d’ Elegance is back in Winter Park
Posted by: Bess, Top 5 Editor on: November 9, 2009
My husband produced one of the very first auto shows in Winter Park back in 2000, and so my family has always had a fondness for the venue. This is why the Concours d’ Elegance, a premiere auto show, excites us so. After a few down years, where the cars or management were a bit underwhelming, the Concours d’ Elegance returned with a vengeance this year and hit a homerun!
First, the cars were exciting, with many out-of-state entries showcasing true elegance, luxury, or prime vintage examples. Next, the City of Winter Park allowed many of the beautiful autos to be displayed on the green park itself, greatly expanding the flow of the show to a more traditional “art show” feel. By allowing the show to venture past the bricks of Park Avenue, show goers could leisurely make their way, spending even more time gawking at the mobile feast-for-the-eyes of cars and boats. Also, the sponsors and vendors were better quality along with the refurbished Park Avenue storefronts being debuted. The DuPont Registry was also a classy, big-time touch!
Congratulations to Tim Weber and the rest of the Concours d’ Elegance for a top quality, well-attended show!
Elevator Games?
Posted by: Bess, Top 5 Editor on: November 4, 2009
Growing up in Central Florida, one of my earliest aspirations was to be an astronaut. I believe moonwatching, supporting NASA, and reaching for the stars is ingrained in any native Floridian. My mother was pregnant with me when Neil Armstrong first set foot upon the Moon. Just twelve years later, I vividly remember being home sick from school and lying in bed watching both the opening of Epcot as well as the launch of the first space shuttle mission. Later, images of Columbia exploding 72 seconds into flight still reign in my mind, and I remember my high school teachers trying to explain to students what had happened. In fact, it wasn’t until I was a sophomore sitting in Astronomy class at the University of Florida–and I realized how much math was involved with being an astronaut–that I was forced to give up that dream.
Now, as NASA struggles with undetermined funding and uncertainty, everyone seems to have a strong opinion either for space exploration or against it. This is why the upcoming Space Elevator Games fascinate me so. The idea of reaching space in a new way (that doesn’t involve me having to conquer ridiculous amounts of math) seems intriguing. Here’s a short trailer for the games.
Yes, this idea seems a bit “out there” and farfetched, but so did rocketry fifty years ago. Ever see the movie October Sky? Well, one of those rocket boys lives right here in Central Florida: Dr. Robert Likens. He is living proof that dreams, however lofty, can come true. So, regardless of whether this idea will actually come to fruition, I loudly applaud the inventive thinking and never-ending dream of reaching for the stars…somehow it seems to epitomize not only the American spirit, but the Central Floridan one as well.
Park Avenue Fashion Week
Posted by: Bess, Top 5 Editor on: October 26, 2009
Growing up in Winter Park during the height of the “preppy” style (think late 70’s and early 80’s), Park Avenue has always been representative of all things fashionable for me. On a street where a Ralph Lauren store couldn’t seem last, other unique designers, ritzy boutiques, and high end stores seem to set the trends instead, creating a very specific Central Florida look. So, I was very excited to see this year’s Winter Park fashions during Park Avenue Fashion Week.
A friend and I attended the afternoon show, which while it wasn’t a jam-packed full house, it still bubbled with excitement due to the great atmosphere inside the tent. Having attended some tent shows in NY, I was impressed with Winter Park’s effort to recreate an authentic experience for its attendees. I was also pleased the designers used local models, of all ages, and featuring many shapes and sizes.
Here is the video I took of the show…enjoy!
Tell-Tale Fall in Florida
Posted by: Bess, Top 5 Editor on: October 17, 2009
Many of my northern transplant friends bemoan the fact that Florida has no changing of the leaves, no tell-tale signs of the seasons. Well, I beg to differ! While we don’t have the ravishing rainbow of colors sweep across our trees that the New England states have, we do have subtle changes that let us know when October is arriving.
No, I am not talking about the 90+ degree weather we’ve been having, or even the coldfront that just arrived, but rather the signs that any native Floridian or long-term resident has learned over the years:
1) The slanting of the sunlight. The color of our afternoons is actually different in fall. With the southern retreat of the sun, the shadows seem longer, the air more orange, and a spectrum of burnt hues cover our landscape. I love sitting out late afternoons taking in our breathtaking scenery. And fall sunsets have won their share of the Atmospheric Oscars for their dramatic showings!
2) The clouds. I once read where Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Thomas countered a friend’s complaint about Florida being so flat with, “The clouds are Florida’s mountains” or something to the effect. This couldn’t be more true and the fall season seems to showcase them! When the cool fronts move through, the mountains are on parade! And with the drier season coming featuring those days when there’s only an isolated thunderstorm in the distance, a humongous snowy mountain peak is created that rivals anything Colorado has to offer. I can picture myself skiing down a long green or fun blue as perfectly packed snow swishes this way and that.
3) Frisky animals. Once a cool front is ushered in to Central Florida, just watch the animals, domestic or wild. Squirrels will scamper noisily, chasing each other. Jays will swoosh around briskly. My elderly Weimaraner decides he’s three again, and charges around the backyard with my ever excitable Yorkie. My cats wrestle and tumble over each other on the pool deck. (And when I am teaching, even the kids are frisky on cooler days!)
4) Greener yards. Unlike our neighbors to the north whose yards begin to brown with the cold, we see out landscapes return to green as the scorching heat subsides at last. Lawns recover, annuals droop less, trees survive. So couple that with our beautiful southern sunlight, and the greenery just shines in the lushness for which Florida is known.
5) Bikers. With Daytona Beach within close proximity, there are always bikers, but the cooler weather promotes not only biking, but all sorts of outdoor activities. We see more runners, cyclists, walkers, hikers, etc. Just people itching to get outdoors in weather that doesn’t melt them! And, with Biketoberfest in full effect, the bikers are definitely a sign that fall is here.
6) Fall imports. Okay, so even here in Florida we love the images that evoke the writings of Washington Irving: pumpkins and squashes, dark green and red cabbages, cinnamon brooms and wreaths of colorful dried maple leaves, candied apples… And where do you find such fare? At a local farmer’s market, of course! Any Saturday (and even now Sunday) morning we can grab a steaming hot Starbucks and then wander through a bountiful selection of such traditional fall items and make believe we are visiting one of those quaint, sleepy towns bordering the Hudson River. But, fast forward several weeks later when their snow needs shovelling and windshields need scraping, we are still right here in Florida, putting on shorts and a light sweatshirt. (Advantage: Florida.)
So, please don’t groan about missing the changing of the leaves or the first snowfall of the year. Instead begin to look for those subtle signs that fall has arrived. And, of course, this cool Saturday morning air certainly helps!
“Art Under the Stars”
Posted by: Bess, Top 5 Editor on: October 8, 2009
I got to see some wonderful artwork this past weekend at the 33rd Annual Maitland Rotary Art Festival. Set at the picturesque Lake Lily, which is a perfect size for this festival, thousands of locals flocked to enjoy the food and music, as well as mingle with artists.
Most exciting for me was the presence of one of the original Florida Highwaymen, Isaac Knight. His artwork was selected as the poster, and he was on hand with more artwork as well as to sign the festival posters.
Over the years, the festival has brought in over $500,000, all of which has been donated to charitable organizations. Congratulations for a successful show, and I’m looking forward to next year!
Rock 4 Hunger!
Posted by: Bess, Top 5 Editor on: September 30, 2009
With a mission statement like this, how can you not support this group?
“Rock for Hunger exists to inspire individuals of all cultures to join together through music, education and peaceful solutions in order to end the cycle of hunger and poverty.”
Their “Rock 4 Hunger 4″ event is coming up on Oct. 10 and features over 14 groups jamming to raise money and awareness of the plight of those in need. Tickets range from $10 to $50 so there’s something for everybody. Be sure to visit the official website before going to donate or purchase tickets.
October “Top 5″ and Other Worthy Events!
Posted by: Bess, Top 5 Editor on: September 29, 2009
The “Top 5″ have finally been published and we were overwhelmed with the number of awesome events! Truly, there are so many great events in every category…we even had to add 2 categories to accomodate everything that is happening! Be sure to check out the seasonal events, which we foresee having as a category throughout January 1. We had so many fun Halloween themed events, that we actually divided them into month-long events as well as October 31 events. Be sure to choose the one that best fits your needs…and above all else, have fun!
Also, we have added my husband’s favorite category: Cars, Bikes & More. Here we have auto shows, motorcycle festivals, and even a “fly in” for plane enthusiasts. Definitely worth your time to check it out.
I will be blogging throughout this coming month about several charity-oriented events, which are always worthy of our time. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I have had two family members die from this terrible disease, so check back for several events supporting finding a cause. I will also be blogging about other worthy events.
And, a special thanks to everyone who has visited our website, become a fan on Facebook, followed us on Twitter…continue spreading word about the “Top 5″ because the bigger we become, the more effect we can have on helping to promote Central Florida’s quality events.
Something Old, Something New…
Posted by: Bess, Top 5 Editor on: September 20, 2009
I visted the Winter Park Wedding Chapel (301 New England) yesterday and was very impressed. This quaint place is not only perfect for the charming small wedding, but it is also a wonderfully spiritual place for yoga, meditation, and meetings in general. Located a few blocks off Winter Park’s famed Park Avenue, the Wedding Chapel is down New England toward the refurbished Hannibal Square district, near Dexter’s and Hot Olives. The Winter Park Farmer’s Market is located within a stone’s throw and is the ideal place for a picturesque reception to accompany the Wedding Chapel.
Steve and Suzanne Graffham are the lovely owners who have taken this historic building (once a church) and have redone the floors, ceiling, lighting, and even landscaping of the structure. The Graffhams have also used their UK roots to become a destination wedding place for many British couples, helping to boost Winter Park tourism.
A professional photographer who specializes in fashion shoots and luxury resorts, Steve uses his Winter Park Photography as an additional service the Wedding Chapel can offer. The nearby salons, restaurants, and florists are also readily available to create a dream wedding for the right couples.
This smaller space fills a need in a high-demand area. The Winter Park Civic Center is reserved years in advance and many of the churches are difficult to book as well, leaving many hopeful couples hardpressed to find an ideal location. The Wedding Chapel provides a beautiful backdrop to create a dream wedding and as of now it is still readily available. As Steve told me, “We’ve done eight weddings and we have fourteen more booked. But, business is really picking up.”
What’s even more exciting is the Graffhams are putting the space to good use during the week when it is not being used for weddings. The Wedding Chapel offers yoga on Tuesdays and Sundays at 6 pm. As Suzanne points out, the wooden floor is forgiving and allows for more comfortable positioning than many other studios in the area. Instructor Dave Walsh charges $10 per hour and a half session.
Check out the short video below and then visit the Wedding Chapel website for more info.
Orlando Ballet Dancer Katia Garza!
Posted by: Bess, Top 5 Editor on: September 15, 2009
Congrats to local dancer Katia Garza! She will be honored with the prestigious Angel of Independence award from the Mexican Consulate.
For more information about Katia and this award, visit Elizabeth Maupin’s blog.
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