What I Will Miss Most About Orlando

When Ryan and I decided to move to Ocala for his new job, we were both excited about a new adventure and sad about leaving a city we love so much.

Ryan and I attended the University of Central Florida, located in Orlando, and following graduation moved downtown. I have lived in Orlando for eight years (totally didn’t realize it was that long until just now) and have fallen in love with all that the city has to offer.

As I’ve mentioned in my post about the non-theme park side of Orlando, the city is very large, with the theme parks at one end and UCF at the other end, about 40 minutes apart. Ryan and I have really enjoyed exploring all the different parts of Orlando while we’ve lived here.

I thought it might be fun to put together a “What I’ll Miss Most About Orlando” to post on the blog on MOVING DAY!

1. Friends. Though many of our college friends have since moved out of Orlando, some of our very best friends still live in the area. They will undoubtedly be what Ryan and I miss most when we move.

2. Blogging Network. It wasn’t until fairly recently that I felt like I really became immersed in the Orlando blogging scene, but I feel very fortunate to have the ability to meet up with Orlando-area bloggers a few times a month and discuss blogging with people who understand exactly where I’m coming from and also enjoy sharing ideas and exchanging advice. I hope to still attend these meet ups since I’ll only be an hour away!

Some past blogger meet up posts:

• Dinner at Season’s 52
• Blogger Boot Camp
• Meet Up at Crave
• Dinner at Matteo’s
• Lunch at Virgin Olive Market
• Interview with Florida Swim Network
• Central Florida Blogger Conference

3. Lake Eola. Our apartment is located less than a mile from gorgeous Lake Eola and walking around the lake with Ryan and Sadie is one of my favorite things to do in the city. There are always people out walking around and the fountain in the middle of the lake is the symbol of the city. Whenever I look out over Lake Eola, I feel comfort and happiness and I will miss all of the birds, wildlife and energy surrounding the lake.

4. Restaurants. Orlando has every kind of restaurant you could wish to find. We have the touristy joints, the mom and pop restaurants, fancy schmancy places and cheap eateries. Though Ryan and I have our personal favorites, I will miss the ability to never run out of new restaurants to try.

Some favorite restaurants:

• Hillstone (Previously Houston’s)
• Emeril’s Orlando
• Le Coq Au Vin
• Season’s 52
• Vines
• Luma
• 310 Park South
• The Dessert Lady
• Park Plaza Gardens

5. Downtown Orlando YMCA. Now that I’m moving, I feel comfortable enough sharing the gym Ryan and I go to nearly every morning. We both absolutely adore the YMCA. It has a personal, family feel and isn’t uptight. Both the staff and gym members are friendly and welcoming and it truly feels like a judge-free place.

The Y offers so many different classes, including my all-time favorite BodyPump, and also has a gymnasium, indoor and outdoor pool, special spinning room and more. It’s hands-down the best gym I’ve ever belonged to and I will miss is very much.

6. Activities. There is always something to do in Orlando. I’m not lying when I say I have literally never struggled for something to do in the eight years I’ve lived here. If you’re looking for some fun ideas for things to do in Orlando, please check out my Orlando Travel page.

7. Memories. I went to college, went on my first date with Ryan, met some of my very best friends, held three different full-time jobs, got engaged and moved into my first apartment with Ryan and began my new career as a full-time blogger and freelance writer all while living in Orlando. There are memories from my life around every corner in this city.

8. Variety. Orlando has something for everybody and I will miss the ability to go out to bars with friends one night and then go hiking with Ryan and Sadie the next day. The mix of outdoor activities with city life is a wonderful aspect of Orlando and it something I will miss very much.

9. Fleet Peeple’s Dog Park. This would be number one on Sadie’s list for sure! Fleet Peeple’s dog park is unlike any dog park I’ve ever seen. It has a lake, trails to explore and a large open area to play fetch. It’s every dog’s dream and Ryan and I have loved the ability to bring Sadie to such a picturesque, clean, large and fun dog park.

10. Whole Foods. Though I probably only visit Whole Foods once a month at the most because of the expensive nature of the foods, I love the ability to browse around a place where I know I’ll be able to find the obscure ingredients to some of the healthy recipes I wish to make and enjoy the atmosphere. The Whole Foods on Sand Lake Road also offered some super cheap cooking classes that Ryan and I have really enjoyed in the past that I will miss as well.

And that’s my list!

Orlando really has been a wonderful location for us throughout the past eight years and I will miss it very, very much.

Question of the Morning

• If you moved away from where you currently live, what would you miss most?