This weekend I had the chance to use a Groupon for Stand Up Paddleboarding in Cocoa Beach. One of the great things about Groupon, besides the great discounts, is that it introduces you to cool places like 321 Kiteboarding & Watersports.

Not only did the guys at 321 let us use our Groupon after it’d expired, but they were super-friendly, knowledgeable and made it worth the hour drive over from Orlando.

Next time I'm bringing my camera so I can get shots like this!

So, if you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend an hour or a half-day, or even the whole day, check out 321 Kiteboarding & Watersports!

Feels like 100! Yowzers!!

With “feels like” temperatures of 100 Degrees, we know you must be anxious for ways to beat the heat, so how about 5 ways to stay cool?

1. Head over to one of Central Florida’s beaches (New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach).

2. Don’t wanna drive? How about jumping into one of the city’s community pools?

3. If you can swim and you’re not afraid of what might be swimming in there with you, how about joining the ever-famous Lucky’s Lake Swim?

4. Hate the water? Why not soak up some of the finest air conditioning in Central Florida with a stroll through the beautiful Mall at Millenia?

5. Slather yourself in FroYo at one of Orlando’s bazillion frozen yogurt shops … and maybe eat some, too.

Saturday, June 4!

National Learn to Row Day is this Saturday!

If you’ve ever wondered about rowing and wanted to learn, this is a great opportunity to stop by the Orlando Rowing Club between 8:30 a.m and 12:30 p.m. to get an introduction to indoor rowing, sweep and sculling.

The event, being held at boathouses across the country, is FREE and open to the public.

Register Here!

Savage Race | August 27, 2011

You saw the headline and now you’re curious … What’s a Savage Race?

Quite simply: It’s the race built to kick your ass!

What happens when you combine challenging and creative obstacles (can you say fire, mud and barbed wire?!?!) with a 5K run and top it off with BBQ, music and beer? You get Orlando’s first Savage Race!

This race is not for the faint of heart and if you’re afraid of a few bumps and bruises maybe you better hang by the sidelines. But, if you think those “other races” are too wimpy, Savage Race promises to top them all.

Still wanna learn more? Check out a preview of the race location below:

Ready to prove you’re a Savage? Register here, check them out on Facebook or follow them on Twitter!

We’ll see you at the Race on August 27!

I have a cat. I think he may’ve made an appearance a time or two here on the blog. Admittedly, it’s been many, many years since I’ve taken him to the doctor; he’s an indoor cat – don’t judge. Recently, though, I thought it time for him to get a check-up, and I decided to visit the newly opened Varsity Veterinary Centerupon the recommendation of a good friend (who’s in the vet field).

Varsity Vet and The UPS Store are NOT one-in-the-same!

Pets are appreciated!

Veterinarian's Oath

Quality Pet Food and Products

I am far from a very active person (I’m just recently getting back into a regular workout schedule) – Kim has me beat tenfold on that one. But I was recently inspired–and a little bit scared, I must admit–when I saw that an acquaintance of mine is part of a team that opened up a new gym here in Central Florida.

If you’re a fitness note you’ll want to take note of CrossFit Kings Point. But there’s one thing you should know:

This is not your ordinary gym.
Not by a long shot….

Watch this video and you’ll see what I mean:

Now you get me?

CrossFit believes in maximum results in minimum time, and offers its clients many, many different options for programs. Visit their “About” page to find out specifics on weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardiovascular training. They also offer a free trial for those who are very interested in seeing what it’s all about.

If you’re interested in checking out the CrossFit Kings Point, here are the location deets:

7075 Kingspointe Parkway
Suite #16
Orlando, FL 32819
407.286.2671

Never one to shy away from making a fool of myself, I’ve been wanting to check-out Dance Trance Orlando for quite some time. Not only because I love to throw down, but also because it’s minutes away from where I live. Oh, plus I haven’t worked out in months and have been feeling like a major lard butt. So I recently committed to paying Dance Trance a visit, and even dragged along a handful of friends I work with. While they were all a little hesitant about what I was getting them into, as you can see by checking-out that photo over on the right, everyone ended-up thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Let me just tell you we had a blast…and got a pretty good workout (drenched in sweat)! If you’re not familiar with Dance Trance, it’s a dance/exercise fitness concept originally created by fitness instructors Jay and Beth Handline. Here’s a little insight about our local location in the College Park neighborhood:

And yes…I was the only guy in the class….

Looks fun, right? If you think you may want to give this a test run, I would encourage you to pick-up a physical copy of the Orlando Weekly, where you may find a coupon good for a free class.

Location deets:

Dance Trance Orlando Studio
1828 Edgewater Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
407.416.3822

For class days and times, visit Dance Trance Orlando’s website. You can also “Like” them on Facebook.

One valuable tip before going: If you’re brand new to the scene, head over on a Monday night. That’s when you actually learn the choreography/steps that you’ll perform on Wednesday evenings! (But if you go on a Wednesday for the first time, don’t worry – you’ll still be welcomed with open arms!)

I don’t typically like to simply recycle information I’ve found or that other local content producers have posted, but this postcard pretty much sums up the upcoming Winter Park Harvest Festival:

Sounds like a great event! We always like to see and support “local” initiatives, and hope this Festival is a huge success!

October is shaping-up to be a month filled with fun events in the Central Florida area. And while I am extremely far from being vegetarian, I think Central Florida Veg Fest will be interesting to check out.

Now in its fifth year, this annual event is happening on Saturday, October 23rd (should be perfect weather!) at Loch Haven Park. Here’s what attendees can expect:

“Not a vegetarian? Whether you’re looking for new ideas to add color and variety to your meals or you’re a “seasoned” vegetarian interested in expanding your knowledge of nutritious and ethical foods, this is the place for you.”

There will be TONS to do, and it’s all free!

• Vendors & Companies to talk to
• Live Music
• Speakers & Education
• Food
• Artists
• Food Demos (learn to make your own healthy food!)
• Fun Activities for Kids

Main deets:

Loch Haven Park
900 East Princeton Street
Orlando, FL 32803
10:00am-6:00pm

More information about Central Florida Veg Fest can be found on on their website.

I can’t wait – sounds like fun!

Shop & Shot

Talk about one-stop-shopping! According to Orlando Business Journal, this Fall Publix stores will start offering customers the option of getting a flu shot during their visit. I’ve never been a huge advocate of flu shots, personally, but I certainly understand many people are, particularly parents. So this service will surely be a big convenience to many.

Shots will be available for $25 in over 30 Central Florida locations. If you’re not sure where the nearest Publix to you is (are you crazy? there’s practically one on ever corner!) then you can visit www.publix.com/flu. You can also call 1.877.FLU.8100 for more information.