Always looking for the newest hotspot in town to catch-up with friends and enjoy an adult beverage or two? Well, we’re here to serve….

You may or may’ve not heard of Hanson’s Shoe Repair, a relatively new speakeasy located in the heart of downtown Orlando. I’ve been wanting to go check it for several weeks now, and just this past week I did so.

The concept with Hanson’s–which is located just above NV on Pine Street–is to text a given number the day you’d like to visit, and receive a password to use for admission. Once in, you can enjoy a low-key, intimate atmosphere. Very cute, and honestly it’s one of the only places I’ve ever experienced in Orlando that makes me feel like I’m not in Orlando.

View of the Bar from Roof Patio

As mentioned above, Hanson’s is located above NV, on the third floor. This means there’s rooftop access, and if weather permits (i.e., if it’s a nice, crisp, non-humid evening) I highly recommend taking advantage of the patio and the beautiful view of the downtown Orlando skyline. There’s plenty of things to capture your attention right on the patio, like art, lights, and foliage.

The drinks are all handmade and very, very delicious! Slightly above average in terms of price, but again – they’re handcrafted so you know you’re paying for something unique and made with love (I can only assume). And another really special thing about Hanson’s besides the drinks? Wait for it: Yes, a very faint shoe polish is pumped into the air, so as to give a very authentic touch to compliment the theme of this establishment. Fun, right?!

Intrigued? Here are the location deets:

Hanson’s Shoe Repair
27 E Pine St
Orlando, FL  32801
407.476.9446

For more information on Hanson’s Shoe Repair, “Like” ‘em on Facebook or visit HansonsShoeRepair.com. You can also see what other Central Floridians are saying, or even write your own review, over at Yelp.

It’s that time again! The Orlando International Fringe Festival is a huge annual initiative for the Central Florida community. Certainly a big stimulator for the Arts. And we’re happy to help get the word out about this year’s Festival, starting tomorrow May 15.

For info and all things Fringe visit OrlandoFringe.org. Enjoy!

This coming Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28, hundreds of competitors hungry for prizes and bragging rights will gather at the American Pie Council®(APC) /Crisco® National Pie Championships held at the Caribe Royal All-Suite Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando.

In conjunction with the pie championships, the APC is proud to present its 12th Annual APC Great American Pie Festival sponsored by Crisco® on Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, in nearby Celebration, Fla.

Complete details on both can be found on the Pie Council’s website at PieCouncil.org. Oh, and here you go (you’re welcome):

(Image courtesy of PieCouncil.org.)

Ripley’s Thanks Locals with Discount!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! on International Drive is thanking Florida’s gracious first responders and health care workers with 1/2 off tickets throughout the month of February. What a great deal!

In addition to receiving 50% off for themselves each emergency/health care worker can buy an additional three (3) tickets for their guests at half price. Be advised that proof of employment along with a matching Florida photo ID is required to receive offer so be sure you grab it and put it on you before leaving the house!

Eligible employees include:

• Police officers
• Sheriff’s deputies
• Highway patrol officers
• Firefighters
• Paramedics
• EMT’s
• Hazmat workers
• Search and rescue crews
• Doctors
• Dentists
• Nurses
• Medical and dental staff
• Hospital employees
• Home health care workers

Big thanks to the folks at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for sharing this information with us.

If you don’t recall we paid a visit to Ripley’s a few years ago. You can read about our experience here.

Sun, music, people and Chili … what better way to spend a Saturday? The fourth-annual Chili Cook-off is this Saturday, February 9, at Festival Park just west of the Orlando Executive Airport.

Not only can you sample Chili from a variety of vendors, but for 6 gut-wrenching minutes amateur and pro eaters will attack the best tasting chili to seek the top prize of the eating the most chili in those 6 minutes.” Now we know why the event is presented by Pepto Bismol!

The Chili Challenge features 12 of the biggest and baddest eaters in the world alongside 3 amateur eaters.

You still have a couple days to buy pre-sale tickets, or you can wait to buy them at the door.  Cash is recommended for inside the cook-off, but credit cards will be accepted for entrance fees.

Best of all, the cook-off benefits Special Olympics Florida!  See you there!

My first experience with Marlow’s Tavern was in Midtown Atlanta. The late-night dining experience was a hit and a miss, but I didn’t let it stop me from checking out their newest location right here in Central Florida.

Located on the first level of Pointe Orlando, Marlow’s is a great addition to the I-Drive destination. I can’t say much about the menu overall, because we only stopped in for a small bite (see the drool-worthy Truffled Parmesan Fries below) and a beer, but the experience was great.

Any time a bartender introduces themselves to me, it’s a win in my book. And Marlow’s bar staff did just that. Our visit was on a Saturday night and they had Live Music which definitely helped to liven up the place.

Have you been to Marlow’s? What did you think?

You might recall our post a couple of weeks ago, talking about the lovely Ellie Goulding bringing her latest tour to Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando. Well, said show was this past week and it was a doozie! Phenomenal show, great crowd! Definitely one of the best live performances I’ve experienced.

Sorry the photos aren’t better but I didn’t take my camera – only used my phone. You get the idea, though.

The show was sold out, by the way.

You gotta love a good ‘ole game of putt-putt. I mean, when was the last time you actually went? I had that same thought not too long ago and decided to do something about it.

True, this meant venturing out to the [sometimes] dreaded I-Drive, but every now-and-then it’s worth it. Enter Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. AHOY!

Now don’t you have the urge? Go on…it’ll make you feel like you’re 12 again!

Location deets:

Pirate’s Cove
8501 International Drive
Orlando FL 32819
407.352.7378
PiratesCove.net

Details about pricing and hours of operation can be found on the Pirate’s Cove website.