Cynthia Van Gaasbeck

Join the party for Universal Orlando Resort’s annual festive Mardi Gras celebration through April 24. (COURTESY UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT) SPECIAL EVENTS WEKIVA PAINT OUT Through March 5: A premier plein air art event, with artists painting in the open surroundings of Wekiva Island. The Paint Out hel…

(ROBERTO GONZALEZ) Best Private School 9-12 Windermere Preparatory School Virtus, Veritas, Unitas; Integrity, Courage and Unity Twenty-two years ago, Windermere Preparatory School was founded by a group of people who believed that education should, and could, be different. They saw the need for a private institution in Southwest Orlando and sought to create a place where community was celebrated. Two...

(COURTESY OF WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE) Best Performing Arts Group Winter Park Playhouse “The forget your troubles theatre.” Heather Alexander and Roy Alan, the founders of the Winter Park Playhouse, met where you’d imagine two actors would meet: onstage. “Roy and I met in 1991 doing a production of ’Si…

Diego. (ROBERTO GONZALEZ) Welcome to Orlando magazine’s, Annual Pet Guide 2022. In the past few years, we have brought you fascinating information on high-tech products for your pets, stories of remarkable canines who offer support to crime victims, and tips and stories that warmed your heart. This…

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLORIDA WILDLIFE CORRIDOR) Gently rolling hills offer panoramic views of Lake Louisa State Park’s 4,500 acres of sandy terrain, lakes, cypress swamps, pines, and oaks. They also afford a view of about 250 homes in a neighborhood across U.S. Highway 27 that once was an orange grove and, before that, wilderness. We chose the park in Clermont...

Orlando news, food and drink, entertainment and more

Orlando news, food and drink, entertainment and more

Special Events ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL—INTO THE WILD Through Jan. 19: A stunning evening experience with larger-than-life illuminated lanterns celebrating the culture, art and beauty of Asia’s traditional lantern festivals. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford. 407-323-4450. centralfloridazoo.org MISS AMERICA & MISS AMERICA’S TEEN Jan. 1, 2, 4, 5: Join the hopefuls for an evening of...

Special Events SEVEN SEAS FOOD FESTIVAL Through May 4: Embark on a culinary voyage as you sip and sample your way around the world. Enjoy live entertainment while deciding your favorites among global food offerings, wine and cocktail selections and craft beers. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando. 407-545-5550. seaworld.com BUSCH GARDENS FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL Through May 18: A...

Asian Lantern Festival. Image sourced centralfloridazoo.org Special Events ASIAN LANTERN FESTIVAL—INTO THE WILD Through Jan. 18: Larger-than-life illuminated lanterns celebrate the culture, art and beauty of Asia’s traditional lantern festivals. Tickets and entry times online. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford. 407-323-4450. centralfloridazoo.org MECUM KISSIMMEE 2026 Jan. 6-18: Mecum Auctions roars into town with 4,500...