Pulse of Central Florida

A couple weeks ago, while having a drink at 310 Park South in Winter Park, I was lucky enough to catch Matt Shenk perform. I know what you’re thinking … typical bar performance with sub-par vocals and 3-chord guitar strumming. Nope. Not even close.

I’m a sucker for the male singer-songwriter (think John Mayer, DMB, Ray LaMontagne, Jason Mraz, etc.) so when Matt’s version of Dave Matthews Band’s “Typical Situation” was almost better than the original, I sat up and paid attention.

Do yourself a favor, head over to Matt’s website and catch his cover of “Mercy Mercy Me,” I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.  And, if you’re in Winter Park tomorrow night, you can catch him performing at 310.

1. Despite the name, the Tampa Bay Rays’ mascot is neither a Sting Ray nor a Manta Ray. It is, however, a “Ray of Sunlight.” Does this look like a Ray of Sunlight to you?!?!


Ray of Sunlight?!

2. Even though ESPN ran a poorly timed story about Concession Food, I feel just fine after splurging on my once-a-year hot dog. Thank you very much.
3. The Camaro‘s awesome “Rear Parking Assist” feature, or what I like to call the “Beep, Beep, BEEEEEEEEEP” feature, does not make me a better parallel parker.
4. Evan Longoria and Eva Longoria are not the same people.
5. Tropicana Field is indoors and feels a little like going to a baseball game under the Big Top.


Trop Field B&W Version ... Feels a Little Nostalgic, huh?



Trop Field = The Big Top?

Note: Tickets were graciously provided to us for the Girlfriend Getaway Florida program.

What started as a Pottery Barn Bed & Bath is now a full Pottery Barn in Orlando’s Mall at Millenia.

I snapped a couple photos in the beautifully merchandised store today …

What: Pottery Barn
Where: Mall at Millenia (Lower Level Near Bloomies)
4200 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32839
407/355-3552

Okay … this made me giggle out loud.

Note: This was not edited, so I’d like to believe that this was Ashley’s legit reaction to the 2010 Chevy Camaro I’m driving for Girlfriend Getaway Florida.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been participating in the Chevy Girl on the Go program. I’ve said it in Tweets, in person, on Facebook, here on the blog and to anyone and everyone who’ll listen: it’s been a great experience. Not only have I had the opportunity to drive one of the most fun cars I’ve driven in years, but our “little blog that could” has gotten some terrific exposure.

Thanks to the Orlando Sentinel’s Sarah Lundy, we were featured on the front page of the Orlando Sentinel, and also on OrlandoSentinel.com.

Yep; that's the front page.

We started this blog more than 2 years ago so we could share our experiences in Central Florida and tell whoever would listen that there’s more to this town than Mickey (although we love them, too!) and we hope you’ll continue to come along for the ride. Thanks for reminding me (us) that Anything is Possible.

We recently had the opportunity to check out Mi Tomatina Paella Bar for dinner. In all honesty, it wasn’t our first choice, but from the street the atmosphere was too inviting to pass up.

Mi Tomatina, named after the “fun-filled tomato festival La Tomatina in Spain,” is a small, but cozy tapas & paella restaurant in Winter Park’s highly coveted Hannibal Square.

Since they seemed to be known for their paella, we figured that was a good option for our meal. We were told up-front that their paella takes about 30 minutes to prepare/cook, so we weren’t surprised when it took a while for the food to arrive. The verdict? Overcooked paella. I’m sure it’s more authentic the way it was served with its chicken in the form of drumettes and shrimp WITH THE HEAD ON … but I prefer not to see the eyes of the shrimp when it’s on the way to my tummy.

I give Mi Tomatina a thumbs-up for atmosphere and friendly service, but I thought the paella was no es bueno.

Mi Tomatina
433 West New England Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789

I’m always on the lookout for fun things to do in Central Florida, so when I heard about the Grande Lakes Adventure Course, I had to check it out.

While I believe this is primarily marketed to guests of the multiple Grande Lakes properties (Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Grande Lakes), this and other recreation activities are open to the public.

There are two courses to choose from. The Discovery Course consists of 35 Aerial Walkways, a Zip Line and a Swing. The Exploration Course seems more geared to a younger audience, or maybe those afraid of heights, as it’s only set 15-feet above ground.

Welcome to Grande Lakes Adventure Course!

Looks Awesome, Doesn't It?

Zip Line!

There's the Exploration Course, a.k.a., the Wimpy Course

We opted to skip the Adventure Course on our trip to Grande Lakes because it was a scorcher of a day in Orlando this past Saturday, but I’m definitely looking forward to swinging on the ropes when the weather gets a little cooler.

For More Info, Contact the Grande Lakes Adventure Desk at 407/393-4007.

We’ve been looking for a reason to write about Images Auto Spa for a while now. If you’re anything like me, the feeling of driving around in your car after it’s been washed, vacuumed and sprayed with ‘new car smell’ makes it feel new even if it isn’t.

Of course, I find it funny that even when I am driving around in a brand-new car (*cough* Camaro *cough), I still want it sparkle-y every day.

Yesterday I hit up Images, and they did not disappoint. So, what makes this car wash any better than other?  Well, they have a nifty little automated wash selector so no pushy salespeople making you feel guilty for not getting all the extras; they have a nice air-conditioned waiting area or a lovely covered bay outside; the people are friendly; and, most importantly, your car comes out looking like this:

Pretttttyyy Camaro I'm Driving for the Girlfriend Getaway Florida Program!

What: Images Auto Spa
Where: 4007 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: 407/896-6366
Hours: 9-8, Monday through Saturday; 9-6 on Sunday (Hours may vary based on weather conditions)

A few weeks ago I shared this post about my adventures with the Learn to Row program offered at Orlando Rowing Club and I’m happy to say I made it through.

Orlando Rowing Club Boathouse

When my neighbor urged me to try it more than a year ago I was skeptical. First, would I be able to do it (I’m not the most coordinated person I know)? Would I enjoy it? And, could I stick it out for the entire 4 weeks?I’m happy to say the answer to all of those doubts is yes.

A peak inside the boathouse.

If you’re looking for a new way to challenge yourself (both physically and mentally), get a move on it. The next session is literally just days away.

Shhh, don't tell these kids I was taking their picture (not our group).

By now you’ve heard the buzz about Girlfriend Getaway Florida, but did you know that if you vote for me, you can win a weekend getaway to Gaylord Palms Resort?

You should be here! Vote Now at GirlfriendGetawayFlorida.com!

Head over to the Girlfriend Getaway page to Enter. When you get to question 12, vote for me, Kim Taylor.

Good Luck!