Summer in Orlando can be hot, so why not leave the heat to the tourists and instead enjoy your beautiful 420 East apartment. check out these  summer decorating ideas that will make your Orlando apartment a summer retreat.

1. Replace cool weather rugs with something light and summery.  Good options are bright floral cotton rugs, sea grass, or sisal rugs.
2. Replace toss pillows with lightweight cotton or linen versions.  Choose botanical or ocean inspired patterns.
3. Update your bedding with fresh, new linens.  Add a summer-weight comforter or duvet cover, and coordinate pillows or shams. Put away cool weather throws and blankets and replace them with cotton ones.
4. Move or replace your artwork in our Orlando apartment.  Pick up a floral mural or sea shell themed picture and place it on your wall.
5. Change up the accessories in your house.  Find a decorative bowl and fill it with sand or shells.  Add some light colored candles on top or a mirror and enjoy new fresh, summer scents.
6. Give your bathroom an update by adding brightly colored towels, summer scented soaps and a display of starfish or shells.
7. Clean the deck and repair or replace worn furniture.  Add an outdoor rug, a lantern, a plant and some bright pillows and you will never want to leave your patio this summer.

Try these summer decorating ideas for a fresh summer time update to your apartment’s decor.

Mention that you live in an Orlando apartment and inevitably someone asks you a question about Disney, the weather or the many tourist attractions.  Next time they ask, be armed with these interesting facts.

1. Yes, Orlando did exist prior to 1971 when Walt Disney World opened, in fact it was incorporated in 1875.
2.  Orlando is the county seat for Orange County, which was named because there USED to be a vast amount of orange groves.
3. Which brings us to our next piece of trivia, the Orlando Magic was almost named the Orlando Juice because of all of the citrus groves.
4. There are over 100 lakes in Orlando.
5. Lake Eola, which is one of them, is home to over 50 swans.
6. Our most famous park isn’t even located in Orlando!

And now that you know this great Orlando trivia, why not head to a local spot for a trivia night with friends.  Here are some spots near your apartment in Orlando. Call or check out their websites for more details.

Graffiti Junktion Thornton Park

Website

The Falcon Bar & Gallery

(407) 423-3060

Tap & Grind

Website

Barley & Vine Biergarten

Website

If you have ever seen Spike’s Bar Rescue you know that not every bar is a good bar.  In fact, some bars are downright scary!   We won’t steer you in that direction, instead we have put together a list of the best rated bars in Orlando and some of the reasons why!

Better Than Sex

1905 N Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32804

Website

We aren’t going to comment on this bars name, but the reviews for this unusual bar are phenomenal and it is only 2.5 miles from your Orlando apartment!  The concept of this unique bar is that most drinks come with the rim dipped in a complimentary flavor.  Try sparkling wine in a brulee caramel dipped glass or wine in a wine glass with local honey, or what about apple beer with a caramel dipped glass, or even brewery stout poured over a ball of vanilla ice cream, white chocolate dipped glass.  The walls are dark and the booths and bar are cozy, they have romantic lighting and pictures on the wall, that suit their name.  This is definitely one of Orlando’s best and creative bars.

Aku Aku Tiki Bar

431 E Central Blvd
Orlando, FL 32801

Some nights just call for a Tiki Bar and you are lucky that Aku Aku Tiki Bar is just right around the corner from 420 East apartments.  It is everything you would expect in a tiki bar, fruitful drinks in island inspired glasses, thatched walls, a large bar, the obligatory Hawaiian Hula lamp shade and lots of fun!

Bösendorfer Lounge

Grand Bohemian
325 S Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32801

Website

Considered one of Orlando’s classiest bars, the Bosendorfer Lounge in the Grand Bohemiam is a beautiful upscale bar.  They serve signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, great food and top notch bourbons.  The décor is dark with a round bar, dark lighting, and comfortable chairs.

Hanson’s Shoe Repair

27 E Pine Street
Orlando, FL 32801

Website

 

“Hanson Shoe Repair Shop” had Orlando’s first electric sign and is now “home” to one of Orlando’s secret bars with hand crafted cocktails that will bring you back to the 1920s and prohibition.  This speakeasy is less than a ½ mile away.

We all know Orlando’s most popular destinations; Disney World, Epcot Center, Universal Studios, Sea World, to name just a few!  You have more than likely been to all of these more than a few times.  So we were thinking why not go a bit off the beaten path this weekend and check out some lesser known, but infinitely more fun Orlando attractions.

Weeki Wachee Springs

Whether inspired by Ariel in the Little Mermaids, or Daryl Hannah in Splash, or maybe even tales (no pun intended) about sailors seeing mermaids while at sea, we all love mermaids! Weeki Wachee Springs lets you see a mermaid at one of their mermaid shows.  While there, you can enjoy Buccaneer Bay water park and  other attractions.

Website

Gatorland

We have all seen the news where a gator jumps out of the water or on to a golf course and well – you know the rest.  Why not head to Gatorland where you can safely see live gators.  This 110-acre theme park is a wildlife preserve with exhibits, entertainment, a petting zoo, animal shows and a 1,200 foot zip line!

Website

Lake Eola Park

Located only minutes from your Orlando apartment you will find Lake Eola!  This relaxing hidden gem has so much to offer and is perfect for families, singles or a group of friends!  You can walk around the lake, feed the swans or grab lunch or a late afternoon drink.  They also have a Farmer’s Market on Sunday and concerts nearby.

Website for more details.

If you are looking for delicious ways to celebrate the ladies we love; Moms! We have a list of restaurants near your Orlando apartment that are the perfect place to celebrate the Mom in your life. From complimentary mimosas, to buffets, prix-fixed menus, tea, lunch or dinner, we have compiled a comprehensive list.

Be sure to call and make reservations for the best times!

310 Lakeside

301 E. Pine Street
Orlando, FL 32801

Website

Blu on the Avenue

326 S Park Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789

Website

Grand Bohemian

325 S Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32801

Website

TeaCupcake Experience

420 East Church Street, #112
Orlando, FL 32801

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There are so many restaurants in Orlando, but these restaurants are all just minutes from your beautiful apartment, so we thought you should give them a try!  Let us know how you liked them!

While the origin of Cinco de Mayo may be rooted in Mexican history when in 1865 the Mexican army defeated the much larger French army, Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the US are uniquely American, and uniquely FUN!

Orlando is no exception as area restaurants decks their halls with piñatas, sombreros and other Mexican décor to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

Wall Street Plaza will be starting the celebration a bit early!  Starting Saturday, April 30 at 8pm, the Wall Street Cantina and 7 other plaza venues will be throwing a Sort of Cinco de Mayo Block party with live music, bull riding, mariachi music, mustaches, sombreros, Mariachi bands, JELL-O shots and more!

Website

They will rest up and repeat on Thursday, May 5^th, for the real Cinco de Mayo Block party with great bands, food and drink specials!  PS.  You must be 21 to enter!

Tijuana Flats will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo both Thursday and Friday with music, drink, and food specials!

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Cocina 214 is located in Winter Park, but this upscale Mexican restaurant knows how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo!  On Sunday, May 1^st at 11am the ever popular Running of the Chihuahuas takes place and on Thursday, May 5^th head to Cocina 214 for a fun block party with great drink and food specials, plus free giveaways.

Website

 

 

 

Orlando is a rich and vibrant city with an active cultural community with so much to offer.  Why not head out to one of Orlando’s little known museums this weekend to learn about and explore the city you call home.

The three we chose are free, are a great way to spend a few hours and are close to your Orlando apartment.

CityArts Factory

Located at the corner of Pine and Orange Streets in Orlando’s downtown arts district, the CityArts Factory displays works from both local and international artists.  There are six galleries and the exhibits rotate monthly and admission is free.

Open Tuesday through Satruday from 11am to 6pm.

Location: 29 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801

Website

Restaurants Near By

• Bento Café
• Ceviche Tapas Orlando
• Latin Square Cuisine

Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida

The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida offers a moving experience to its visitors.  From the moment you see the building, you know this is more than a museum.  The center includes a variety of exhibitions, documentary and commemorative events with a focus on awareness for human rights across the globe. The museum is home to the genuine 15-ton freight car, which dates back to WWI.

A walk through the large and reflective memorial park (at the museum) leads you to a stack of prefabricated modular boxes called the Memorial to the Deportees, a little further you will see a Deutshe Reichsbahn railway car, a stark reminder that for millions of deportees this mode of transportation marked the end of their life journey.

The museum is moving and accepts donations.  It is closed on Saturday and open Monday through Tuesday from 9am to 4pm and Friday 9am to 1pm and on Sunday 1pm to 4pm.

Location: 851 N Maitland Ave, Maitland, FL 32751

Website

Restaurants Near By

• Olea Mezze Grill
• Kappy’s Subs
• Francescos Ristorante & Pizzeria

Cornell Fine Arts Museum

The Cornell Fine Arts Museum is situated on the campus of Rollins College and boasts a surprising collection of some of the world’s most famous artists including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Thomas Moran, Gerolamo Bassano and many others.  The museum has over  5,000 objects, artifacts and archeological fragments. It is also home to over 500 paintings from the 14^th through the 20^th centuries.

Admission is free and it is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5pm.

Each weekend you can take a ½-hour tour through the museum for free.

Location: 1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Website

• Ethos Vegan Kitchen
• Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub
• Café de France

Enjoy these museums just minutes from your Orlando apartment.

For many Orlando is a tourist destination where millions of people come to enjoy our beautiful weather, play in our parks, and get away from the colder climates.  They probably do not associate hot air balloon rides with Orlando and more than likely you don’t either, but you should.

A hot air balloon ride allows you to see Orlando in a completely new way.  You will need to rise early, but it is worth it.  The sensation of gliding, seemingly motionless, over forests, homes, lakes, golf courses and in some cases near the parks is amazing and hard to explain.  The day will greet you with a pink and orange sun as it rises in the horizon.  Time will seem to stop as you quietly take in the views.

Whether you are looking to celebrate an anniversary, a birthday, an engagement, or just treating yourself, a hot air balloon ride is a perfect way to spend a morning.

Orlando is home to a number of companies that offer hot air balloon tours; here are a few of the top rated tours.

Aerostat Adventures-Hot Air Balloon Rides Orlando

566 Buckminster Cir
Orlando, FL 32803

Website

Painted Horizons Hot Air Balloon Tours

 12559 FL-535, Orlando, FL 32836

Website

Orlando Balloon Rides

44294 US Hwy 27
Davenport, FL 33897

Website

 

 

Nearly 40 years after Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, R2-D2 and Dark Vader first appeared, the Star Wars franchise is more popular than ever.   Generations of Star War fans waited anxiously in December for the opening of Stars Wars: The Force Awakens, which raked in over $247.9 million on its first weekend.

The cultural phenomenon is so alluring for many reasons; sci-fi, action, special effects, music, hope and the excitement of world building. In a world where traffic stories seems to fill our days, audiences embrace the timeless story of good triumphing over evil.

It is no wonder that almost four months after opening, the movie is still being shown in movie theaters across the area, nor should it be a surprise that Disney World’s Star Wars exhibit is one of the most popular attractions in its theme park.

Star Wars fans will be delighted to know that by all accounts Star Wars Land is set to make its debut in late 2017 or early 2018.

If you are a Star Wars fan, you can still head to the theater to watch the movie at:

 Premiere Cinema 14 – Located in Fashion Square, 3201 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803

 AMC Universal Cineplex 20 with IMAX – 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819

 AMC Disney Springs 24 with Dine-in Theaters – 1500 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Check local listings for additional showings.

Star War fans will love Disney World’s Star Wars: The Adventure Continues.

Tool around the galaxy at the 3D Star Wars: The Force Awakens simulated space flight.

Explore behind the scenes, check out movie props, enjoy a flight simulator, meet Star Wars characters, snap photos, buy memorabilia and watch short films that give you a sneak peek at future Star Wars adventures.

 

 

The weekend is upon us, time to go out and celebrate, relax, dance, or have a quiet drink!  Because we know you are busy, we have put together a list of the top night spots near your Orlando apartment.

23 Lounge

23 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801

http://www.23orlando.com/

This upscale lounge is the perfect spot to meet friends for a drink.  The curved, granite topped bar and leather seating is inviting.  They serve signature cocktails and offer friendly and attentive service.

The Attic Orlando

 68 E Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801

http://theatticorlando.com/

Some secrets just shouldn’t be left in the attic and some weekends are just meant for great cocktails and dancing! The Attic is Central Florida’s premiere nightclubs with great drinks and electronic music and lights.  They are open from Thursday to Saturday from 10 pm to 2 am.

 Independent Bar

70 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

http://independentbar2.pushthetempo.com/wordpress/?page_id=19

Let’s dance!  The Independent Bar, located just minutes from your apartment, is a multi-leveled night club with two dance floors, state-of-the-art sound and lights and is lots of fun!

Bösendorfer Lounge

325 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

http://www.grandbohemianhotel.com/dining/restaurant/

The Bosendorfer Lounge is a quiet upscale lounge situated in the beautiful Grand Bohemian Hotel.

The Vintage Lounge

114 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

http://thevintagelounge.com/

The high energy Vintage Lounge has been in downtown since 2007.   Enjoy tufted, red leather VIP couches under chandeliers and dance to DJs.