Orlando magazine

01/23/2025

Read the latest travel story from our editor, Jennifer McKee!

When I travel for business, it’s usually alone. So, imagine my delight when Lexington and Rockbridge Area Tourism invited my husband and myself for a tour of small-town Virginia. Taking the state’s motto into consideration, what better way is there to tour the town? Here we offer both our combined and separate takes on a lovely tour organized by Geiger PR.

When I travel for business, it’s usually alone. So, imagine my delight when Lexington and Rockbridge Area Tourism invited my husband and myself for a tour of small-town Virginia. Taking the state’s motto into consideration, what better way is there to tour the town? Here we offer both our combin...

01/22/2025

Whether you want to do minimal updating or are looking to increase the resale value of your home, there are some simple things you can do to make those changes. Here, we offer suggestions from three area design and home-builder gurus.

Whether you want to do minimal updating or are looking to increase the resale value of your home, there are some simple things you can do to make those changes. Here, we offer suggestions from three area design and home-builder gurus. A Quick Refresh When seeking a quick refresh for a seasonal chang...

01/20/2025

Learn about the heroes who helped make a stand for equality in the Sunshine State.

The Gideon vs. Wainwright Historical Marker in Panama City celebrates a landmark 1963 Supreme Court ruling. ©Dick Demarsico January 15 marks 96 years since the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; five days later sees the second annual observance of MLK Day as a federal holiday. And though the fam...

01/16/2025

Hank Azaria has always been a mimic. It started in his childhood.

“I was always imitating Bugs Bunny, or family members,” says Azaria. “I was always that kid. I was an athletic kid, but I always got cast in the play. Sometimes reluctantly, because I’d rather have been out on the ball field.”

It was as King Arthur in his high school production of “Camelot” that propelled Azaria into acting. The show’s director was actor John Phillips, who pulled Azaria aside one day after rehearsal and said “You could probably do this professionally if you like.”

Full interview below:

Hank Azaria has always been a mimic. It started in his childhood. “I was always imitating Bugs Bunny, or family members,” says Azaria. “I was always that kid. I was an athletic kid, but I always got cast in the play. Sometimes reluctantly, because I’d rather have been out on the ball field.....

01/15/2025

Orlando’s culinary scene has just leveled up with the latest batch of MICHELIN Guide additions. Four standout restaurants are making waves, adding even more flair to a city that’s fast becoming a gastronomic destination. Here’s a look at the new spots that will have your taste buds doing backflips.

Orlando’s culinary scene has just leveled up with the latest batch of MICHELIN Guide additions. Four standout restaurants are making waves, adding even more flair to a city that’s fast becoming a gastronomic destination. Here’s a look at the new spots that will have your taste buds doing backf...

01/14/2025

For the past 15 years, 4 Rivers Smokehouse has been much more than a beloved BBQ destination (hello Texas Destroyer and Messy Pig). It has stood as a testament to how businesses can enrich the communities they serve while delivering mouthwatering meals. This year marked a special milestone for 4 Rivers, as they celebrated their 15th anniversary with the heartfelt “Peace, Love, 4 Our Communities” initiative—a campaign that captured the Smokehouse’s unwavering commitment to service and gratitude.

Courtesy 4 Rivers Smokehouse For the past 15 years, 4 Rivers Smokehouse has been much more than a beloved BBQ destination. It has stood as a testament to how businesses can enrich the communities they serve while delivering mouthwatering meals. This year marked a special milestone for 4 Rivers, as t...

01/13/2025

Thinking about going to this year's Ramen Rumble? Take a look at our story from last year's event.

A sold-out crowd of foodies and food lovers filled Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs late last month to help decide who will reign as Central Florida’s preeminent ramen-making champion at the 2024 Ramen Rumble.

The annual event pits a curated group of restaurateurs and chefs against each other to see what they can do with the popular dish and this year’s event featured the star-studded lineup of Wendy Lopez of Reyes Mezcaleria, Yoko Takagi of Ramen Takagi, Lewis Lin of Susuru and Juju, Sonny Nguyen of Domu and Takeshi Ikeuchi of Morimoto Asia.

The annual event pits a curated group of restaurateurs and chefs against each other to see what they can do with the popular dish and this year’s event featured the star-studded lineup of Wendy Lopez of Reyes Mezcaleria, Yoko Takagi of Ramen Takagi, Lewis Lin of Susuru and Juju, Sonny Nguyen of Do...

01/10/2025

The latest from reader favorite Brendan Bunting O'Connor!

Dry January cometh. I think it’s commendable to try to test yourself and see where you stand with things in your life. Like giving up sweets for a week. Challenging yourself to make the bed every day if you’re feeling a little down. Shifts in behavior are great for our brains. And if you’re trying to give up liquor for a month, it’s gonna be great for your body too.

Full story below:

Mixologists at The Monroe craft some of the best zero-proof cocktails you’ve ever tasted. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez Dry January cometh. I think it’s commendable to try to test yourself and see where you stand with things in your life. Like giving up sweets for a week. Challenging yourself to mak...

01/09/2025

From scenic trails to yoga on the lawn, there are endless ways to take in Central Florida’s year-round sunshine and get active along the way.

When you think about exercise, it’s not usually with a picturesque lake or animals for inspiration. But why not? Here, we introduce you to the many, varied forms of recreation in Central Florida. Getting healthy won’t be a chore with the following backdrops. For the Adventurer Orlando is lined w...

01/07/2025

Assemble lush garden beds with help from our experts.

Photo by Roberto Gonzalez Towering Medjool palms, heavily manicured hedges adorned with blooms, groundcover Asian jasmine and shaped trees centered around a symmetrical grass-lined driveway are all part of the curb appeal of one of the Signature Landscape Contractors’ full-service outdoor makeover...

01/06/2025

Explore This Home Renovation Before And After Its Remodel

One look into the newly upgraded home on Eastern Parkway in Winter Park and you’ll understand just how much improvements can increase the value of your home.

Meet the Designer: Jamie Gernert, Founder, WYC Designs Jamie Gernert turned her love for interiors and social media into a business known for its swoon-worthy designs. Gernert and her team helped the Miller family turn their house into a home—reflecting the family’s style and the needs of their ...

01/05/2025

The January 2025 Home Design Issue is out on newsstands and in subscriber mailboxes. Our 2025 Home Design Issue is chock full of tips for refreshing your space, increasing the value of your home and creating great gardens. Join us for a before-and-look at our cover home’s redesign, read about the companies chosen as the best of the best by you, our readers, in our Home Design Awards, and take a tour of the best Private Schools in Central Florida. You won’t be disappointed.

https://www.orlandomagazine.com/issue/orlando-magazine/current-issue/

01/03/2025

At the top of the list at the # 1 spot is our feature from August 2024!

Read on to discover who you, our readers, chose as the Best of ORL 2024. Spotlights written by Jennifer McKee & Catherine Walters | Principal photography by Roberto Gonzalez *First-place winners are spotlighted. All the 2024 winners appear on handy lists for quick reference.

01/03/2025

The # 2 story of 2024 is 50 Most Powerful People's feature. Meet the leaders who make Orlando great. They come from all fields: Politics + Government, Education, Entertainment, Sports & The Arts, Tourism + Transportation, Philanthropy and Business.

Meet the leaders who truly make Orlando The City Beautiful—an attractive place to live, work, play and visit. They come from all fields: Politics + Government, Education, Entertainment, Sports & The Arts, Tourism + Transportation, Philanthropy & Community Voices and Business. Join us in celebratin...

01/03/2025

Starting off the top three stories of 2024 is our annual Women of the Year Honorees, nominated by Central Floridians each fall.

We asked you, our readers, for nominees and you responded with a wealth of recommendations, along with details on how these women make a huge difference in the lives of countless people daily.

01/02/2025

Sitting near the top of the list at # 4, the 2024 Orlando Dining Awards feature from our November 2024 Issue.

Welcome to Orlando magazine’s 2024 Dining Awards, our annual guide to the finest cuisine in Central Florida. This year, our guide is bigger than ever, with selections by readers in more than 70 categories—we’ve added nine new categories to our list! From the fanciest spots in town to places wh...

01/02/2025

Landing in the # 5 spot is an iconic cruise with Royal Caribbean.

Icon of the Seas has more than 40 dining and drinking concepts, eight neighborhoods and the largest waterpark at sea. Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean. Set the Course for Adventure According to the Cruise Lines International Association, cruising is the fastest-growing sector in tourism, with more....

01/01/2025

Coming in at # 7 on the list is the 2024 List of Home Design Award Winners in Central Florida, as voted by you, our readers.

Home Design Award winner for best upholstered furniture goes to Bespoke Furniture by Morrone Interiors. Photo courtesy of Morrone Interiors Orlando magazine is proud to showcase the winners of its annual Orlando Home Design Awards, recognizing the top businesses in Central Florida’s home design in...