Views like this come with a price. | Photo via @citybeautiful
RentCafe recently studied 200 cities across the US to determine how much space $1,500 a month could get you. Will you be surprised about what you can find in the City Beautiful? Let’s find out.
A monthly rent of $1,500 will get you an average of 765 sqft — compared to Manhattan’s 216 sqft, we’ll take it.
Grits Rodeo Orlando | 2-7 p.m. | Rodeo: All American Bar | $18 | Celebrate the day off at this cowboy-themed party featuring festive drinks, line dancing, and mechanical bull riding.
Karaoke All Star Fundraiser | 7 p.m. | Jenny’s Venue | $10+ | Sign up to sing or watch other performers take the mic as they compete for a prize and raise funds for Jenny’s Venue.
Tuesday, Sept. 2
Cozy Crafting Gathering | 6:30-8 p.m. | Lakewood Center Education Building, Fern Park | Free | Take a deep breath and try out new crafts in a relaxed, low-energy environment.
Durand Bernarr | 8 p.m. | The Plaza Theatre | $42 | The progressive, Grammy-nominated R&B singer performs the “You Still Gon’ Grow, Too! Tour.”
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Caffeinated Creatives | 7:30-9 a.m. | Lineage Coffee | $10 | Meet other freelancers, creatives, and advertising employees to network and share insights at this morning chat.
Garbage | 8 p.m. | Hard Rock Cafe | $72+ | If you’re “Only Happy When It Rains,” this is your time to smile.
Next stop, St. Maarten. Southwest Airlines announced it will offer direct flights from Orlando International Airport to Princess Juliana International Airport beginning in April. This is the Dallas-based airline’s first new international route from MCO since 2021. (Orlando Business Journal)
Development
Developer M&M Realty Partners revised plans to redesign the Fashion Square Mall, now proposing 1,700+ housing units and flexible retail space that could allow for a new grocery store. This changes the original 2021 framework, notably eliminating hotel plans. Construction is unlikely to start for a few years. (Orlando Sentinel)
Number
99. That’s how many haunted houses are in Florida, according to The Scare Factor, though that number may climb if more haunts make their presence known. You can explore the directory to find one near you, but only if you’re brave enough.
Pets
Handsome Dan and Jack the Bulldog. No, those aren’t frat boy nicknames. College football is back, and it’s time to meet the 12 beloved dogs who rep their schools across the US. Tune into the action for a chance to glimpse the four-legged cuties. (US News & World Report)
Tech
Google has launched Preferred Sources in the US, a feature that allows your favorite sources to appear more frequently in search results. This is great news if you love ORLtoday — you can follow Google’s instructions to see even more of our hyperlocal content.
Sports
Peaceful Sundays were fun while they lasted, but now it’s time for the NFL to return this Thursday, Sept. 4. If you’re rooting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they get their campaign underway on Sunday, Sept. 7 vs. the Atlanta Falcons. Catch the games on Hulu.
Mansion Monday
Find relaxation and activity at this Winter Park home with four bedrooms + five bathrooms. Inside you’ll see European designs throughout, professional grade appliances, and a stunning spiral staircase. Then, head outside to swim laps in the 65-ft pool and relax at the outdoor fireplace lounge.
Jobs
“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter.” That’s what one business owner said about hiring through our Job Board. See for yourself — post your open positions for free.
Jobs of the Week
Seeking more freedom in your workday? Do your job from anywhere in these remote roles.
It’s called Big Tree Park for a reason. | Photo via City of Orlando
Want to get outside for Labor Day? Whether you’re looking for a place to play with the kiddos or to decompress with some off-screen time, Orlando features 148+ parks and recreational spots for you to enjoy, including these spaces perfect for nature lovers. Big Tree Park
In a city full of beautiful trees, it’s hard to stand out. But this spot near Lake Highland is a portal into Old Florida, with Spanish moss and winding branches.
Dickson Azaela Park
The City of Orlando has run this park for over 100 years. Since 1924, the azalea-adorned spot has offered tranquil surroundings for a peaceful retreat into nature.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
You’ll need to pay for admission — but it’s worth it. Across ~50 acres, the gardens boast 15,000+ botanical specimens, including native flora, roses, and tropical fruit, plus a butterfly garden and indoor exhibits. It’s also where we’d put an outdoor library in Orlando.
Greenwood Urban Wetlands
Take a stroll around Lake Greenwood where Cypress trees line the trail. We recommend stopping for a moment to listen for native birdsong.
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.
I hope you’re bready for September. Did you know this month is sometimes considered “Sourdough September” to honor the oldest leavened bread in the world? Orlando is ready to observe, and you can grab a loaf at one of these local spots.
