Spring Training in Orlando

Since we had such a great time at Spring Training last year, we decided to start making this an annual tradition.  So after our fun couple of days in New Orleans, we took the quick flight over to Orlando.

Our first stop was to the Four Rivers Smokehouse.  The line was out the door and all the way out to the street - and it was totally worth it.  We got the beef brisket and pulled pork sandwiches and shared them...plus jalapeno poppers, corn bread, mac and cheese, and fried pickles.  AND sweet tea, yessir!

After you get your food, they have a covered patio in the back with tons of picnic tables.  The place was packed, and understandably so - everything was delicious!  Once we were stuffed, we headed back to World of Beer to catch the Carolina vs. Dook game...and I regained some bragging rights over M, as he's a dookie fan... Go Heels!

Sunday morning we headed over to the eastern coast of Florida to Viera, where the Nationals' home spring stadium is.  What a gorgeous day it was!  

Strasburg was the first on the mound that day - it was fun to see him pitch for a few innings.  

We were both in the mood for wings, beer and basketball so we headed to BWW.  Elon was playing in the semifinals of the So Con tournament that night...and while it wasn't on one of the big tvs, thanks to their free wifi and ESPN3, I still was able to watch the game on the iPad!  I love technology! 

Monday we ventured down to Lakeland and the Detroit Tigers stadium to see them take on the Toronto Blue Jays.  Another beautiful day at the park!

Monday night was the night I'd been so looking forward to!  Dinner at the Ravenous Pig.  We ate there last year when we were in Orlando, and I've been thinking about it ever since.  

And yes, as our server asked, it did live up to my dreams!  The charcuterie plate was amazing, the salad...ah the salad... was as good as last time.  The Gatherer salad.  Roasted beets, avocado, goat cheese, pistachios...I could eat it every day.  

And the gnocchi.  I wanted to lick the plate.  It's really one of my favorite places!

We finished the trip with a game in Disney at the ESPN park, the home field of the Braves.  They were hosting the Nationals, who pulled out the W!

Disney does things right - and this was definitely the best park of the trip. 

Lots of Nats fans were in attendance!

Great trip to Orlando for Spring Training!  This has become one of our favorite things to do in the spring. If you're a baseball fan and haven't made the trip, you should definitely try to get down there!