Brittany & Kevin
Things To Do
Colonial Photo & Hobby
Kevin's family store is an Orlando staple, since 1954! It's also in a really fun part of town -- lots of Asian food (walk through Mills Market around the corner to see a quick variety), quirky stores, and cocktail bars.
Lake Eola Park
You haven't been to Orlando unless you take a walk around this lake! Real swans, art sculptures, city skyline views, people watching. The fountain in the middle is iconic. There's often free events on the weekend too. (Ask bridesmaid, Margi Sawyer.)
Our Favorite Eats
In no order of preference.... (1) Memories of Peru / Pollos A La Brasa - Peruvian to die for. (2) Susuru - Fun retro Japanese Izakaya. (3) Fiesta Azul Tequila House - Not a typical Mexican restaurant; no festive colors here! Special entrees and unique craft margaritas. (4) Hangry Bison - Create-your-own burger, plus Bourbon for days. (5) Black Bean Deli - Modernized Cuban cafe. (Ask bridesmaid, Margi Sawyer.) (6) Domu - Japanese inspired. Michelin awarded, but without the price tag. (7) Pass Kitchen - Best hole-in-the-wall. Take-out only. We're suckers for their krunchwraps. (8) King Bao - Fast-casual Asian fusion: "tacos" made out of bao buns. (9) Cubans on the Run - Authentic and very low key. (Ask bridesmaid, Nicole Zielinski.) (10) Chuan Fu 川府 - Authentic Chinese Sichuan cuisine. Spicy. A unique experience! And it's iconic to get a "Pub Sub" (a sub sandwich from Publix grocery), especially if you're going outdoors and want to bring lunch with you.
Mead Botanical Garden
FREE! Beautiful, even in November. Variety of garden "rooms", plus mini "trails". (Ask Brittany's brother, Nathan Devine.)
Cocktails, Wine & Beer
RISQUE -- Mathers (speakeasy with burlesque shows) & Better Than Sex (desserts and drinks with innuendos) COCKTAILS -- A big deal in this city! (Mocktails too!) You can't go wrong. The Courtesy, The Guesthouse, Death in the Afternoon, Bellhop WINE -- The Wine Room (dispense your own tastings from 150 selections!), Sixty Vines, VINIA (Italian fusion), Bulla Gastrobar (Spanish). All have great food too! BEER -- Have low expectations. Orlando is nothing compared to beer towns like Asheville, Denver, and Cincinnati. The Ravenous Pig Beer Garden, Hourglass Brewing (ask Brittany's brother, Nathan Devine), Rockpit Brewing (where we may wedding after-party)
Canals through Chain of Lakes
A unique experience in Winter Park! Take a $20 boat tour (or canoe/kayak) under bridges, by fancy houses, through lush greenery. Or convince Kevin's uncle, Marc Meyers, to take you ;)
Our Favorite Local Stores
We enjoy a good thrift. Not the best selection in town, but these two support local needs: (1) Out of the Closet (2) One Heart for Women and Children - Saturday 8am-2pm only KEVIN'S FAVORITE: Skycraft Surplus - fun treasure hunt. We never leave empty-handed! BRITTANY'S FAVORITE: Succulents Empire - greenhouse with tropical plants too. Yes you can take a plant on a plane; I've done it several times. So have bridesmaid, Noon Parnichyakorn, and best man, Keith Rausch.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Swim in a natural spring! 72 degrees year round. Ask bridesmaid, Nicole Zielinksi, how much her kids loved it! In November there's a chance of seeing manatees! $6/vehicle entrance. Rentable kayaks and canoes. Or go to nearby Wekiva Island for more adventures.
Disney Springs
(Fine, we'll give you *one* tourist option.) A decently large area to walk around, pop into themed stores, and eat at themed restaurants. Can give you a Disney feel without actually going to Disney. (Ask bridesmaid, Margi Sawyer.) Parking is free, and maybe some street entertainment, but anything you purchase will not be cheap.
Other Locals' Recommendations
(We haven't fully explored these ourselves, but often hear about them.) SAK Comedy Lab, Winter Garden area, East End Market (non-touristy Orlando keepsakes) & surrounding blocks, Joybird Books, Haan Coffee, Winter Park Farmer's Market (Saturday 8am-1pm only), Morse Museum, Kraft Azalea Garden, Beefy King (roast beef sandwiches)