Julie J.

Steve Osborne's Wee Move

My 85 year old father came to pick up his 98 year old piano - that had belonged to his parents - for transport from Florida to Alabama. Not knowing who to call for help in getting it on the truck, my fiance called U-Haul for recommendations. Without hesitation, they referred us to Steve Osborn. Steve quickly returned my father's call, and was courteous and professional. His crew showed up on time on the appointed day, and in just a few minutes, they had the piano on the truck. Everyone treated us with respect, and Steve was especially nice to my Dad - who was very worried about whether or not anyone could get that huge upright piano on a truck. Steve and his guys are great!

PROS: Great, courteous service at a good price!
CONS:

Miller's Custom Parts

This is usually the first place that my boyfriend visits when he needs a part for his bike. Roughly a third of the store is devoted to biker wear and decor. The other two-thirds is strictly parts, parts, and more parts, on two floors. We've bought raingear here, as well as sunglasses. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The pricing is very good.

Alan's Custom Leather Shop

I've done my share of shopping at this store! Bought my first pair of chaps here, in 2002. They fitted them, and did the alterations while I shopped some more. Plus, I can always take them back there for cleaning. I've also purchased other biker clothing here. The store is crammed with bike accessories and biker wear. And I've never been disappointed with the prices. The staff is friendly, too!

MacHine Works

My little Mazda Miata recently developed a problem, and my boyfriend suggested his mechanic at Auto Air Specialist. He diagnosed the problem, and repaired my car at a reasonable price. I don't live in Deltona, so I don't know how often I'll be back to Auto Air, but my boyfriend takes his GMC Jimmy to Auto Air for regular maintenance and more complex repairs.

New Smyrna Beach Harley

Okay, I admit that when I go to an HD dealer, I'm looking at all the clothes and my boyfriend is looking at the bikes and accessories. However, being an avid motorcyclist who lives close to New Smyrna Beach, I've been to this store ALOT. And I've bought my share of Harley gear here. It's got two floors worth of merchandise. Prices are in line with other HD stores - meaning, you're paying a premium for the Harley name. But the selection is good, and the sales items are offered at a good price. Plus, it's next door to Pub 44, so when you're hungry or thirsty from all that shopping, you're only a short walk or ride away from refreshment!

Skips Western Outfitters

Skip's earned its place in my heart when I took in my battered Harley-Davidson cowboy hat. I really went to ask for advice on how to restore its shape. It had been bungeed to the back of a bike and rained on, to boot. The Salesperson took my hat - which I didn't even buy there - cleaned it, steamed it, and reshaped it - all for free. Needless to say, I was a customer for life after that. This is a large store, with nearly one half of it taken up by the boot selection. There is also clothing and large home decor items, such as dressers and bed frames.

PROS: Great service and large selection of merchandise
CONS:

Skips Shoes & Western Boots

I have visited this Skip's location several times, mainly because I am a biker and this store happens to be practically in the parking lot of the biker bar next door. Having said that, it's no coincidence that this store caters not only to the cowboys in the area, but also to the motorcyclists. There is a great selection of boots, and the prices are very reasonable. My boyfriend purchased a beautiful pair of elk hide boots, and he was thrilled with the price he paid. Everyone is friendly and very laid back. No one is pressuring you to buy. There's a small selection of clothing and some home decor. But the boots are the thing. They usually have a special sale during Bike Week and Biketoberfest.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Is there anyone who comes to Orlando who doesn't make the trek to Ron Jon's? It is THE place to go for every item that you could possibly need to sustain the beach lifestyle. If there is such a thing as a beach megastore, this is it. Souvenirs, swimsuits, beachwear, suntan lotion, towels, and on and on and on. All contained on two floors. I have to say that some of the prices are over the top. I had a hard time finding a reasonably priced shirt for my boyfriend who was in the hospital. But there's a HUGE selection of T-shirts and tanks, if you need to take home something to remind you of your trip to Florida. And they're priced right.

PROS: Great place to find what you need for the beach
CONS: Can be expensive!

Sheplers Western Wear

My first contact with Shepler's was through their catalog, so when they opened a store in Orlando, I was curious. I first visited their website in search of Western-themed wedding items, and then went to the store to see if they carried the same things. Although I was told they didn't have what I was looking for on hand, the Salesperson cheerfully informed me that anything in the catalog or on the website could be ordered through the store. Not only do they carry Western apparel for the whole family, they also carry a nice selection of home decor. If there's a drawback to the store, it's the location. It's over in Festival Bay, in a part of town that caters solely to tourists. For a local, it's a bit of a pain to get there. But if you're looking for all things Western, it's worth it.

PROS: Large selection
CONS: In the tourist part of town!

Lunasea Bed & Breafast Hotel

My boyfriend has had major surgery twice. Because his doctor is in Cocoa and we live in Orlando, we stay overnight in Cocoa. In both cases, we have stayed at the Lunasea. On our second visit, we stayed in a portion of the hotel that has been renovated since the hurricanes of 2005. Everything in the room loooked brand new, but it was the bathroom that was the real stunner. It was finished beautifully, much like a bathroom in an expensive hotel. The staff is always nice and the rates are good. Plus, you get breakfast in the morning as part of the deal. If you need anything else, there is a Publix and a 7-11 within walking distance. I highly recommned this charming little place!

PROS: Very nicely decorated and reasonably priced
CONS: