I've paddled the Emerald Cut a few times now. Initially I didn't like the idea of paying to launch…read moremy own paddleboard. However, it's only $10 now that I have my own life jacket (saving me additional cost of $5 to use one of theirs, as required). Well worth the low cost for some soul-enriching, communing with nature. I have never made a reservation. I normally arrive around 10:30, most recently on a Friday. Parked for free on Baptist Camp Rd. Just a bit of a walk from there with my inflated paddleboard, but I don't mind the extra exercise. You can unload your stuff closer, if preferable. There are port-a-potties available. You can count on there being a line in the check-in office. Various recreation supplies are available there for purchase. The process moves reasonably enough. A reservation will guarantee your entrance, however, and possibly aide quicker personal info collection. I always plan to do the Emerald Cut in roughly 3 hours round-trip, allowing myself several stops to enjoy the surroundings. You do run into (quite literally at times) novice paddlers along the way, which can be a bit tricky, yet not a real nuisance for me. In general, there's friendliness along the waterway. Slighty rowdy, party vibes in some spots, but also opportunities for solace and zen in various nooks. Encountering wildlife, fragrant elderberry, and other captivating flora along this stretch is always gratifying. It's a popular recreation destination for good reason.

Many tourists don't realize Florida is home to stunning crystal-clear spring rivers--perfect for…read moreswimming, kayaking, and tubing aka "hidden gems". My Hubby and I love kayaking, so we booked an excursion months in advance for Rock Springs through TripAdvisor. Our Tour Operator was Get Up And Go Kayaking located at Kings Landing in Apopka, FL. I LOVE saying Apopka ;) The good news: Apopka is a quick 1 hour drive from Orlando. Make sure you don't miss the turn to King's Landing, because the entrance is located on a narrow dirt road. You must drive past Kelly Park (which fills up fast). There is a Park Ranger located here who will guide you to King's Landing. As you get closer and if you see a parking spot, grab it! Check in is located in the Cabin like office where you will have to sign a waiver. If you do not want to take a clear bottom, guided Kayak tour, you can either rent or BYO Kayak versus taking a semi private, clear, guided kayak tour. NOTE: ONLY use their Sunscreen/lotion which is provided at no cost. It protects the wildlife and the Springs. We wanted the full experience as we have previously enjoyed renting clear Kayaks. Our guide for the morning was: Megan, who was fantastic! Full of energy, information and helpful tidbits about the Springs and its human and wildlife inhabitants. Our group was small and capped at 10. We paddled through both narrow and open stretches, and stopped to swim in the warm, crystal-clear water. One highlight was a banyan tree with an 8-foot natural "jump hole"--such a cool experience! It was a serene, memorable day, and fun fact: this is the very spring featured in the Visit Orlando commercials! Yeah, definitely take a day away from crowded Orlando to relax and enjoy Mother Nature! You will Thank Me ;)

Lake Druid Park is primarily an open field. Yes, they have a volleyball court and a few other…read moreamenities that you get used to seeing at parks, but this seems to be more so and open field. That is not necessarily a bad thing, I seen a lot of people bring their dogs here and there's also a bicycle path that looks kind of interesting. There is a decent amount of parking and while it is off the beaten path, I'm sure that is a plus for the neighborhood and the people that choose to come here. The only restroom facilities that I seen on the property was a porta-potty at the parking lot. The park also looks relatively well maintained. All in all, as an overall rating, I will give Lake Druid Park four stars. Well there are certainly bigger parks with more stunning views and more to do, Lake Druid Park does have its own appeal.

Went here for the first time this weekend and was extremely pleased. We have two small dogs, one is…read morevery social and the other we just adopted and is extremely shy. We are working on socializing her but have found the other bigger dog parks to be very overwhelming and also very messy. This dog park had the two separate fenced in areas, one specifically for small dogs. It was well grassed and had plenty of space. Even if you don't have dogs, Lake Druid park seemed like a great place to go. There was an adorable community garden, a dirt bike path, and sand volleyball. We will definitely be back!

I stumbled upon this park while walking another park literally across the street. Orlando has a lot…read moreof great parks, something larger ones and others, like this, that are meant to serve a neighborhood. Lake Cherokee Park does a fine example of a park that serves its neighborhood.

I grew up in this area and have enjoyed the parks for many, many years. Lake Cherokee Park is one…read moreof favorites. This park is clean, peaceful and beautiful. It is open from sunrise to sunset. I have spent many hours here and enjoy myself immensely each time. I always walk away refreshed and happy. Street parking surrounds the park. There are benches surrounding the lake where you can relax and enjoy the calmness of the water. The walking path around the lake is perfect for a gentle stroll or run with your dog. The lake is home to ducks swans, birds and other wild life that is enjoyable to watch. The grassy area of Lake Cherokee Park is a great place for a picnic, yoga or to lay out a blanket and read a book.

Although management spruced up the equipment, added new flooring and painted, the men's locker room…read moreis not great. Not sure if it's the carpet or the ventilation system, but it does have a smell in various areas. I believe some of the smell is due to lockers that do not appear to have been opened in months based on the dust on some of the locks. (See picture. In the past, I was told if members pay their monthly locker charge, there is nothing they can do to alleviate any odors coming from a locker.) The men's steam room had been closed for almost two years as they are "renovating" it. Earlier this year, a sign was posted stating a new boiler was needed and they were requesting donations. (Dues just went up $4/month.) In addition, there are no staff members walking around the Strength Circuit equipment area in the evenings and some members stay at one machine for 10 minutes or longer. They even scroll on their phones even though signs are posted to be "courteous" of others who may want to use the machine. (See picture.) These signs were smaller and posted on each machine, but they seemed to have "disappeared". I have had to repeatedly ask if I could "work in" as some members think they own the machine. Not sure why members have to constantly ask to "work in". Shouldn't the offending members have some responsibilities to follow the rules?!! This past week, I had enough. I addressed one member who constantly uses one machine and scrolls on his phone consistently. I asked if I could work in. He said he had one more rep and didn't realize I wanted in. (This is not the first time he's told me this.) I told him he had been on the machine over 10 minutes and saw me walk by numerous times. Also, I stated scrolling on the phone is not allowed given the signs in this area. I just walked away. Another member (who is a long-time member like me) was at the machine next to him, heard what I said and thanked me. She said he is one of the worst offenders, but there are others just like him. She noted the courtesy rule is 3 reps and move on, plus no scrolling on the phone. She added respect seems to be missing from this gym. Amen! Obviously, management needs to do a better job of handling this situation as a few small signs are not deterring the problem.

I have been going to the downtown ymca for years. It is in my opinion one of the best gyms in…read morecentral Florida. It is huge. All the staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They have a ton of different classes and there is always a fun community event planned there. The fitness personnel are extremely helpful and friendly. I highly recommend going to yoga or stretch classes all the instructors are amazing and welcoming. You really feel like part of the family here!

Great time. A goid mix of touring the swamp, seeing the various animals and plants, most notably…read morethe beautiful cypress trees. Our captain really knew a greatbdeal and I learned a great deal about the swamps. Saw a real cold-water spring, and he got us into some open water where he could show what anbairboat can do. We came thinking it would be a cute but cheesey way to kill a day. At best a kitchy tourist trap, and at worst an overpriced, boring tourist trap. It was neither. It was fun and also surprisingly informative. We all (there were 6 of us) had a great time and will definitely go back.

IT was fun! I wish we saw more wildlife but it was so flippin hot I understand why the animals were…read morehiding .. we did see a few alligators and flew around the lake! I took my team, and we were able to buy a bucket of Bud Light and drink it on the ride. It doesn't get more MERRICA than this! PS Nice A/C and bathroom facilities where you pay and VERY friendly people who work there!

This is a great little park in the Colonialtown South neighborhood near downtown. We took the baby…read morefor a stroll this past weekend and enjoyed the breezy weather. This park has lots of tree coverage which is much needed in the summer months. You can tell there was likely some damage and downed trees due to the recent hurricanes and some of the big oaks have uprooted. It's still a nice park nonetheless with wooden bridges, 2 playgrounds, a basketball court, and tennis court, and plenty of covered picnic areas and benches. They have a parking lot onsite as well as a community center. This park is also directly across the street from Dickson Azalea park, so if you're down for off-roading in more of a forest vibe (not stroller friendly), be sure to skip over there for a true nature adventure!

This charming park is located next to H.H. Dickson Azalea Park. H.H. Dickson is credited with…read morebringing azalea's from England to Orlando. Both he and Mayor Carl T. Langford are buried in Orlando's historic Greenwood Cemetery. Carl T. Langford (July 23, 1918 - July 9, 2011) was mayor of Orlando from 1967 until 1980. He was one of the first two Eagle Scouts in the state to be awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. After serving in the military he attended the University of Florida and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1948. Carl T Langford is most remembered for being instrumental in bringing Disney World to Orlando. Carl T Langford Park is an oasis of nature in Orlando. It is located along Central Boulevard just south of downtown. This 19 acre park has an abundance of ancient shady live oaks, wide sidewalks, and green open spaces. There are also laurel oaks and swamp chestnut trees. Many birds, butterflies, and squirrels make their home here. Park amenities include a playground, boardwalk, basketball and tennis courts, picnic pavilions, a gazebo and neighborhood center can be reserved for parties. A loved discovering the suspension bridge. In 2014 a three foot pink bunny sculpture appeared in the park. The rabbit was placed in the park in honor of Charles Smith (Chase Smith) a longtime aide to City Commissioner Patty Sheehan and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. Smith died in August 2013 at the age of 41, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. Chase Smith stepped in one year to play the Easter Bunny for the children at the egg hunts in Lake Como Park and here in Carl T. Langford Park. He was a natural and was beloved for the role. To honor him, a pink bunny was placed here and at Lake Como Park. I enjoyed such a relaxing visit to Carl T. Langford Park. The trees are beautiful and this park is the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Go for a hike, take the kids to play, host a party, or enjoy a picnic. Whatever you do, you can't help but be charmed by the abundance of nature in this picturesque park

If you're planning a trip and don't know what to do, jump in a kayak with Adventures in Florida…read more Our guides were super knowledgeable about all the wildlife. We were able to see crocodiles, numerous types of birds, fish. Unfortunately because of the rain we were not able to go further. But our guides were going to extend our trip to potentially see some Manatee. We stopped about halfway through our adventures where our guides had a snacks (crackers, carrots, various grapes, hummus cups, various cheese platter and assorted meats)

Tour Guide was Jeff. We had a great time. It was my first time and Jeff made it easy. Good…read moreinstruction and was fun to follow. He had great knowledge of the area and the animals. Would definitely do it again!

My 11-year-old daughter was fortunate enough to participate in a program where she shadowed various…read moreLevel-Up employees for a week. She got to hang out with a smart and fun group of young tech professionals who allowed her to experience the various facets of coding and game development. It was especially great for her to shadow female tech professionals and to see that girls can and do code. During her week there, she also learned about the history of gameboy, played Zelda, and built an island for fortnite, among other things. She had lunch with the staff, got to meet several of their dogs and had a fun and educational experience. We hope to return again next year.

From the owner: Level Up Academy is an after-school and summer camp program teaching professional game development…read moreto middle and high school students.

I met Dena this year and I recently described her to someone as "the chick who lit a fire under my…read more*ss" as far as motivation. She has so much enthusiasm for life and her drive is exceptional. When she began her bootcamp this year, I knew it was going to be difficult and worth it. I have only attended one session due to my lack of drive but Dena accepts that when I am ready to take the step... I will be unstoppable. Until then, I should take any step I can. I went a few weeks ago and I was not ready for what was about to take place, but in a good way, my body needed it. It was an hour of intense movement, nothing that is impossible but it was constant. The good thing about Dena is she makes you feel great and gives positive feedback the entire time and let's you go at your own pace. But, don't get it twisted, she will move on without you but I believe this is great motivation. Jogging, Skipping, Running, Arms, Legs, Abs... it's a full workout. Make sure you eat a small breakfast. She will take you through a cool down and stretch at the end as well. She is full of info so make sure to ask any questions. Want to take the challenge? Mon - Thursday at 6pm. Saturday at 9am. Lake Eola. Meet across from Publix on Central Blvd. (If there is an event at Lake Eola, she will move it to Lake Underhill so check her facebook page) $10 per class. Or $40 for 5 classes. $70 for 10 classes. She is CPR/AED certified. She is also available for one on one training. Currently, she only has a facebook page so check it out! GetThereBootCamp She also is the fitness blogger for CentralFloridaTop5, tons of great info!

I echo Colleen's statements. I've been to Boot Camp several times now and each time I leave feeling…read moregreat about what I've just done, and I know I'll be feeling even better the following day (albeit a very sore "better" - that's the deal, right?!). Dena definitely does a great job of knowing what her clients need for each particular workout, and keeps them motivated to push through and keep going even when they don't feel like it. I highly recommend this Boot Camp to anyone who's looking to build a better body, mind, and soul in the coming years! My blog partner wrote-up a little post promoting Get There Boot Camp, too. It's here: http://pulseofcentralflorida.com/2011/12/27/get-there-boot-camp/.

I love this gym and the people! It's been a wonderful place to get stronger mentally and…read morephysically. I appreciate all their intentionality with the members, calling you by name and assisting with modifications. It's an intense 30 minute class that changes every day! I always tell my friends to come join me!

My new fitness obsession is these easy to fit into your schedule 30 minutes HIIT classes. Class…read moreschedule is focused on either early morning, mid morning or after work hours with classes beginning about 5-10 minutes after the last one ends. The gym is ran (at least in my experience) by triathlete Kerry who loves to meet and talk fitness, wellness, and weight loss with any and every person who walks in the door. Try it out with Groupon or during different specials to see if it's a fit. My docked star is because outside of the deals/specials I simply can't afford it and I really believe healthy lifestyle and living should be more affordable (so maybe that's my own personal bias).