Independence Day is just around the corner, and it's time to start planning your celebrations. The Orlando metro area offers a variety of events to make your Fourth of July unforgettable. From patriotic music to spectacular fireworks displays, here are six local events that will be sure to entertain anyone! 

July 1 & 4 | Red, White & Blue Americana, Downtown Winter Garden - Kick off your Independence Day celebrations with a two-day event in Downtown Winter Garden. On July 1st and 4th, immerse yourself in the patriotic atmosphere of Red, White & Blue Americana. Enjoy live music, yummy food, and a vibrant party in park as you celebrate the birth of our nation.

July 3 | Red Hot & Boom, Altamonte Springs | 4pm - 11pm - Head over to Cranes Roost Park

Memorial Day Weekend has been known as a kick-off to summer and there are so many ways to celebrate. We are also taking a moment to remember and honor the brave service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, while reflecting on the freedoms we have today because of them. As Orlando area residents and visitors join together this weekend, we have gathered 5 local events in the Orlando metro area that offer meaningful ways to commemorate this important day.

1. Memorial Day 2023 Observance | Windermere Town Hall in Windermere, FL | May 29, 12pm
   • Rotary Club of Windermere Memorial Day Observance - The Rotary Club of Windermere organizes a Memorial Day observance event at the Windermere Town Hall. This gathering honors and remember fallen

We all know about the world-class attractions the Orlando area offers and are so lucky to have in our backyard, but what about those places that fly under the radar - where locals love to explore? We have compiled some of our top favorite hidden treasures of central Florida and included everything from outdoors to the arts:

1. Downtown Arts District (CityArts Orlando) Downtown Orlando - Located at 39 S. Magnolia Avenue, CityArts is a modern art hub and cultural hotspot in downtown Orlando within the Downtown Arts District. Visitors can immerse themselves in seven art galleries, share conversation over coffee at the in-house cafe, or attend a local event, including the 3rd Thursday Gallery Hop, celebrating art, music, and business.

2. The Axe

Staying cool can definitely be a challenge during hot summer months in Central Florida! Lucky for us, there are several ways to beat the heat this summer, and one of my favorites is with a delicious cold treat from one of our amazing local ice cream spots! Popsicles, slushies, ice cream, and more! Each venue offers a unique palette of flavors and something enticing for everyone to enjoy!

Allen's Creamery
Located in the heart of downtown Windermere on Main Street, Allen's is a local favorite, offering delicious flavors in a charming location. Built in 2008, this coffee and ice cream shop provides the perfect mix of excellent service, delicious products, and small-town nostalgia. Allen's offers a fun assortment of coffee drinks, ice cream, donuts, and

Eat well, stay active and enjoy life. Three simple elements that help promote a healthy lifestyle. Making these healthy choices can often seem daunting or overwhelming, but a local organization, The Foundation for a Healthier West Orange, and its grassroots movement, Healthy West Orange, are working to change all that!

The Movement
Established in 2016, Healthy West Orange is a dynamic movement that provides fun, resources, education, and social connections to Orange County residents. Everything from tasty recipes to fun fitness challenges to nutrition tips and more are available! Healthy West Orange helps residents develop healthy behaviors and encourages positive lifestyle choices.

The Community
This hyper-local movement is part of The Foundation

It is time to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate! Long days, hot weather and a hectic schedule can leave you feeling down and exhausted, and self-care has never been more important! Southwest Orlando boasts a number of relaxation experiences and exciting spa services to indulge in.

iSkinSecrets

Don't be fooled by the size of the location; iSkinSecrets is intimate and cozy and one of Windermere's best-hidden gems! Nayantara, the talented aesthetician, provides unique, one-of-a-kind treatments that are perfect for getting your skin and body in their healthiest state! Located across from the Windermere Town Hall on Main Street, this tranquil location offers facials, chemical treatments, body treatments, waxing, and more. Nayantara has over sixteen years of

Attention Southwest Orlando Residents, including the Residents of Windermere and Winter Garden! There will be a Horizon West Town Hall Meeting on March 16, 2015!!! The goal of this town hall meeting will be to provide an overview and update on the current projects and developments within the entire Horizon West community.

Horizon West Town Hall Meeting on Monday, March 16, 2015
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Harvest Bible Chapel - 12120 Chase Road, Windermere, FL, 34786

The Town Hall agenda will include presentations from Orange County staff members, the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and Orange County Public Schools. The following topics will be covered: 

• Transportation
• Development
• School
• Parks
• Public Safety

Any questions

I-Drive 360 is one the newest Entertainment Complexes in Central Florida and the Sunshine State. Scheduled to open in Spring 2015, I-Drive 360 is home to the much anticipated Orlando Eye Observation Wheel.  The Orlando Eye will be the flagship attraction included in the recent $200 million revitalization of the I-Drive hotel and convention area.

I-Drive 360 is just a short drive from sought after Orlando real estate as well as many Dr. Phillips luxury communities, including Vizcaya, Bay Hill, Toscana, and Dellagio.

Things to Do at the I-Drive 360 Entertainment Complex

• The Orlando Eye - Observation Wheel
• World's Tallest Roller Coaster 'Skyscraper'
• Madame Tussauds Orlando Wax Museum
• Sea Life Aquarium
• Yard House Brewery
• Dick's Last

Construction is under way on the new Florida Hospital Winter Garden Medical Facilities, on a 58-acre parcel of land located adjacent to the Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves between Daniels Road and State Road 535. The new medical campus will be situated within convenient proximity to many Windermere and Winter Garden neighborhoods, offering additional options for medical care for Southwest Orlando residents.

Scheduled for completion in 2015, the new Florida Hospital Winter Garden Campus will be home to an expansive 3-story, 75,000 square feet facility. Comprehensive services offered include an emergency department, acute care service department, on-site imaging, Florida Hospital specialists, outpatient imaging, Healthy 100, women's services,

The Town of Windermere voted Best Place to Live, in Orlando by the Southwest Orlando Bulletin. The Windermere and Dr Phillips areas of Southwest Orlando lead the way while winning the number 1 and 2 spots in the Best of Southwest 2014 Awards, as chosen by hundreds of local residents. This annual 'Best Of' series ranks Central Florida favorites including local places to live, restaurants, fitness facilities, shopping venues, children's birthday venues, Orlando resorts and spas, Orlando Private Schools, and more.

Other top winners favorited among Southwest Orlando residents include the Windermere Farmers Market, Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Isleworth Golf & Country Club, Eddie V's on Restaurant Row, the Dr P Phillips Community Park, and R.D.