers, and vegetables are available.
Southern Hills Farm hours for this weekend are Saturday & Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. Entrance gates close 30 minutes prior to the farm closing.
SeaWorld Orlando’s award-winning summer event, Electric Ocean returns May 28 with more hours of fun featuring new daytime experiences and nighttime favorites.
Electric Ocean brings longer park hours and allows guests to voyage into an exotic underwater world filled with dazzling lights, electrifying dance music, and brilliant evening energy that sparks as the sunsets. (Cause who doesn’t love fireworks???)
There are new shows, entertainment, food, and returning favorites to enjoy!
And with their Memorial Day sale you can save up to 50% on tickets, fun cards, and annual passes!!!
You can find even more events as you are On the Go in MCO as well as theme park news and tips by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
For 10 years Wild Florida, located on Lake Cypress in Kenansville, has been sharing their passion for protecting, conserving, and enhancing Florida’s diverse ecosystem including the often misunderstood alligators.
To help share their knowledge and to foster an appreciation for some of Florida’s most misunderstood residents, Wild Florida will once again host its annual Gator Week from May 24 to 29, offering special programming with FREE Gator Park admission to everyone who brings in spare change (more on this in a moment).
During Gator Week Wild Florida focuses on educating guests, debunking common myths, and developing a more positive attitude towards these reptiles through unique experiences highlighting alligator behaviors.
Sam Haught, co-owner of Wild Florida, announced, “We look forward to this event all year, and we’re excited to celebrate alligators with visitors in new and fun ways. From alligator cake decorating contests to gator jumpathons, we love that these demonstrations and activities build a connection between our guests and our environment in creative and unique ways.”
Highlights of Gator Week 2021
May 24, 2021: Alligator Expert – Despite their tough exterior, alligators and crocodiles get sick just the same as we do. Join Wild Florida experts in the Gator Pavilion at 1 p.m. to hear about the different ailments they experience and how they are treated.
May 26, 2021: Gator Jumpathon Contest – People often think alligators can only hunt for food that happens to go for a swim, but their powerful tails can help propel half of their body out of the water and into the air. During the Gator Jumpathon contest, you’ll get to experience what it’s like to hunt and jump for your food. Want to join the fun? Sign-up to participate! After you sign-up, a Wild Florida team member will reach out to you with the Gator Jumpathon details for the day so you’ll get to see what it’s like to jump for your food like an alligator!
May 28, 2021: “Gator Green” Pie Eating Contest – Alligators can only use their mighty jaws to bite and hold on to their food. Unlike humans, they aren’t able to pick up and grab their food with their hands. The alligator-themed pie-eating contestwill allow guests to unleash their inner alligator! Want to join the fun? Sign-up to participate! After you sign-up, a Wild Florida team member will reach out to you with the “Gator Green: Pie Eating Contest details for the day to see who can eat a green pie the fastest WITHOUT using your hands!
May 29, 2021: National Alligator Day – Earlier this year, Wild Florida helped establish a National Alligator Day to be recognized annually on May 29, giving alligators the official recognition they deserve. To celebrate, they’re throwing a huge 1st birthday party throughout their Gator Park with balloons, cupcakes, and more to celebrate the 1st EVER National Alligator Day.
This Gator Week is also extra special as Wild Florida’s adult albino alligators, Snowflake and Blizzard, have produced their third batch of eggs.
At the end of Gator Week, Wild Florida will also celebrate the inaugural #NationalAlligatorDay on Saturday, May 29th.
So what about the spare change? During Gator Week, Wild Florida is trying to collect Crusher’s (their largest alligator) weight in spare change to benefit Croc Fest.
Be sure to check out www.GatorWeek.com for the full schedule of events.
Did you know that Lake Apopka has a Wildlife Drive? This drive is a one-way 11-mile drive that snakes (no pun intended) through the property. It begins on Lust Road and ends on Jones Avenue.
The drive is completely free, but they do welcome online donations to assist with recreation maintenance. There are little QR code signs throughout that you can scan from your car and it will take you to the donation page.
When you first drive in you can pick up a leaflet that gives you some more information, and they also let you know there are signs throughout the drive with QR codes that can be scanned to listen to their audio tour.
The speed limit is 10 MPH but there are plenty of places if you wanted to pull over to look at something as they just ask that you don’t stop and block the road. This was hard at times because the road can get quite narrow with water on either side, so if someone up front stopped we all had to. I was fine with this because it meant there was going to be something cool to check out at that spot once we reached it!
As you drive along, you get the opportunity to see so much wildlife, we chose a rainy day so we didn’t get too may gator sightings, I’ve seen people post gators all along the sides of the road they were driving down at times! Which sounds crazy but you’re inside your vehicles so its safe and such an opportunity!
We did get to see some close up including a really large one, I’m not going to guess how many feet it was but it was huge even from a distance!
A lot of people come here to bird watch, it is one of the top three birding areas for the entire state (includes Everglades National Park and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge).
The Lake Apopka North Shore, where the wildlife drive goes through, is considered one of the most renowned birding destinations in Florida, with 369 different bird species.
During the winter months, more than 150 species regularly use the property, from snowy herons and egrets to numerous tiny warblers and flycatchers. Other wildlife commonly seen include numerous American alligators, bobcats, otters, bears, raccoons, armadillos, and coyotes. I really wish I had seen some of the otters!
It was really something you could do with the whole family as you are driving slow enough for the kids to be by the window if you feel comfortable, which our daughter really enjoyed looking out and searching for the different wildlife.
There are a few restrooms along the way which is helpful as the drive could take up to three hours depending on how many stops you make along the way. There are also a few picnic pavilions so you can get out and stretch your legs and stop for some lunch together. The locations are all listed on the trail guide map. You can bring dogs but they must remain on a leash at all times.
There are also areas marked as a white trail suitable for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding on a 6-mile loop on Clay Island.
The wonderful part of this trail is that I feel that each time you visit, it will be a completely different experience. One time you may see gators, another time many species of birds, so it’s somewhere you could visit again and never be bored. I feel it’s so wonderful they did this trail, I wish I had heard about it sooner, but I will definitely be coming back often, I need to see some otters still!
The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive entrance gate is open between 7 a.m and 3 p.m on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. All vehicles must exit the drive by 5 p.m. You can find more information on their website.
Gatorland Orlando is inviting guests on Saturday, May 15th, and Sunday, May 16th, for Gatorpalooza Fun Fest!
There’ll be live music, artisans and craft vendors, fun, games, giveaways, and all the alligators and awesomeness that a day at Gatorland has to offer!
You especially won’t want to miss Saturday’s Florida Man Challenge, and Sunday’s Turkey Dog Toss with the Gatorland Vlog team at the Breeding Marsh.
Best of all, this extra fun is included with regular admission!
And if you are a Florida resident that means you receive 50% off Single Day admissions with your Florida I.D. at the gate!
May 14 to 16, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Friday until 5:00 pm)
The Winter Park sidewalk art festival is one of the nations oldest, largest, and most prestigious outdoor fine arts and fine crafts festivals. Organized and run by a dedicated group of volunteers, the juried show is nationally recognized and named the #5 fine art show in the country by sunshine artist magazine.
The festival features all original artwork that has been designed and executed by the exhibiting artists during the past two years.
The show is conveniently located in central park, a beautifully landscaped area whose surrounding streets are closed during the festival to allow for foot traffic only.
Many artist booths line Winter Park’s Park Avenue, the heart of a charming downtown with brick lined streets, unique boutique shops, and multiple outdoor cafés in bistros.
Attendance usually exceeds 350,000 people for the three day event. There are no more than 225 artist selected for participation each year.
The Winter Park side walk art festival has provided the info graphic below for some information that’s helpful to know before you go.
Experience all the color and culture in a new way as this festive, family-friendly Latin celebration returns to SeaWorld Orlando.
Viva la Música is included with park admission and runs for two Saturdays and Sundays only, May 15 – 23.
From the hottest Latin entertainment to the coolest attractions and animal adventures, these will be two unforgettable weekends at SeaWorld.
Foodies won’t want to miss the event-exclusive dishes, families will enjoy dance lessons with Rosita from Sesame Street, and you won’t be able to stop dancing with music throughout the park.
Don’t let the sound, spice, and spirit of this special event pass you by.
You can find even more events as you are On the Go in MCO as well as theme park news and tips by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
As part of an aggressive relaunch leading up to its centennial celebration in 2024, the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) announces three new initiatives: a series of six major upcoming exhibitions featuring works of noted artists: Rembrandt, Botticelli, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jackson Pollock; plans for renovation and repair of the Museum’s current Loch Haven location as well as plans for an expansion of the Museum’s footprint to include space in downtown Orlando.
“We are celebrating our 2024 centennial with a commitment to be an even greater force in our community with two locations, highly regarded and sought-after works of art, and ultimately, a new dimension of unforgettable experiences at Orlando Museum of Art,” said Cynthia Brumback, Chair of the OMA Board of Trustees.
The new Orlando Museum of Art exhibits begin late September, including:
Luces y Sombras: Mexican Photography from the Bank of America Collection;
Cathedrals of Florida: Masterworks by Clyde Butcher;
Connoisseurship and Collecting: European Old Master Paintings, which notably features the earliest-known Rembrandt painting and Masterworks from the Bob Jones University, Museum & Gallery, Inc.: Reading and Understanding Old Master Paintings, featuring Botticelli’s Madonna and Child.
As a further nod to the robust exhibition planning of the Museum, it will also present 25 never-before published or exhibited paintings by noted African American artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose paintings have sold for over $100 million apiece.
Following the initial rollout, the Museum will unveil a singular, never-before-published masterpiece in January 2022, a signature massive drip painting from 1949 by the greatest American artist, Jackson Pollock, Jackson Pollock and the Comstock Pollock: Newly Discovered, First Time Exhibited.
These exhibits represent a departure from the Museum’s usual contemporary offerings and demonstrate a bold new vision which incorporates attention to traditional and other highly sought-after works of art as well.
The Museum’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to file a letter of intent to pursue a downtown expansion as part of the SDG, LLC and Summa Development Group, LLC planned 33-story, 1 million-square-foot modern glass tower at Church, Lake and Pine Streets. The development sits on a three-story glass cube and comprises penthouses, condominiums, a luxury hotel and a cutting-edge contemporary restaurant.
The potential expansion would be an extension of the current Loch Haven footprint, featuring interactive educational facilities, offices, visitor services and notably, 30,000 square feet of additional exhibition space which would house some of the new exhibits and new collections.
“The initiatives we are pursuing are transformational, representing a bold, new vision for Orlando Museum of Art while simultaneously re-positioning us to make a deeper investment into our community both culturally and economically,” said OMA Director & CEO Dr. Aaron De Groft. “We are confident our donors and constituents will appreciate and be equally motivated to help bring this vision to life and we look forward to realizing these plans while continuing our dedication to be inclusive and equitable within our community.”
Keep up with the latest entertainment news around Orlando by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, the region’s oldest and largest animal welfare agency, is excited to announce the return of their popular pet festival – Paws in the Park – to Lake Eola Park in Downtown Orlando on Saturday, May 8, 2021, starting at 10 am.
Pet parents and pet lovers are all invited to join together with their fur children and fur friends for the fun-filled, free event, which features a full day of both “human” and “canine” activities, food, and fun, like lure courses for big and small dogs, photo stations, doggy fun zone, costume contest, vendor marketplace, food trucks, Pet Alliance swag, plus plenty of pet adoption opportunities.
You can keep celebrating Cinco de Mayo at SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food festival May 7 -9!!!
During this special celebration, included with theme park admission, guests can experience:
FIESTA IN THE STREET – The Wild Arctic Plaza comes to life as entertainers, stilt walkers, and party starters get this full-blown fiesta going.
12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
DJ DANCE PARTY – Get your feet moving at this fun-filled party (with physical distancing) as we spin new and old beats throughout the day.
12:00 p.m. – 6 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC – Immerse yourself in the traditional music of Mexico as classic bands bring their beautiful and bold sounds to Orlando.
12:00 p.m. – 6 p.m.
MEXICAN FLAVORS – Savor new and classic tastes as part of our Seven Seas Food Festival including our take on a classic Elote dish, drunken shrimp tostadas, beef barbacoa tacos, and delicious beer and cocktails.
Through June 27, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is offering free admission for U.S. military veterans and their families to its SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, and SeaWorld San Diego parks with their Waves of Honor program.
U.S. military veterans and retirees must register their complimentary single-day ticket(s) for themselves and up to three dependents online at www.WavesofHonor.com before May 16.
Leu Gardens, 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL
Enjoy this special day with your mom in the beautiful 50-acre gardens.
Stroll the winding pathways and discover all the amazing gardens including Florida’s largest rose garden which is in full bloom during the month of May. Moms receive free admission on this very special day.
Peak Season Pops will be selling delicious treats!
You can find even more events as you are On the Go in MCO as well as theme park news and tips by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
The Orlando Odditorium is growing its collection in collaboration with Guinness World Records to bring another first to Orlando!
After shattering her own record, Ayanna Williams decided it was time to cut ties with her famous fingernails. The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title holder for longest fingernails on a pair of hands (female) at 733.55 cm (24 ft .07 in) has handed over her curious cuticles to Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, where they will forever be immortalized in the entertainment company’s Odditorium.
Through a collaboration between Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Guinness World Records, the Texas native’s final measurements were taken before she had to wave goodbye to her precious pincers. Measuring 338.5 cm on her right hand and 395.05 cm on her left, it was confirmed that Ayanna not only still held the title, but actually broke her own record set back in 2017!
After nearly 30 years growing what she referred to as “her babies,” Ayanna’s nails were finally clipped by certified dermatologist Dr. Allison Readinger in a 45-minute procedure in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 26.
Ripley’s is no stranger to bizarre barbs. In 2018, the company acquired the nails of Shridhar Chillal, the longest fingernails ever recorded on a single hand. When last measured, Chillal’s nails had a combined length of 909.6 cm (29 ft 10.1 in)!
If you haven’t been to the Ripley’s Orlando Odditorium, it’s where you can marvel at hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts and get hands-on with unbelievable interactives.
The excitement of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo returns to Osceola County, bringing a level of rodeo competition unlike any other to the dirt-covered floor of the Silver Spurs Arena.
Rodeo Fans will see 200+ circuit champions from across the US and Canada vie for $1 million in cash and prizes while trying to leave their mark on history.
Plus, local vendors will be on-site for shopping and selling local merchandise.
The City of Tavares 13th Annual PLANES, TUNES & BBQ will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 9th, 10th, and 11th in Wooton Park, Tavares.
The family friendly event features live music, a twilight airshow, seaplane competitions, BBQ, vendors, family fun zone, fireworks, and more!
We will be kicking off the festivities Friday evening with live music, BBQ, and merchandise vendors.
On Saturday, the savory smell of BBQ won’t be the only thing soaring through the air…the seaplanes will be arriving to participate in our Seaplane-A-Palooza flying competitions. You don’t won’t to miss the crowd favorite “melon bomb drop” contest!
Following the contests, Derek Trull & Easy Street will bring you to your feet with a variety of soulful favorites.
The Kennedy Wood Band will then return to the stage before the AeroShell Aerobatic team take flight in the twilight sky.
Jaws are sure to drop! After the fireworks, move your eyes to the stage and get ready for the roaring energy and unique, bluesy rock ‘n roll, southern soulful style of A Thousand Horses performing!
Get up close to 300+ of the world’s most exotic cars, race cars and Hollywood movie cars, all lined up for concours judging along Celebration’s spectacular lakefront promenade in this premier concours event.
Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Lotus, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Spyker, Saleen, McLaren, Pantera, DeLorean, and other ultra-exotic marques will be displayed and judged, culminating with an awards presentation starting at 3pm, where the owners will drive their winning cars across the red carpet to receive their trophy!
This year, Pagani is featured! Come out to the Concours of Exotic Cars on Saturday, April 10th to see the Pagani Zonda, the Zonda R, Huayra, Huayra Roadster, and Huayra BC, and meet Horacio Pagani, legendary designer and founder of Pagani Automobili!
From foodies to families, everyone will find tasty delights among more than 200 distinct (and mostly new this year!) offerings at the biggest theme park food festival in Orlando.
You can take a break from enjoying more than 50 fresh global cuisine choices to paired with over 75 wine and cocktail selections and 75 craft beers to rock out with free concerts at Bayside Stadium.
This weekend Craig Morgan will be performing on Sunday, April 11th. If you want to make sure you have a seat, it’s just $9.99 for reserved seating in advance. Also, the concert will be broadcasted in the park.
You can find even more events as you are On the Go in MCO as well as theme park news and tips by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
It’s Easter weekend in the City Beautiful, which makes it the perfect weekend to be On the Go in MCO spending time together as a family having fun and celebrating the season.
Here are a few ways you can be On the Go in MCO April 2-3, 2021!
Cox Media Group and the City of Orlando are proud to welcome the return of Spring Fiesta in the Park, April 3rd & 4th, 2021 at Lake Eola Park.
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, the tradition returns for its 32nd year to showcase the beauty of springtime at Lake Eola.
Mingle with artists and crafters from around the country as they line the streets around the park, savor the flavors from a variety of food vendors, and enjoy live entertainment for the whole family.
The Fiesta in the Park Committee is diligently working to ensure the health and safety of patrons, staff, and artists by closely following CDC, State of Florida, and Health Department guidelines. The event area has been expanded to allow more space and comfort, face masks will be required by all event participants, hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the park, and each booth will include hand sanitizer while being spaced for social distancing.
Visit www.fiestainthepark.com for the most up to date information and full Covid-19 safety guidelines.
Community Presbyterian Church, 511 Celebration Ave, Kissimmee, FL, 34747
Saturday, April 3, 2021, from 10 am – 5 pm
Celebration will be the place to hop on over to if you need any last minute Easter basket goodies!
The fair is also your chance to support crafters impacted by the theme park industry.
With over 50 vendors you are sure to find the perfect treasure!
You can find even more events as you are On the Go in MCO as well as theme park news and tips by following @onthegoinmco on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube!
Did you know that Winter Garden has a self-serve honey farm? I had heard about it, but I hadn’t had a chance to go take a look yet, so I ventured out to find it as I love supporting local businesses!
The farm is located at 9816 Tower Pine Drive, Winter Garden and they are open everyday 6am-9pm (although the website states 7am-7pm so make sure to check). It is completely self serve so make sure you bring cash or check as they are the only forms accepted here and it features a locked box for payment.
They have 24 hour video surveillance and request no one under 18 enters without an adult.
They advertise the finest local honey, their raw honey is 100% pure, with nothing added or subtracted, no high-heat or force-filtering techniques are used with their honey.
Inside, you will find Orange Blossom Honey, Palmetto Honey and Brazilian Pepper Honey in a variety of sizes in bottles and jars. All the pricing is on their website, and posted inside the stand.
You can see some older historic photos from this local family business posted inside. Bob started keeping bees back in 1968 at the age of 8. At age 15 he started his first Honey Company in Windermere, Florida in 1975. He moved around after this to finally settle back in Florida in Winter Garden, where he launched Winter Garden Honey Farm with his family.
They also sell Beeswax candles and honey sticks in various sizes and packaging. They also have an Observation Beehive inside, they had it cleaned last summer and not had chance to put the bees back in, but they hope to get it back up and running this summer. I would love to see that! It has 27 large frames, three frames across at 9 levels. It is this large because typically observation beehives are only a single frame width, which usually means the bees can not store enough food to survive or get over crowded and they swarm out.
As you can see from the shelves, some of their stock is low. According to their website, Orange Blossom Honey will only be sold in 2lb, 1lb, 8oz and 2oz as it is almost sold out until mid-April. Palmetto Honey is also running low, they only have what is on their shelves right now and this will return to shelves mid-June. They still have 8oz and 2oz for this one.
Don’t forget, the stand is open everyday 6am-9pm (website does state 7am-7pm) and it is cash or check only, they do have a collection of pens to write them out, along with some hand sanitizer for afterwards.
You can check out their website http://wghoney.com and if you have any questions you can call Bob himself on 407-454-0866.
You can also check out their Facebook page where they update daily and have some fun content!
Kids of all ages will want to hop to and get to the Central Florida Zoo on April 3.
The Zoo’s favorite springtime event, Hippity Hop Adventure, is back. The event is presented by VyStar Credit Union.
The springtime celebration will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 3, 2021, featuring fun for the entire family.
During the festivities, guests can hop along the Egg Trail, where they’ll make Bunny Stops to collect eggs, do crafts and play games. At the end of their egg-cellent adventure, they’ll be able to meet the Easter Bunny himself.
The fun doesn’t stop at the Egg Trail. The Zoo will have music inside the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, an inflatable obstacle course for the kids to enjoy and much more! Entertainment and activities are sponsored by Publix Charities.
“Hippity Hop Adventure is one of our favorite events for family fun at the Zoo,” said Dino Ferri, CEO. “We’re thankful to VyStar Credit Union and Publix Charities for helping us make it possible and look forward to a safe and fun day.”
Guests are encouraged to bring baskets to collect their treats. Face coverings or masks that fully cover the mouth and nose are required for all Zoo guests age 13 and up and are recommended for those 12 and under.
All events and activities are included in Central Florida Zoo admission. Annual Pass blackout dates will apply, and admission for Annual Pass Holders will be $5 per named person on each Annual Pass.
