Visiting Orlando? Escape the tourist mania of the theme parks and take a few days to venture out to the true gems of the area.
If you need some time in the great outdoors, spend an afternoon canoing or kayaking at the Wekiwa State Park. You're bound to see an alligator or two, and you may just get some exercise and a tan, too! Bring a picnic lunch and spend some time in the cool blue springs after your adventure.
Consider a deep sea fishing trip from Port Canaveral. Chartered boats depart daily for full or half-day trips, usually able to hold about six passengers per boat. This is a great trip for the family to see the coast-only a 45 minute drive from Orlando. You'll go to sea with an experienced guide, and hopefully come back with a good catch!
For a more relaxed day, stroll down Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park, just east of Kissimmee down Interstate 4. You'll find unique shops and restaurants, a beautiful park and rose garden, and the Morse Museum. The Winter Park atmosphere will be a nice change of pace to the bustling Disney crowds. For brunch, lunch or dinner, try Park Plaza Gardens restaurant, Hot Olives, or Dexter's.
If you can make it to Park Avenue on the third Thursday of the month, come around 8:00pm for a free movie and popcorn in the park. Classic films are played monthly and are the perfect date night, yet still appropriate for the whole family.
Finally, take a tour of the Orlando Science Center and stick around for an Imax movie viewing at their Cinedome. The 180 degree screen will give you a real look at an undersea world, lions in the Serengeti, or a robot on Mars. The Cinedome also features planetarium shows to the tune of Pink Floyd and the Beatles.
Enjoy your stay in Orlando, and don't hesitate to venture out beyond Disney!
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Brittany Fletcher
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