I’m currently waiting in the airport. Waiting for a few things … one, the 28^th Starbucks Coffee of the trip to kick in. Secondly, waiting for the nasty bagel I just ate to settle so I can take my medication since I’m sick with an ear infection … and those aren’t fun to fly with.

And, last I’m waiting to board the plane for Denver. I’ve never been to Denver so this should be a fun trip all around, getting to see the Coors Factory, getting to hike in the Rocky Mountains and getting to see one of my favorite artists, Jason Mraz, in a venue that is world famous … Red Rock Amphitheatre!!

If you'rew ondering about the medication - I had to go to the hospital as I have come down with a pretty bad cold, which led to an inner and outer ear infection so I'm treating that. Alas, it's not stopping the show. The show must go on!

But, before it does I’ve got to tell you about the last few amazing days I had in Orlando. Yes, I cheated and went to Orlando twice on this trip but that is my home and it’s filled with my friends so another trip was a must. I had great reason to go as my friends D’Agnese, LoveJuice and the awesome James Boyd Band were playing a show at BackBooth in Downtown Orlando. It also gave me some time to try a few things I hadn’t yet done in Central Florida.

For the last year or so I wanted to go to Lakeridge Winery in Clermont … odd thing to want to do, I know – but I am a wine dork and love to learn more about wine, winemaking and vineyards – plus I’ve never had wine with the grape they grow in Florida … so it was a win/win. Well, a win/win/win as I got to bring Tia who had never been to a winery.

The tour was amazing (and free) with lots of great samples at the end (which were also free). I’m typically a big red drinker so these wines were a little on the sweet side for me, but it was honestly a great time getting to try totally different things and try to find out what they would go with. In addition, it was good for Tia since she loves really sweet wine … and shockingly her favorite was a red wine! We ended up getting a bottle of “Southern Red” a very sweet red that you’re supposed to serve chilled … we didn’t have a chance to drink it yet – so that’s a followup trip bottle waiting to be enjoyed.

Another odd side note that I didn’t know … Florida was the first place in the US that produced wine. Who knew? Not me. Yet another odd note – our tour was great, but the tour guide kept referring to himself in the third person. I mean enough that even Bob Dole would have told him to chill. “Doug loves this wine with Doug’s homemade popcorn. Mmm … Doug sure does make some mean DougCorn – that’s what Doug calls it.” At a few points I guess saying his name wasn’t even enough as he pointed to his name badge while saying his name. It said “Doug” and had a smiley face on it … which I’m guessing was a self-doug-portrait. But, alas, even still we did Dig Doug (Atari game … anyone? Dig Dug??)

That fine evening post wine tour and outlet shopping, we stayed at the beautiful Grand Bohemian in Downtown Orlando before heading to the concert and I’ve got to say I LOVE that hotel. Anything we asked for they delivered with no questions (including a fridge to the room, which was pretty funny). We stayed on the private concierge level… if you have the chance to do that – go for it … worth the extra money to have a private lounge and free snacks/breakfast all day.  

We started off the hotel stay by having a glass of wine in the club room and then another glass of wine in our room which overlooked downtown from the 15^th floor in the south-west direction. Great view of the pool from the room too.

Then … on to the show. This was like a badass little reunion for me running into tons of friends, having some cold beverages and listening to some amazing music. I even got to introduce James Boyd Band with SupaDave on stage. Better still – I got to go on stage and sing with the band during the last few songs. I’m a stage whore – it’s true. At least I admit it.

So, overall, a very fun trip going to the hometown and trying some new things. Can’t wait to get back to continue learning more about Orlando as every time I think it’s boring and I’ve done it all, I open a book or tourist guide and realize that after 8 years I still haven’t scratched the surface of things to do. I suggest you try doing that wherever you live. How many times have you said ‘there’s nothing to do here’ or ‘we’ve done everything you can imagine’. I disagree … there’s always something new to try, a different place to go, or a different way to approach the same old routine. Spice it up … enjoy the little things … live more!

A phew photos which include me on stage with Eric Fay, James Boyd and SupaDave (who apparently we stripped at some point since he's shirtless), Lakeridge Winery and a few of me and Tia!



Ok, they’re calling my row. So, an early Rocky Mountain Hi! I’ll post a ton of pictures on the twitter page and update the blog with all the non-twitted photos tomorrow morning.

Until then, be well and happy Saturday!

Carter

(PS since I was amazingly sick the last day in FL I didn't get to do much in Boca or Ft. Myers. At the conclusion of the trip - I'm going to spend a day in each location to make up for that and blog the living hell out of it, including the Caddyshack Gopher Dance …)