Streak the Cove is a clothing-option 5k that takes place at the beautiful Cypress Cove Nudist…read moreResort in Kissimmee. I ran the race this past Sunday and let me just say that it was quite an experience. The 150+ person race was made up of individuals from 13 states across the southern US and, you guessed it, about 75% ran it nude, including myself. When in Rome, right? The race itself was well organized. I pulled into the complex and gave them my name at the gate. The friendly staff directed me to parking and packet pick-up. The small race meant pack pick-up was breeze and really just consisted of giving my name, receiving a bracelet, and picking up a shirt (yes, even nude racers get shirts!). The shirt was made of a super-soft cotton and came in a fun color and design. I was impressed. Since this was a "fun" nude race, there were no chip timers and no race bibs. They do offer bottles of wine to the top 20 female and male finishers, but none of the results are saved or posted online to protect runners' privacy. The 8:30 start was a bit late for a Florida race in May, but the shady course helped protect everyone. They do HIGHLY recommend wearing sunscreen for this race. Even though a majority of the field is doing the race in the buff, that does not mean there aren't serious runner out there. The front of the pack was fast and I struggled to keep it. I held my own for the first part but the chafing for the best of me (naked running rookie mistake). Even so, the course was great and the resort's nudist residents who came to cheer us on were amazing. The two laps went quick and I finished in 24:26 - my first official naked PR. I might not have set any crazy speed records, but I did come in at a fast enough time to earn a shiny bottle of wine. The race festivities concluded with a post-race poolside celebration and awards ceremony.

I say 3.5 but would round up to 4 stars because of the swag you get! have ran this race 3 or maybe…read more4 years in a row. It is always well organized with a great turn out of runners. They offer 2 miles, 10k and distance dare that includes both. Parking can get tricky so arrive early if you dont want to be circling around for a bit. There is steeet parking and garages to choose from. My biggest con is the route, go over a lot of cobblestone. For runners this can be tricky, especially among crowded areas. I saw a couple people trip and yep....so did I. The uneven roads also are a watch out if you already have a weak ankle/knee from a prior injury....yes me again! The views are great! Pass beautiful houses and nice lakes but the roads could use improvement. There also are two water stations that I can remember of available. The best part of the 10k is you are tremendously rewarded....and not just with a medal! You get your medal, beer glass, towel and so many goodies from vendors. They had breakfast sandwhiches, smoothies, massages, bananas, strawberries, coffee and so much more! Runners of all speeds run the race. If you have never ran a 10k or are nervous to run one this would be the perfect one, get off that couch and get to jogging!

I completed the Distance Dare for the Winter Park Road Race, in which you run the 2 mile race…read morefollowed by the 10k. I am not the speediest of runners, but I'm typically solidly in the middle of the pack. For me, completing the 2 miler and making it to the start of the 10k was a little tight time wise, but doable. It may have been because I was towards the back of the 2 miler starting group, which out me a minute or two behind the clock start of the race. The courses both run through beautiful Winter Park, which provides a great backdrop for a morning run! Bits of the course were a tiny but crowded and there is cobblestone and uneven ground so it's important to watch you footing! Runners who completed the 10k received a medal and completing the Distance Dare also qualified runners for a second medal! I always enjoy some extra bling! The post-race area had a great energy but was a tad crowded, lines for the free beer included with the race were very long, but that wasn't a big deal to me as it was still so early in the morning! Participants receive a free stemless wineglass which was a nice extra piece if swag. Runners can pay extra for access to a VIP area with extra food and some seating, which is something I'd consider in the future. Fun run!

I'm not a go kart person (I'll stick to Mario Kart, thanks) and my kart was a little wonky. Like…read moreliterally I couldn't get it into the return area without help because it kept stopping and wouldn't go fast. I think hubby got stuck in that one on his second round because he lapped me twice on the first race and mentioned the second round he couldn't seem to keep pace with everyone else (meaning it wasn't just me driving slow haha).

Awesome way to have some competitive fun. Each lap is timed, and at the end of the races, you can…read morecheck who on your team was the fastest or overall how you did, amongst other people. They provide a helmet, or you can bring your own. They have a small lobby where you can watch the races and wait for your party to finish. Go karts go about 45 mph!

SO friggin' FUN!!!…read more If this run comes to your city, GO! This is the original of all the "color" themed runs and sells out in every city for a reason. It's FUN! "The happiest 5K on the planet" rings true for sure. 10,000 people in white, running, walking, skipping or dancing through a 5K and getting color splashed on them. Yep, that's a party. Check the FAQ page, it's hilarious. No time is kept, you just do this for fun so, serious runners, don't be serious about this one. There were families and people of all ages. You start off all clean and pristine in your all white attire and then each station throughout the course you get color bombed! You get SO excited when you see a station coming up with it's huge color arch, loud music and a cloud of color! So you throw a little party and get all color-fied at each station, all different colors, pink, yellow, blue, purple, orange, green. And then when you reach the finish line, there is a color party! You get a color packet in your registration and can use it at the party to celebrate crossing the line. Then they have a DJ and stage where they do more color bombs and give away goodies. Music happens and it's literally a colorful love moment. Everyone is dancing and throwing color, it's awesome! Grab a ton of friends and enjoy! This was one of the most fun events I have been to, I highly suggest you check it out.

My guess is that the event is to make races fun, and it seemed to attract people that do not…read morenormally participate in races. That being said, the goal of this race is FUN! Impressed with the organization of the event, from packet pick up--another party within itself--to the after party. I'm not sure if the after party was more fun than the event itself. Loved the dance off and all the music afterwards. I really loved the color. Such expectation to hit a color station with music and watch everyone get powdered. Blue team was on point!! By the time I hit the orange--I don't know--the orange team lacked zeal, and needed training from the blue team. I had to beg them to get some orange on me. I mean, what was that? Now, I hate to be the one to bring this up, but I have to, or I would not be me. I have participated and volunteered for many athletic events, but I have never had to race around the homeless. Such a stark contrast to see happy people running and walking while watching people in their bedding in Parramore. I mean, sure, a different dynamic seeing street people cheer you on, along with people dressed in their Sunday best. It is what it is . So, some hints, you may want to wear goggles http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-color-run-orlando?select=qj-3oOS16dBQeIpTarwb9w#qj-3oOS16dBQeIpTarwb9w and if you have light colored hair, wear a bandana or shower cap, or a wig even. A friend of mine in ATL could not get pink out of her hair for almost a week. Definitely a fun race not to be missed! If you get the chance, go!

The Central Florida version of this race, held at the Wide World of Sports Complex on the grounds…read moreof Disney, is no less than an awesome event. It was well organized despite its size and still managed to be impressive, heartfelt and most of all, fun. Having participated only in Charlotte's Race last year I wasn't sure what to expect from Orlando. But once my boyfriend and I arrived, I was relieved to know it would be just as good if not better. The parking wasn't a problem and many volunteers were on hand to make sure we were all guaranteed a spot in the early morning hours of Race day. And thankfully, they held hours the day before for people who wanted to pick up their registration packets early. If you have the time to do so, I would highly recommend it since it shaves off time the morning of the Race. "Goody Row" was just as present this year as it was last year and featured various sponsors handing out pink items relating to their product or service. For example, Thomas brand baked goods handed out pink wrist bands and Mueller's Pasta gave hot pink pasta kitchen utensils. A local radio stations was there as well as a local news station which broadcasted live--incidentally it caused the race to run about 30 minutes behind. Despite the timing setback, it was enjoyed by all the participants and the survivors who were there. People wore special outfits, donned bright pink wigs, and walked/ran in honor of someone they know who has been affected. We were corraled into 3 groups, the first being a one mile run/walk. The second, where we chose to be, was a timed and competitive 5K run/walk, and the last was the fun run/walk 5K. Throughout the course they had real cheerleaders and other volunteers cheering us on. They also had water stops and large speakers playing upbeat and lively music to keep us going. Each mile was clearly marked which is also very helpful as far as motivation goes. The finish line was lined with happy and clapping people who had either just completed the race themselves or were supporting other participants. Overall, it was clear that everyone was happy to be there regardless of the reason. I would highly suggest to anyone remotely interested to go ahead and sign up for 2009's Race. You'll be so glad that you did.

I was actually trying to find a different park near the airport when I accidently stumbled on the…read morethis oasis of nature. Airport Lakes Park was developed with the help of a Florida Communities Trust grant. The proximity of the park to the Orlando Airport means you will see a lot of planes flying overhead. The Orlando Airport was once a part of Pinecastle Air Force Base during WWII so I imagine this park was too. This park is a welcome recreational amenity for both locals and the travelers passing through the area. Airport Lake Park exceeded what I was expecting. Near the parking area are restrooms and a playground. The real gem of the park is the back area where there is a nature trail and disc golf course that was being used by several groups of people during my visit. Unfortunately the nature boardwalk that takes you out to Lake Warren was closed due to storm damage. This would have been a really nice feature so I hope they plan to repair it. The park also has a lighted athletic field and soccer field and picnic pavilions with grills. I had a pleasant walk around the nature area. There are several hotels nearby so this would be a great spot to get exercise or take the kids to play. The disc golf course is already very popular with locals.

I was staying nearby for business and saw Airport Lakes Park and walked over. It's a nice sized…read morepark with some soccer fields and a disc golf course. There are trails through the park, some paved and others dirt paths. The boardwalk out to view the lake was unfortunately closed due to storm damage. That was a disappointment. Lots of parking is available. Bathrooms are available here as well. I didn't need to use them so no idea how well they are cleaned or maintained. A nice park near some of the Orlando airport hotels.

Last week we attended Winter Park's Sip, Shop and Stroll, a wine and food filled evening along…read moreOrlando's most famous street. And if you missed the event last week, #ParkAveSip will return on Thursday, November 10. During each sip event you'll have the opportunity to visit over 25 different places during your stroll. Participating locations include Alex and Ani, Boca Winter Park, Cocina 214, Lilly Pulitzer, Luma on Park, Park Plaza Gardens, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, The Ancient Olive and so much more! This periodic event is perfect for date night or an evening with your BFFs. Throughout our stops we collected wine, sushi and a glitter monogrammed water bottle from The Grove. We so enjoyed our two hour stroll along Park Ave - this is one of those must try events. Here's some highlights from our Winter Park evening. The Ancient Olive: Multiple stations of wine, cocktails, desserts and BBQ, it was like a mini culinary experience in The Hidden Garden. Boca + ABO: The only place that served beer, so props to Boca and ABO for doling out some hops alongside shrimp and grits. The Grove: While sampling a sparking cocktail, we picked up a gold glitter water bottle complete with a monogram made on-site. #winning Peterbrooke: I FINALLY got to taste the best invention ever known to cookies. The Cookie Shot. Yep, a chocolate chip cookie used for tasting and sipping. Paired with four different coffee cocktails by mü, we enjoyed every sip and bite. Umi Sushi: Our last stop on the stroll and our first time to visit this sushi restaurant. We enjoyed the sake and samples, so we ended up staying for more. We ordered the Crunchy Hako, a raw and spicy roll with tuna, rice crackers, micro greens and a honey-Tabasco sauce. We demolished this plate in about 60 seconds and will be back for more sushi soon.

This was a very fun event. Many stores and restos up and down Park Ave in Winter Park handed out…read morewine and snacks to participants. The wine and food (by Eat More Produce) at Lily Pulitzer were particularly good, and got me in a store in which I wouldn't normally shop. We had a great time at The Ancient Olive tasting olive oils and vinegars while trying wine and their foods. I walked home with the espresso balsamic vinegar and the blackberry ginger vinegar, both excellent. As a newcomer to Winter Park, this was another great event at which I was exposed to many local spots.

Out with the old and in with the new, so long to Max Action Arena and hello Ripley's Crazy Golf. We…read morewere here to see Blue Man Group today and wanted to use our two VR passes while we were at Icon Park, guess that's dead in the water. Ripley's Crazy Golf is pretty cool. They still have the bar to the right when you walk in, and the nice restrooms in the very back. The holes, and challenges are fun and interactive. It was a unique experience putting around in this wild glowing, neon-lit colored environment. It does get busy in here a can be a bit of a crapshoot as to who is putting at what hole and like another reviewer stated, other customers can throw you off by jumping ahead and taking whatever hole is open to them versus waiting for the first group to finish. Pricing is a bit high at $25 per person but if you buy a package deal from Icon Park ticketing you can get a little more for your money. All-in-all, it's a fun way to spend some time while at Icon Park and a bit cheaper, and less chaotic than going to Universal or Disney.

It's not your average mini golf! For one, it's indoors. And thank goodness because you get a minute…read moreto skip out on the heat in these hot Florida summers. I loved that things were so interactive! Like the pool table hole and the swinging hammer. There was so much packed into one space! I can't say that the scored was completely accurate but it was a fun and fantastic time! A totally unique putt-putt experience.