The Laurel Oak Inn Cumberland Suite Tub is FAMOUS!
https://www.facebook.com/ThomasSandersOfficial
Photos taken by https://www.instagram.com/jameslightner/?img_index=1
Thanks for making our tub famous, Thomas! To experience this divine tub, book the Cumberland Suite at https://www.laureloakinn.com/rooms/cumberland-suite
To learn more about Thomas Sanders, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Sanders_(entertainer)
Thomas Sanders (born April 24, 1989) is an American singer, actor, scriptwriter and internet personality made famous by Vine and YouTube. He is best known for his YouTube channel and Vine career, which lasted from April 2013 until the social media site was shut down by Twitter in 2017.[6][7][8][9] After the shutdown of Vine, he continued releasing videos across various social media sites. Sanders creates long videos on YouTube, while simultaneously posting shorter videos in the style of Vine to Instagram, Tumblr, TikTok and Twitter. His work consists of comedy sketches, pranks, stories, singing and civil rights activism.
Sanders is mainly known for the Vine series Narrating People's Lives, also known as Storytime, for the prank series "Disney Pranks with Friends," and on YouTube for the series Sanders Sides. He reached over 7.4 billion loops and 8.3 million followers on Vine,[10] making his career one of the most successful in this social media platform's short history. As of April 2023, his account on TikTok has a following of 10 million followers.[11] On YouTube, he has two channels, "Thomas Sanders" and "Thomas Sanders and Friends", with the latter being discontinued in November 2021. As of August 2023, his main channel has over 4.1 million subscribers and his second channel has 379,000 subscribers. Sanders has won two Shorty Awards[12][13] and one Streamy Award,[14] for best Viner and best YouTube comedian, and has been nominated for a Teen Choice Award[15] to "Choice Viner" among other recognitions.
As a singer, Sanders has published one EP in 2013,[16][17] one album in 2016,[18] and several singles from 2017[19] onwards.[20][21] He has had a career in musical theatre in his hometown in Florida since he was a teenager, performing since 2006 in Gainesville and Orlando, Florida, and starring in a tour through 17 cities in the US and Canada with his own stage musical, Ultimate Storytime, based on his Vine series.[22][23][24][25] In 2017, he made a guest appearance on the Disney Channel show Bizaardvark[26][27] and co-hosted a special episode of the Disney XD show Walk the Prank alongside David Lopez.[28]
PERSONAL LIFE
Sanders was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida.[29] His great-grandfather on his mother's side was born in Ireland.[30] His great-grandmother was a Ziegfeld Follies girl, something Sanders called his "ancestral connection with stage".[31] Sanders' father is a teacher.[32] Sanders has three brothers named Patrick, Christian, and Shea. He started singing in public and took his first steps in acting in middle-school at Kanapaha Middle School, located in Gainesville, singing in several choruses and appearing in several school plays.[33] In his high-school, Buchholz, he started combining acting and singing by doing his first roles in musical plays.[34] Later, Sanders combined his studies at the University of Florida with community theater, joining the Gainesville Community Playhouse from 2006 until 2015. When he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering in 2011,[35][36] he subsequently combined his daytime job as a manufacturing engineer at a pharmaceutical development company in Alachua[37] with his night-time job in theater, until his success on Vine prompted him to leave that first job and focus on Vine and theater.[29] In June 2017, he publicly came out as gay.[38]
CAREER
VINE AND SANDERS SHORTS
Thomas Sanders made his debut on Vine as "Foster Dawg", named after his first dog, Foster,[39] on April 14, 2013. An impression of Stewie Griffin from Family Guy in a drive-thru was his first Vine to go viral, leading to continued success on the app.[29] He later rebranded his channel to "Thomas Sanders". His channel reached 1 million followers on Vine in October 2013.[29] His biggest success on Vine was the Narrating People's Lives series, also known as Storytime, where he approached random strangers, comically narrated everyday activities they were doing, and showed their reaction.[40][41] Other Vine series he is known for are Disney Pranks with Friends, Pokémon Pranks, Misleading Compliments, and Shoutout Sunday, among others.[10] By April 2015, Sanders' Vine account had over 5 million followers, which made Thomas Sanders the 17th most followed Viner at the time.[42]
When Twitter announced that it was closing Vine down at the end of 2016, Sanders announced that he would continue making Vines until the app's last day.[43] When Vine was shut down on January 17, 2017, Sanders had reached 8.3 million followers.[44] Since that date, his short videos, now known as the Sanders Shorts, are first released on his Instagram, where as of November 2018 he has 2.5 million followers.[45]
On February 24, 2015, Sanders appeared as a guest on The View in a segment featuring Vine stars, where he was interviewed about his popularity on Vine,[29] and one of his Vines was featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in their section Vine after Vine.[46] Sanders has collaborated with Viners such as Vincent Marcus,[47] Brandon Calvillo[48] and Amymarie Gaertner,[49] and featured cameos and appearances from figures such as Sean Bean,[50] Nicolle Wallace,[51] Stacy London,[52] Nick Pitera (with whom he did a series of Vines, Unexpected Duets),[53] Brizzy Voices,[53] Gabbie Hanna,[54] Tara Strong,[55] E. G. Daily,[56] Jim Cummings,[57] Dan and Phil,[58] Adam Pascal[59] and the main actors from Hamilton, Teen Titans Go! and Steven Universe,[60] among others.
YOUTUBE
Sanders opened his official YouTube account on March 15, 2009.[61] After amassing a following through Vine, he started publishing more frequently through YouTube. He had his first YouTube collaborations throughout 2015, consisting of pranks, games and challenges. Up until 2014, his subscriber count grew at a lower rate, with around 80,000 subscribers at the end of that year.[62] From that date, his user count growth started progressively accelerating, having 200,000 subscribers by April 2015[63] and more than 700,000 subscribers at the end of 2015.[64]
From the second half of 2016, at the same time his Vine activity slowed following Twitter's announcement of Vine's forthcoming closedown, Sanders announced he would be focusing on his YouTube content from then on in order to create more diversely formatted content. As of July 2023, his channel has 4.02 million subscribers.[65]
On October 29, 2018, he debuted a second YouTube channel called "Thomas Sanders & Friends", which would be dedicated to the monthly Sanders Shorts compilations and the unscripted, guest-oriented shows he had done previously on his main channel. The main channel would thereafter be dedicated exclusively to scripted series and shows as well as his music videoclips.[66] His second channel had 396,000 subscribers as of August 2021.[67] In November 2021, Sanders published the last content in this second channel, which has since been quietly discontinued, with its kind of content being brought back to the first channel ever since.
SANDERS SIDES
Sanders Sides Series logo since September 1, 2017.
Since October 19, 2016, Thomas Sanders has run a YouTube web series called Sanders Sides, formerly co-written with Joan S.,[68] in which he discusses personal or existential issues with four main characters, collectively known as the titular "Sanders Sides". Sanders Sides consists of two seasons with a total of 33 episodes as of January 2024, released on a variable periodicity. Season 1 has 17 episodes released from October 19, 2016, to July 19, 2017. Season 2 began on September 1, 2017, and as of January 2024, it has 15 episodes.[69] It is a spin-off from the Vine/Sanders Shorts series, as the characters Patton, Roman and Logan are inspired by characters that had previously debuted on Vine in 2014, as the "Dad Guy", the "Prince Guy", and the "Teacher Guy," respectively. The Sanders Sides are usually all portrayed by Sanders himself. Sanders Sides has featured guest stars such as Lilly Singh[70] or Butch Hartman who, apart from appearing as himself, created an animated sequence exclusively for Sanders Sides. Tara Strong, who had already appeared in several Vines and Sanders Shorts, also made a voice cameo in Hartman's episode.[71] On November 22, 2019, a companion series titled Sanders Asides was premiered, featuring the Sides in lighter stories in shorter episodes designed, in Sanders' words, to feature stories not directly linked to the main narrative.[72]
The Sanders Sides are "physical-mental projections" of Thomas' mind,[73] and represent different aspects of Thomas'[Note 1] personality. Thomas usually starts each episode as an ordinary vlog about a certain topic or dilemma. The series is mostly comedic, with some more dramatic elements and several ongoing plots.
THEATER
Apart from his Internet-based career, Sanders has worked in musical theater at the Gainesville Community Playhouse[29] for productions including Hot Mikado (2007),[74] Singin' in the Rain (2009),[75][76] The Producers (2010),[77] Anything Goes (2011),[78] Into the Woods (2014),[36] and Les Misérables (2014).[79] In 2015, Sanders did his first professional theater work starring in Heathers: The Musical as J.D. in a production performed in Orlando.[80] From August 8 to September 2, 2016, Sanders went on a stage musical tour, Ultimate Storytime, written by him with songs composed by Jacob Fjeldheim, and based on his Vine series Narrating People's Lives, performing in 17 cities in the US and Canada, including Toronto and New York City.[22][23][24][25] In 2019, Sanders was cast as the understudy for The Beast in Beauty and the Beast[citation needed] In 2022, he joined Heathers The Musical in Concert, a benefit concert reunion of the 2015 Orlando cast of Heathers: The Musical, portraying again J.D., which earned him a nomination to Best Performer in a Musical in the 2022 BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards, as well as another nomination together with the rest of the cast to Best Ensemble Performance.[81]
MUSIC
Though critics often classified Sanders as a baritone,[82] he considers himself a bass singer.[83] He has sung primarily on Vine and YouTube. He has performed songs in a wide variety of genres but has personally showed a preference towards jazz music, mentioning Nat King Cole as one of his favorite singers.[84] He has musically collaborated with dodie, Jon Cozart, Ben J. Pierce, Deedee Magno Hall, Adam Pascal, and AJ Rafael. He released his first EP, titled Merry Christmas, on Bandcamp on December 21, 2013; the EP consisted of Christmas songs.[16][17] In 2016, he released the soundtrack of his Ultimate Storytime stage musical, recorded alongside his co-stars, Terrence Williams Jr., Nicole Visco, Jay Harper (also known as JayIsJo) and Leo Anderson (also known as Leo the Giant).[18] On July 22, 2017, Sanders released on YouTube a new original song titled "The Things We Used to Share",[85] inspired by real events in Sanders' life.[19] It was followed by more singles in 2018 and the announcement of a new EP.[86]
A Taste of Paradise: Cintron Restaurant Brings Floribbean Fusion to Gainesville Website: https://www.facebook.com/cintrongnv/ Address: 2441 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32606 Gainesville, Florida, bursts with youthful energy fueled by the University of Florida. But beyond the Gator spirit lies a thriving culinary scene yearning for innovation. Enter Cintron Restaurant, a haven for adventurous palates seeking a vibrant fusion of flavors unlike any other in town. Led by the passionate Chef Hector Cintron, Cintron offers a unique "Floribbean" experience, a delicious marriage of Caribbean and Latin American influences, all rooted in fresh, seasonal ingredients. From South Florida Kitchens to Gainesville Dreams: Chef Hector Cintron isn't your average restaurateur. He boasts a culinary journey spanning 15 years, honed in the prestigious kitchens of South Florida. He meticulously crafted his skills as Sous Chef at 32 East in Delray Beach, then rose to the challenge as Executive Chef at both Timpano in Ft. Lauderdale and Max's Grille in Boca Raton. But this year, Chef Cintron felt a calling – a desire to share his own culinary vision. Fueled by ambition and partnered with his supportive wife, Veronica, along with his sister and her husband, Chef Cintron embarked on a new chapter - Cintron Restaurant. A Culinary Voyage to the Floribbean: Cintron's menu isn't just a collection of dishes; it's a passport to a flavorful paradise – the "Floribbean." This unique concept draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of cultures that have called Florida home, particularly those with roots in the Caribbean and Latin America. Imagine the vibrancy of Jamaican jerk spices mingling with the earthiness of Cuban sofrito, or the sweetness of Puerto Rican plantains dancing with the tang of Peruvian aji amarillo. This is the essence of the Floribbean, a culinary adventure waiting to be savored. A Feast for the Senses: A Glimpse into the Floribbean World Get ready to embark on a sensory exploration with every bite at Cintron. Here's a sneak peek at the culinary delights that await: Appetizers: Kickstart your taste buds with a vibrant ceviche, a refreshing medley of fresh seafood marinated in citrusy goodness. Vegetarian and vegan options abound, like the Plantain Fritters drizzled with a sweet and spicy guava chutney. Entrees: Calling all seafood lovers! The Jerk Mahi Mahi, with its fiery Caribbean spices, is sure to tantalize your palate. Landlubbers will find solace in the Ropa Vieja, a Cuban classic featuring tender braised beef simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Cintron also boasts lighter options like a Pan-Seared Grouper with a light mango salsa or a Vegetarian Paella overflowing with seasonal vegetables and infused with the smoky essence of saffron. Sides: No Floribbean experience is complete without an exploration of the region's diverse side dishes. Desserts : Conclude your Floribbean adventure on a sweet note. The signature Flan de Coco, a creamy coconut custard, offers a taste of the tropics, while the Tres Leches Cake, a Latin American favorite soaked in three kinds of milk, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Beyond the Plate: Service as Warm as the Floribbean Sun Cintron's commitment to excellence extends beyond the kitchen. The wait staff is a team of passionate individuals, well-versed in the intricacies of the Floribbean cuisine. They take the time to explain dishes, guide you through the menu based on your preferences, and ensure your culinary journey is seamless and enjoyable. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a casual weeknight dinner, the staff at Cintron makes you feel welcome, valued, and at ease. A Family Affair: Building a Community Through Food Cintron isn't just a restaurant; it's a family affair. Chef Cintron, alongside his wife and family members, have poured their heart and soul into creating a space that fosters a sense of community. The restaurant regularly hosts special events, such as lively cooking demonstrations where you can learn the secrets behind some of their signature dishes. They also organize intimate wine pairing dinners, allowing guests to explore the perfect complement to each Floribbean creation. Cintron partners with local farms and purveyors to source the freshest seasonal ingredients, supporting local businesses and contributing to Gainesville's burgeoning culinary scene.
Sunshine, Gators, and Good Times: Your Guide to May in Gainesville, FL Gainesville, Florida, pulsates with energy in May. The oppressive summer heat hasn't arrived yet, making it an ideal time to explore the city's vibrant culture, natural beauty, and unique events. Whether you're a history buff seeking a glimpse into the past, a nature lover yearning for outdoor adventures, or a family seeking unforgettable experiences, Gainesville offers something special for everyone in the month of May. Let's dive into the exciting possibilities that await you: Embrace the Gator Spirit: Celebrating University of Florida Traditions May coincides with the tail-end of the University of Florida's spring semester, and the city buzzes with a contagious energy. Here's how you can immerse yourself in the Gator spirit: Catch a Baseball Game : The University of Florida Gators Baseball team is in full swing in May. Head to Condron Family Ballpark and cheer on the Gators as they battle it out against rival teams. Soak in the electrifying atmosphere and witness the passion of Gator Nation firsthand. ( https://floridagators.com/sports/baseball ) Explore the UF Campus : The University of Florida boasts a beautiful campus with a rich history. Take a self-guided walking tour, marvel at the iconic architecture like the McCarty Hall Clock Tower, or stroll through the lush green spaces like the University of Florida Arboretum. Visit the Harn Museum of Art : Art enthusiasts can explore the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, located on the UF campus. The museum houses an impressive collection of art spanning centuries and cultures, with special exhibitions throughout the year. ( https://harn.ufl.edu/ ) Embrace the Outdoors: May's Perfect Weather for Exploration May's warm but comfortable temperatures make it ideal for exploring Gainesville's natural beauty. Here are some outdoor adventures to consider: Explore Paynes Prairie : Embark on a kayaking or canoeing adventure on Lake Wauberg in Paynes Prairie State Park, one of Florida's largest freshwater marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, birds, and other wildlife as you explore this unique ecosystem. ( https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/paynes-prairie-preserve-state-park ) Hike Through Loblolly Woods Nature Park : Loblolly Woods Nature Park offers a network of scenic trails perfect for hiking or biking. Immerse yourself in the lush greenery, discover hidden waterfalls, and enjoy the tranquility of nature. ( https://floridahikes.com/loblolly-woods-nature-park ) Take a Dip in Ginnie Springs : Cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Ginnie Springs. This natural spring complex boasts multiple springs, each with its own unique character. Go for a relaxing float, explore underwater caves for the adventurous, or simply soak up the Florida sunshine. ( https://ginniespringsoutdoors.com/ ) Embrace the Local Flavor: Festivals, Events, and Hidden Gems May in Gainesville offers a plethora of unique events and hidden gems to explore: Gainesville Asian Festival (May 18th) : Celebrate Asian culture with delicious food, traditional performances, and cultural exhibits at the Gainesville Asian Festival held at Bo Diddley Plaza. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Asian community and experience the rich tapestry of cultures that define Gainesville. Celebration Pointe Farmers Market (Multiple Dates) : Saturdays at Celebration Pointe come alive with the vibrant Celebration Pointe Farmers Market. Stock up on fresh produce from local farms, explore handcrafted art from local artisans, and enjoy delicious food from local vendors. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens: Step into a tropical paradise at the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Wander through over 60 acres of lush gardens featuring exotic plants, towering trees, and a breathtaking waterfall. Be sure to check out the hummingbird garden, a haven for these colorful creatures. ( https://kanapaha.org/ ) Beyond the Tourist Trail: Experiencing Gainesville Like a Local For a truly immersive experience, venture beyond the typical tourist attractions and explore Gainesville like a local: Catch a Show at the Hippodrome: The historic Hippodrome State Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, plays host to a diverse range of live performances. From Broadway musicals to local theatre productions, catch a show at the Hippodrome for an unforgettable evening. ( https://thehipp.org/events/ ) Explore Independent Coffee Shops: Gainesville boasts a vibrant independent coffee shop scene. Escape the chain stores and discover cozyshops like Volta Coffee ( https://www.facebook.com/VoltaGNV/?paipv=0&eav=AfYlQZ_zkr6DIQqqPJ1ofTuGTvFisBmf8jJgXXtgN_EBenLIhHfRhnCIlVJMGpNKNlg&_rdr ), where you can sip on a locally roasted brew, indulge in delicious pastries, and soak in the creative atmosphere. Catch a Free Outdoor Movie: During the spring and summer months, Gainesville often hosts free outdoor movie nights and concerts at various parks and public spaces. Pack a picnic basket, grab a blanket, and enjoy a classic film under the stars. Check the City of Gainesville website or local event calendars for upcoming movie nights. ( https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Home/Tabs/Events ) Support Local Breweries : Gainesville has a thriving craft beer scene, with several breweries offering tours and tastings. Head to Swamphead Brewing Company ( https://swamphead.com/ ) or First Magnitude Brewing Company ( https://fmbrewing.com/ ) to sample award-winning beers and experience the passion behind Gainesville's craft beer scene. Unforgettable Memories Await: Planning Your May Trip to Gainesville May offers the perfect blend of warm weather, exciting events, and outdoor adventures, making it a prime time to visit Gainesville. Here are some tips to plan your perfect May getaway: Accommodations: Gainesville offers a variety of accommodation options, from charming historic bed and breakfasts like The Camellia Rose Inn ( https://www.camelliaroseinn.com/book-now ) or The Laurel Oak Inn ( http://www.laureloakinn.com ) to comfortable hotels and unique vacation rentals through StayGainesville ( https://www.staygainesville.com/ ). Weather: May in Gainesville typically experiences warm days with comfortable evenings. Pack light and breathable clothes but be prepared for occasional rain showers. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for those sunny days. Getting Around: Many attractions are located within easy reach of each other by car. Gainesville in May is a vibrant tapestry of culture, nature, and Gator spirit. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, immersing yourself in local events, or simply soaking up the sunshine, Gainesville offers something for everyone. So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the magic of Gainesville in May!
