Sourdough can blur the line between art and food. | Photo by @madisonsourdough
Starter your engines. Sourdough is soaring in popularity, and according to Google Trends, so is interest in making your own — surpassing 2020’s pandemic-induced explosion in interest earlier this year.
If you’re looking for some expert-made loaves around O-Town, we rounded up a few spots that will butter your bread, so to speak.
The self-titled “best sourdough breakfast and lunch in town” does not disappoint. We’re hoping they bring back their sourdough pumpkin bread when fall rolls around.
After spending years training in New York City, owner Evan DeLaney opened up this store full of doughy goodness. The classic sourdough loaf comes in various sizes, and makes for top-notch sandwiches.
Pro tip: Do you want to make your own sourdough? From our experience, the apron-laden are typically willing to offer some friendly advice for beginner bakers eager to learn more.
A. Yes, I’d win the Great British Baking Show B. Yes, but I’ve only made a few loaves C. No, but I’d like to get started D. No, I prefer to do the eating
“Jerry’s Girls” | Wednesday, Aug. 20-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | The Winter Park Playhouse at Orlando Shakes | $20+ | Time is running out to catch this dynamic Broadway musical about the life + career of Florida-born composer Jerry Herman.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Hike With A Ranger: Tails On Trails | 9-10:30 a.m. | Wekiwa Springs State Park | $6 | It’s hot, but that won’t stop us. A ranger will lead you on a 2.5-mile hike to explore the park — furry friends are welcome.
Orlando Night Ride | 7-10 p.m. | Retro City Cycles | $50+ | Explore local bars, music, and nightlife by bike with a guide and a group.
Friday, Aug. 22
Costume Party: Pajamas | 4-7 p.m. | Dave & Buster’s | Free | Throw on your comfiest PJs, grab your crew, and get ready to turn that sleepy mood into arcade energy.
MVP Back-2-Back Live Boxing Events | Friday, Aug. 22-Saturday, Aug. 23 | 6-11 p.m. | Caribe Royale Orlando | $40+ | Two epic nights of boxing await, headlined by Puerto Rican and local Floridian stars.
Saturday, Aug. 23
International Festival | 1-3 p.m. | Buenaventura Lakes Library | Free | Explore some of the world’s architectural marvels through food + activities.
Universal 5K Saturday Mornings | 7:30-9 a.m. | Red Coconut Club | Free | Join the Universal Orlando Run Club for a jaunt around the resort, then make new friends over a post-run breakfast.
Weekend Tours at RMA | 1 p.m., 3 p.m. | Rollins Museum of Art | Free | Enjoy a 45-minute docent-led tour through the museum’s masterpieces, of which there are more than 5,000.
Winefest 2025 | 5-10 p.m. | German American Society of Central Florida | $27+ | Don your finest lederhosen for a night in a German village festival atmosphere, with food, drinks, and dancing all on the agenda.
Southeastern University’s Lakeland campus is only the beginning what the school offers students. | Photos provided by Southeastern University
Thinking about getting your degree, but unsure if college fits into your life? Southeastern University (SEU) has flexible degree pathways that make education accessible to all, whether you’re starting out or starting over.
In addition to an on-campus format, SEU offers online + partner site programs, all with experienced professors, peer support, and opportunities to make an impact in your community throughout your education.
On campus
Apply to SEU in person for a traditional college experience. The main Lakeland campus has ~2,200 students and a robust student life with clubs, leadership opportunities, and nationally-ranked athletic programs.
The SEU Network has 200+ partner sites, including 30+ in Florida. Partner sites are great for anyone seeking in-person learning without leaving their hometown.
All programs have Foundational Core and Divine Design credits built in, where students can explore passions, potential career paths, and valuable life skills beyond the classroom.
How much would you pay for this house? | Photo via Google Streetview
Real Estate
A property in New Smyrna Beach became the second-most expensive single-family home sale in Volusia County history earlier this month. Pictured above, the $7.29 million oceanfront mansion boasts ~6,600 sqft, absurd ocean views, a pool out back, and bright expansive living spaces. (Orlando Business Journal)
Weather
We hope you are keeping an eye on Hurricane Erin as it continues to track its way up the Atlantic Ocean. While this storm doesn’t seem much of a threat to Orlando, it’s always good to be prepared. The last thing you want to do is fight over the last can of Chef Boyardee’s finest at Walmart, believe me.
Quoted
“The simulation environment in this building is truly innovative.” Those were the words of AdventHealth’s regional Chief Nursing Officer Cathy Stankiewicz when speaking about UCF’s new state-of-the-art nursing facility. Officials unveiled the 90,000-sqft Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion to students earlier this week. (Orlando Business Journal)
Cause
It’s called The City Beautiful for a reason — let’s keep it that way. Orlando Lakes Cleanup returns next month with half a dozen events focused on keeping our city pristine. Last year, 600+ Keep Orlando Beautiful volunteers cleaned up 2,100+ lbs of litter, much of which was done from kayaks. Sign up to do your part.
Outdoors
Florida wildlife officials are asking for help identifying snakes. While we’re sure there are people in your life who meet that criteria, FWC want us to report sightings of the rainbow snake, a species whose population is declining. They have red stripes on black or violet-blue bodies, and they are nonvenomous. (WFTV)
Today Is
National Bacon Lovers Day. Not that we need an excuse to enjoy a slice or two (or three), it’s the perfect opportunity to grab some brunch. Pro tip: a drizzle of hot honey on bacon is a game-changer.
Wellness
Support your liver’s daily grind with Dose. This orange juice-flavored shot blends curcumin, milk thistle, ginger, and dandelion root into a vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free formula. Try Dose for 30% off — your liver will thank you later.*
If there wasn’t enough bread-based content in this newsletter already, here’s some more for you.
Nostalgic vibes and eats await at Art’s Sandwich Shop, which has stood on South Orange Blossom Trail for over half a century. Family-owned since 1972, the decor and atmosphere feel like a DeLorean-esque escape into simpler times.
Special businesses like this help make a city feel like home — swipe through the images to get a feel for the place.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Here’s one of my favorites of us — this was the day after we got him from a shelter in Miami. Many happy returns, Arthur. (He’s an avid ORLtoday reader.)
