Offbeat and Fun Attractions
Check out the alarming collection of history at the Orlando Fire Museum. Imagine the clamor of men jumping into their gear, they fire up the engines, then the sirens start to wail. There goes Orlando's best and brave fire fighters, who have extinguished flames and fears since 1885.
Putt Around In Orlando
Ok, it’s simple fun, but we’ve always enjoy putting around at one of the Orlando are putt putt courses. There be Pirate’s Cove, where rum soaked pirates lounge in the sun above caves and watering holes. Or, roll up to the Congo River for a wild safari fun - keep an eye out for the gators, they're not fake! Then, there are dancing hippos and marching broomsticks sweep across the landscape of Disney’s Fantasia Gardens. Or, chill down in a Winter Summerland, where Santa vacations with frolicking elves.
Gator Encounters
If you’ve never seen a gator up close, then head over to Gatorland, the Alligator Capital of the World. This classic American attraction offers a up close look at these stunning creatures.
Visit The Harry P. Leu Gardens
Get out and enjoy the beautiful gardens at Harry P. Leu Gardens, home to Florida’s largest rose garden. This botanical oasis minutes from downtown Orlando has butterflies fluttering about the paths at every corner. Step back to the 1880's at the restored Leu House Museum, join the Jazz 'n Blues Stroll or pack a picnic for Date Night and an outdoor movie at the beautiful Leu Gardens.
Arts And Festive Events
Orlando has a thriving art scene in the Downtown District. Check out some of O-Town's best artists at the bi-annual Spring and Fall Fiesta in the Park at Lake Eola. The park is also home to the Orlando Farmer’s Market for locally grown squash, tomatoes, greens and more fresh food. Then, sample local wine and beer, relax along Lake Eola and feed the swans, and enjoy entertainment and music by local performers in this festive marketplace.
Looking for something to do while visiting Orlando? No problem, they have a festival or event for every season. The year kicks off with O-Town's Blues B-Q in Early March in the downtown district. And continues with signature events like the Fireworks at the Fountain, Veterans Day Parade, and Holiday Lights Orlando.
Tasty Food For All
Recognized for it's cultural and ethnic diversity, Orlando's got Soul Food at its Best at McKnight’s Restaurant, where they serve up tasty Southern Pork Chops, a house specialty. Orlando native, William McKnight puts a modern twist on traditional Soul Food at his upscale restaurant in Downtown.Orlando has such an abundance of choices when it comes to dining, which includes a tenderloin of Buffalo at The Everglades Restaurant. Zaza New Cuban Diner's cooks up a taste of Cuba with their Ropa Vieja, created with OOOH SOOO tender beef roast. Or, Roll into Matilda's On The Park for their Bleu Balls 8 that pop with the flavor of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese with just a touch of gray poupon. And, there are more delicious choices at great prices during Orlando Restaurant Week!
Entertaining Theater Performances
At the Annual Orlando International Fringe Festival in May over 500 performers and 70 theater companies get in the act. Get ready for 10 Days of Theatre, Art, Music and Madness at the oldest operating fringe festival in the United States.
While in townhouse can unleash your inner diva with the monumental musical Les Misérables. Plus, experience the emotional triumphs and defeats in outstanding performances at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatere.
Rocking In Orlando
Metal heads unite as aspiring musicians shredding the strings in a battle of the bands at Orlando's Coliseum of Rock. Named one of Orlando's best concert venues, the Hard Rock Live Orlando will get your rock on with performances by the Gipsy Kings, Rob Thomas, Pat Benatar, Boz Scaggs, and other music legends.
Day Trips To The Beach
Instead of hanging around the pool - take a Day Trip to the beach. Orlando is a just a short drive from Florida's best beaches like Clearwater in the Gulf and Daytona on the East Coast. On our recent trip to the East Coast we visited Pelican Beach Park, which was a clean, small beach that had bathroom facility’s available on site that made it easy to change after a refreshing swim.Plan Your Trip To Orlando
To discover attractions, festivals, food and more to enjoy on your trip check out the Visit Orlando website for news, to download their handy app, and find maps and more.
To explore destinations and events throughout the state of Florida visit the state convention and visitors bureau at http://www.visitflorida.com/.
Photo Credits: Mcknight's Soul Food, Orlando Fire Museum
