A new year means new things to do around Central Florida, even though you might just be coming off the holiday high of parties and celebrations. We've got a handful of events you wont want to miss this month. They help easing back into your regular routine a little more bearable and make for a great start to 2015!
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Ride the Sunrail during its new extended service.
During the month of December, Sunrail opened up extended hours, allowing riders to take advantage of using the Sunrail into the late hours of the night. These extended hours are open-ended for the time being, as they continue to monitor ridership and work with the community partners to see what the demand for this service might be moving forward. That means this is the perfect time to "ride the rails" if you haven't done so yet. These extended hours make it much easier for people who haven't been able to check out the Sunrail due to work or school hours causing conflicts. There are many stations to get on and off at, starting as far south as Sandlake Road in Orlando and running as far north as DeBary. Take a peek at the full train schedule, download their mobile app and plan a trip this month!
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Take in a show at the new Dr. Phillips Center.
This season of shows at the Dr. Phillips Center is being called the inaugural season, one that will make history as being the very first. Being a part of history by snagging tickets to one of their first shows could be a fun thing to add to your "let's do this in 2015" list (if you have one!). This month, you could see Jerry Seinfeld live on January 17th or see Disney's Newsies starting January 27th through February 1st. It looks like tickets are selling fast for many of the shows they have to offer, so you might want to look now and book your tickets for shows beyond January. With the location of the Dr. Phillips Center being in downtown Orlando, you could even take advantage of the Sunrail, making it a real day trip to remember.
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Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival.
This annual festival is perfect for Central Florida residents who might be new the area, with the manatee (Florida's state marine animal) being the biggest attraction. At the festival you can find manatee viewing, live entertainment and music, arts and crafts, food, face painting, children's activities and games. The festival will also feature environmental conservation displays because the festival was originally founded in 1985 with the mission to facilitate improvements and wellness for West Volusia Residents as well as promote environmental awareness in the community. In the last 28 years the festival has raised more than $500,000. Last year alone more than $40,000 was raised to give back to the community. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Blue Spring State Park, educational scholarships and Orange City organizations. This event takes place January 24th and 25th, click here for more information.
Photo courtesy of the Manatee Festival Facebook Page
