Watch David Letterman Tonight!

Be sure to watch CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman tonight! My friend and Nashville-recording artist Randy Houser will be performing. You can learn more about Randy at www.myspace.com/randyhouser or download his new single “Anything Goes” on iTunes.

Goodbye Orlando!

As I continue packing for my departure from Orlando and dread the actual moving day, I cannot help but think that moving should be a good experience. After all, it usually reflects a new chapter in your life. So, instead of my typical procastination when it comes to moving, I have decided to embrace the packing, wrapping, stuffing and box stacking with a more positive outlook as this represents a new chapter for me.

In order to celebrate, I went out for a night on the town with Brandi. We ended up at one of my favorite Orlando night spots, Stardust Lounge. I will miss the great friends here, including Merv and Kyra. However, I know I will return for more fun in Orlando.

PHOTO: Casey Wohl and Brandi at Stardust Lounge in Orlando.

Emeril's Tchoup Chop - One of Orlando's Best Kept Secrets

I had the pleasure of dining at Emeril's Tchoup Chop Restaurant, located at the Royal Pacific Resort near Universal Studios. This has to be one of Orlando's best kept secrets. Unlike other restaurants at Universal CityWalk, you can park right at the restaurant and opt for the $5 valet parking if you prefer. The food is amazing! We sampled tasty apps, such as the homemade dumpling box with a fresh pork and ginger filling, the ginger BBQ gulf shrimp and the amazing tuna salad (pictured). Everthing was fantastic, and General Manager Jeff Kundinger made sure our visit was top notch. In addition to the fabulous food and amazing decor, Emeril's Tchoup Chop offers some unique martini and cocktails, which are sure to help you enjoy your Asian-Polynesian inspired dining experience.

If you have not dined here, be sure to check it out for lunch or dinner. You can also enjoy Universal CityWalk from the restaurant via water taxi or a brief stroll.

Casey Wohl Named Resident Expert for Gaylord Palms Resort

The Getaway Girl™ is pleased to announce exciting news! She has been named “resident expert” on girl getaways by Gaylord Palms Resort. In this capacity, Casey Wohl provides tips for planning and enjoying a girls’ getaway to the max, as well as working with the resort to create fabulous promotions. For more information about the Gaylord Palms Resort’s Girlfriend’s “Truth or Dare” Getaways, visit www.gaylordpalms.com/girlfriends or call (407) 586-2986.

Watch Project Runway Tonight!

I am so proud of my friend and fave NYC drag queen, Annida Greenkard, as she struts her stuff on Project Runway tonight on BRAVO at 9:00 PM. Be sure and tune in...I know it'll be fierce!

PHOTO: Annida Greenkard shows off her Girls Getaway Guide with Casey Wohl in NYC.

Grab Your Girlfriends and Go See Mamma Mia!

What a fantastic girls’ day out as Carly, Jeri and I went to see Mamma Mia! – the movie. I have heard great things about it and was anxious to see if it lived up to the hype. It featured great actors, the wonderful music of ABBA and a touching story line, especially for girls. Not to mention the fabulous views of the Greek Isles! If you haven’t seen the movie yet, grab your girlfriends and go!

PHOTO: Carly, Jeri & Casey at Mamma Mia!

Casey Wohl Visits New Church Street Station Treats

When I attended Rollins College (back in the day), Orlando’s Church Street Station was a happening place. However, in recent years, the area has been sedentary and lack-luster in its appeal. But that is changing with new restaurants, bars and accommodations entering the area. I am so thrilled to see this great area making a very strong comeback. A few weeks ago I visited Ceviche and the Cheyenne Saloon and had a fantastic Girls Night Out (GNO). This week, I made a point to visit some other new restaurants in the area: The Dessert Lady and Hamburger Mary’s.

I had lunch on Friday at The Dessert Lady (http://www.dessertlady.com/) with Kerrie and Sarah. Owner Patti Schmidt made us feel right at home in this elegant yet cozy space. Here, of course, you are more than welcome to eat dessert first…or JUST have dessert. They even give you the dessert menu first. With tantalizing desserts such as Bourbon Pecan Pie, Coconut Brulee Cheesecake and Chocolate Neapolitan Cake, the hardest part is making a decision…which is why they offer the “create your own sampler.” I had the delicious ham and swiss quiche, which was so pretty I didn't want to eat it. Patti also offers gourmet coffee and an extensive wine list. What girl doesn’t want a fabulous dessert!!!

On Saturday, Brandi and I had lunch at Hamburger Mary’s Bar and Grille (http://www.hamburgermarys-orlando.com/) where you are encouraged to “Eat, Drink and Be…Mary!” This Orlando establishment opened in May and is part of a nationwide franchise. Co-owner of this location, Mike Carpenter, told us that people describe Hamburger Mary’s as a “Hanna Barbera cartoon on acid.” When you walk into the place, you will immediately notice their festive and funky décor, which is perfect for a group of fun-loving girls. I loved it! We quickly looked over the menu and had a hard time deciding what to order. Since they are known for their yummy burgers, I had to try one. Yes, it was amazing! Cooked perfectly with their special sauce, Brandi even had to try this tasty burger. We were in for a special treat as the radio talk show “The Best Life Barb Show” (http://www.bestlifebarb.com/) was airing live from the restaurant. We listened as Barb and Sweet Lou interviewed guests and had some good laughs. At the end, Barb hosted a Sex and the City round of trivia. We had a super lunch at a super great place. Check out their website for the weekly happenings.

I'm so thrilled to see Church Street Station making a comeback. If you haven't been there recently, be sure to check it out!

PHOTO: Brandi & Casey at Hamburger Mary's. The bring you your bill in a red stilleto!

Casey Wohl Attends Ya Ya Network Conference

I had a terrific day today at the 6th Annual Ya Ya Network Conference in Orlando. It was a great “Girls Day Out” and I made so many new friends and learned so much about the power of sisterhood and friendship, even new ones. We started the day with a presentation by Dr. Kamy R. Kemp, breast surgeon and certified mammographer with the Breast Care Center of Florida. She updated us on new technologies with breast cancer diagnostics, surgeries and treatment. Most helpful were her tips if you or a loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer. She recommends asking your medical oncologist if you qualify for a medical trial. If your surgeon recommends a mastectomy, Dr. Kemp recommends asking for an explanation of why the breast cannot be saved.

Next, I attended the workshop “Finding Your Passion.” We had several presenters and I found them all helpful. Jennifer Lee recited a great quote that reminds us that when we are gone, it doesn’t matter the year we are born or the year we die, put what we do in between those years…what we do with our “dash.”

Our keynote presenter at lunch was Fawn Germer, author of the Oprah-recommended book Hard Won Wisdom. Fawn was a true inspiration to us all and reminded us that in tough times, we must be tougher. In addition, she quoted the proverb, if you fall down seven times, get up eight. Many thanks to Fawn for her strong words of encouragement.

Last, I attended the workshop “Becoming A Person of Influence.” Again, all of the presenters were wonderful. However, I most related to Lucille O’Neal (Shaq’s mom). Most people would recognize her as the mother of an amazing athlete, but after listening to her speak, you will quickly find out that SHE is an amazing person. Her words of wisdom: Be true to yourself.

What a great day! Many thanks to Pam Carmen and all of her wonderful volunteers for assembling a fabulous agenda and wonderful women. I will see you all next year!

PHOTO: Casey Wohl with Fawn Germer, author of Oprah-recommended book Hard Won Wisdom.

Check out The Getaway Girl Casey Wohl on YouTube!

Many thanks to my friend Erin Best for putting together some of our video clips from the Girls Getaway to Key West in July. Who is ready to join me in Key West for Fantasy Fest in October??? Click on the link below to watch footage from our trip and our visits with Gallery On Greene, Blue Heaven, Bagatelle and Cowboy Bill's Reloaded!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMiIqmRmYWk

Hallelujah! Nothing's Better Than a Gospel Brunch

To finish the weekend, some of us attended the House of Blues' Gospel Brunch on Sunday morning. The food was amazing and included everything from made-to-order omelettes to collard greens and pork ribs. We ate until we could not eat anymore. Then came the music! With their incredible voices, the performers inspired us as we clapped and danced along. What a great time!

In true National Friendship Day fashion, we had an awesome weekend with both old and new friends. What a fantastic weekend with a fabulous group of girls!

PHOTO: Cathy H, Sharla, Lisa, Sally, Heather and Casey Wohl enjoy the Sunday Gospel Brunch at Orlando's House of Blues.

After Dinner Fun at Universal's CityWalk

The night was not over with dinner. We checked out the concert at CityWalk, where a band named Orange Avenue was playing. We listened to them for a while and sang along, then headed to Pat O'Brien's for some dueling pianos where we sang along with tunes such as "Like A Virgin" and "I Will Survive." We also got the piano player (and the entire place) to sing "Happy Birthday" to Sally. Oh what a night!

PHOTOS: Sharla and Leigh sport their shades at the Orange Avenue concert (far right) and Leigh plays air piano at Pat O'Brien's (bottom left).

BAM! Dinner and cooking lessons at Emeril's

BAM! We were all so excited about our cooking demonstration and dinner at Emeril's. As we waited for the limo, we talked about what we purchased that day and reviewed our spa indulgences.
We arrived at Emeril's and were greeted by Chef Jay, who cooked some amazing things to nibble on (we loved it all, especially the corn relish) and he provided some great cooking tips (even I could do them).
Many thanks to Chef Jay, John and George, as well as Emeril's Manager Gabriel for their spectacular food and service. We had a fabulous time!
PHOTOS: Girls waiting for limo outside the Gaylord Palms (top), Chef Jay teaches Casey a trick to cutting an onion (bottom left), Chef Jay shows us how to prepare and cook a tasty corn relish (bottom right).

Girls Just Wanna Shop!

Today was action packed with shopping, shopping and more shopping. We started at The Mall at Millenia at a private event hosted by Jimmy Choo. Shoes, shoes and more shoes (and a few handbags too) were all we could talk about. Wendy had trouble deciding which black purse to buy and I had trouble deciding on the perfect "choo." Many thanks to Taka and Sara for their hospitality.
After our time at the mall, we headed to Premium Orlando Outlets, where Leigh Jones hosted a Private Party Reception for us complete with champagne and cocolate covered strawberries. We had a very nice time and cannot thank the outlet staff enough for this fantastic event and all the great shopping "perks."
Before we knew it, we had to head back to the hotel to get ready for our night at Emeril's.
PHOTOS: Heather shops at the Banana Republic outlet (top), Wendy shops for handbags at Jimmy Choo (bottom left), Casey tries on her favorite Jimmy Choos (bottom right).

Girls Getaway Starts with Sushi!

The National Friendship Day celebration started Friday night with a great "Wine Down" Reception. Once everyone checked into their rooms at the Gaylord Palms Resort, we met at Auggie's Piano Bar for a some wine. Afterwards, the girls headed in different directions. Some went to the Canyon Ranch Spa for spa treatments, some went to dinner on their own and a small group of us went to SORA, the Gaylord's new sushi restaurant.
The talk at the table focused on the fact that Sharla had never tried sushi. Although reluctant, she tried it all. Including jellyfish and eel.
We are off to a great start and cannot wait for our day of shopping!
PHOTO: Cathy, Leigh and Carmen enjoy sushi at SORA.