Enjoy the new lunch menu at Emeril’s in Universal CityWalk

Here in Orlando, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a taste of New Orleans from one of the most famous chefs to come out of the Crescent City. Emeril’s Orlando is offering a new lunch menu this summer, combining local favorites with a zesty Cajun flair that has made this restaurant one of the hottest spots in town, at one of the hippest places in town—Universal CityWalk.

On a recent visit to Emeril’s, servers Aaron and Mike provided an exceptional meal with mouthwatering dishes that included appetizers Seafood & Andouille Gumbo, Shrimp & Mirliton Soup, and entrees Shrimp and Grits (Florida White Shrimp, Applewood Bacon, Mushrooms, Vermont Cheddar Grits) and the Fresh Fish of the Day with Grilled Vegetable Ratatouille and Basil Pesto Butter.

And don’t forget about dessert—Emeril’s serves up Banana Cream Pie with a Graham Cracker Crust, caramel sauce and chocolate shavings; Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee with Macerated Berries, Chocolate Ribbons and Sweet Vanilla Shortbread, and Double Chocolate Fudge Cake with Raspberry Coulis, Chambord Chantilly Cream and Fresh Berries; plus a selection of Homemade Sorbets of the Day.

Feast on the "Lunch Crunch" menu of Chef Emeril's favorites for only $22. And as an added bonus, all lunch guests receive complimentary valet parking at Universal CityWalk for up to two hours. For more details, visit the Emeril’s Orlando website.

Just Dance 3 preview weekends at Hilton Bonnet Creek

Beginning July 30, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek will become the first public venue where Just Dance enthusiasts can play the highly-anticipated third installment of Just Dance® 3 prior to its U.S. release for all video game consoles on October 11, 2011. Be prepared to shake your groove thing as the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek hosts Just Dance 3 Preview Weekends on July 30, August 6 and August 13.

The Just Dance 3 festivities will kick off on National Dance Day with a group of ‘Just Dance-offs’ led by professional gamers and emcees, followed by individual competitions, prizes and giveaways, compliments of Just Dance 3 creator Ubisoft.

To celebrate their partnership with Ubisoft, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek will offer exclusive amenities and deals throughout the hotel for those hoping to do more than dance, including “Just Golf” and “Just Spa” promotions at the Golf Club and Guerlain spa located in the adjoining Waldorf Astoria Orlando.

Guests visiting the hotel during Just Dance 3 Preview Weekends will have the opportunity to learn tips and tricks from the emcees and compete for a chance to win copies of Just Dance, Just Dance® Kids, Just Dance® 2 and the recently released Just Dance® Summer Party. For more details, visit the Bonnet Creek Blog.

In honor of this special program, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is also offering a summer bonus offer: a FREE one-day one-park Walt Disney World theme park ticket for every two nights a guest stays under the “SummerBlast! Disney Ticket Package.” (Check out the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek website for complete details).

Dolphin Calf Born at SeaWorld Orlando

A dolphin calf was born Tuesday morning at 9:36 a.m. at SeaWorld Orlando. The calf weighs 35 pounds and is 40 inches long, with the sex unknown at this time. It was seen nursing and bonding with its mom, both a good indication that the calf is doing well. Park guests can see the pair at SeaWorld’s Dolphin Nursery. In the nursery pregnant dolphins, new mothers, their calves and experienced moms live together.

ESPN Rosen Cup 2011

Join ESPN Radio's Mike Tuck & Jerry O'Neill for the "ESPN 1080 The Team / Shingle Creek The Rosen Cup Tournament" at beautiful Shingle Creek Golf Club located at Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando FL.

Cost is only $69 per person (plus tax). The tournament is in a Ryder Cup -style format (2-man scramble matches), and is a team event with Mike as the captain of one team and Jerry the captain of the other. Mike is the defending champion, so come out and help Jerry even the score.

There will be an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Cost includes on-course drinks, post-event meal... and opportunities to win great prizes including a 3-day, 2-night stay @ Rosen Shingle Creek... plus the chance to win the "2011 ESPN 1080 The Team / Shingle Creek The Rosen Cup Tournament!!!"

Space is limited... SIGN UP TODAY!!!

Monday August 15, 2011 - 8:30am @ Shingle Creek Golf Club
Phone: 407-996-1559

Orlando Back to School Bash

PLAYGROUND Magazine is excited to present the Back to School Bash, on Saturday, August 6 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oviedo Mall. The DJ Dance Party will get your family groovin’ as you celebrate the beginning of the school year. Kids can take a train ride, visit the vendor booths and even blow off some energy climbing the rock wall set up by The Event Specialists.

The first 100 families will get an exclusive PLAYGROUND gift bag (one per family) just by visiting the PLAYGROUND Magazine booth. Other sponsors include Spark, Mathnasium, Victory Martial Arts and Oviedo Mall.

Spark will be entertaining the wee ones with mini classes while Victory Martial Arts will capture everyone’s attention with a skillful martial arts performance.
Catch the fashion show on the main stage, where local little Einsteins will don the trendiest fashions for this school year.

In-store activities will include story time, airbrush tattoos, kid’s yoga, cupcake decorating and face painting from vendors. Brookestone, The Glass Slipper Cakery, and Vibe will keep the kiddos occupied while you shop ‘til you drop, taking advantage of the special in-store promotions and coupons set up just for Orlando’s premier back to school bash.

This is a free event for the family, so bring the little ones and the tweens and let’s PLAY!

Visit their website for more information.

SeaWorld Animal Care

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Vice President of Veterinary Services, Dr. Chris Dold, checks in on pilot whale 301 with SeaWorld animal care specialist Lori xx at SeaWorld Orlando’s new Cetacean Rehabilitation Facility. The 2-year-old, once-stranded, female whale is eating well and swimming around the pool – both great indicators of her progress and easy transition to her new surroundings.

Holiday Inn Main Gate East

Who could ask for anything more? The Holiday Inn Main Gate East is ideally located across the street from Kissimmee's Old Town attraction on Highway 192, and is just one mile away from the Walt Disney World resort. With the Holiday Inn brand, you can be guaranteed quality accommodations at affordable prices, only minutes away from everywhere you want to be.

Why pay more for over the top extras when everything you need is right here? The Holiday Inn Main Gate East offers the following fun-filled amenities:

• Heated Pool
• Kids Pool
• Wifi
• Business Center
• Convenience Store
• Fitness Center
• Kids Theatre
• Arcade Style Game Room

Choose from rooms with a deluxe king bed, deluxe queen beds, an executive corner king, or a family-friendly kids suite, which has a queen bed, bunk beds, two televisions, a half partition wall, and plenty of other amenities to make your stay as relaxing and enjoyable as possible.

Don't miss out on the chance to make your next Orlando vacation a moment you'll always remember. To make your reservation at the Holiday Inn Main Gate East, call 1-800-327-1128, or visit the hotel website.

Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort

A Lake Buena Vista hotel can only mean one thing: Walt Disney World. For families looking for affordable fun in the Orlando area just minutes away from the House of Mouse, look no farther than the Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel.

In addition to the Best Western name, this Lake Buena Vista hotel has a number of amenities that budget-minded guests will appreciate. Just because you are saving money doesn't mean that you have to miss out on the perks of great vacation. Guests of the Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel have the opportunity of enjoy all of these great amenities:

• Heated Pool
• Wifi
• Business Center
• Convenience Store
• Fitness Center
• Restaurant
• Lounge
• Internet Cafe
• Arcade Style Game Room

Business travelers will also appreciate meeting rooms that can accommodate board room, class room, and theatre style seating, plus break rooms. Hold your wedding reception or banquet at the Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel, and enjoy a room with a view of Walt Disney World.

Whatever brings you to Orlando, you can have a great time without breaking the bank at the Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel. To make a reservation, call 1-800-348-3765 or visit the hotel website.

Best Cayman Islands Hotel - Top Cayman Islands Resort

Would you like to know which is the best Cayman Islands hotel? This report will take a look at the highest rated luxury Cayman Islands hotel.

The Island of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands has the most hotels being the largest of the three islands that comprise the Cayman Islands, the others being Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Yet even Grand Cayman doesn't have a lot of hotels to choose from being rather small in size. There are less than 30 hotels on the entire island, so determining which is the best hotel on the island isn't too difficult.

There really is only one true luxury resort hotel in the Cayman Islands, that being the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and you can Find the Best Deals at hotels.com! No doubt you're familiar with the Ritz-Carlton name as their brand of hotels often set the standard for luxury accommodations in many of the world's most popular destinations and the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman is no exception.

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman is set on Grand Cayman's famous Seven Mile Beach amidst several other resort hotels including the Marriott. Encompassing 144 acres of prime beach front property on one of the best rated beaches in the entire world certainly helps any hotel.




The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman offers what they refer to as the 7 Wonders of 7 Mile Beach. The first being the acclaimed restaurant "Blue" which is likely the highest rated restaurant on the entire island as it has been the winner of AAA Five Diamond and Wine Spectator awards in recent years. French chef Eric Ripert of New York's famous Le Bernardin, one of the highest rated restaurants in the world, has lent his name and talents in creating a world class restaurant for the Ritz here.

Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa provides what has to be the most luxurious spa on the island. With the La Prairie Swiss natural products, anti-aging hydro therapies provide a pure rejuvenating experience.

Blue Tip is the nine hole golf course designed by Greg Norman. Set on spectacular grounds surrounded by water and palm trees, this private course is exclusive for residents and guests of the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman. With this exclusivity you are ensured short waits for a tee time. The golf shop provides Taylor Made golf equipment for rental as well.

The Courts at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman contain 3 clay courts and 1 grass court. With a staff trained by Nick Bollettieri (trainer of Andre Agassi, Monica Seles and others) Tennis Academy you can be assured of excellent assistance in improving your tennis game.



Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassador's of the Environment eco-tours give young and old an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Cayman Islands. With these excursions you can experience Blue Iguana'a and turtles and other creatures up close in their natural habitat.

24 two and three bedroom suites. From the Ritz-Carlton Suites at 2400 square feet with a private 700 square foot terrace to the Opal or Sapphire Suites with an 1300 square foot private terrace, goose down hyper-allergenic pillows, marble bathrooms, 3 telephones, high speed internet, chef's kitchen with double ovens and granite counter-tops and front loading washer and dryer.

Lastly the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman has a staff of over 800 people dedicated to see to it that your stay in the Cayman Islands is a memorable one. With these amenities it isn't hard to see why the best Cayman Islands hotel is the Ritz-Carlton. Right now I am finding the best rates at Hotels.com Make sure you get the best price with Hotels.com Best Rate Price Guarantee!

There you have the best Cayman Islands hotel, I hope this information helps you to plan your best Caribbean vacation ever!

P.S. You can read about me and my wife's trip to the Cayman Islands here.

Island Style Summer Nights in Sanford

Come relax and celebrate Florida's hot summer nights in island style at Historic Downtown Sanford! From 5-8pm, explore the various wares of local vendors and artists as you enjoy all the different tastes of Sanford as well as live entertainment. Free parking, and tickets available upon arrival, only $7 per person! Every 2^nd Thursday of the month!

For further questions contact The Historic Sanford Welcome Center at 407.302.2586, or visit us at 230 E. 1st Street in Downtown Sanford.

Barefoot’n Resort

On your next visit to Orlando, do you want a place to stay, or a place to play? The Barefoot’n Resort in Kissimmee offers the best of both worlds, with luxurious vacation condos right near the Walt Disney World resort and dozens of other Orlando area attractions.

Located just off of US Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Barefoot’n Resort is a gated luxury condo resort nestled in a wooded area—tucked away from the 192 traffic yet minutes away from everything you want to see and do in Orlando. These luxury high rise condos include one, two and three bedroom models. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, whirlpool-style tub, flat screen TVs, washer and dryer, and a patio or balcony. On the lower levels of the building, there are Deluxe King and Queen condos available as well.

And if the great accommodations aren’t enough, check out the attractions nearby. The Old Town Entertainment Complex in Kissimmee is walking distance from the Barefoot’n resort, with a selection of 75 specialty shops, 8 restaurants, and multiple amusement rides. Fun Spot USA is yet another amusement park within walking distance, complete with go-kart racing, thrill rides and neon carnival lights after sunset.

From the cutting edge entertainment of Disney, Universal and SeaWorld to the classic amusement park fun of Old Town and Fun Spot, you will get to see everything the Orlando has to offer with a stay at the Barefoot’n Resort. There’s plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy a vacation in spacious condos that can sleep anywhere from four to ten people. For more information, visit the Barefoot’n Resort website.

Velvet Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT will perform at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando on Thursday, July 28, at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $29 on-line* or $35 at the door.
When you buy your tickets online you will receive early entry at 6:00 pm. All Velvet Sessions tickets include:

• Specialty drinks and finger foods from 6:30 pm until show time

• Live music and cash bars from show time onward • Valet parking***

• After the show, hang out in Velvet Bar, where our DJ plays tunes until 1:00 am

Purchase tickets at this website VelvetSessions.com or call for more information at 407-503-2401

Hilton Bonnet Creek Gives 1 Free Walt Disney World Ticket

Summer is hot with Hilton's Free Disney Ticket Package Celebrate 104 Days of Summer Vacation at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, where special programs and events for the family await. Inside the gates of Walt Disney World® Resort, experience their unique pool parties at the lazy-river pool, nightly dive-in movies, the Spa by Guerlain®, and championship golf. Choose from their variety of 12 restaurants and lounges, and enjoy activities like Scavenger Hunts and Arts and Crafts. Complimentary direct transportation to and from the Disney® theme parks! and kids always eat free.

Stay 2 nights and Hilton Bonnet Creek Gives 1 Free Walt Disney World Ticket. The hotel rates are from $159.00 per night. View more information about the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort

Busch Gardens Ultimate National Dance Day Dance-off

Busch Gardens will host the “Ultimate National Dance Day Dance-off” featuring this summer’s previous Summer Nights Dance Challenge winners. The contestants will square off in a freestyle competition, and the audience will pick the Ultimate Winner. The winning guest will also have the chance to dance alongside the party starters and join in line dances such as the “Electric Slide” and “Cupid Shuffle.”

The Dizzy Feet Foundation has declared the last Saturday in July National Dance Day. National Dance day encourages people of all ages to get up and get moving! Busch Gardens will take part by cranking up our Summer Nights dance events and featuring our dancers on the Busch Gardens Tampa blog all week.

The performers light up the stages here at Busch Gardens every day and night throughout the year, so in honor of National Dance Day we will we be showcasing several of our dancers and dance groups on our blog. Check out BuschGardensTampaBlog.com every day this week to see whose moves are being featured.

Orlando's Best 12 Golf Courses

Celebration Golf Club

Highlights

Celebration is an upscale resort course designed by the father and son team of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr. This championship caliber course demands accurate approach shots and consistent putting. It was designed with shot-making strategy in mind and features strategic hazards and challenging greens. The course is surrounded by tranquil wetlands and sprinkled with native oaks, pines, and magnolia trees. It is conveniently located in the heart of Orlando’s tourist district.

Golf School

The Golf Academy at Celebration offers corporate programs, group instruction, a junior academy, and professional golf instructors.

Reviews

• “Would add this course to list of must plays” – David (Edmond, OK) 6/1/11


• “A quality course but not for the faint of heart. ‘A’ game a must.” – Allan (Halifax, NS, Canada) 4/22/11


• “Fantastic. The staff treated us very nicely and the course was in the best condition of any course we’ve ever played in Florida. That says a lot!” – Paul 3/23/11

ChampionsGate

Highlights

ChampionsGate offers two distinctive courses designed by Greg Norman.

The National is a classic American-style layout that rolls through two hundred acres of woodlands and wetlands. Its unique bunkering, tree-lined fairways, and intriguing green designs define a challenging course for any shotmaking golfer. Its par 3 holes and the double green shared by holes 4 and 16 offer a memorable test.

The International is one of the highest rated courses in Florida, with the look and feel of a links-style layout in the British Isles. The International was designed, constructed and seeded to offer a hard, fast playing surface similar to those found on true links courses in Scotland and Ireland. The International, with 18 of the most dramatic and challenging holes in Florida, is destined to rank among the top resort courses in the country.

Golf School

The David Leadbetter Golf Academy at ChampionsGate is the world headquarters of all of David Leadbetter’s golf schools. It offers personalized golf lessons, seminars, and corporate events. The school includes two putting greens, two chipping greens, a pitching area with 12 target bunkers, and the state-of-the-art Callaway Performance Center complete with high speed cameras and precision software to evaluate students’ swing data.

Reviews

• “This was my favorite course of the ten or so that I have played in the Orlando area. The conditions were excellent. The clubhouse is awesome and the staff are all very friendly.” – Russell (Brin Bay Arm, NL, Canada) 3/27/11


• “I had heard good things about this layout from some locals and they were right on. Most enjoyable golf experience for two mid handicappers who love a challenge. Course is tough but fair. Compliments to the superintendent and his maintenance crew. Beautiful greens. Fast pace of play. Truly professional, friendly and welcoming staff. Great facility. Don't miss it if you're in the Orlando area. Thanks to Tee Time USA for this recommendation. - Ron (Northport, NY) 3/26/11


• “One of the finest courses in all of Florida. Spectacular service from the entire staff. We were treated like no other course we have played in Florida.” – Tom (Whitmore Lake, MI) 3/12/11. Read more reviews
  

Harmony Golf Preserve

Highlights

Harmony is Central Florida’s only Johnny Miller signature course. It is located between the beaches of Melbourne and the major attractions of Orlando. It is certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary as a designated preserve for incorporating beautiful wetlands and wildlife into a stellar golf setting. Golf Digest readers rated it with four and a half stars as one of the “Best Places to Play.” It was listed as the Fourth Toughest Course in Central Florida by Orlando Business Journal. Harmony is managed by Troon Golf.

Golf School

Dennis Murray’s Uncomplicated Golf School at Harmony Golf Preserve is designed to accommodate golfers at every skill level. It offers private lessons, small group lessons, and corporate events.

Reviews

• “Absolutely stunning setting. Greens were fast and true. Wildlife was spectacular. It was worth the drive” – Anthony (Pittsburgh, PA) 3/17/11


• “One of the prettiest courses I’ve played. Loved the Preserve. Even saw a few gators!! Very challenging, especially in the wind.” – Brian (Girard, OH) 3/11/11


• “Beautiful course. Best one of the trip for us. Nice mix of bunkering, water, and doglegs to keep things interesting.” – Matt (St. John’s, NL, Canada) 3/4/ 11

MetroWest Golf Club

Highlights

MetroWest was voted the “#1 Best Golf Course in Orlando” by Orlando Magazine. The Robert Trent Jones Senior signature design features spring-fed lakes, mature native trees, expansive rolling fairways, dramatic elevation changes, large undulating greens, sculpted bunkers, and recently renovated clubhouse. The course is highly playable for all skill levels, but precision is required for approach shots into the greens. The USGA and PGA both hold their qualifying tournaments at MetroWest. Florida Golf Central Magazine awarded it with “Best Greens in Central Florida.”

Golf School

The Golf Academy at MetroWest is directed by Tom Creavy, a Golf Digest “Top 50” and “Top 20 under 50” and the instructor of LPGA superstar Se Ri Pak. It offers professional instruction, innovative programs, great golf amenities, and a state-of-the-art practice facility for professionals and amateurs alike.

Reviews

• “A great way to end our week of golf. Wide open and playable from tee to green. Just avoid those traps.” – Allan (Halifax, NS, Canada) 4/22/11


• “Great layout – fun to play. Well maintained with friendly staff. Fourth year we played it – never get tired of it. Great warm-up course after a winter lay-off.” – Peter (Port Williams, Canada) 4/19/11


• “Really classy place. Golf course is terrific, and the staff very courteous.” – Larry (Davenport, IA) 4/13/11

Orange County National

Highlights

Orange County National features 36 championship holes on its Panther Lake and Crooked Cat courses. The two top layouts feature tournament-playing conditions. Panther Lake winds through natural oak hammocks, pine forests, scenic wetlands, and glistening freshwater lakes. Its rolling hills include dramatic elevation changes. Crooked Cat is a links-style course with an open, flowing design. Its sloping greens, steep grass, and sand bunkers offer a challenge to golfers of all skill levels. Orange County National has hosted multiple PGA Tour Q-School Finals. Its practice range was voted one of the Best Practice Ranges in America by Golfer Magazine. Both courses received four and a half stars in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play.”

Golf School

The Orange County National Golf Learning Center offers private lessons, group lessons, junior golf programs, and a special ‘Just Fore Women’ program for golfers of all skill levels.

Reviews

• “Superb. Players are treated like royalty by an incredibly friendly staff. The practice area alone is worth a visit, and of course, conditions cannot be topped. We’d return again in a heartbeat.” – Dennis (Plattsburgh, NY) 4/16/11


• “Excellent course with great greens, plush fairways, and the tee boxes perfect. A little more challenging for us since we are not big hitters.” – Rick (Cherry Hill, NJ) 4/10/11


• “Spectacular course maintained in immaculate condition. Staff extremely accommodating and courteous. Simply one of the best affordable public courses.” – Steven (Tonawanda, NY) 4/1/11. Read more reviews

Orange Lake

Highlights

Orange Lake includes two beautiful and distinctly different courses. The Reserve at Orange Lake was redesigned by Mike Dasher to be in harmony with its carefully preserved native wetlands. The Reserve winds through woodlands of oak, cypress, and pine marshlands featuring lakes and abundant wildlife. Golf Magazine rated it as one of Florida’s top fifty places to play. Orange Lake’s Legends offers an Arnold Palmer-designed course with Scottish-style golf on the front nine and the back nine reminiscent of the Carolinas. It features towering pines, majestic oaks, winding fairways, and flowing water. Its par five fourth hole is considered one of the toughest holes in Central Florida from tee to green.

Golf School

The McCord Golf Academy is recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the Top Twenty-Five Golf Schools in America. It was founed by Rick McCord, who is one of Golf Magazine’s Top One Hundred Best Teachers in America. Golfers of all levels can request private instruction and group golf clinics daily.

Reviews

• “Nice course! Difficult but fun to play. Course was in great shape!” – Greg (Clolville, OH) 2/27/11


• “This course is beautiful. The best of all is unlimited afternoon golf. It is quite a challenging course.” – RC (Canada) 12/22/11


• “Challenging but fair.” – Neil (Canada) 12/22/11


• “Nicest course we played. Course was in good shape. Greens were a bit faster than most we played. Long distances from some greens to next tee, but enjoyed this course. Would definitely return.” – Talbot (Solon, IA) 2/21/11


• “Wonderful course, my wife and I both liked it so much we changed our itinerary in order to play it again!” – Tim (N. Olmstead, OH) 12/11/10. Read more reviews

Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club

Highlights

Southern Dunes is a distinctive course featuring a dramatic hillside layout, rolling terrain, steep elevation changes, and large, fast, undulating greens. Designer Steve Smyers created a unique course with his high-lipped bunkers and creative contours. His spectacular design and the course’s recently renovated Champion Dwarf Greens is further enhanced by the high grasses and ornamentals that form the borders for holes that tumble with the terrain. Golf Digest rated Southern Dunes 4 ½ stars in its “Places to Play.”

Golf School

The Kevin Woodard Golf Studio at Southern Dunes offers professional, experienced instructors for golfers of all skill levels.

Reviews

• “Southern Dunes is a top notch course. Traps are all over the place, but a very fair course. Fairways and greens were in immaculate condition. A must play.” - Brian (Horsham, PA) 3/11/11


• “One of my favourites. I can't imagine anyone ever being disappointed with this beautiful golf course.” - L. Hubley 3/5/11


• “A lot of sand. Fairways and greens were in very good condition. Not too difficult for club players. I would recommend this course for anyone.” - Markku (Pieksamaki, Finland) 2/20/11


• “This was my fourth or fifth time playing this course and I'd play it again. Different for Florida because there's almost no water (but they make up for it with bunkers all over the place). Plenty of challenge and a lot of different shaped holes. - Bob (Chester Springs, PA) 2/20/11

Falcons Fire Golf Club

Highlights

Falcons Fire Golf Club was designed by Reese Jones to be challenging, yet playable. It recently underwent a $1.2 million renovation that resurfaced its greens with TifEagle turf that provides golfers with faster, smoother, playing conditions. Bunkers were reshaped, the clubhouse was improved, and the grounds were overseeded. The course is exquisitely maintained and boasts year-round playing conditions.

Golf School

The Aaron Fagan Golf Academy at Falcon’s Fire offers many instruction options with skilled instructors for golfers of all skill levels. It features individual lessons, group lessons, playing lessons, and junior golf programs.

Reviews

• “Very playable and wide open course. Nothing to block out the wind so club selection is critical.” - John (Rego Park, NY) 3/31/11


• “Average difficulty, in very good condition and tough rough. Keep the ball on the fairway here. Friendly staff.” - Ken (Syosset, NY) 3/17/11


• “A first class operation. Nice layout in great shape. The rough was as lush as most fairways. A definite repeat.” - Al (Sinking Spg, PA) 2/21/11

Shingle Creek Golf Club

Highlights

Shingle Creek Golf Club was designed by David Harman. Its rolling fairways and interconnecting waterways create a challenging test of golf for all skill levels. It was voted one of America’s Top Forty New Courses by Golfweek Magazine.

Golf School

The Brad Brewer Golf Academy at Shingle Creek Golf Club offers private lesions, academy programs, junior programs, customized group instruction, and team building activities.

Reviews

• “This is my favorite course in the area by far. Every aspect of the visit was first class, and the course was in beautiful shape. The greens were fast and true. The service was second to none.” - Jon (Leominster, MA) 3/7/11


• “Excellent staff and service, great layout and maintenance, and fair price. It was a little challenging with all the water, but one just has to adjust to different tee boxes.” - Seung (Valley Stream, NY) 3/4/11


• “Just a terrific golf course. Staff is super, practice area is great and the course is awesome. Don't miss this course.” - Douglas (Bellingham, MA) 2/22/10

Eagle Creek Golf Club

Highlights

Eagle Creek Golf Club is a European-inspired course designed by Ron Garl and Howard Swan. Its Mini-Verde grass provides exceptionally fast and vibrant greens. Eagle Creek is a designated Audubon Silver Signature Course with lush landscaping and challenging play. It has ninety white sand bunkers with extensive bulkheads embracing water hazards and nearly two thousand trees lining its breathtaking fairways. It is conveniently located just minutes from Orlando international Airport.

Golf School

The Golf Academy at Eagle Creek Golf Club specializes in individual lessons and small group instruction. All lessons are taught by Ben Heaver of Brian Kirk Golf Schools

Reviews

• “Excellent links course. Huge greens with lots of undulations. The wind was blowing pretty good- so it was a good test of skills! Would definitely like another shot at it!” - Don 5/27/11


• “A definite must play. This is the most beautiful and challenging course we've ever played in Florida. It was in pristine condition with true rolling greens.” - James Jennings (Milford, MA) 4/13/11

Mystic Dunes Golf Course

Highlights

Mystic Dunes’ unique Gary Koch design incorporates five sets of tees that allow golfers of all skill levels to enjoy a challenging round. The course was rated 4 ½ Stars by Golf DigestGolf Digest and was named one of Golfweek's Top Resort Courses. Its greens are reminiscent of Augusta National, with par 4's that rival some of the longest seen in major professional championships, and a diabolical quartet of par 3's.

Golf School

The Golf Academy (??) at Mystic Dunes Golf Course offers personalized assistance through individual lessons, group programs, and an extended practice facility.

Reviews

• “Excellent course - undulated greens makes for interesting golf.” - Randy 4/22/11


• “Tough course but several tee boxes make it playable for anyone. It's not a grip it/rip it golf course. You have to think out there and use all the clubs in your bag. I would not play it on day one but it's worth playing when you are tuned up. Nice staff too.” - Carl (Chelmsford, MA) 4/13/11


• “Wonderful golf course, staff all pleasent and welcoming. The course was in good condition and off the front tees was still a good test of golf, with undulating greens it was a tough but fair test.” - James Macdonald (Scotland) 3/6/11

Grand Cypress Golf Club

Highlights

Grand Cypress features the Jack Nicklaus-designed New Course along with the North, South, and East Nines. The New Course is a Scottish-style links course, complete with twelve-foot pot bunkers, double greens, a snaking burn, and old stone bridges. The North, South, and East Nines provide three unique combinations for 18-hole rounds. Each combination provides a distinctive playing experience that test accuracy rather than strength and distance. The original North-South combination is a demanding, target-style test that is marked by sharply edged fairways, tall shaggy mounds, and plateau greens perched above water or sand. The South-East and East-North Courses are sportier and more generous, with beautiful trees, less bunkering, and more chances for run-up shots.

Golf School

The Grand Cypress Academy of Golf has been rated one of the “Top 25 Golf Schools in America” every eyar since 1991. The Academy features golf schools, lessons, clinics, state-of-the-art technology, and PGA certified instructors for golfers of all levels.

Reviews

• “I felt like I had taken a trip to Scotland and was playing St. Andrews. This course had a lot of similiar holes and the greens were huge but a roller coaster ride with all the swells.” - William (Chesapeake, VA) 6/4/11


• “Played South/East - always enjoy it. Accuracy is a must off tees - course requires good shots.” -Peter (Port Williams, Canada) 5/19/11


• “A mixture of styles. The course was in great condition. The island green on the East was fantastic, the greens on the North are unbelievably fast and up and down. A good welcome with great facilities.” - WJG (United Kingdom) 11/18/10

You might want to view the Top 20 Orlando Golf Courses

By Bernadette - TeeTimesUSA.com

Orlando

First-Class Orlando Hotel Wedding

Picture the wedding of your dreams nestled on the shores of Lake Windsong and followed by an exquisite reception in one of Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress newly-renovated ballrooms. Their experienced team will work with you to ensure the night unfolds perfectly, from beautifully designed décor to delicious cuisine served by our professional staff, each Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress wedding is a one-of-a-kind event.

Make your marriage experience even more special with a honeymoon stay at any Hyatt Hotels & Resorts location worldwide. Simply book and hold your wedding at a participating Hyatt hotel by December 31, 2012 and earn Hyatt Gold Passport® bonus points redeemable for free nights with no blackout dates. Visit www.hyattweddings.com for details.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is located near Walt Disney World, just west of Interstate 4 off Exit 68 in Lake Buena Vista. The resort’s address is One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, Florida, USA 32836 and the hotel’s direct telephone number is 407.239.1234. The resort’s website is www.hyattgrandcypress.com

Orlando

Fountains Resort Video

Stranded Pilot Whale Now in SeaWorld Orlando’s Care

Early Saturday morning, SeaWorld Orlando’s animal experts and rescue team transported a young pilot whale to the park’s new Cetacean Rehabilitation Facility. The 9-foot, nearly 600-pound whale was being cared for in Key Largo, Fla., by SeaWorld staff and other volunteers after it and 20 other pilot whales beached themselves in the lower Keys in early May.

The National Marine Fisheries Service and other animal experts considered the two-year-old female whale to be a “dependent calf” that could not be returned to the wild and was in dire need of extensive hands-on treatment. SeaWorld Orlando was chosen to provide a home and long-term care for the animal because of the park’s experience with pilot whales and expertise in animal husbandry and care, especially with stranded animals.

For the five-hour trip to Orlando, the whale was carefully placed in a stretcher and then into a large, water-filled transport unit in a cooled truck. The whale was continually monitored by park animal experts and chief veterinarian, Dr. Chris Dold, during the trip. According to Dold, “It’s still too early to tell her long-term prognosis, but she traveled well, she’s getting settled into her new surroundings, and we’re cautiously optimistic about her future.”

This pilot whale calf is the first resident of SeaWorld's new, 40,000-gallon rehabilitation pool, a facility designed specifically to rehabilitate whales and dolphins rescued from the wild. At the facility, the park’s animal experts will monitor the whale round the clock, performing physical examinations and additional testing. SeaWorld’s goal is to have her join the company’s other pilot whales in the near term.

In the past 45 years, more than 18,000 animals have been rescued and cared for by SeaWorld’s animal rescue experts. The ultimate goal for every animal SeaWorld rescues is to return it to the wild. For the few the government deems unable to survive on their own, such as this pilot whale, SeaWorld is willing to provide a permanent home.

Source: SeaWorld Orlando

Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel and Convention Center

What’s better than a convention at an all-suite hotel in Orlando? A convention at an all-suite hotel that’s just up the road from Walt Disney World, so travelers can really combine business with pleasure. The Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel and Convention Center is ideally situated between the Walt Disney World resort as well as the attractions along International Drive. With the convention center right on site, guests can spend the day at the Caribe Royale during business hours and still be able to take in the many attractions that Orlando has to offer.

The Caribe Royale sits on 53 lush, tropical acres, and has 1,218 spacious, well-appointed one-bedroom suites, 120 luxurious two-bedroom lakeside villas, and expansive state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities. Stay at the resort for meals or walk across the street for a bite; the I-Drive restaurants and attractions are just a few minutes away by car, and if you choose to stay a day or two beyond the convention, Walt Disney World is also a few miles away, featuring the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme parks, two water parks, and the Downtown Disney dining, shopping and entertainment center.

In addition to meetings and conventions, the Caribe Royale is a perfect location for weddings, banquets and other formal events, with plenty of room to move and luxurious accommodations for all of your guests. For more information or to make a reservation, visit the Caribe Royale website.

Fantasy of Flight Buy One Get One Offer

Now through September 30, 2011, Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida—about an hour south of Orlando on Interstate 4—is offering Florida residents a Buy One/Get One Free offer on adult and children's general admission. Fantasy of Flight general admission is $28.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 6-15, plus tax. Children 5 and younger are free.

Over the past 15 years Fantasy of Flight has become Central Florida's Premier Aviation Attraction, showcasing vintage aircraft from the world's largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours and a family friendly Fun with Flight center. Fantasy of Flight also has the country's only Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting) featuring a vintage plane.

An ideal side trip for anyone taking a trip between Orlando and Tampa, Fantasy of Flight's operating hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. For details, call 863-984-3500 or go to www.fantasyofflight.com for more information.

Historic Downtown Sanford

As the county seat of Seminole County and home to the Sanford Airport, the town of Sanford is one of the older, more established communities in Central Florida. The area was originally settled in the 1830s during the Seminole Wars, and the town of Sanford was officially incorporated in 1877. Some of the oldest buildings in the business district date back to around 1887, when a fire burned down the original wooden structures.

Sanford has both a residential area and a downtown business district on the national registry of historic places, and the historic downtown district is now a popular location for locals to enjoy shopping and dining just a short distance from the shores of Lake Monroe. The clock tower at Magnolia Square is the focal point of this district, which includes businesses that have remained here for decades as well as new enterprises occupying old real estate.

Some of the more popular businesses located along First Street in downtown Sanford include Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe, featuring live German music and a beer hall atmosphere. Directly across the street kids can enjoy ice cream and crafts at Mama Loca's, and art lovers will appreciate the galleries that line this historic district.

In many ways, historic Sanford is a hidden gem in Central Florida, reminding locals and visitors alike that the region's history stretches beyond Orlando's establishment as the theme park capital of the world.

Concert at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando's lobby concert series continues in July with Blue Öyster Cult performing hits "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," "Burnin' For You," "Godzilla," "In Thee," "Roadhouse Blues," "Shooting Star" and more.

The Fixx were previously scheduled to perform but has had to cancel their show next week at Velvet Sessions (and other upcoming venues) due to an illness.

Velvet Sessions is Hard Rock Hotel’s special rock 'n' roll cocktail party and lobby concert held the last Thursday of the month (January through October). Visit VelvetSessions.com to buy your tickets and receive monthly updates on who’s playing.

All Velvet Sessions tickets include: FREE specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30 pm until show time, cash bars and live band from show time onward and complimentary valet parking*. Plus, after the show, Velvet Sessions-goers can hang out in Velvet Bar, where a DJ plays tunes until 1:00 am!

Velvet Sessions is a 21 and older event.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
6:30 pm
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
5800 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, Florida 32819-7834
Velvet Sessions tickets are $29 on-line or $35 at the door.


Purchase tickets on-line and receive early entry at 6:00 pm.

Log onto VelvetSessions.com or call 407-503-2401 for more information.

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