It’s that time of year again! As Style Magazines and the city of Orlando look back on an exciting year, let’s not forget the more recent adventures and experiences that were shared throughout the City Beautiful. Here are all the highlights, just in case you missed it!
From October 26th-27th, the ninth annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic showcased the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s passion for food and beverages with more than 70 food and beverage stations and 10 food and beverage seminars all amidst a backdrop of live entertainment. Guests sipped and savored an enticing array of culinary options from the hotel’s award-winning signature restaurants as well as wine and spirit samplings from around the globe. New for 2018, guests journeyed to the Pacific by visiting The Pig & The Poke, an immersive, Hawaiian Luau themed area featuring tasty bites with an island flair.
On October 27th, Morton’s and The Mondavi’s presented A Taste of Two Legends at Morton’s Steakhouse Orlando. The ticketed event was a rare and unrivaled 40th Anniversary celebration with Napa Valley’s most famous and oldest wine making family, the Mondavis. Attendees enjoyed a delectable six course meal in addition to world-class wines from 4 Mondavi Generations, including exclusive library wines and new projects not available to the public.
On November 7th, Lake Nona Social kicked-off it’s month-long 6th Anniversary celebration by transforming the new billion dollar Orlando International Airport Terminal C into a Great Gatsby Casino themed Soiree. The costumed event was a continuation of Lake Nona Social’s successful Medical City Mixer series and featured live music by Nik & Reema, an aerial cirque performer, stilt walkers, a casino blackjack experience and more. VIP guests also enjoyed a Chef presentation and food by Hemisphere Restaurant by Hyatt.
More than 3,000 fellow beer lovers came together on November 10th for the long-awaited return of the Orlando Beer Festival by Orlando Weekly! Attendees sampled craft and premium beers from local breweries and around the world. Wine tasting, interactive games, tasty eats and live music kept the party going all afternoon! The beloved and tasty event benefitted the Central Florida Brewer’s Guild.
Maker Faire Orlando is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. On November 10th and 11th, the Central Florida Expo Center & Fairgrounds was transformed into the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth—a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, projects. Attendees Immersed themselves in Maker culture with endless exhibits and performances showcasing the creative and experimental folks who make, play, tinker and hack.
The Festival of Trees kicked off the holiday season at the Orlando Museum of Art from November 10th-18th. The 32nd annual event transformed the Orlando Museum of Art into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling trees and stunning décor items curated by Orlando’s finest designers. Guests enjoyed stunningly decorated trees and wreaths, as well as gingerbread creations, a Toyland Town activity area, and drawings for prizes. Special events were available for families, children and adults alike such as the reception and gala, Festival Salutes Seniors, Reindeer Romp Children’s Party, and the Ugly Holiday Sweater Date Night.
Presented by Dr. Phillips Center, FusionFest is a project of the Downtown Arts District with support from Orange County Government, the City of Orlando/Downtown Development Board and a growing grassroots movement. The free, two-day celebration took place from November 24th-25th in Downtown Orlando and featured a kaleidoscopic fusion of aromas, sights, sounds, tastes, textures and fascinating short films that represent and illustrate the diverse origins and heritages of our community. It was Diversitastic!
Residents and visitors in Winter Park skipped the mall lines and found the perfect gift for the holidays during the inaugural Winter Park Village Thanksgiving Weekend Craft Festival from November 26th-27th. Colorful, creative and practical creations, all hand-crafted in the U.S.A., were on sale from more than 100 exhibitors lining the streets of Winter Park Village along Canton Avenue. Whether looking for folk art, pottery, jewelry, paintings, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, scented soaps and body products or special holiday spices, the festival had something to suit every taste and every budget.
