From the moment we stepped foot on Universal Orlando’s CityWalk®, the “entertainment capital of Orlando,” it was apparent, this would not be just another tourist attraction. CityWalk® is an adventure all in itself.

Check your worries at the entrance and be ready to take in all there is to offer – from food to shopping and everything in between.

Think Universal Orlando and you probably think it’s just a theme park based on Universal Studios and its vast array of adventure movies and comic book heroes. Well, it is, but it’s also a place where adults can enjoy a day out, without waiting in all those lines. How? By visiting the CityWalk®.

Take home some great memories and souvenirs from the Universal Studios Store®, get some of the latest fashion accessories from Fossil®, and of course stock up on tropical fashions from places like The Island Clothing Company and the Quiet Flight® Surf Shop.

There are also vacation spot favorites to visit like Jimmy Buffet’s® Margarittaville® and The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company™ restaurants and gift stores.

As a special guest of Universal Orlando, my guests and I strolled the CityWalk® on our way to enjoy an exquisite Italian meal at Vivo Italian Kitchen. The newest eatery to the CityWalk® lineup — the facade was not yet even completely finished — walk into Vivo and walk into luxury and aromas that will remove you from sunny Florida and place you in the heart of Italy.

Not your typical theme park restaurant, Vivo is trés chic with contemporary design, elegant lighting and a fun for the entire family Expo Kitchen where you can watch the chefs prepare hand-pulled mozzarella and toss dough high in the air as they knead and prepare the bread fresh. Sit at the stylish bar and watch them work as you enjoy your meal or a glass of vino, or walk up and enjoy the chefs talents as you await the arrival of your uniquely prepared dinner.

Vivo boasts real Italian dishes made from family recipes that have been perfected through generations. Your course begins with the house bread and your choice of fine wines or other beverages.

Delve into the delicious appetizers like crispy calamari presented with cherry peppers and a special marinara sauce, or savor the rich parmesan and sherry sauce that will surely make the sautéed button mushrooms a patron favorite.

Genuine Italian pastas, made fresh throughout the day, get prepared to perfection whether it is in the fettucine carbonara, the bucatini with meatballs, or the lasagna. You are sure to appreciate the simmered just right marinara, fennel cream and olive white wine sauces that complete each delectable dish.

Vivo is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. While the perfect date night restaurant for those with fine taste, Vivo is also family friendly with entrees ranging from $11 to $32.

After you enjoy a genuine Italian meal, make your way over to the BMG Theatre! Universal Orlando welcomed The Blue Man Group in 2007 and they’ve been a permanent fixture ever since.

These three men in blue will put on an amazing show combining technology, sound, science, art and comedy that make it a show definitely entertainment for the entire family. Universal boasts the BMG show as an experience in mystery, humor, a celebration of art and science, and they could not have hit the nail on the headed any better.

While the show can get a bit loud at times — consider noise-canceling headphones for children and those with sensitive hearing — and even messy, especially for those in the front 12 rows or so, it is an evening filled with nonstop fun and surprises. The 2-hour performance time will fly by and you will lose yourself in the incredible visual performances, the music made from things you never expected could make music and the comedic skits that become even funnier with the stoic expressions of the men in blue.

The Blue Man Group performs at Universal Orlando most every night at 8 p.m. August begins a new schedule, so be sure to check dates and times at www.universalorlando.com.

Pricing it a little steep starting at $60 for adults and $30 for children, but the experience of the show is priceless and definitely worth at least a once in a lifetime event for the “to do while on vacation” list.

Special thanks to Universal Orlando, Vivo Italian Kitchen and The Blue Man Group for complimentary tickets for Stacey Page and guests.