Suddenly, you’re headed to the town that inspired the beloved novel + film “The Notebook” to kick off the holiday season surrounded by historic homes, walkable streets, cozy shops + restaurants, and holiday lights.
No, it’s not the plot of a new Hallmark movie — yet.
Visit New Bern is giving ORLtoday readers a chance to win two free round-trip Breeze Airways flights from Orlando (MCO) to New Bern (EWN), overnight accommodations, and two free registrations for the Trail to Tryon Holiday Half run.
Trail to Tryon Holiday Half run | Saturday, Dec. 6 | Whether you’re a runner looking for a race to round out the year or simply want to explore New Bern’s historic neighborhoods on foot, you and your guest can sign up for the half-marathon, 10K, or 5K.
Christmas Parade | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 10 a.m. | Following the race, stay downtown as local marching bands and floats fill the streets with holiday spirit.
Explore New Bern | Spend the afternoon exploring scenic rivers, breweries, restaurants, and local shops, or learn about the history of Pepsi-Cola, which was invented in New Bern.
Flotilla | Saturday, Dec. 6 | 5:30 p.m. | Make your way back to the waterfront to see boats decked out with holiday lights, and sip on hot chocolate while watching the river sparkle before ending the day dining on fresh seafood and sipping cozy cocktails.
Enter to win the giveaway before it ends on Monday, Sept. 22. The winner will be announced on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
New art is coming to City Hall’s Terrace Gallery. | Photo via City of Orlando
Today, Mayor Buddy Dyer will proclaim September 15 through October 15 Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Orlando. The annual observance —which coincides with the National Hispanic Heritage Month — will celebrate the history and traditions that shape the Hispanic identity. You’ll find events in the City Beautiful, including:
Monday, Sept. 8 — Mayor Buddy Dyer will be joined by District 2 Commissioner Tony Ortiz in a proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month at 2 p.m. at City Hall.
Sunday, Sept. 14 — Kick off the month with performances, food, and community resources at Hola at the Park at Lake Eola.
Audubon Park Community Market | 5-8 p.m. | Audubon Park Garden District | Free | Swing by the artisan market on the way home from work to pick up foods like fresh produce, cheese, bread, and desserts.
Jessie Murph | 8 p.m. | Hard Rock Cafe | $78+ | The rising country star causes “Worldwide Hysteria” with guest Nino Paid.
Meet the Authors of “Happy Wife” | 6 p.m. | Azalea Lodge at Mead Botanical Garden, Winter Park | $18+ | Get the story behind the story as bestselling authors Meredith Lavender + Kendall Shores discuss their novel.
Tuesday, Sept. 9
Meet the Mascots | 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Kia Center | Free | Network with downtown employees and meet Orlando’s mascots + community ambassadors — the first 1,000 attendees get a free hot dog or pretzel for lunch.
Gerald Law II & The Clutch | 7 p.m. | Judson’s Live | $30+ | Central Florida drummer Gerald Law II and his band celebrate the release of the album “Who We Are.”
Wednesday, Sept. 10
Stroller Tours | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Orlando Museum of Art | $15 | Gaze at art and inspire an infant as you walk through the gallery with your stroller — this week’s focus is Jason Chin’s “Your Place in the Universe.”
Founder’s Festival | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida, Maitland | Free | Celebrate the center’s founding at this family-friendly event with food, music, activities, and a chance to reflect.
Well done, Corner Chophouse. The new steakhouse has debuted in Hannibal Square in Winter Park at the West New England Avenue space formerly occupied by Park Avenue Tavern. The menu features a variety of steak options accompanied by items like seafood, salads, and cocktails. (Orlando Business Journal)
Festival
The Center Orlando announced it will host Q Fest, a new festival showcasing LGBTQ+ art and artists. The event will take place at the nonprofit’s venue, Thursday, Nov. 13-Sunday, Nov. 16, and the new festival replaces Orlando Out Fest, which was unable to return for its second year. Ticket sales will begin this Friday, Sept. 12. (Orlando Sentinel)
Mansion Monday
Invest in magic with this five-bedroom, seven-bathroom home at the Four Seasons Private Residences Orlando within the gated Golden Oak community at Walt Disney World Resort. In addition to proximity to the park, you’ll be able to enjoy your own pool, an outdoor summer kitchen, and dazzling two-story ceilings.
Number
55. That’s how many days are left until daylight saving time ends and the clock falls back one hour. Translation: It’s time to take advantage of golden-hour hangs after work while you still can. Might we suggest a sunset stroll through one of Orlando’s parks?
State
What is your favorite comfort food? For Floridians, conch fritters are at the top of the list, according to Reader’s Digest. We recommend sampling some for yourself at Krazy Good Foodfor research purposes.
Fun Fact
The world’s oldest hotel has been welcoming guests since 705 A.D. under the ownership of the same family for 52 generations — Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Japan. Over 1,000 years later, the Lakeside Inn opened, becoming Florida’s oldest continuously operated hotel.
Eat
Four new Pringles flavors will be popping onto shelves this month: Smoky Bacon, Smoky Cheddar, Smoky Mesquite BBQ + Sharp White Cheddar. You can also look for two new varieties of Pringles Mingles puffs, but we’re anxiously waiting for the day the brand turns key lime pie into a chip.
POV: You’re waiting for your morning pick-me-up. | Photo by Qreate Cofee
Searching for a coffee shop where you can get work done in Orlando? We’re up to the task of helping. Explore these local spots where you can get caffeinated while getting your projects done.
Qreate Coffee
At both its Mills 50 Studio + its Creative Village locations, Qreate is “a haven for artists, entrepreneurs, and coffee enthusiasts alike.” An afternoon here surrounded by fellow creatives will help inspire your journey to writing the next Great American Novel.
Stardust Video & Coffee
Bring your laptop to enjoy eccentric surroundings, a range of specialty coffees, vegan + vegetarian eats, and a full liquor bar. This one’s open late.
Framework Craft Coffee House
Community is the name of the game at Framework, where those in need can buy coffee on a pay-what-you-can basis. The huge menu is headlined by seasonal offerings with a rotating selection of locally sourced baked goods.
Deeply Coffee Company
Bright surroundings accompany bright flavors, perfect for inspiring creativity with a latte to boot. Treat yourself to some natural wine once you’ve finished your work for the day.
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.
You never know when you’ll find yourself as a passenger on a plane, train, or automobile — but you can be prepared to fill free time. I recommend taking a trip to Writer’s Block Bookstore so you can easily grab something to read, just in case you take an impromptu trip.
