Orlando events at another best-kept secret – Mead Gardens, Winter Park

I’ve shared numerous venues in and around Central Florida that are some of the best kept secrets when looking to book unique locations for special events. Although some of my recommendations fall within the mega-production venues that can simply be found in first four pages of any Orlando events web search. Here’s another one of those locations that you may not have heard too much about, Mead Gardens, Winter Park.

Located a very short distance west of downtown Winter Park, nested within some of the most beautiful Oak hammocks in Central Florida, is a city owned and maintained botanical wonderland known as Mead Gardens. Named after the internationally known horticulturalist, Theodore Mead the garden was founded in the early 1940s. This is the perfect location to produce some of the most memorable events in the Central Florida area. For those with GPS capability, the physical address is 1500 South Denning Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789. The park is open to the public 365 days a year from dawn to dusk with plenty of free parking.

The garden is very versatile when thinking about producing events. Comprised of three separate facilities, the first venue can accommodate as many as 300 guests in the outdoor Ampitheater. In addition to the Ampitheater, there is an indoor, 3,000 sf. Winter Park Garden House that is also available for events. This facility is equipped with a full kitchen, including full size ovens, micro-waves, and 

-->refrigerator/freezers for catering almost any event. The Garden House can accommodate up to 175 guests. Also on-site is a covered picnic area that is ideal for children’s parties and family reunions.

In addition to the on-site venues, immediately adjacent to the gardens is a fourth venue that can be contracted for events. The Florida Federation of Garden Club’s facility is perfect for weddings, receptions, banquets, and any public or private functions. Contact and booking information is available on Mead Garden’s website. If you’d like to check out an upcoming event at the gardens, take a look at, "The Great Duck Derby". This event features a series of rubber duck races and a ton of free family activities on Saturday, February 23, 2013, from 10 am to 2 pm. The World Famous Peabody Hotel Ducks, which are an Orlando event by themselves, begin the festivities with a march to the Amphitheater at 10:00 am.

Now, get out there and enjoy some great Orlando events!

Firestone Live – A great venue to produce and see a live show

Image courtesy of Firestone Live

 

Now I know I’m really going to date myself, but I actually remember when Firestone Live was a Firestone tire dealership, hence the name Firestone Live. Firestone Live is located just north of Colonial Drive on Orange Avenue and offers several great options including ample free parking throughout the area. There are five distinctive areas not including an impressive entryway for promoters and guests to enjoy. In addition to the main room, there are four other vignettes that accent the main room. They include: The Upstairs Loft, The Den, The Patio, and of course for promoters and talent there’s The Green Room.

Similar to the large venues located at the theme parks, Firestone Live is fully equipped with all the audio, lighting, and video equipment needed for most touring acts. In addition to the plug and play convenience, Firestone Live has a full liquor license and can cater any menu from numerous eateries in the immediate area. Totally unlike the mega-venues located at the parks, Firestone Live offers a much more personal touch when doing business with promoters and guests. The entire staff is well-trained and very attentive to the needs of artists and promoters. This personal attention makes doing business with Firestone Live a pleasure. Here’s a quick look at Firestone Live’s January schedule.

Within a short distance north of Firestone Live is another one of Orlando’s best dining and entertainment areas, Ivanhoe Village. Bordered by several of Orlando’s most beautiful lakes, Ivanhoe Village has several great restaurants including Gargi’s Lakeside Italian Ristorante located directly on the banks of Lake Ivanhoe. If great Greek food is what you’re looking for you must try The Greek Corner located directly across the street from the lake. Both restaurants offer great food and the sunsets from their outdoor patios are nothing short of spectacular.

Image courtesy of Posh Orlando Venues

I hope you’ll take the time to check out some of the great entertainment opportunities Orlando has to offer. Now, go out and enjoy some live entertainment.