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Shipley Do-Nuts is known for its hand-cut hexagon-shaped donuts, which create a lighter, fluffier texture. They're then carefully glazed to perfection. Other treats on the menu include cake doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, bear claws, fritters, kolaches and more! Shipley Do-Nuts, a Texas based chain specializing in handcrafted doughnuts and kolaches made fresh daily, is now open in Orlando for the first time! You can discover Shipley Do-Nuts at 2255 South Semoran Boulevard, with a second location in Orlando opening soon at 5919 S Orange Blossom Trail. The franchise led business, makers of gourmet, made-fresh-daily do-nuts for more than 85 years, will enter the Orlando market after signing a new franchise agreement with MLD Hospitality LLC. MLD Hospitality, led by restaurant industry veteran and former Orlando resident Michael Burns, plans to open five locations in Orange County, with the company already up and running with locations in Bradenton, Jacksonville and Tallahassee. Burns says he believes MLD and the Orlando market could sustain up to 50 Shipley locations in the future. Burns first learned about the brand when he moved to the Houston area from Orlando four years ago. His wife wanted to surprise his team at work with do-nuts, and when she asked the family's new neighbors where she should go for the best do-nuts in town, the answer was unanimous — Shipley. "Of course, she also got some do-nuts for the kids, and they absolutely loved them — our family still talks about the day we discovered Shipley," said Burns, who serves as vice president of operations for MLD Hospitality and who has relocating back to Orlando. "The do-nuts are so fresh — like your mom just made them and served them to you still warm. Nothing on the market compares, and we think the people of Orlando, plus the many visitors to the area, will embrace Shipley Do-Nuts just as we did." Fast-growing Shipley, which first started selling hot, fresh do-nuts in Houston in 1936, has focused on Florida as a growth market. In addition to the planned Orlando locations, the company currently has a multi-unit development deal to open three Shipley Do-Nuts in the Tampa Bay area. In total, Shipley has agreements in place to open more than 350 new locations in Florida, Maryland, Georgia, Tennessee, Colorado and Texas over the next five years. "Florida has been an area of focus for us, and we really got the ball rolling with this latest signing in Orlando," said Shipley Do-Nuts CEO Clifton Rutledge. "Shipley is gaining recognition among potential franchisees who are seeing highly qualified, multi-unit operators investing in our brand, and then when they try the product for themselves, they are hooked. It's simply the World's Greatest Do-Nut." As always, keep checking back with us here at Gotta Go Orlando as we continue to bring you the latest news and information from around Orlando and Central Florida You can also discover our latest news, views, and more on our socials, follow Gotta Go Orlando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel for all the latest from Orlando's Theme Parks, Attractions and more.

The four-time Grammy winner Drake is once again teaming up with the Dreamville founder, J. Cole for a string of 2024 dates on the It’s All A Blur Tour — Big As The What? Drake is headed back out on the road early next year on the 2024, It’s All A Blur Tour — Big As The What? with support from J. Cole. The 22-date run of show will kick off in mid-January and keep Drizzy on the road through late March. with the tour stopping off in Tampa on Feb. 2 at Amalie Arena. Tickets go on sale Friday at 11am The 2024 dates will follow on the heels of Drake’s recently completed It’s All A Blur tour, which found the rapper playing 50 sold-out arena dates across North American in the summer and fall in support of his eighth studio album. For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

Are you ready for a not so silent night?! Sir Henry's Haunted Christmas is back for 2023, and it will scare the baubles off your tree! Sir Henry's Haunted Christmas returns for 2023! Sir Henry has announced that the most frightful event of the holidays is returning to Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City this Christmas season. This popular event will run 5 select nights starting December 8 through December 17. Running for two weekends only, Sir Henry’s Haunted Christmas features two terrifying trails, multiple highly-themed escape games, axe throwing, laser tag, and more scarily spooky festive fun than Santa can fit in his sack. More info on times and attractions to follow. Stay tuned... For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

Plant City is home to the Florida Strawberry Festival, a uniquely Florida Festival that offers everything imaginable, with dollops of cream on top, and organizers have revealed the headline entertainment coming to the 2024 event. The Florida Strawberry Festival offers a delicious mix of strawberries, cream, and entertainment, with organizers revealing the headliners set to perform at the 2024 festival. The 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival which runs from February 29 through March 10, will feature huge headliners, including Black Eyed Peas, ZZ Top, The Beach Boys, and Flo Rida, all performing on the Wish Farms Soundstage. The Florida Strawberry Festival offers a huge variety of headline entertainment each year, along with a great selection of free acts throughout the eleven days of the event, with concerts taking place on the Wish Farms Soundstage. Thursday, February 29, 2024 The Oak Ridge Boys American Made Farewell Tour Thursday, February 29, 2024 Oliver Anthony Friday, March 1, 2024 The Beach Boys Friday, March 1, 2024 Jordan Davis Saturday, March 2, 2024 Black Eyed Peas Sunday, March 3, 2024 Parker McCollum Monday, March 4, 2024 The Bellamy Brothers Monday, March 4, 2024 ZZ Top Tuesday, March 5, 2024 Mark Lowry Tuesday, March 5, 2024 Zach Williams Wednesday March 5, 2024 Craig Morgan Wednesday, March 6, 2024 Riley Green Thursday, March 7, 2024 Gene Watson Thursday, March 7, 2024 Kirk Franklin Friday, March 8, 2024 The Commodores Saturday, March 9, 2024 Jo Dee Messina Satturday, March 9, 2024 Flo Rida For more informations, and to purchase tickets, check out the official website at flstrawberryfestival.com. The Florida Strawberry Festival represents a piece of Americana, a time in American history when fairs and festivals brought communities together through celebrations of their harvests. It has continued to grow in popularity year after year through the preservation of this heritage, and is a must do event in Central Florida, and of course it's all about the strawberries!! Each year the thrills await you at the Belle City Amusements Midway, featuring over 85 rides that spin, drop, whirl, and twirl, with fun for everyone! For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

We've teamed up with Lionsgate to offer complimentary passes to see The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes before it hits theaters! Don't forget, our latest free promo screening is coming up this week, on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm at AMC Disney Springs. Together with Lionsgate, we are delighted to invite you to a free advance screening of THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES, starring Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, Josh Andrés Rivera, Jason Schwartzman, and Viola Davis. Based on the worldwide best-selling novel, the prequel to the iconic franchise follows a young Coriolanus (Tom Blyth) who is the last hope for his failing lineage, the once-proud Snow family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With his livelihood threatened, Snow is reluctantly assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a tribute from the impoverished District 12. But after Lucy Gray’s charm captivates the audience of Panem, Snow sees an opportunity to shift their fates. With everything he has worked for hanging in the balance, Snow unites with Lucy Gray to turn the odds in their favor. Battling his instincts for both good and evil, Snow sets out on a race against time to survive and reveal if he will ultimately become a songbird or a snake. We are thrilled to share that Lionsgate is hosting a complimentary advance screening of the film on Tuesday, November 14 at 7pm at AMC Disney Springs, and we’d love to invite you! These seats are first come, first serve so we encourage all to please plan to arrive early. LINK TO PASSES: https://lionsgatescreenings.com/GGOBOSS For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

This weekend is a unique opportunity to celebrate 100 years of magic and music with Florida’s largest symphony orchestra. Featuring music from movies, animation, and Walt Disney World, Symphonic Disney will be a concert experience for the whole family to enjoy this weekend. CFCArts Symphony Orchestra are performing Symphonic Disney on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18, 2023. After the recent success of Classic(al) Rock, the orchestra will take the stage again in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center, with the concert presenting some of the most beautiful Disney classics in one of the most beautiful concert halls. With over 200 musicians – and some special guests – you’ll experience the power, joy, energy, and pure fun of the music of Disney in ways you never thought possible! “With so many unforgettable Disney films, Broadway shows, theme parks, and more to explore, it was a challenge to narrow down this concert while still performing something everyone will recognize,” said CFCArts Vice President of Creative & Production Justin Muchoney. “Every piece of music that we will perform holds a special place in the heart of someone in that room, and we hope you hear some of your favorites and remember the awe and wonder you felt when you first experienced the music and magic of Disney.” Tickets are still available on the Dr Phillips Center website, with tickets from only $20. For the very latest news and information from Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date on our socials, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, your free guide to Orlando.

Celebrating the flavors of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine. Discover Black-owned restaurants and culinary businesses in Orlando! Black Restaurant Week has returned to Central Florida, and is happening now through Sunday, November 19, 2023. The event highlights Orlando area African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine in an effort to shine attention on black-owned restaurants and culinary businesses in various communities across the area. This year, nearly a dozen restaurants in Central Florida are participating in Black Restaurant Week, including Golden Krust, 318 N. Alafaya Trail, 1020 W. State Road 50, Clermont, 5510 W. Colonial Drive, and 2753 N. Hiawassee Road. “We wanted to create a comprehensive platform for everything for them – for food trucks and bakeries – and that is really how Black Restaurant Week was born, as a way to showcase and highlight the culinary business within our community,” said Falayn Ferrell, Black Restaurant Week, LLC’s Operations Managing Partner. For more information, and all the local area restaurants participating in Black Restaurant Week, head to the events website. For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

Enjoy massive Black Friday savings on the new Brightline Orlando to Miami high-speed train service. Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly intercity passenger rail in America, has announced a Black Friday Sale! Brightline is offering the best deals of the year with one-way adult fares between Orlando and South Florida starting at $59 – plus, kids ride for 50% off. As part of Bright Friday, Brightline is also offering additional Thanksgiving day savings with tickets available for $39 one-way. The Bright Friday deal is available for booking from now until November 27 for travel until February 29, 2024. “Our guests have the benefit of remarkable savings, paired with flexible travel options,” said SVP of Marketing & Commercial Strategy Barbara Drahl. “With the holidays upon us, we want to take this time to give thanks to our guests who have made 2023 a memorable year for Brightline.”9 Brightline’s Bright Friday deal promises to make holiday travel more affordable and convenient, this deal is specifically for one-way SMART fares. Passengers can easily book round trip travel by purchasing each leg separately. Certain travel dates are excluded from this offer and travelers are encouraged to plan ahead to secure these low fares for upcoming trips. To view the full list of blackout dates, refer to Brightline’s Bright Friday page. On September 22, a new era in rail travel arrived in Florida, as the highly anticipated new Brightline rail passenger service linking Central and South Florida began service. The new Brightline service offers daily departures between Miami and Orlando, with the non-stop trains having a run time between Miami and Orlando of two hours and 59 minutes. Regular service from Orlando to Miami stops at all Brightline stations including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Aventura. Brightline offer two classes of service on the new service, SMART and PREMIUM . Brightline’s PREMIUM service provides complimentary drinks and snacks in a dedicated lounge and train coach. One-way SMART fares start at $79 and one-way PREMIUM fares are priced from $149. Brand new Brightline trains offer travellers spacious leather seats with plenty of legroom, access to complimentary, high-speed wifi, charging ports at every seat and multiple food and beverage stations onboard. Guests will also find a designated place for bikes and ample room throughout coaches for carry-on storage. With Brightline’s signature yellow and spacious lounges, the new Orlando station at Orlando International Airport is the perfect backdrop for a new era of passenger rail that will connect Central and South Florida. The new station is meticulously designed and built through the lens of today’s modern traveler. The 37,350 square foot station is located in Orlando International Airport’s new 80,000 sq. ft. Train Station facility adjacent to Terminal C. The Train Station connects directly to the airport’s Parking Garage C, which will have more than 350 parking spaces branded for Brightline guests. The Train Station provides direct access to the other airport terminals A and B via the airport Terminal Link (automated people mover) in under five minutes. Transportation and mobility options at the Orlando Station include Brightline’s first and last-mile service, Brightline+, which will cater to the unique needs of the Orlando visitor. The guest journey begins at the main entrance, located off the airport’s expansive two-story glass atrium. Once inside the station, passengers can purchase tickets from guest services or one of several self-service kiosks, and check luggage before proceeding through touchless turnstiles into the security screening tunnel. Once through the security tunnel, guests are greeted by an expansive two-story station space, featuring world-class amenities Brightline is known for, including: Mary Mary Bar, serving hand-crafted cocktails and light bites. The signature sit-down bar is positioned at the far end of the station with a stunning panoramic view overlooking the train platforms where guests can leisurely watch as trains arrive and depart. Above the Mary Mary bar is an iconic, split-flap message board that can rotate alphanumeric text and/or graphics to form a message. A nostalgic nod to historic train stations, the split-flap will provide updated train schedules, boarding times, news of the day and other announcements complete with sounds reminiscent of the first passenger train stations in America. MRKT PLACE is a retail experience with convenient in-station shopping for last-minute gifts, sundries and refreshments. Brightline offers two classes of service, SMART and PREMIUM. Brightline’s PREMIUM service includes complimentary meals, snacks and beverages, a dedicated first class lounge, free checked luggage, priority boarding and a dedicated coach. Throughout the station, all guests will have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations at every seat, 87 big screen televisions and a BrightKids children’s play area located in the SMART lounge. Passengers will access trains by escalator or elevator to first level platforms. These platforms are 1,000 feet long and can accommodate a train with up to 10 coaches and two locomotives. Additional details of Brightline’s opening schedule include: Weekdays Hourly southbound departures from Orlando to Miami starting at 5:00 a.m. until 8:50 p.m. First southbound train from Orlando arrives in Miami at 8:30 a.m. Hourly northbound departures from Miami to Orlando starting at 6:50 a.m. until 9:45 p.m. First northbound train from Miami arrives in Orlando at 10:15 a.m. Weekends Hourly southbound departures from Orlando to Miami starting at 5:00 a.m. until 8:50 p.m. First southbound train from Orlando arrives in Miami at 8:30 a.m. Hourly northbound departures from Miami to Orlando starting at 5:45 a.m. until 9:45 p.m. First northbound train from Miami arrives in Orlando at 9:15 a.m. Additional dedicated trains will continue to serve commuters and the South Florida region between Miami and West Palm Beach with early morning departures at 5:00 a.m. from West Palm Beach and late night departures until 12:45 a.m. out of Miami. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

Back for its fourth year, the enchanting and not to be missed holiday event, Dazzling Nights returns to Harry P. Leu Gardens in Downtown Orlando. Experience the wonder of the holidays. Dazzling Nights Orlando features guest-favorite displays, an upgraded shuttle for off-site parking guests, a return to a linear experience, food, drinks and live entertainment! Don’t miss it read on for all the details on this not-to-be missed holiday events. Orlando’s beautiful 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens will once again be transformed into a stunning winter wonderland featuring a million dazzling lights, shining forests, magical displays, with music and beautiful sculptures. Creative City Project's much loved Dazzling Nights, will be shining bright throughout the holidays from November 24, 2023 - January 6, 2024. This year, will see the return of some of your favorite light displays and holiday celebrations from years past. Plus, a brand new, large-scale light show. The event at Leu Gardens is a family-friendly adventure giving guests the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable, three-quarter mile, interactive holiday experience that takes visitors into a stunning, winter wonderland. Don't forget your phone as there will be hundreds of opportunities to capture the perfect insta shot, and TikTok video! This year’s highlights… Some of your returning favorites!! Beautiful, Moroccan Lanterns hanging from the trees overhead Fun, interactive lights that light up when you jump on them A beautiful, bright, 70’ long light tunnel A play area of giant, 8’ tall, rollable ornaments A walk of thousands of laser lights And snow all night long Plus brand new experiences : A stunning nighttime show with 100, 10’ tall beacons of light A dazzling, 30’ tall tree of thousands of shimmering, gold sequins A fun, Wintery Florida display created by the Leu Gardens Horticulture Team And more, including sweet treats and holiday (and adult) beverages. For more info and to purchase tickets here is the official website. Tickets must be purchased for a specific time and date, and are not available at the door. $25 per adult, $22 for children. Children 2 and under enter free. For the latest news and information from throughout Central Florida, here at Gotta Go Orlando we keep you informed throughout the day, every day. You can also keep up to date with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel, for the best of Orlando.

Don't fumble the ball, and come out to Camping World Stadium on November 18th for the Florida Blue Florida Classic game. On Saturday, November 18, watch the B-CU Wildcats and FAMU Rattlesnakes battle it out on the field during their annual rivalry game at a neutral site. Don't fumble the ball, and come out to Camping World Stadium for the Florida Blue Florida Classic game. The Florida Classic is an experience that brings old college friends and families together for an entire weekend. In 1978 the first Florida Classic game brought in more than 2 million fans, "making it the BIGGEST Black college football game in the country." For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

Florida's Only Alpine Snow Park is returning with lots of cool fun for all the family, but you will have to wait just a little longer for its return! Florida might be one of the warmest place in the country to celebrate the holidays, but, we do have real snow at Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park, and thanks to huge machines that produce thousands of pounds of real snow every day, Floridians get to enjoy a real white Christmas! The attraction in Dade City was due to open winter season on November 17, has had to delay the start of its 2023-2024 season until December 3. The snow park say that due supply chain issues, they are running behind in completing a $1 million upgrade to its restroom facilities. The park say that if a person had already purchased tickets for dates before Dec. 3, the park will provide a full refund. Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park features a huge variety of winter activities, including an arctic igloo and an alpine village that can’t be found anywhere else in Florida. The main attraction at Alpine Ridge is the impressive 60-foot tall, 400-foot-long snow tubing hill, where you can ride single, tandem or in a 10-person snow tube. Plus, the attraction has so much more, including a 10,000-square-foot indoor snow play area and a 400-foot-long snow tubing hill, and an outdoor ice skating area. There’s real snow inside of the snow dome. You can build snowmen and snow castles inside. The snow dome also includes a child-sized snow hill for younger guests. This year new attractions include Santa's Christmas Run. Step into a winter wonderland where the magic of Christmas comes to life! Nestled amidst a magical landscape of Snowcat Ridge, Santa’s Christmas Lane is your ticket to an enchanting holiday experience like no other. Immerse yourself in the joy and wonder of the season as you embark on a memorable journey through Santa’s Christmas Lane. This season will also include a large outdoor skating rink. The Crystal Ribbon is an outdoor ice skating ribbon and beginner oval. Ice skating is the quintessential winter pastime and now you can enjoy it at Snowcat Ridge. Lace up your skates and get ready to glide across the ice under Florida’s sunny skies during the day and under a magical music and light show at night. Snowcat Ridge also has an Alpine Village, which offers food, drinks, beer and wine along with a gift shop. All-day tickets start at $26.95, and right now, the snow park is offering a 10% discount on admission tickets when people use the promo code SNOW23 at checkout. The winter wonderland is located at 27839 Saint Joe Road in Dade City, which is in Pasco County here in Central Florida. The cool attraction is an 1 hr, 30 min, sleigh ride from Orlando, check out all the details on the Snowcat Ridge website. For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!

FAMU's Marching 100, the B-CU Marching Wildcats and 12 high school marching bands from across the country will all be here in Orlando the week for the 2023 Florida Blue Battle of the Bands On the eve of the The Florida Blue Classic between B-CU Wildcats and FAMU Rattlesnakes at Camping World Stadium, get ready for the Florida Blue Battle of the Bands? Enjoy crowd-pleasing dance teams, high-stepping drum majors, precision drumlines and roaring brass sections. This year's event will see FAMU's Marching 100, the B-CU Marching Wildcats and 12 high school marching bands from across the country assemble in downtown Orlando's Amway Center for the 2023 Florida Blue Battle of the Bands! Oh, and Curtis Akeem aka “Dolla Watson” will be this year’s host! The Florida Blue Battle of the Bands takes place on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7pm. Get your tickets now! High School Participants Burke High School Dillard High School Evans High School Faith’s Place Center for Arts Education First Coast High School Heritage High School Mainland High School Miami Booker T. Washington Sr. High School Miami Norland Senior High School Minor High School Ocoee High School Southwest DeKalb Senior High School For the latest news and events from throughout Orlando and Central Florida, check back often here at Gotta Go Orlando as we keep you updated throughout the day, every day. You can also stay updated with the latest news and events on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Plus, you should subscribe to the Gotta Go Orlando YouTube Channel!