Times are tough, kids, and everyone’s pitching in to help out those in need. 7-Eleven is no exception. So if you’re running low on cash but still wanna pick-up a value meal, head to your local corner store (I don’t know, you might have to pay me to get food from here, but I give ‘em props for trying):

(Location: Hunter’s Creek near the 417.)

I have no idea what this means (which is going into what; anyone speak German?), but I snapped it earlier today while in the bathroom at the downtown Jimmy John’s:

I love you more than any man I’ve ever met!”

(A woman talking to/about her cat.)

If you’re looking for something to do outdoors this weekend, how about a day trip to De Leon Springs State Park.

Just about an hour north of Orlando, the Springs offer 18,000 acres of lakes, creeks and marsh. Canoeing and kayaking is available, and the Springs are vast allowing for easy maneuvering throughout.

If you’re squeamish, watch out for these guys … they’re easily spotted sunning themselves along the banks.

In addition to the fun outdoor activities at the Springs, if you’re a fan of pancakes, you must check out The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House.

What could be cooler than sitting around a table – with a griddle in the center – flipping your own pancakes? The restaurant serves up pitchers of batter, you select toppings of your choice and make your own breakfast. It’s a really fun experience!

Be prepared to wait, though, it’s not unusual to wait 1-2 hours for a table at this popular destination.

De Leon Springs State Park
601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd.
DeLeon Springs, Florida 32130
Phone: 386/985-4212

Photo Credit: Matthew Levy

I’m stealing a little bit of information here from our friends over at The Daily City, but I’m sure they won’t mind. Now, I’ve never actually been to any of the events at the Florida Film Festival, but I’ve been a resident long enough to know it’s very important to the Central Florida arts community, and certainly brings some circulation to the local economy. And if you’ve never been either it seems this is the year to go: Glenn Close and Jon Voight are both making appearances, although both are sold out!

Tickets for the festival, which is March 27th-April 5th, are now on sale at the following locations:

• FloridaFilmFestival.com
• Enzian Theater (although I’m having a hard time locating the “purchase online” section)
  1300 South Orlando Avenue
  Maitland, Florida 32751 (MAP)
• Florida Theatrical Association (having a difficult time looking for tickets here, too)
  301 E Pine St #175
  Orlando, Florida 32801 (MAP)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB-UNmTiJEo

Unfortunately, it’s not likely that I’ll be attending any of the screenings (not sure about klynn), so if you do please tell us about it!

UPDATE 2:45PM: Ron Legler, President & CEO of the Florida Theatrical Association, was kind enough to drop by and let us know they do not have an online option to purchase tickets. They may only be purchased offline.

Week-before-last klynn published a post on the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. I had the opportunity to stroll down Park Avenue earlier this afternoon and experience the fair, and, of course, took lots of photos. Oddly enough (or maybe not so odd), I saw very few dogs….

Here are a handful of snaps. The festival is going on tomorrow too, if you’re just so enticed by my pictures…or just looking for something to do.

Although I don’t really care for sushi, I am a big fan of Japanese food (see “A Japanese treat: Bikkuri Noodle Sushi Grill Lounge”, “Sushi, or not sushi”). So when a friend and co-worker suggested we visit Bento Cafe in downtown Orlando I was certainly up for it!

Bento is in the heart of downtown Orlando in The Plaza, corner of Orange Avenue and Pine Street, tucked in the back. A cute little cafe, Bento allows guests to order at a walk-up counter, with table delivery.

The atmosphere is really welcoming and quaint, and the menu pretty diverse. I can’t attest to the dinner offerings but the lunch items looked appealing. I will say it’s not the best Japanese food in the world–or even downtown (see previous posts mentioned above) but it’s definitely a good option thrown into the mix of “tired and old” eateries downtown (i.e., Wall Street).

I took a few snapshots of the food at our table:

And the dining room….

Location:

The Plaza

151 N. Orange Avenue

Orlando, FL 32801

407.999.8989

http://www.bentocafesushi.com

This Lexxus owner is just too sassy, so watch out if you see her (or him)!

Ride on the F*@king Sidewalk!!!”

Dear Bitter Driver of Rundown Black Dodge:

I can see how the word sidewalk may confuse you, but I will continue to ride my bicycle on the street where I belong.

Looking for something with local flair this weekend? Check-out the Baldwin Park Arts Festival in the heart of Baldwin Park (located just behind the Fashion Square Mall on Colonial Drive). The event will take place Saturday, March 14th, from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and will showcase both the Visual Arts and the Performing Arts. Local artists will be displaying their artwork in booths throughout the Village Center Courtyard.

Unlike the upcoming Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, it would seem Baldwin Park doesn’t mind if you bring your pets! For detailed information on the event schedule click here. You can also find info on directions and parking on the event website.

I’m bummed I won’t be able to make this event because I will be out-of-town, but if anyone happens to attend and takes pictures they’d like to share, feel free to drop the link where the photos are hosted in the comments section of this post, or by e-mailing us at pulseofcentralflorida[at]mail[dot]com.