my Orlando

One of my favorite blogs, Slice of Pink, recently did a post called "My Davis", where she was able to brag on her hometown. It's a take on one of Real Simple's fantastic My Hometown series, but as only 14 cities are listed - and there are so many more lovely cities and towns to be profiled in the US - she took matters into her own lovely hands. Plus, she put out the call for other bloggers to respond with their own My Hometown posts, and I am answering the call! Here is My Orlando:

(Note: I live in a suburb of Orlando called Maitland, but as I am relatively new here and have lived in several suburbs of Orlando throughout my life - Maitland, Oviedo, Casselberry, and Winter Park - I didn't want to be too exclusive. So, here is my all-encompassing profile of all those places.)

My Orlando: Anne Vermeulen

Age: 31

Occupation: Registered Nurse

I've lived here for: 27 years, with some interruptions here and there

I live here because: my husband and I just bought a lovely house here, plus I work at the hospital downtown and our awesome church is just around the corner

My neighborhood: Maitland

My favorite restaurant: Hot Dog Heaven - we go almost every Saturday

If you go to this restaurant, be sure to order: french fries with your dog - best around

My favorite museum: Morse Museum in Winter Park - largest Tiffany collection in the world

My favorite tourist destination: Disney and New Smyrna Beach

Best insider spot: authentic Irish fare and cold brews at Fiddler's Green

My favorite area: Lake Virginia, scene of our first date

Best place to go shopping: Park Avenue

When you visit, don’t forget to pack: Sunscreen and layered clothing

But leave room in your suitcase for: treasures from the Sat morning Winter Park Farmer's Market

The one local cuisine you should try when you’re in town is: skip the Starbucks and grab some java and free wi-fi at Austin's Coffee House on Fairbanks

The best way to get around: by car

If I had to describe this city in one word, it would be: diverse - we are a melting pot!

I tell my friends to stay at: Westin Grand Bohemian - or with me

The one thing most outsiders don’t know about this city is: there's SO much more to this city than the Mouse

They say “Virginia is for lovers.” So fill in the blank: Orlando is for families

Want to post yours? Send a comment to Janet and she'll post on a permanent page with your Hometown profile.