Orlando and Winter Park

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Recently, Rifle Paper Co. hosted The Hyppo and Mama's Sauce for yet another awesome sidewalk sale. Once I found out Hyppo would be there, I planned a little overnight trip to meet Ryan in the Orlando/Winter Park area before the sale the next day. I ended up finding the cutest tiny modern house that was for rent on Airbnb and I knew it was perfect! We dropped our bags off at the house and headed out for a progressive dinner around town. First stop was The Strand for a beer and an order of the house made pretzels. They came out fresh from the oven with a side of a homemade pimento cheese that was delicious. Following pretzels, we went to Propagation coffee for a cappuccino and iced coffee with tonic water. Next up, we went to Winter Park Fish Co. for a lobster roll...only to find out it had been taken off of the menu! We chose the shrimp tacos and a crab roll instead, which wasn't quite the same, but it was still pretty delicious. Our last stop for dessert was Kelly's homemade ice cream, where Ryan had the Mexican hot chocolate and I had the cake batter with sprinkles. That evening, we were welcomed back to the house by the owners, Alex and Rosa. They were overwhelmingly kind and generous and we couldn't recommend their tiny house enough! 

The next morning, we woke up, packed our bags, and headed straight for Rifle Paper Co. We were greeted with popsicles, the best way to start the morning, and I jumped straight into stocking up on all the stationery and prints my little hands could hold. I was so excited to see she was offering her new planners at the sale as well, so I had to pick one up! 

After Rifle Paper, we were offered the chance to stop over into Mama's Sauce's studio for a little tour. It was so cool to see all of their amazing presses; to say Ryan was in heaven would be an understatement. Thanks Mama's Sauce! 

Lastly, we had lunch at Black Bean Deli. I think Ryan and I would both agree that this was our favorite restaurant of the trip. Not only was the interior beautiful, the atmosphere was bustling with a large lunch crowd, but the food was so much better than I could have hoped for. Ryan had a cuban and I had the vegetarian plate with plantains, a salad, cuban bread, and black beans with rice. It was heaven washed down with a Mexican Coke. 

We seriously had the best time exploring Orlando and Winter Park for twenty four hours. We scratched off a few places on our little adventure list, but with that, added several new places we want to try in the future as well. We will definitely be back to stay in that tiny house, and cannot wait to see when the owners finish their latest project: an airstream Airbnb! 

Mother's Day Sidewalk Sale

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Anyone that might be a lover of snail mail, and that lives in driving distance of Winter Park, would be crazy to not try and attend one of Rifle Paper Co's Sidewalk Sales. In honor of Mother's Day weekend, Rifle Paper was offering up to 75% off samples and 15% off new products. Greeting cards, small and large art prints, notebooks, wrapping paper, phone cases, etc. You name it, they have it...and at an amazing price. Greeting cards are only $1 each; yes, you read that correctly. It's difficult to refrain from buying one of everything! If you ever have the chance to go right when they open, on the first day of the sale, do it. The retail and studio space are both incredibly beautiful, but difficult to maneuver once it starts to gets busy. There are so many products to look through, take your time and don't rush. I dare you to leave without purchasing at least one thing...I'm convinced it's impossible ;) 

To sweeten the deal, Rifle Paper always hosts local businesses to come set up a pop up shop for customers as well. In the past, I've been there when Rifle has hosted Mama's Sauce, Lineage Coffee Roasters, and Wondermade Marshmallows. This Sidewalk Sale, Porch Therapy was the featured shop. Located in the East End Market, Porch Therapy creates the most beautiful floral arrangements and plantings. I knew I couldn't leave without purchasing one of those awesome dinosaur succulents and a floral arrangement for my mom. 

After collecting up all of my newly purchased paper goods, I headed around the corner to try out PR's Taco Palace. I've passed this place several times before, it's hard to miss a neon yellow taco joint in downtown Winter Park. The decor inside threw me for a loop. There is writing all over the walls and barstools, random pinatas and bunting hanging from the ceiling, and local regulars dining solo, yet chatting back and forth from two tables away. I ordered the blackened mahi-mahi  tacos with rice and beans. I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious they were and I would definitely make a stop in again if I am over that way. It's a casual and no-frill environment that would be a great place to go to with a big group of friends.

Lastly, I made a special trip over to P is for Pie to purchase a few treats for my mom. Not far from downtown, they make every style and size pie you could possibly want to try. I picked out one s'mores, one peanut butter chocolate, and two key lime mini pies to go. For myself, I tried the Stumptown Cold Brew Coffee. I'm fairly certain I'm now addicted to it and need to find and stock up on a few more bottles of the cold brew asap! 

Here's to wishing you the kick-off to a great weekend! Hopefully you will be spending it celebrating with your wonderful moms!