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“I like when everybody’s knees are almost touching and it feels very intimate,” the Barefoot Contessa host says. Garten’s new memoir is Be Ready When the Luck Happens.
(Image credit: Austin Hargrave)
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Author: Tonya Mosley
Orlando‘s major amusement parks can be famously expensive. If you’ve squandered most of your vacation budget on tickets to see the Mouse, there’s still plenty you can find in Orlando that costs absolutely nothing.
Here are the best things to do in Orlando for free.
Editor’s note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Check the latest guidance in the US before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice.
This tiny lakeside museum (accredited by the American Alliance of Museums) sits on the campus of Rollins College and houses US, European and Latin American art. Among the highlights are some exquisite old European Masterworks, as well as a good-sized contemporary collection. The collection is on display both here at the museum and at the nearby Alfond Inn, a college-owned boutique hotel. Both have guided tours for visitors, and the museum hosts many other events throughout the year.
Admission to the museum is free, but registration for a time slot is required for all guests.
Stretching along the shore of Lake Buena Vista, the Disney Springs’ smart outdoor pedestrian mall lures tourists with a huge number of restaurants, bars, music venues and shops.
This is also where you’ll find the stage show Drawn to Life and the largest Disney store in the world. There’s a Disney-styled party atmosphere, particularly on the weekends, with street performers dancing on stilts, parents pushing strollers loaded with Disney shopping bags, and hundreds upon hundreds of people enjoying the waterside drinking and excellent cuisine.
Although most of the restaurants and bars will have a Disney premium added to prices, the experience of soaking in the atmosphere is absolutely free.
When Orlandoans want to wax lyrical about how beautiful their city is, a lot of them will point you to Winter Park, a bucolic town (well, city) north of Downtown founded in the mid-19th century as a winter getaway for wealthy northerners. The town grew up around liberal-arts school Rollins College, Florida’s oldest institute of higher learning. Here are some of Orlando’s best-kept secrets, including the city’s best art museum and some of the most talked about restaurants in town, all within a few shaded, pedestrian-friendly streets. Shops, wine bars and sidewalk cafes line Park Ave.
Internationally famous, this stunning and delightful museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany art. Highlights include the chapel interior designed by the artist for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago; 10 galleries filled with architectural and art objects from Tiffany’s Long Island home, Laurelton Hall; and an installation of the Laurelton’s Daffodil Terrace.
The museum is free on Fridays in November in December; admission is $6 the rest of the year.
With pretty Lake Eola as its backdrop, the Orlando Farmers Market is where locals and visitors alike come to sample local produce, buy handmade jewelry and catch live entertainment at the wine and beer garden every Sunday at noon. Leashed dogs are welcome (look for vendors specializing in homemade pet treats).
Free street parking is within walking distance, and paid parking garages are nearby on South Osceola Ave and North Eola Drive.
As far back as 1881, Winter Park’s Hannibal Square was home to African Americans employed as carpenters, farmers and household help. The Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of West Winter Park 1900–1980, on permanent display at this little museum, celebrates and preserves this community’s culture and history.
Across the canal from the three theme parks is CityWalk, Universal’s entertainment district comprising a pedestrian mall with restaurants, clubs, bars, the best multiplex movie theater in town, miniature golf and shops. Live music and mucho alcohol sums up the entertainment options here. Although nights can be packed with partying 20-somethings, bachelorette parties and general drunken mayhem, there’s a distinct family-friendly vibe and several bars have reasonable food. Oh, and although it feels like a partying theme park in its own right, you can come here even if you’re not visiting the Universal theme parks.
This quiet 5.22-acre lakeside park features enormous cypress trees and numerous walking trails. It’s particularly stunning January through March, when the azaleas burst into bloom. There’s a dock, but no barbecues or picnic tables.
The quarter-mile-long Disney’s BoardWalk area is located across from Epcot and along Crescent Lake. It’s designed to echo a waterfront promenade of turn-of-the-century New England seaside resorts. On Thursday to Saturday evenings magicians, jugglers and musicians give a festive vibe, and there are a handful of good restaurants and bars. Pick up a doughnut or cute li’l Mickey Mouse cakes at the bakery, and toot around on a surrey-with-the-fringe-on-top bike.
Far less harried and crowded than Disney Springs, Disney World‘s entertainment district is free to the public, and the bridge connecting the boardwalk to the Yacht and Beach club is a good spot to watch the Epcot fireworks.
Winter Park’s historic train station, with its original brick walls and massive vintage wooden sliding doors, houses the Saturday morning Winter Park Farmers’ Market. You’ll find local cheeses and honey, flowers and herbs, along with several excellent stands selling baked goods, spread out in the station and through the gardens.
It’s a small market, but a lovely spot to people-watch over a cup of coffee or an organic Popsicle.
Florida’s largest premium winery sits on a 127-acre estate about 25 miles northwest of downtown Orlando. Every year, it produces nearly a million bottles of table and sparkling wines from muscadine and hybrid grapes.
The daily tours and tastings at the winery are completely free. The 45-minute experience includes a 15-minute video followed by a tour of the production area and a peek at the expanse of the vineyard. It also hosts a free music series throughout the year, as well as a free open house during the holidays. It’s about 25 miles northwest of downtown Orlando, just off Florida’s Turnpike in the townland of Clermont.
This little city park sits between downtown and Thornton Park. A paved sidewalk circles the water, there’s a waterfront playground and you can rent swan paddleboats ($15 for 30 minutes). To see the real thing, keep an eye out for white swans and other birds that live in the park. A paved .9-mile walkway encircles the park.
Consistent shade, convenient location and a fenced-in playground make it an ideal escape for families. Street parking is found all around the park.
Dedicated to Florida writer and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston (1881–1960), who was born in Eatonville and is famous for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, this tiny one-room museum features changing exhibits of African American artists.
While the museum itself attracts folks with particular interests in the author, African American studies or a specific exhibit, the Zora! Festival held here attracts thousands for a multiday family-friendly celebration every January.
Where to find accessible Florida adventures
Top 16 beaches in Florida
Florida’s 7 best natural springs for year-round adventure
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Author: Jason Parham
You’re probably planning to come to Orlando to join the crowds at the theme parks, but when is the best time to do that? And what else is happening in Orlando itself, a city of lovely tree-lined neighborhoods with a rich performing arts scene? From high season to low, here’s a monthly guide to what you can expect through the year in Orlando, including the best events at the theme parks and in the city.
Editor’s note: during COVID-19 there may be additional travel restrictions. Check the latest guidance in Florida before planning a trip, and always follow local government health advice. All events are subject to change.
Best time for festival-goers
March to April is peak tourism season thanks to spring breakers. The summer is also one of Orlando’s busiest times, full of holiday crowds, and lots of festivals. It’s hot and humid, with temperatures often above 90°F (32°C).
Best time for fewer crowds
Crowds thin and prices drop in May after the spring break. The masses also diminish after Labor Day (first Monday in September), except for Halloween festivities. Lodging prices plummet, but the summer sizzle fades.
Best time for budget travelers
Christmas through early January draws massive theme-park crowds. Otherwise, this is low-season, with plenty of accommodation bargains. Temperatures can dip below freezing, although this is rare.
Crowds still flock to the theme parks in early January, but beyond that, it’s fairly quiet. Temperatures are cooler, with a high of around 72ºF (22ºC). Accommodations are usually cheaper mid-January onwards, although it’s always worth booking ahead, no matter what time of year you visit.
Key events: Martin Luther King, Jr Day, Walt Disney World Marathon, Zora Festival.
Theme parks are less crowded, and temperatures are pleasant, reaching 75ºF (24ºC). Head north to Blue Spring State Park where manatees may be spotted in the winter months and into the early spring. Whether it falls in late February or early March, Fat Tuesday inspires parties statewide.
Key events: Presidents Day, Mardi Gras, Seaworld Seven Seas Food Festival, Super Block Party.
Throughout March to mid-April, American colleges release students for one-week spring breaks. While they are mainly drawn to the beaches, Orlando and the theme parks will also start to fill up with visitors. Modest temps and dry weather make for an ideal time to hike and camp.
Key events: St Patrick’s Day Street Party, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Orlando Whiskey Festival.
Expect the sky to be blue and the sun to be shining. Spring break crowds are still hitting the theme parks until around mid-April, but the rest of Orlando and around may not be all that busy. The Florida Film Festival held in Winter Park celebrates independent films and is fast becoming one of the largest festivals in the southeast.
Key events: Florida Film Festival, Fiesta in the Park.
There are fewer crowds, but it’s starting to get hot in May, and you can expect highs of 88ºF (31ºC) with the occasional brief rain shower. Look out for Cinco de Mayo street parties in downtown.
Key events: Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, International Fringe Festival, Caribbean Food and Music Festival.
Summer holiday crowds are here! Get in early at the theme parks, and try to stay cool in the heat. Starting on the first Saturday of June and going for a week, around 170,000 people – especially members of the LGBTIQ+ community – descend on the Magic Kingdom and other Orlando theme parks, hotels and clubs. Bite30, Orlando’s “restaurant week” starts in June and runs for two months.
Key events: Gay Days, Bite30.
Schools are out, the theme parks are packed with people, and the weather is hot and humid. There will be fireworks and laser shows at the parks to mark July 4.
Key events: Independence Day.
Floridians do nothing but crank the A/C inside while foolish tourists swelter and burn at the theme parks – and run from afternoon thundershowers.
Key events: Megacon Orlando, Electric Ocean at SeaWorld.
Weather becomes just a little milder and it’s quieter at the theme parks; look for shoulder season deals in many resorts. Theme parks are starting to run Halloween events this month. This is also the peak of hurricane season, which runs June through November. Travelers should take all hurricane alerts, warnings and evacuation orders seriously
Key events: Labor Day, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
October marks the end of the hurricane season. Halloween events are in full swing at the theme parks, often continuing into early November. Look out for goblins, monsters and mummies all around.
Key events: Columbus Day, Orlando Come out with Pride, Winter Park Autumn Arts Festival, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios.
Tourism hits a spike for a week around Thanksgiving, and temperatures are better for hiking and camping. This is also the start of the region’s manatee season (November to March) when they migrate into the warmer waters of Florida’s freshwater estuaries, rivers and springs. Some Christmas events start running at the theme parks.
Key events: Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Orlando Chili Cook-off.
The few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas mark a quiet period at the theme parks, but there are still plenty of special Christmas-themed events on the go. The temperatures are more manageable, around 75ºF (24ºC).
Key events: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Christmas Day.
Keep planning a trip to Florida:
The best things you can do for free in Orlando
The 8 best beaches in the Florida Keys
The top 15 Florida beaches
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Author: Kate Knibbs
Dylan’s 40-show 1974 tour with The Band produced a live double-album later that year. Now, the music available from that tour has increased dramatically with the release of a new 27-CD set.
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Author: Ken Tucker
A whopping 151.6 million people – that’s over half of Indonesia’s population – call Java home, making it the most populated island on earth.
From soaring peaks and fertile heartlands, to postcard-perfect islands and vivid underwater scenery, Java’s natural landscapes are as astonishing as they are diverse. The urban areas are a real contrast, where booming metropolises are a frenzy of art, culture and history.
With so much to pack in and so much distance to cover, a slower pace is the preferred way to approach it. The rail network is well established and is by far the easiest, most comfortable and most rewarding way of getting around.
Here are the best places to see in Java.
1. Jakarta
Best for shopping and history
Indonesia’s megalopolis of a capital city is a heaving mass of congested roads and skyscrapers. Most people write it off as nothing more than an economic and political hub, but give it a chance and you’ll find centuries of culture and history hidden behind its shiny facades. Dutch heritage can be found in the Old Town, while museums showcase everything from ancient civilisations to traditional textiles. At the opposite end of the city’s luxury malls is Blok M, a sprawling shopping quarter known for its affordable prices, while Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, has open-air markets and street food.
Planning tip: Jakarta has extensive public transport including LRT, MRT and buses, but it’s very busy so avoid traveling on public transport during peak hours if you can.
Best for hiking the famous blue-flamed volcano
At 2769m (9085ft), Kawah Ijen is by no means Indonesia’s tallest volcano. It is, however, one of its most unique thanks to its blue-fire phenomenon that occurs when sulfuric gas comes into contact with the volcano’s intense heat. The trek usually starts late at night or in the early hours of the morning. It typically takes about two hours, but do allow for longer as the trail can get quite steep in parts. At its summit lies the world’s largest acidic crater lake. As tempting as its striking turquoise water is, don’t touch – it can be fatal due to high levels of sulfuric acid.
Planning tip: Banyuwangi is the closest city to Kawah Ijen and the best starting point for the trek. You can get here by ferry from Bali or by train from other cities in Java.
3. Karimunjawa Islands Marine National Park
Best for scuba diving and snorkeling
The powdery white beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Karimunjawa Islands are a world away from the hustle and bustle of mainland Java. Situated off the coast of Central Java, the archipelago is a designated marine park with waters teeming with pristine coral reefs, tropical fish and turtles. The whole area is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, but particularly around the islands of Menjangan Besar and Menjangan Kecil. Swap your fins for walking shoes and stroll through the mangrove forests of Karimunjawa Island, the largest and most developed, keeping an eye out for black-tailed monkeys and red-breasted parakeets as you go.
Planning tip: Ferries run from Jepara or Semarang on the mainland, and speed boats are available for private charter.
Best for Javanese art and culture
Often simplified to just “Jogja,” Yogyakarta’s rich cultural heritage makes it one of those places that attracts every type of visitor, including students, backpackers, families and mature travelers. Once the center of the powerful Kingdom of Mataram, today, Jogja is the only remaining region in Indonesia with a monarch. Catch cultural performances of dance, puppetry and gamelan (Javanese orchestra) at the Kraton, the royal palace, and admire the spectacular pools and gardens at the Water Castle. Get crafty with batik workshops and silversmithing, or shop for bargains along the iconic Malioboro St. Its European-style, vintage street lamp-studded pavements are contrasted with Javanese andong (horse-drawn passenger cart) and street food vendors.
5. Borobudur and Prambanan
Best for ancient archaeological sites
Just over an hour’s drive northwest of Yogyakarta is Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Visit at sunrise or sunset for incredible views from the tiered terraces, the soft light illuminating the decorative panels and Buddha statues.
To the east of Yogyakarta is the Hindu temple complex of Prambanan. Its impressive temples have central chambers that you can enter, each one adorned with scenes from Hindu tales. It’s worth taking a walk around the complex to see the less-visited but equally stunning Sewu Temple.
Local tip: Just 5km (3 miles) from Borobudur is Klipoh Village, known for its pottery production. Visit the many studios, take a pottery class and pick up souvenirs.
Best for nature and temples
Translating to “abode of the Gods,” one glance at the mesmerizing volcanic landscape of the Dieng Plateau and it’s easy to see why it was chosen as a sacred location for Hindu temples back in 7 CE. Pockmarked by crater lakes, hot springs and bubbling mud pools, the scenery is otherworldly, especially during the early mornings when a fine mist envelops the plateau. Take the many walking trails through rolling farmland – potatoes, cabbages and papaya are a staple crop here – and up Gunung Sikunir for views of the whole valley and the volcanoes of Merapi and Merbabu in the distance. Although not as magnificent as Borobudur and Prambanan, the Arjuna temple complex is older than both and well worth a wander around.
7. Bandung
Best for relaxed city life and culinary tourism
Tucked into the hills of West Java, the city of Bandung is jam-packed with art deco architecture, art galleries and colonial Dutch buildings reclaimed by uber-cool coffee shops and clothing boutiques. Unlike other cities in Java, it has a slower pace of life and a distinctly European feel thanks to the tree-lined boulevards and cooler temperatures.
Bandung is a great base for day trips to the countryside. To the north of the city is the mountainous area of Lembang, where the active Tangkuban Prahu volcano is surrounded by sprawling tea plantations, pine tree forests and hot springs. To the south of Bandung are more tea plantations and the milky-blue crater lake of Kawah Putih.
Local tip: Bandung is excellent for foodies, with everything from street eats to high-end dining. Paskal Food Market and Sudirman Street are the best places to try a little bit of everything.
Best for epic volcanic landscapes
Part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, Mt Bromo is easily one of the most picturesque volcanoes in Indonesia. It lies within a colossal ancient caldera, where a handful of splendid peaks rise dramatically from a lunar-like sand sea. At 2329m (7641ft), it may not be the tallest volcano in Java, but it certainly is one of the most active, its crater frequently seen billowing plumes of smoke.
The best part is that no strenuous hiking is required to enjoy the views, as the area is easily accessed by vehicles. Time your visit for sunrise and take in the scenery at the many viewpoints such as King Kong Hill and Seruni. To climb Mt Bromo itself requires taking a 4WD across the sand sea to the base of the mountain where – and this is when an adequate level of fitness is required – steep concrete steps lead up to the crater rim.
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Author: Medea Giordano, Brenda Stolyar
Sharing my full thoughts on Organifi Gold and if it’s worth the hype. If you’re interested in trying any of the Organifi products, this affiliate link will auto-apply my discount code for 20% off.
Hi friends! How are you? How was the weekend? It was a busy one as usual, but it was great. I’m just crossing my fingers that Tucson will finally get the “it’s fall, ya’ll” memo and cool the heck down. It was 108 this weekend!
From late October through May, the weather around here is pretty great. It’s almost like Tucson is reverse hibernation – we hide in the pool and AC all summer – and when cooler weather hits, we’re freeeeeee. It rarely gets *too cold* around here, and the snowbirds descend here in droves, ready to drive 25mph all over the city.
There are so many things I love to do when it finally cools down: more outdoor adventures, hiking, long walks with Maisey, outdoor events and dining, and curling up at night with a mug of my favorite nighttime beverage: Organifi Gold.
(Joggers are here // tank is here)
It’s done posts on Organifi product reviews and Organifi green Vs AG1, so it was time that Gold got its own feature around here.
Organifi Gold is a superfood blend designed for relaxation, sleep support, and potential inflammation reduction. It’s a blend of natural, organic ingredients, and includes adaptogens (which can help our body’s response to stress), magnesium (which can be very calming for the body and brain), and warming spices, like cinnamon, ginger, and tumeric, which can help with inflammation.
I decided to try Gold years ago, mostly as a cocktail or wine replacement. I wanted something to drink at night that would give me the warm cozy feeling without the disrupted sleep and tired morning to follow.
Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Reishi Mushroom: Supports relaxation and sleep.
Ginger: Promotes digestion and reduces nausea.
Lemon Balm: For stress and anxiety.
Turkey Tail Mushroom: Boosts immune function.
Cinnamon: Adds flavor and has antioxidant properties.
Coconut Milk Powder: This gives it an awesome creamy texture
Black Pepper: Enhances absorption of turmeric and other nutrients.
One of my favorite things about Organifi is that they use ingredients are certified organic, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO.
They have SO many products for different functions in the body, and I love trying their newest offerings. (I LOVE the Shilajit gummies and they recently released a prebiotic gummy!)
The standard price for a container (30 servings) is around $70, but you can snag them with my discount using this link.
Compared to similar products in this market, I feel like this price is average, but for exceptional quality. AG1 for example is more expensive, but other products can be found at Whole Foods and Sprouts that I don’t love quite as much.
I think for the cost, it’s absolutely worth it for the quality of ingredients and the potential benefits. A standard container can last for 1-2 months, depending how often you use it. I don’t drink it every night, but I will when I’m feeling particularly stressed and really want a good night’s sleep.
Reishi mushroom and lemon balm can be incredibly calming, in addition to magnesium. Many of us are deficient in magnesium (especially when calcium levels are high!), so I try to add it in where I can.
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory potential is well-known, and this is one of my favorite ayurvedic spices.
Ginger and cinnamon help soothe digestion.
I first tried it years ago and was instantly hooked. I feel like it’s when golden milk lattes started to become more popular, and I wanted to try one without the caffiene. This one is relaxing, so delicious – I love the light coconut flavor and warming spices – and it made me feel calm and relaxed after a particularly stressful day. It’s also worth mentioning that I hate most artificial sweeteners and the sweetness of certain *health food* products and drinks. This has a light monk fruit, which isn’t too sweet, and isn’t bitter at all.
I think it’s absolutely worth it, especially if you’re looking for a cozy nighttime drink that isn’t alcohol, and isn’t necessarily tea. It’s also a little sweet, so it could be like a dessert after a meal, too. I think for the convenience it’s worth the cost, since you have all of these potential benefits in an easy-to-make blend. It’s versatile, and can help support your wellness goals, whether that’s decreasing stress, improving sleep, general wellness support, or working to reduce inflammation.
Mixing with Warm Water or Almond Milk: This is one of of my favorite soothing nighttime drinks.
Add to Smoothies: Enhances taste and nutritional value. I would just have this late-afternoon instead of in the morning, since the magnesium is calming and may make you feel a little more tired and relaxed.
Warm Latte: Combine with warm coconut milk and decaf coffee for a creamy, spiced latte.
In Recipes: You could absolutely use this superfood blend in baked goods like muffins and cookies.
My code is FITNESSISTA for 20% off your oder; this link will automatically apply the code! I highly recommend trying the Red Juice, Green, Harmony, Shilajit Gummies, or NEW Better Biome gummies, depending on your goals.
If you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
What’s your favorite cozy warm drink when the weather cools down?
xoxo
Gina
More:
Morning detox drink with turmeric
The post Organifi Gold Review: Is It Worth the Hype? appeared first on The Fitnessista.
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Author: Fitnessista