Wordless Wednesday – Margaritaville Edition

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville at Universal's CityWalk

                                       Volcano Bar

Your Guide to the NBA All-Star Weekend

Lineup of the All-Star Events

Thursday, Feb. 23 - Sunday, Feb. 26

- NBA Jam Session - Thursday to Friday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Be a part of NBA All-Star 2012! Meet your favorite players, get basketball tips from NBA legends, and play all day at the Orange County Convention Center. This is your chance to experience it all like never before.

Friday, Feb. 24

- BBVA NBA Rising Stars Challenge - 9 p.m.

The best of the sophomore and rookie players battle it out on the court! But this year, instead of playing against each other, rookies and sophomores will be mixed together on teams for the first time.  TNT analysts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal will serve as the general managers of the two opposing teams - TEAM CHUCK and TEAM SHAQ - each with nine man rosters from a draft selected by the NBA's assistant coaches, with each team submitting one ballot.

Saturday, Feb. 25

- The Haier Shooting Stars Contest - First Event, beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Basketball fans will get geared up with this first event of the evening. One current NBA player, one current WNBA player and one TNT on-air talent/NBA legend will make up each team. There will be six numbered shooting locations of increasing difficulty, with each team attempting to make all shots in numeric order and in the fastest time. Each team will select a specific player rotation to follow throughout the competition. Each shot must be made before the next player begins shooting in succession. Teams have up to two minutes to complete the entire shooting course and the team that completes all six shots in the least amount of time is declared the winner. It's a fast, thrilling exhibition of shooting skills!

- Taco Bell Skills Challenge - Second Event

Plays have to get creative without breaking the rules in this challenge. Featuring a two-round timed "obstacle course," players in this event must dribble, pass and shoot while observing basic NBA ball-handling rules. The two players with the fastest times from the first round advance to the finals. Who do you think will win?

- Foot Locker Three-Point Contest - Third Event

Reigning champion James Jones of the Miami Heat will defend his title in this year's Foot Locker Three-Point Contest.

The players will compete in the two-round competition with the top three finishers from the first round advancing to the finals. Five shooting stations will be set up around the three-point line, with four Official Spalding NBA game balls worth one point each and one Spalding NBA All-Star 2012 commemorative red, white and blue "money ball" worth two points at each location. Each player will have one minute to shoot as many balls as he can. In the final round, players will shoot in ascending order of first-round scores. The competition is fierce, but only time will tell if James Jones can hold onto his title.

- Sprite Slam Dunk Contest - Fourth Event

This exciting final event of the night will feature a series of firsts, including four first-time participants, a new single-round format in which the winner will be chosen solely by fan vote, and the introduction of fan voting via Twitter.

The four players who will vie for the Sprite Slam Dunk championship include the Houston Rockets' Chase Budinger, the Indiana Pacers' Paul George, the New York Knicks' Iman Shumpert, and the Minnesota Timberwolves' Derrick Williams. Make sure you vote for your favorite player!

Sunday, Feb. 26

- The 61st All-Star Game - 7:30 p.m.

Finally, the 2012 NBA All-Star Game! This long-awaited night will bring together some of the most talented and passionate players in the league's history for a global celebration of the game. This is the second time Orlando has hosted the All-Star Game -- the city played host in 1992 when Magic Johnson came out of retirement to win the MVP in one of the most memorable moments in NBA history. Will this year top all the rest? Buy your tickets for all the All-Star events at nba.com/allstar2012 and come find out!

Musical Guests

Sports not your thing? The All-Star Game offers enough musical talent in one weekend to make any audiophile ecstatic.  Official performers include Pitbull and Ne-Yo, who will team up for the All-Star Game halftime, while Nicki Minaj will perform during the All-Star Game introductions. Mary J.Blige has been tapped to sing the U.S. national anthem prior to the game, with pop group Neverest delivering the Canadian anthem. Performances by Will.i.am. and Flo Rida, are scheduled to accompany Saturday's events, along Gym Class Heroes and J. Cole for the pre-game show.

Just wait, it gets better: The All-Star Game is known to attract "special guests" to join in the fun, and this year Orlando is hosting an incredible series of parties from Thursday, Feb. 23 - Sunday, Feb. 26 called We Are All-Star Weekend. Celebrities and artists such as Drake, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and R. Kelly will host these exclusive events all over Orlando. Tickets and more information can be found on their website at weareallstarweekend.com.

Where to Eat

You might want a place to grab some grub when you're tired of arena food, but don't worry, Orlando has plenty of awesome options nearby. Just a five-minute walk west on Church Street offers delicious local fare, such as the classic American menu of Hamburger Mary's, top-quality sushi at Amura, or a perfect steak at Kres Chop House. Don't forget to stop by the Dessert Lady for a slice of cheese cake!

Parking Tips

The NBA All-Star Weekend will be an unforgettable Orlando event you won't want to miss. But with so many people coming in from across the nation, not to mention the NBA fans native to Orlando, parking might become a problem. Luckily, there are a few tricks to getting a space that don't involve getting there hours in advance or paying a fortune. Several downtown garage lots offer convenient parking just a little further than the arena garages, often at a fraction of the cost. Try parking at the Orange County Courthouse, Orlando Public Library, Bank of America or Central Parking. The courthouse lot might be the best option. It only costs $5, and you can take a free shuttle from the northeast corner of Amelia and Orange or walk about three blocks to the arena. Parking prices at the other lots vary, but expect to pay around $10. You can also check out the map of nearby parking provided by the Amway Center at amwaycenter.com/parking-map.

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Ideas on a Budget

Valentine's Day has a way of sneaking up on you, and even the best made plans don't always work out. But whether you forgot, your plans fell through or you simply don't have the extra cash to shower your Valentine with expensive gifts, Orlando has several ways for you to enjoy some romance with your lover on a low budget and stay out of the dog house!

Lake Eola
Observe the natural beauty of Lake Eola in the heart of Downtown Orlando. Hold your lover's hand as you walk around the lake, enjoy the fountain light show preformed nightly at 8 and 9:30 p.m., dine at one of the local acclaimed restaurants, and even rent a swan paddle boat for around $15 per half hour. A simple evening of spending time together might be the best Valentine's gift of all.

California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Savor the delicious West Coast-inspired fare offered atop one of Disney's most elegant hotels and enjoy excellent views of the Magic Kingdom. With a reservation timed to catch the 8 p.m. fireworks show "Wishes," you and your valentine can enjoy both a delicious meal and a beautiful free show. For dessert, hop over to the romantic Disney's Boardwalk and take the complimentary boat transportation to the Yacht and Beach Club for ice cream.

Harry P. Leu Gardens
Enjoy an outdoor romantic movie in a beautiful garden setting on Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Patrons may bring a blanket or chairs and dinner picnic basket. Garden Admission is $5.00 plus tax.

Music Makes the People Come Together

Rock out and dance as Orlando becomes the unofficial music capital of the springtime. Featuring many of music's biggest names performing at Universal Studios and SeaWorld Orlando, there is bound to be an act or two that you cannot miss! Universal Studios is throwing parties every weekend with Mardi Gras while SeaWorld Orlando is celebrating with great food, drinks and music during Bands, Brew and BBQ. Both events kick off Feb. 11.

Universal Studios Mardi Gras

The beads and music of The Big Easy are on their way to Orlando for Universal Studios Mardi Gras 2012! As the sun goes down, see 14 of music's biggest names performing live at the Universal Music Plaza Stage. The best part about the event is that admission is included with your entrance ticket or year pass. Each week a limited number of pass holders have the chance to take special part in the festivities and ride through the park as part of the parade! Space is limited, so make sure to register as soon as possible. http://www.universalorlandoresort.com/mardigras/evite2012/ Check out the following concert lineup:

• Saturday, Feb. 11, B-52's
• Saturday, Feb. 18, Kelly Clarkson
• Sunday, Feb. 19, Boyz II Men
• Saturday, Feb. 25, Diana Ross
• Saturday, March 3, Goo Goo Dolls
• Saturday, March 10, Big Time Rush
• Friday, March 16, J. Cole
• Saturday, March 17, Sugar Ray
• Friday, March 23, Hot Chelle Rae
• Saturday, March 24, B.o.B.
• Friday, March 30, Plain White T's
• Saturday, March 31, Prince Royce
• Saturday, April 7, Cyndi Lauper
• Saturday, April 14, KC & the Sunshine Band
  
  

SeaWorld Bands, Brew and BBQ

2012's Bands, Brew & BBQ will be twice as fun this year with rockin' concerts being hosted both Saturdays and Sundays. Top classic rock and country music artists will have you entertained with incredible concerts all weekend long. For sizzle and flavor, SeaWorld partnered with favorite local restaurants to bring a rich variety of BBQ and great grilled food to the theme park. There's a thirst-quenching beer garden featuring nearly 50 craft beers from around 20 different domestic and international breweries. Bands, Brew & BBQ is also included with park admission! Check out the following concert line up:

• Saturday, Feb. 11, Foreigner
• Sunday, Feb. 12, Gary Allan
• Saturday, Feb. 18, Trace Adkins
• Sunday, Feb. 19, Kenny Rogers
• Saturday, Feb. 25, Doobie Brothers
• Sunday, Feb. 26, Ronnie Dunn
• Saturday, March 3, Sara Evans
• Sunday, March 4, Scotty McCreery

Wordless Wednesday - Orlando's 12 for 12 Edition

Orlando's 12 for 12 Edition: 12 new Orlando attractions in 2012! Can we get 12 woop woops? 

Super Bowl Action in Orlando

With the Super Bowl just days away, Orlando's downtown pubs and sports bars are preparing for some major action. If you'll be in Orlando on game day, you'll find a variety of great viewing parties that will appeal to everyone - from the casual fan to die-hard football fanatics. Here is a list with some of Orlando's best viewing spots for Super Bowl XLVI this weekend:

ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk
ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk allows for the ultimate experience in sports entertainment. Located at the edge of scenic Crescent Lake, ESPN Club is the most devoted sports club this side of the major leagues.

Wall Street Plaza
Watch the game on the biggest screen in town at Wall Street Plaza's Super Block party. Featuring a giant 16-foot LED TV offering great views for everyone, this is the place to go if you want a lively, party atmosphere while enjoying the big game. Be sure to drop in early for FREE draft beers from 5 - 6 p.m.

World of Beer
World of Beer will be offering great specials at all three Orlando locations during the big game. Check each location for the specials.

Buffalo Wild Wings
With seven Central Florida locations, this hot spot is the place to go for wings and Super Bowl specials. With a large number of TVs and projection screens throughout the restaurant, you're sure to have a good seat for the game.

Enzian Theater
Enzian's pre-game party starts at 3 p.m.., so arrive early and bring your favorite chair to grab the best spot outside on the lawn and enjoy great happy hour specials throughout the night.

Morton's Steak House
Morton's is taking patrons to a new level of Super Bowl watching with Power Hour-priced drinks and a Bar Bite menu with $5 offerings throughout the game. The game will be broadcast on LCD screens at the bar and on a 9-foot drop-down screen in comfortable, private rooms.

This Week in Orlando: Music and Motorcycle Fun for Everyone!

Enjoy Orlando's wonderful outdoor weather at one of several unique outdoor festivals and events this upcoming week featuring everything from motorcycle rides to big band music. Here's what's happening in Orlando Jan. 16 - 22:

The Real Music Concert Series at Busch Gardens, Jan. 18 - Mar. 24
From sock-hop era idols to swingin' big bands, this concert series at Busch Gardens has something for everyone! This week be sure to catch The Terry Myers Orchestra with The Swing Sisters performing Wednesday to Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the Stanleyville Theater. Admission is included with regular park ticket.

66^th Annual Camellia Show & Festival, Jan. 21
Witness for yourself why January in Central Florida is camellia season at the Camellia Show & Festival. Taking place from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Mead Botanical Garden and featuring the beauty of thousands of camellia flower blooms, this is the perfect event to enjoy the beauty of Orlando in January. The festival includes camellia plants for sale, a special 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. "Camellia 101 Class" (RSVP for classes by emailing lkmccoy@cfl.rr.com) and 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. tours of the Mead Botanical Garden with expert gardeners available to answer any winter gardening questions. Admission to the festival is free.

Zora Neale Hurston Festival, Jan. 21 - 29
This inspiring festival highlights the life and works of one of America's most celebrated collectors and interpreters of Southern rural African-American culture through theatrical performances, educational programs and a juried art show. The nine-day extravaganza takes place in various locations throughout Orlando and Eatonville, the nation's oldest incorporated Africa-American municipality. Admission to the festival is free, performance prices vary.

Harley Davidson Motorcycle Ride, Jan. 22
Orlando Harley-Davidson is hosting a pair of special events to benefit the Tri-County Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse. From 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., a police-escorted bike convoy will travel on I-4 from Downtown Disney West Side to the Orlando Harley-Davidson I-4 Historic Factory Dealership. Ride registration will be from 10 - 11:30 a.m. in the Downtown Disney West Side parking lot N and requires a $10 donation per rider, and $5 donation per passenger. Immediately following the bike convoy will be an after-party from 12 - 3 p.m. The party will feature free entertainment and food, including live music by The Pendletones and a whole lot of rider-related activities. Attendance is free and open to the public.

Midnight Magic – Orlando's Top 10 Spots for a New Year’s Kiss

Forget the crowded streets of Times Square, Orlando offers some of the most intimate and memorable spots to ring in the New Year. Here is a list we know you'll enjoy.

10. Wekiwa Springs State Park - Camp under the stars at Wekiwa State Park and share a sweet peck with someone you love at midnight.

9. The Grand Bohemian Hotel - Kiss under the stars and chic chandeliers on the rooftop pool and lounge at this trendy hotel in the heart of downtown Orlando. The hotel's restaurant also offers a romantic New Year's Eve dinner for two.  

8. The IceBar - It's so chilly, you have no choice but to cuddle. And IceBall 2012 is filled with romantic places where you can smooch, cuddle, and dance the night away with a live DJ.

7. The Wine Room on Park Avenue - As the clock strikes midnight around the world, toast with someone special and a sample of wine from this local favorite, which offers 150 varieties of wine.

6. The Melting Pot Orlando - A dimly-lit room and conversation over slowly cooking fondue is why The Melting Pot is one of Orlando's most romantic restaurants. What's more, there is a special 4-course New Year's Eve menu perfect for lovers.

5. Lake Eola Park - Begin the New Year with kisses on a swan boat built for two. You can also catch downtown Orlando's New Year's Eve fireworks display from a cozy, romantic spot.  

4. The Orlando Improv - Share a romantic dinner for two, champagne and laugh the night away at the Improv's special New Year's Eve celebration.  

3. Downtown Orlando - Just as the orange drops, the celebration in downtown Orlando, the area's largest, gets cranking. Share a kiss at a cozy, romantic lounge or right on the brick-lined streets of Orange Avenue.

2. Theme park stroll - There are few things more romantic than sharing a New Year's Eve kiss under a spectacular fireworks show, and all of our theme parks have that and more during their New Year's Eve celebrations.

1. Local concert venues - Check out a top local or international act at one of the concert venues in the area like Hard Rock Live, House of Blues or The Social.

Got to our events calendar for a full listing of New Year's Eve events in Orlando.

Festive New Year's Eve Drinks, Orlando-style!

Celebrating the holidays or ringing in the New Year in Orlando? Nothing kicks up the party like festive drinks to celebrate the end of 2011! Welcome the New Year with a few bubbly, delicious holiday cocktails found only in Orlando. We've also included recipes to try these concoctions at home! Let the parties begin and Happy New Year!

"Coquito" (Latin Style Eggnog) at Cuba Libre restaurant

Recipe:

3 cans of Coco Lopez coconut cream
2 cans condensed milk
1 can of evaporated milk
1 teaspoon of freshly ground cinnamon
6 egg yolks pasteurized
1 cup of Cuba Libre white rum
1 cup of Chairmans spiced rum
1/3 of a fresh vanilla bean stick, scrape seeds only
 
Combine all ingredients in a blender till smooth. Refrigerate Overnight and serve cold.

The "Angry Dragon" found at CRAVE Orlando

Recipe:

1.25 oz Bacardi Dragon Berry
.75 oz Soho Lychee
.5 oz Cranberry Juice (white and red)
.5 oz Sweet & Sour

Shake over ice and strain. Sugar the rim and decorate with citrus zest.

"Holiday Spice" found at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Resort

Recipe:

Spiced Rum
Mango Liquor
Pineapple Juice
Splash of Grenadine

Shake over ice and serve.

This Week in Orlando: Major Music Festival, Parades & Holiday Celebrations

From a brand new music festival to parades and holiday kick-off events, Orlando is rockin' with exciting events Nov. 7 - 13:

Orlando Calling, Nov. 12 - 13
Featuring four stages, this new music fest will present a diverse line-up of American music genres, including blues, country, rock, indie, alternative, folk and R&B. Headliners include The Killers, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band and Kid Rock. The festival will also include performances by emerging talent from the Central Florida area. Admission starts at $93.25 for a one-day pass and $170.50 for both days.

A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films, Nov. 11 - 13
A dream come true for all Harry Potter fans, Universal Studios Orlando is hosting an exclusive Harry Potter movie celebration that includes screenings of all eight films, autograph signings and Q&A sessions with the cast. Celebrate favorite memories and stories of Harry potter with filmmakers, cast members and fellow fans during this three-day special event.

Festival of Trees, Nov. 11 - 20
Experience Central Florida's own winter wonderland during Festival of Trees the Orlando Museum of Art. Featuring designer trees and vignettes with daily entertainment provided by local area dance groups and choirs the festive event also offers trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses and decorative accessories available for purchase. The event runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children.

Festival of the Masters, Nov. 11 - 13
Showcasing one-of-a-kind paintings and limited-edition jewelry and sculptures, this prestigious show is ranked among the country's finest outdoor art festivals. Enjoy the amazing chalk art, live music, specialty foods and family-friendly activities with more than 150 award-winning artists at Downtown Disney Nov. 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Light Up UCF, Nov. 11 - Jan. 1
This annual tradition is a perfect holiday outing for the entire family. Enjoy a holiday movie under the stars,take a whirl on the outdoor ice-skating rink and become mesmorized by the nightly light showfeaturing more than 75,000 individual lights dancing to holiday music. Admission to the event is free, however attraction prices vary.

Veteran's Parade, Nov. 12
Join Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council to honor the courageous men and women of our armed forces on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. The parade showcase a variety of active duty military, high school marching bands, floats featured in Tampa's Gasparilla parade and more. Admission is free.

Come Out With Pride, Nov. 13
Known as one of the most colorful and friendly gay pride parades in the Florida, this event is also the largest LGBT showcase of businesses and organizations in Orlando that support the gay community.  Stroll through vendor booths around Lake Eola beginning at noon before the parade kicks off at 4 p.m. Admission is free.