I'll have an Orlando, hold the theme parks

To a majority of the world, the City Orlando is synonymous with places like Disney, Sea World, and Universal... and those places are lovely. But do you ever wonder what the city would be like with those giant companies? What else does this city bring to the table?------ A whole lot!

The City of Orlando is comprised of several small townships, which like any major city. However, just like in New York City, these townships still feel a sense of pride and independence from the city as a whole. If you were to ask someone from Winter Garden where their from they would be quick to assure that Winter Park is NOT Orlando... despite it being mere minutes from the downtown area. So this post may require some maps, because I'll be list the sites by their township. And now, onto the hidden gems.

Dining:
Yellow Dog Eats, 1236 Hempel Avenue  Windermere- The owners took a dilapidated farm house and turned it into one of the coolest sandwich shops in the world. Get the special (no mater what it is) if you're there before it runs out!
Hamburger Mary's, 110 West Church Street, Orlando- There are a couple of these out in the state, but this one is the best. The waitstaff is SASSY and your check comes in a pump... what more could you ask for?!
4 Rivers Smokehouse, 1600 W. Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park- Serving up traditional TEXAS smoked BBQ in a cafeteria style service. 
YumYum Cupcake Truck*, 3042 Eaglet Loop, Orlando- If you can find it, just be prepared for such awesomeness your tasted buds have never know!
    *If you are here on the right night, the city of Celebration hosts a Food Truck Night about once a month or so. 851 Celebration Ave. It's pretty epic!

Bars:
The Wine Roon, 270 Park Ave S.  Winter Park- If you're a fan of wine, then stock up on some Advil for the next day! This place is pretty hip. You fill up a card with a desired amount of money and then each pour/tasting costs a certain amount. It's awesome for a Ladies Night.
Eye Spy, 54 North Orange Avenue  Orlando- It's hard to find, but it's worth it for the night of fun and mystery ahead of you!
Kitty O'Shea, 8470 Palm Parkway, Lake Buena Vista- A little close to Disney, but it's a total dive bar with the prices to match. One of the most affordable places you'll find here in Orlando.

Sights:
Harry P. Leu Garden, 1920 N. Forest Ave, Orlando- This 50-acre botanical garden is Orlando's equivalent to The Secret Garden: a maze bursting with color and unusual greenery.
Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka- Pronounced Wahk-EYE-vah, it is a 7,000-acre park where the waters are crystal - clear and stay at a comfortable 72 degrees all year.
The Shops on Park Ave, Winter Garden- I love to just stroll along this area. The squares have hidden walkways and shops. There's even a French Pastry Shop!
Skycoaster, 2850 Florida Plaza Boulevard, Kissimmee -Good for you, go for it! Me, I'll keep my feet on the ground... but my friends rave about this gravity defying experience. Undoubtedly one of the scariest adventure activities in Orlando, the SkyCoaster slowly hoists you backwards with a cable 300 feet into the air. The cable stops and there you hang until on of the riders has to muster up the courage to pull the release cord, which sends riders plummeting toward the ground, then swings back and forth a few times.
Florida EcoSafaris, On my to do list, I'm really looking forward to a zipline next time I'm free in Orlando!

As you can plainly see, there's more to Orlando than roller coasters and character meet'n'greets... Also I still love Disney, look for that post soon ;)

Chicago in April

Some of my friends are wanting to plan a girls' getaway in April. Since we're spread out across the country I've decided that a central destination is a good choice. We also want to have a place that meets all our need: Nightlife, Food, and Points of Interest. I've had a lifelong love affair with the city of Chicago, so it seemed a natural choice!
The Windy City is a great example of the midwest mindset meets big city living. The people are friendly and look you in the eye, while the shopping, dining and entertainment can't be beat. The mainstream tourists will hit all the must sees: The Bean at Millennium Park, The Field House Museum, and Navy Pier. I prefer the local side. Here are my Chicago Must Dos:

Dining:
Chicago Pizzas and Over Grinders, 2525 N. Clark St.- They make the best pizzas upside down!
Twin Anchors, 1655 North Sedgwick St- It's hidden on the north end of Old Town, but the BBQ sauce will have you going in search for it again and again!
The Wiener Circle, 2622 North Clark St- Because who doesn't like to be cursed at while enjoying the best hotdogs in Chi-town.

Bars:
Fair warning- I'm a pub and dives sort of girl, but Chicago has some of the nicest bars I've ever been too.
Big, 151 East Wacker Dr- A bit upscale for me, but so much fun. I'm definitely including this in the girl's weekend.
Mother Hubbard- 5 West Hubbard St- Sports Bar/Dive, the people are so friendly!
Cape Cod, ground floor of the Drake Hotel- The best bartender in the world has sadly retired, but this bar still has that something. Great place for a cocktail, and the bar that made me fall in love with Martinis!

Sights:
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St- Free to the public and the animals are all a bunch of showoffs!
Goose Island Brewery, 1800 North Clybourn Ave- The tours are harder to schedule, but the people there know their stuff.
The Second City, 1616 North Wells St- Catch a night of laughs from the people who brought you Sassy Gay Friend!

Travel Well Friends!
~Greet