Sort of like this, but outside. | Photo via Google Streetview
A cool breeze, some vitamin D, and a good book. Does it get much better than that?
If you ask a resident of South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, the answer would probably be a resounding “no.” The city’s innovative Outdoor Library concept recently drew in a million visitors in just three months, and has attracted 6 million since launching in 2022.
What is it?
“The Seoul Outdoor Library is designed as a vibrant space where people can freely read books and engage in cultural activities outside the traditional library setting,” according to the official city website. The space features chairs, rentable books, and multiple locations.
Where would one go in Orlando?
Our vote?Harry P. Leu Gardens. Across the botanical garden’s ~50 acres, there is plenty of tree cover to suppress the Florida heat, open spaces for lounging, beautiful flora for the perfect visual backdrop, and the gentle sounds of flowing water + native birdsong to accompany the pages.
Asked
Asked
Where would you put an outdoor library in Orlando?
We want to share your ideas in a future newsletter.
Le Femmes Creatives | 4-8 p.m. | The Studio 124, Orlando | Join brilliant and creative local women for a night of powerful collaboration, storytelling, and networking.
“The Music Man” in Concert | Friday, Aug. 22-Sunday, Aug. 24 | Times vary | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts | $35+ | Hum along to tunes like “Ya Got Trouble” in this classic film.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Yoga in the Garden | 9-10 a.m. | Mead Botanical Garden Park | $10+ | Bring your yoga mat and water bottle to strike a pose in the gorgeous garden. Against All Odds: Hourglass Brewing Anniversary Beer Festival | 1-5 p.m. | Hourglass Brewing, Longwood | $53+ | The brewery is celebrating its 13th birthday with 60+ taps to choose from, VIP packages, tattoo artists, and barbecue eats.
Seoul Dalbam Night Market | 4-10 p.m. | Orlando Korea Culture Center | Free with reservation | Prepare for a night of cultural celebration and delicious pan-Asian eats at this inaugural event.
“One More Time: A Tribute to Daft Punk” | Saturday, Aug. 23-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 10 p.m. | The Vanguard | $7+ | It’s been years since the helmeted French DJ duo hit the stage — roll back the clock and soak in a night of nostalgic tunes.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Downtown Orlando Farmers Market | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Lake Eola Park | Price of purchase | Start your week with a shopping trip to this pet-friendly market where you can stock up on fresh local produce and homemade items.
The Weeknd | 7 p.m. | Camping World Stadium | $145+ | End your weekend at the Canadian superstar’s “After Hours Til Dawn Tour,” featuring special guests Playboi Carti and Mike Dean.
With each mortgage payment, your equity grows — here’s what that can mean for homeowners. | Photo via Pexels
The Word: Equity. It’s the difference between your home’s current market value and what you still owe on your mortgage. Want to make it grow? From making home improvements to simply paying your mortgage each month, you’re building value over time.
You likely already know that you can tap into this equity to help cover expenses, like debt consolidation, education costs, medical bills, or even retirement. Here are a few options:
HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit): Borrow against equity as needed, with flexible access over time and a variable interest rate.
Home Equity Loans: Receive a one-time sum with a fixed interest rate, usually repaid over five to 30 years.
Equity Sharing Home Loans: Offers borrowers a fixed-rate, interest-only loan, with lower monthly payments than a traditional loan. In exchange, you agree to share a portion of your home’s future value appreciation.
The Orlando Pride is making even more history. The Pride announced the signing of superstar Mexican forward Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle yesterday for a world record fee — a reported $1.5 million. That figure makes Ovalle the most expensive transfer in women’s soccer history anywhere in the world. Game on.
Real Estate
Orlando is making plans to keep up with its growing need for housing. Mayor Buddy Dyer unveiled a new initiative earlier this week, Orlando Unlocked, which aims to increase housing supply to keep pace with population growth. Officials believe the city needs 46,000 new units by 2035. (Spectrum News 13)
Biz
Siemens Energy is moving its headquarters across town. The German company has been at Alafaya Trail near the University of Central Florida for the past 40+ years, but will move to the Lake Nona Town Center in 2027. The move comes as the company plans to add to its ~3,000 local employees. (Orlando Business Journal)
Plan Ahead
If you want to follow in Katy Perry’s footsteps, you might get the chance by the end of the decade. Orlando-based space tourism startup Titans Space is aiming for a 2029 lift-off. Up to 350 passengers would travel in its spaceplanes, with a five-hour global orbit in the works. (Orlando Business Journal)
Parks
Death by a Cheese Stick, Crystal Lake Coffee, Bloody Sour. Yes, these would be good band names, but they are actually menu items at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights. It’s hard to believe the annual event is already kicking off just a week from today on Friday, Aug. 29. (TODAY.com)
Weather
We’re about to enter into what is usually the busiest time of year for tropical activity in the Atlantic Ocean. The National Hurricane Center is tracking multiple systems, including one which could become the next named storm in the 2025 season — Fernand. Make sure to heed the city’s advice and prepare for any eventuality.
Quoted
“We are honored to champion meaningful causes that uplift and empower youth across the Orlando community each year,” said Magic chairman Dan DeVos. O-Town’s NBA team is currently distributing $1.6 million to youth organizations across Central Florida, including arts programs, food banks, education centers, and healthcare initiatives. (Orlando Sentinel)
Feel Good
Alert: Extremely wholesome content. A recent viral video shows a creator’s 96-year-old grandfather enjoying a day at Orlando’s Grand Cypress Golf Club with some younger gentlemen. He watched while riding along in a cart, and enjoyed a wonderful day in the sunshine. The cold beer probably helped.
Orlando’s Parks and Rec department shared this slideshow of old-timey Lake Eola postcards, some dating back to the 1920s. Our little slice of Floridian paradise seems to have some timeless features: gorgeous sunsets, tropical flora, and plenty of swans.
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.
Who’s your favorite Orlando-based influencer? We’re trying to beef out our social feed with the best local accounts.
Right now, we’re loving the food, travel, and lifestyle content on @beercutieandfoodie’s Instagram page. She just posted some ideas for a day in Winter Park, including coffee, sweat treats, thrifting spots, and a local museum.
