If you’re looking for a new way to spend Memorial Day weekend, why not hop on one of the first direct Southwest Air flights to Beaches of South Walton?

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Beaches of South Walton is the 26-mile stretch of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, home to 15 distinct beach communities, including Seaside, the town made famous by the movie “The Truman Show.”

Beyond the sugary white sand beaches, the communities have numerous activities to enjoy such as eclectic art galleries, golf, shopping and award-winning restaurants. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll feel right at home among the state parks and rare coastal dune lakes.

For more information on Beaches or to book travel, visit: BeachesofSouthWalton.com.

We love Brink Magazine, and they love us! Of course we’ll be there!

With so many downtown options, it’s no wonder The Harp and Celt has been called the “best-kept secret in Downtown Orlando.” A ‘Public House’ that’s half restaurant (Harp) and half bar (Celt) is tucked away on Magnolia near Pine Street.

Serving a wide variety of draft beer (including one of my favorites, Sea Dog Wild B’Berry) and traditional Irish fare such as Scotch Eggs and Cottage Pie, the authenticity is rampant here.

The Celt also caters to the “Footies” broadcasting Rugby and Soccer games, but don’t worry, they also air Orlando Magic games on a projection screen so large you’ll think you’re at Amway.

For the latest events or specials, check out the Celt’s Twitter stream.

Well, klynn and I have been trying to get to* Aiguille Rock Climbing Center in Longwood for a couple of months now. We actually visited earlier this year during one of their big competitions, but there were far too many people there–and really good rock climbers (read: intimidation)–for us to attempt climbing that day!

The Center is quite impressive, and much larger than I was expecting. There are about 10-12 walls, all with diverse levels of difficulty. And I’m not gonna lie: rock climbing is way more exhaustive than I would have ever thought. There takes an immense amount of upper-body strength (which I thought I have), and after climbing a few times I was worn out!

Here are some photos of the center:

The Central Florida rock climbing center is about 15 minutes from Orlando, and open late during the week so it’s convenient for all visitors. One word of warning: the rock climbing center smells of sweat and feet! Certainly not a surprise given all the physical activity going on, but just wanted to give you a heads up!

To keep-up with the goings-on at Aiguille Rock Climbing Center and to find out about hours of operation visit their website, their blog, or “Like” them on Facebook.

Location:

999 Charles Street
Longwood, Florida 32750
407.332.1430
info@aiguille.com

* we were provided complimentary passes to the center

Good advice:

(Location: The Loaded Hog in downtown Orlando.)

“Pulse” is thrilled to announce that one of Broadway’s most talked about musicals is coming here to Central Florida, to Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. Spring Awakening has gotten fantastic reviews (The New York Times referred to it as “the most important musical of the decade”), and I know a couple of folks who’ve seen the show on Broadway and have had nothing but great things to say!

Spring Awakening is the story of a group of teenagers who are coming-of-age in oppressive 19th Century Germany…a story of the journey from youth to adulthood. Fun trivia: Lea Michele of Glee fame originated the role of Wendla.

You can get loads more information on the show by visiting SpringAwakening.com.

One of the things I’m most looking forward to is the music, penned by one of my favorite male artists (true story) Duncan Sheik! It was awarded a Grammy in 2008 for “Best Musical Show Album.”

We’ll be at the show on Tuesday the 18th, and we’re also giving away two (2) Premium Seat tickets to one lucky winner! All you have to do is leave a comment in this post, answering the following question:

“What song best sums up YOUR teen years?”

The contest ends at 12:00pm (EDT) on Friday, May 14th. Winner will be selected randomly and you may only enter once.

If you just…can’t…wait to find out if you’re the winner, you can always purchase tickets at www.orlandovenues.net*.

* this is not an affiliate link

OrlandoSentinel.com recently published a great list of Central Florida restaurants offering Mother’s Day specials this upcoming weekend. Good ideas of ways to celebrate Mom…and everybody loves to eat! Some of the restaurants are Central Florida standards, but many are ones we’ve never even heard of (so we’re going to have to check them out).

If you’re looking for additional restaurants to take Mom to, you can always check-out our “Food” category!

Universal Orlando Resort has announced their annual Summer Concert Series line-up. These concerts are a value-add to the regular admission and annual passholders.

I have to say I’m not all that impressed. I’m sure any tourist would be more-than-thrilled to get to experience one of these artists or bands free with their paid admission; however, as a Central Florida resident, I don’t feel compelled at all to purchase a ticket or annual pass simply to see a show (except for maybe with the exception of Pat Benetar, who I’ve seen before).

What about you? Any of the concerts you’re dying to go to? Have you seen any of these artists live before?

For additional details on dates, times, and artists visit Universal Orlando’s website.

For as long as I’ve lived in Central Florida, I’m always very eager when someone introduces me to a bar or restaurant I’ve never been to…let alone heard of. Case-in-point: The Bistro on Park Avenue in Winter Park.

So I was super-excited when my friend invited me to dinner there recently. Right now, The Bistro* is one of the many restaurants taking part in the annual Orlandos Restaurant Week, which is one of the reasons we selected the venue.

The restaurant is located on North Park Avenue, tucked away from the bustling traffic of the street. I suppose in a way it feels like one is walking down a little street to a French Bistro.

Interested in maybe checking-out what The Bistro on Park Avenue has to offer? You can view their menu online before ever stepping foot outside your house.

So, off of Orlandos Restaurant Week menu, which offered three options of an appetizer, main course, and dessert, I chose the following:

The menu also offered a glass of house wine with the $25 offer.

Everything offered on this special menu is also offered on the restaurant’s regular menu; there are pricier dishes, and more moderately priced dishes (sandwiches, etc.). I’ll be honest, my food was good, but I noticed the pot roast is regularly priced at $24, and if that’s what I had paid I would’ve been disappointed. I don’t mind splurging on food but at that price it’s got to be pretty outstanding. The chocolate mousse dessert–and my friend complies–was a little odd: the chocolate was delicious but the “wrap” it was in threw everything off.

Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed the food, and was in great company. I would definitely go back to try another meal (perhaps the brunch), but I’m a firm believer in value for food, particularly as it’s directly related to the quality! You?

Have you ever been to The Bistro on Park Avenue? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience.

Location & contact information:

348 North Park Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789
407.539.6520

* NOTE: There are a couple of eateries on Park Avenue called “bistro” so be sure to confirm with your party you’re going to the correct one.

Enjoy food and the theatre? Looking for something to spice up “date night” or just a change-of-pace for an evening out with friends? Or maybe you’re looking for a treat for Mother’s Day? Well, The Moonlight Players Theatre, in conjunction with Kelly’s Brickhouse Pub in Clermont present to you “Pub & Play.”

The Deal

Dinner and a show. For $25 per person. That’s the deal. That simple.

Here’s what you have to do:

1. Call the Moonlight Players Theatre and make a reservation (required) with the promo code “Pub & Play.”
2. Come to Kelly’s Brickhouse Pub between 6:00pm – 6:15pm on any of the selected days featured below. $15 per person will get you a choice of beverage, salad and entrée.
3. Post-meal, take your receipt to the theatre and you’ll receive $5 off the price of the admission ticket. That makes it $10 per person.

You can choose from the following dates [to receive the special]:

• May 7th (FRI)
• May 8th (SAT)
• May 14th (FRI)
• May 15th (SAT)

The Play

“Three Days of Rain” will be showing at the Moonlight Players Theatre. Here’s a synopsis of the play (taken directly from the theatre’s website:

Three Days of Rain is a play by Richard Greenberg. The play centers on Walker, his sister Nan, and their childhood friend Pip, who all meet in an unoccupied loft in lower Manhattan in 1995 to divide the legacy of their late fathers, who were partners in a renowned architecture firm. In an effort to bring some peace to their own lives, the three search for clues that might explain what had gone on between their fathers, and the women in their lives, decades before. The story then shifts to that earlier time, with the same three actors portraying members of the previous generation in the same loft, during the fateful 1960 “three days of rain.”

The theatre actually has a pretty great season coming up. To find out the line-up of shows coming up later this year, click here.