Simone lives in the Mills 50 District. She says that she loves walking the Orlando Urban Trail because it’s a convenient walk from home, it’s only 2.6 miles and covers some of her favorite parts of town – Lake Ivanhoe, Lake Highland and Loch Haven Park. Best time of day to walk? She says any although watching sunset over Lake Highland Park with her pups might steal the show. 

As a big champion of Downtown Orlando, Jon says nothing beats a few brisk walks around Lake Eola in the morning. He says it’s the only way he likes to start his day: in the heart of downtown, where the people-watching is top-notch and the view of the fountain and rainbow-colored amphitheater is a great reminder of the city he loves so much. It’s also a harsh reminder of our homeless population. Lake Eola is easily the most heavily walked lake within city limits and while it’s only 1.1 mile (around the outside), the overall experience is worth it to walk around a few times.

Caitlyn lives in Longwood and regularly walks through Wekiwa Springs State Park. For her, it’s about convenience and just getting out of a gym routine, even more so, into nature. While the Wekiwa trail stretches 10.2 miles, you can choose a shorter route by opting to walk only parts of it. 

If you’re feeling even more adventurous, Christina recommends walking The Black Bear Wilderness Trail. It’s actually more of a hike on a 7.3 mile nature trail in the wilderness of Sanford. The trail is great for bird-watching, activities, and occasionally spotting some wildlife. For this trail, walking morning to mid-morning is best, before it gets so blazing hot.

Also mentioned were: the trails in Celebration, the Sanford Riverwalk, Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs, the Lake Baldwin Loop in Baldwin Park and Lake Davis and Lake Cherokee in Delaney Park.

Send us your favorite neighborhood walks around town. We want to know all of them. Drop us a line at hello@pulp.town, maybe you’ll see your name in a future newsletter!

49 DAYS OF ACTS OF LOVE AND KINDNESS

Just last Wednesday, the 49 Days of Acts of Love and Kindness began again for the second year in a row. This movement was started in response to the Pulse massacre as a reminder that “even after crimes of unspeakable evil, love conquers all and hate never wins.” It was a way to honor the 49 victims because for 49 days, from April 25th until June 12th, the city will band together to show acts of love and kindness, either through volunteerism or supporting those in need. Pulse survivors have written lists of the Top 10 ways they wanted to see love shown; the families of the victims lost created a list of 49 ways to honor them through these acts of love and kindness. Last year, more than 2,500 people volunteered over 5,000 hours of service. This year, we want to top that. You can find out more on how to get involved by visiting www.ActLoveGive.com

WANT TO WORK HERE?

Don’t forget about this awesome new job we posted about in last Friday’s newsletter. Take a closer look at it. If you or someone you know is looking for a part-time writing/storytelling producing position, LOOK NO FURTHER! 

He could… go… all… the… way! (Said in our best Chris Berman sports announcer voice) Governor Rick Scott is known to lead his campaigns with the promise of more jobs at the center, as he’s made them the focal point twice already during his runs for governor. However, now, he’s bringing them to the forefront in his run for Senate. Since 2010, Florida has seen an increase of 1.4 million jobs, with Orlando at the top of the list. (News 13)

The most expensive bourbon trail there ever was, but magical too. Disney Springs is pulling out all the stops, all 18 of them with their new Bourbon Trail they just unveiled. These 18 participating locations will be offering sample bourbon-inspired drinks and paired bites. Much like when drinking around the world at Epcot, one can grab a bourbon trail passport and get to stamping! Take a cab, or an uber or Lyft or some rideshare program or find a sober friend who still wants to hang out with you after you’ve sampled 18 alcoholic beverages. (Bustle)

We live where you vacation. Based on a report from AAA, Orlando has been named the Top Summer Travel Destination for the second year in a row. Runners-up, in order, were Honolulu, Hawaii; Anchorage, Alaska; Seattle, Washington and L.A./Anaheim, California. Looking at our tourism records, this doesn’t come as the biggest surprise. Cue the #welivewhereyouvacation hashtags. (WKMG)

Searching for justice. The trial has started for two teenagers accused of beating to death Winter Park teenager Roger Trinidade in 2016. Both teenagers are being tried as adults and as of yesterday, had seven witnesses – all students – in court, ready to testify against them. (News 13)

Well that’s just gross. Survivors of the Pulse and Las Vegas massacres, are speaking out about being targeted by lawyers post-shootings who are exploiting their experiences strictly for business gains. One law firm in particular has flown victims across the country, all expenses paid, under the premise that they should share their stories to help others. But then the trips turn sour and becomes a business trip when these victims are asked to solicit more clients. Victims are asked to record promotional videos and to “go get ’em”, referencing bringing in new business. (New York Times)

Former homeless receive fresh coats (of paint). Just this past weekend, over 100 volunteers got together to paint and spruce up two complexes off John Young Parkway and Colonial, complexes that are home to some 600 formerly-homeless men and women. (News 13)

DID YOU SEE THIS?

This photo of an osprey carrying a shark carrying a fish is a fine example of Mother Nature’s food chain in action.

Okay, that’s all for now – see you guys tomorrow!

Anyone doing something cool in Orlando, Lake Nona, Sanford, Winter Garden, Winter Springs, Altamonte, Longwood, Kissimmee that we should know about? Tag us #pulptown or @pulptown or hit reply.