Too often these days, rehabilitation is little more than a revolving door of recovery and relapse. But the recently reopened Garden Theatre is a rehab success story that puts even Robert Downey Jr. to shame. Forty years after its movie-palace heyday, the 299-seat theater has been restored in spectacular Spanish courtyard style. They’ve just finished a successful inaugural spring season, and their first full season starts in September - but don’t wait that long to check out the latest freshly polished jewel in Orange County’s arts crown.

The Garden Theatre plays host to movies, live performances, educational camps and the Garden Community Choir. In fact, the educational camps should have been included in my previous post about kid’s activities for the summer. The week-long camps start this Monday (July 21) and run through August 8th. Kids aged 6-14 can choose from an acting camp that mixes in some marine biology concepts, an improvisation camp, and a puppet camp. Full details can be found on the Garden Theatre website.

Movies are shown on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer with tickets only $5 each. If you live in the area, the $50 Summer Movie Pass gets you and two guests in to every movie (call 407-877-4736 for availability). Upcoming movies include “Spaceballs”, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, and “March of the Penguins”.

If you haven’t been to downtown Winter Garden lately, the Garden Theatre is a great reason to plan a visit. While you are there, try out one of the new restaurants, “Sweet Traditions French Bakery & Cafe” or “Thai Blossom”. I’ve mentioned it before, but the chocolate eclairs at Sweet Traditions are simply amazing.

This shop has been voted as Orlando’s Best Comic Shop by the Reader’s of Orlando Weekly for the past two years. Their website lists all of their upcoming events, along with a blog, directions and contact information.

In addition to this event, the restaurant chain is also asking customers to submit creative ideas for a new, Carrabba’s-exclusive wine to debut this fall from Ruffino. In fact, the winning name for this limited-edition, baby Super Tuscan will receive a $1,500 epicurean prize package that includes a case of the new wine, a catered 2008 holiday celebration for 12, and a year’s worth of Carrabba’s dinners in 2009.

My wife and I usually dine out on weekend nights, but we’re going to give “Wine Wednesdays” a try to see what wines are available. Being a Florida-only event, it appears that Carrabba’s is giving us a break for being about as far away from wine country as one can get.

There are seven Carrabba’s in the Orlando-area.

Photo courtesy Carrabba’s Italian Grill

If you’re not familiar with the area, Rock Springs Run is a waterway that flows out of Rock Springs and into the Wekiva River nearly ten miles downstream. For canoeists and kayakers, it’s a stretch of water that offers great scenery, abundant wildlife and even some mildly challenging navigation.

In fact, we saw a couple of otters nearly as soon as we turned out of the canal. One of them dove off the bank and swam directly toward us before turning away. During the trip, we counted off dozens of turtles, a few baby gators, a couple of grown gators, and a wide-array of fish and birds.

While the water is only moving at 2-5mph, there are plenty of obstacles that will require your attention. For that reason, it’s probably smart to take it slow through the stretches that wind around downed trees and through the tall sawgrass. Branches, spider webs and more will be in your face in a heartbeat if you take your eyes off the water for more than a few seconds.

But don’t let any of that keep you from making a trip to this wonderful journey through some of Central Florida’s most well-preserved nature. If you bring a light lunch, you can stop at a few places along the way to take a break and have a look around. There are also a bunch of places where you can even stop and cool off in the water if you so enjoy (just make sure you can clearly see the bottom and are aware of any creatures in the area).

Before you go, visit the King’s Landing website for complete information and for directions to their location. You should probably check the weather, too, just to make sure no thunderstorms will be in the area during your journey (plan 3-5 hours for the full trip). Pack a light cooler with ice and water at a minimum. Bring a cell phone to make calls in case of an emergency and also to know the time. Finally, while portions of the run are well-covered by trees, you’ll definitely want to wear sunblock for the stretches that are out in the open and under the hot sun.

To celebrate July as Recreation and Parks Month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation & Parks is encouraging family-friendly, outdoor recreation with the launch of its Family. Friends. Fun. campaign to reconnect children and families with nature. Since 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association has designated July as Recreation and Parks Month. To celebrate this designation, Florida is waiving admission to all state parks on July 13.

“Recreation and Parks Month is an excellent time for family and friends to visit a state park and experience …the Real Florida SM,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole, who himself started his career as a marine biologist working in one of Florida’s state parks. “State parks provide a multitude of activities that promote mental and physical well being.”

The Family. Friends. Fun. campaign is hosting events in state parks that appeal to individuals and families of all ages and interests this July during Recreation and Parks Month. On Sunday, July 13, entry into all 161 state parks will be free, providing an opportunity for everyone to head outdoors and experience Florida State Parks.
Park Visitors Enjoying The Refreshing Water At Madison Blue Springs State Park

The National Park Service and the National Association of State Park Directors encourage the nation’s state park systems to endorse the national initiative to connect children and nature, and influence the decline of nature-deficit disorder. The ongoing movement to promote outdoor activity began with Richard Louv’s book, The Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder which highlighted the benefits of outdoor recreation. Studies show that young people between the ages eight and 18 average almost seven hours per day playing indoors on computers, video games and watching television, resulting in increased cases of obesity, Attention Deficit Disorder and depression.

“Without the encouragement of parents and friends, children are less likely to play outdoors and gain exposure to natural resources and nature-based recreation,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike Bullock. “Establishing a healthy relationship with nature during childhood is a valuable habit that will benefit individuals and society as a whole for years.”

The Young Composers Challenge, sponsored by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, asks kids 13-18 years old to write an original score for full orchestra or for a chamber ensemble. Six winners will have their compositions performed by the Orlando Philharmonic on Sunday, September 28 before a live audience in addition to taking home a cash prize for themselves and their music teacher. Submissions are due by August 1st and complete information is available at the Young Composers Challenge website.

Kidfest, a young filmmaker’s summer camp sponsored by the Enzian Film Society, puts kids in a week-long course dedicated to the art of film-making. Students will study cinematic techniques and dive into the production of an independent film that will be premiered on the big screen at Enzian Theater. The camp is open to kids entering 5-8 grades and costs $175 ($125 for Enzian Film Society members) for the six days of activities. Complete information is available at the Enzian website.

The evening begins while welcoming a glass of Borgo Magredo Prosecco Spumante N/V (Veneto). Eggplant Companata, a sweet and sour eggplant relish, tops the menu, paired with Falchini Vernaccia di San Gimignano “Vigna a Solatio” DOCG 2006 (100% Vernaccia) which is of straw color, with a light aroma of green apple. A fresh, dry, balanced, and fruity wine.

Lobster in spicy tomato sauce over linguini, Lobster Fra Diavolo, is also on the menu. This plate it paired with Lungarotti Rubesco Rosso Di Torgiano DOC 2004 (Sangiovese/Canaiolo blend). The nose is spicy, with clear notes of pepper, sweet tobacco, and subtle notes of red and violet jam. This wine is of good concentration and perfectly balanced acidity; mature and harmonious tannins with a long and fruity finish.

Completing this meal selection is fennel sorbet.

The second dinner choice is lamb shank with artichoke saffron risotto. The braised lamb shank is paired with Vignamaggio Gherardino Chianti Classico DOCG 2004 (100% Sangiovese). The Vignamaggio Gheradino Chianti is a ruby red wine, with faint notes of red currants, cherries and berries. The palate is succulent, confident with an attractive finish

Torta della nonna caps off this second dinner selection. This ricotta cheese torte with lemon is combined with Volpi Moscato “Moscadoro” Piemonte DOC 2006 (100% White Muscato). The wine is intense and fragrant with a delicate aroma of Moscato and a very elegant bouquet reminiscent of orange-blossom, peach and honey. While pleasantly sweet, aromatic, and round, it gives a creamy sensation on the palate

Each of the on-going series dinners will feature a different region and an array of wines with a five-course, prix fixe menu. The dinner is $65.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity). Space is limited to 30 diners. Located at 9840 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819. For reservations, call 407 996-9840, ext. 3602. For more information, visit www.evergladesrestaurant.com or www.rosencentre.com.

Cork&Olive, located just west of the Stoneybrook West subdivision, has been open for a few months and specializes in unique wines that are often only available at their stores (Cork&Olive is a franchise). They also sell very unique oils and salts, all of which are available for tasting on a daily basis. To draw in extra customers, Cork&Olive has been holding “Sip&Dip Nights” on the last Thursday of each month and will start a series of wine classes this Monday (July 7th) from 7-8pm. So far, these events have been free and will continue to be that way until they become too popular.

In Windermere, Tim’s Wine Market is celebrating the Grand Opening of their newest store with a week-long sale (July 7-12). On Saturday (July 12), there will be a special tasting in all Tim’s Wine Market locations with free BBQ available at the Orlando and Windermere stores from noon to 2pm. Sounds like a good enough reason for me to show up.

In addition to these two stores, there are a handful of others that I plan to visit very soon. Two that I know of include one in the new Fowler Groves shopping center and one next to the new American Pie Pizza Company on Maguire in Ocoee/Windermere. If you know of any others, please send them along in the comments.

As for us, we’ll be heading to the Winter Garden 4th of July Parade this morning, followed by some BBQ and swimming this afternoon. We should be able to see the Disney fireworks from the water, which is always a good way to take them in. If we’re back home before those firework shows, we’ll run over to Starke Lake for the city of Ocoee’s fireworks display (which has always been very impressive).

Whatever you decide to do, have fun and a great Independence Day!

Links to event listings
Orlando Sentinel
WFTV - Channel 9
Local 6
Central Florida News 13

My wife and I recently made a trip to Mad Cow to see “Assassins” and we were pleasantly surprised to find another great spot to attend theater in the area. The comparatively small theaters at Mad Cow make for an intimate setting as opposed to productions at the Orlando Reperatory and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. For “Assassins”, this up-close and personal setting worked very well. I’d be interested to see how they handle shows that require a larger set or the feeling of open space.

If you’ve never been to Mad Cow, they are located near the corner of Magnolia and Pine - next door to The Clubhouse and less than a block from the Harp and Celt Restaurant and Irish Pub. Tickets are available through their website, by phone, or - if you are lucky - prior to the show. Drinks and snacks can be purchased in the theater lobby and may even be taken into the show (at least they were when we were there).

The easiest way to stay informed about Mad Cow is to sign up for their newsletter. You’ll get news about the theater, updates on show reviews and more. For far too long I’ve been getting great story ideas for Living Orlando from Mad Cow. Their annual Cabaret Festival came and went without mention even though I received regular updates on all of the interesting shows that took place during the two-week event in May. Next year, I won’t be such a slacker.

Anyway, get over to their website for complete information and pick a show to go see. Supporting downtown arts programs is an important part of living in Orlando. Mad Cow Theatre is an entertaining and easy way to do your part.