On the road again. | Photo courtesy of the Florida Department of Transportation
82 million. That’s how many Americans are projected to travel 50+ miles for Thanksgiving — a new AAA record. If you’re hitting the road, make the trip more enjoyable by pressing play on these Orlando-centric podcasts and episodes.
“Orlandoland”
Ever wondered how Orlando became the home of Walt Disney World? This deep dive explores the behind-the-scenes decisions that shaped the city as we know it.
“Patrick Rose on Saving Florida’s Manatees”
Save the Manatee Club’s executive director breaks down the state of Florida’s gentle giants — the challenges they face, why they’re in crisis, and what protections look like — on this Yale University podcast.
“Orlando History Makers”
Go straight to the source with conversations featuring O-Town leaders like Mayor Buddy Dyer, touching on the city’s culture, legacy, and what’s ahead.
The Orlando Museum of Art will soon showcase more than 100 works by renowned photographer David LaChapelle. The exhibition — featuring photos from his career over four decades — opens on Saturday, Jan. 31. (Orlando Weekly)
Kids
The Little Gym will open its doors on East Colonial Drive this December. Designed for children ages 4 months to 12 years, the business offers classes, programs, parties, and memberships for tiny tumblers. (Bungalower)
Fun Fact
Did you see “Wicked: For Good” over the weekend? In the film, audiences are introduced to Young Glinda, played by 8-year-old Scarlett Spears, an actress from Orlando. We’re bubbling over with hometown pride. (Bungalower)
Try This
For Florida snow, we know where to go.Snowcat Ridge is now open for the season in Dade City, only about an hour and a half from Orlando. This winter wonderland offers tubing down an icy hill, snowman building, ice skating, and private igloo rentals.
Plan Ahead
Save the dates.Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval will return to Universal Orlando Saturday, Feb. 7-Saturday, April 4. Expect nightly parades, themed food, live performances, and plenty of beads.
Eat
Would you sit right next to a stranger at a restaurant?90% of Gen Z diners would. According to a new Resy study, communal dining is in. Consider this your cue to meet a new friend at one of Orlando’s buzzy new restaurants.
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Jobs
Whether you’re a small business looking to grow your team or a large company filling a key role, our Job Board can connect you with engaged, qualified locals who are ready to work. Post your open roles for free + watch the applications roll in.
The wait is almost over.Osteria Ester — the highly anticipated Italian-American eatery coming to Thornton Park — will officially enter its soft opening phase on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Dreamt up by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs, the new hot spot’s menu comprises handmade pastas, ingredient-driven dishes, refreshing cocktails, and a carefully curated wine list. Stop in from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays.
PSA: Amazon’s Black Friday Week sale is here. With temperatures continuing to drop, we’re stocking up on a few cold weather wardrobe essentials while they’re on sale. These are our top three:
🍂 This pair of ultra-soft wide leg pants are on sale for under $35. We can’t wait to wear them while running errands, lounging, and everything in between.
🍂 Score 30% off this ribbed long sleeve basic tee — perfect for layering under your favorite sweater, vest, or jacket.
🍂 Embrace cozy sophistication with this oversized cable knit sweater that’s marked down to under $28.
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.
Throwback alert. Nine years after going dark, Vine has made a comeback. The short-form video platform just relaunched as diVine, bringing 100,000 archived videos from before the app’s shutdown with it. Prefer punchlines in person? Check out these upcoming comedy shows in Orlando.
