Celebration, Florida, a planned residential and commercial community located right next to Disney property, aims to replicate the ideal version of small-town America. While the cost of owning a home in Celebration may be out of the question for many families, you can still enjoy this idealistic setting during an afternoon of dining and shopping. Or, better yet, attend one of Celebration’s special events, which not only lets you see the normal sights and sounds of this quaint town, but also allows you the chance to enjoy a whole day filled with activities.

Celebration’s next big event is the “Taste of Celebration” on November 10. If you haven’t been out to visit Celebration before I would definitely recommend taking this opportunity to check it out. A Taste of Celebration is a “family-friendly event that features live music, an interactive Kids Zone, horse and carriage rides, an out-of-this-world fireworks spectacular, and showcases the finest cuisine from Celebration’s unique offering of restaurants and specialty dining options.” This year the event features the music of local Big Band group Michael Andrew & Swingerhead, along with the Swing Knights, a collegiate swing club. The concert starts at 7pm, and you can enjoy fireworks along the lake at 9pm.

You can sample food from Celebration’s various restaurants at little booths set up during the event, or you can dine inside (or at an outside patio) at any of the town’s full-service dining establishments, with food ranging from local diner fare to sushi, and from Italian to traditional ice cream parlor. The outside patios are the perfect place to dine with your pooch. There are lots of cute shops - a bookstore, toy store, clothing boutiques and more - and even a movie theater. At nighttime I enjoy hitting up the local tavern for one of their many brews on tap, but strolling along the waterfront is also a relaxing way to enjoy the night. In either case, it’s always good to have a little taste of Celebration.

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