Orlando and Central Florida: So much more than just theme parks!
As a real estate agent and Orlando resident for over 32 years, I think I can fairly refer to myself an expert on things to do here in Orlando and throughout Central Florida. And trust me, there is a lot going on around here that goes well beyond the world-famous theme parks for which we’re so well known.
Mini-Theme Parks
In addition to the big three: Walt Disney World (Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon), Universal (Studios & Islands of Adventure), Sea World Orlando (Discovery Cove and Aquatica), there are a whole host of other smaller, what I like to refer to as mini-theme parks, and experiences scattered throughout the area. These include Legoland, Busch Gardens, Fun Spot, Gatorland and the Holy Land Experience. ICON Park, located on International Drive near the Convention Center features over 40 amazing restaurants, a world class aquarium, shopping and several unique and funky bars and is anchored by the Orlando Eye, a 400 ft. tall observation wheel along with the Star Flyer, the world’s tallest swing ride.
Conventions
The Orange County Convention Center hosts over 200 events with over 1.4 million attendees per year including the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA), Surf Expo, PGA Merchandise Show and the AKC/Eukanuba National Show each year. Other convention facilities include the Gaylord Palms Resort, Marriot World Center, Coronado Springs Resort, JW Marriott Grande Lakes and the Dolphin & Swan resorts.
Beaches
It is only a short drive east from Orlando to the Atlantic Ocean and Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach and the incredible Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. If you time it right, you might be fortunate enough so see a rocket launch. Or you can head west and be in Tampa/ St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach or Amelia Island in just over an hour.
Intracoastal Waters
The Florida Intracoastal waterways are a group of bays, lagoons and rivers that separate the Florida mainland from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. They extend along our east coast from Jacksonville all the way down to Miami and along Florida’s west coast from Sannibel Island to Anclote Key. These bodies of water feature some of the most exclusive and expensive properties in Florida, world class fishing and amazing wildlife. It is not uncommon to see dolphins, manatees, alligators and bald eagles all in one day.
St. Johns River
The St. Johns River is the longest river in the US and is one of only two rivers in the world that flow from south to north. The other is the Nile River in Africa. One of the most amazing journeys’ you can ever take is a slow boat ride from Lake Monroe just north of Orlando up to Blue Springs, across Lake George then on into Jacksonville. Spend the night in Jacksonville and then come back up the river to Orlando the next day. There is no better way to experience Florida’s natural beauty without ever straying too far from civilization.
Museums
I wrote an earlier post about the wonders of the Orlando Museum of Art and it has only gotten better since then. Exhibitions include some of the most renown classical and contemporary artists from across the world and across time. The museum is currently featuring works by The Highwaymen: a group of self-taught African America artists from the 1950’s who are celebrated for their distinctive paintings of Florida’s natural environment, scenic coastlines and wild back country in often dazzling combinations and tone. One of our best historical adventures is The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park. The crown jewel of the museum is the Louis Comfort Tiffany exhibit featuring the Tiffany Chapel from the 1893 Chicago World’s Colombian Exposition along with over 6,000 square feet of space dedicated to the art and architectural elements that were rescued from Tiffany’s Long Island estate, Laurelton Hall.
Airboat Rides
There are few adventures as cool as taking an airboat ride deep into the Florida Black Hammock Swamp where you will see Cypress groves that were old when Ponce DeLeon was here searching for the fountain of youth.
Golf & Tennis
Central Florida is a duffer’s delight with more world class golf courses than anywhere else in the known universe. Several of the PGAs highest profile events featuring the world’s best golfers are held here each year.
The US Professional Tennis Association recently moved their world headquarters and built the USTA National Training Center in Lake Nona, just outside of Orlando. This is the largest tennis facility in the world with 64 acres and 100 lighted tennis courts. The facility also includes a 50,000-square-foot welcome center, pro shop, Racquet Bar and innovation lab.
Walking, Hiking, Biking
Central Florida features a unique collection of trails that are free to anyone who wishes to spend a little time exploring Central Florida and getting some good exercise along the way. The Cady Way Trail stretches 6.5 miles from Winter Park to Oviedo. The Lake Apopka Loop Trail is 14.6 miles and connects the north shore of Lake Apopka to a birding area owned and managed by the St. John River Management District. The Little Econ Greenway is 5 miles and features areas for fishing, canoeing, picnicking and wildlife. The Pine Hills Trail is currently 2.5 miles in length and then there is the West Orange Trail which is almost 21 miles end to end with five outposts along the trail, allowing you to park and access the trail at different locations.
So, if you are looking for something different or a change of pace from all the hustle and bustle of the big theme parks, try out one of these great alternatives and explore what makes Central Florida such a fantastic place to live, visit and invest in.