Earlier this week, Orlando Weekly announced their “Best of 2008″ winners (and losers) in a wide variety of categories. Among the winners was the Garden Theatre located in downtown Winter Garden, taking home the “Best rehab success story”. OW had the following to say:

Too often these days, rehabilitation is little more than a revolving door of recovery and relapse. But the recently reopened Garden Theatre is a rehab success story that puts even Robert Downey Jr. to shame. Forty years after its movie-palace heyday, the 299-seat theater has been restored in spectacular Spanish courtyard style. They’ve just finished a successful inaugural spring season, and their first full season starts in September - but don’t wait that long to check out the latest freshly polished jewel in Orange County’s arts crown.

The Garden Theatre plays host to movies, live performances, educational camps and the Garden Community Choir. In fact, the educational camps should have been included in my previous post about kid’s activities for the summer. The week-long camps start this Monday (July 21) and run through August 8th. Kids aged 6-14 can choose from an acting camp that mixes in some marine biology concepts, an improvisation camp, and a puppet camp. Full details can be found on the Garden Theatre website.

Movies are shown on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer with tickets only $5 each. If you live in the area, the $50 Summer Movie Pass gets you and two guests in to every movie (call 407-877-4736 for availability). Upcoming movies include “Spaceballs”, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, and “March of the Penguins”.

If you haven’t been to downtown Winter Garden lately, the Garden Theatre is a great reason to plan a visit. While you are there, try out one of the new restaurants, “Sweet Traditions French Bakery & Cafe” or “Thai Blossom”. I’ve mentioned it before, but the chocolate eclairs at Sweet Traditions are simply amazing.

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