Orlando – More than Theme Parks
April 28, 2008 by Christina Lemmey
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Florida. Just the name evokes a mind picture of swaying palm trees, sugar sand beaches and balmy evenings. While Florida does have palm trees and beaches in abundance, as a Mom, when you hear “Florida” you probably think Theme Parks and Summer Vacation!
The major concentration of theme parks in Florida is in and around Orlando. Just so happens, Orlando is my hometown.
So, if you’re planning a summer vacation and you’re thinking you might like to visit, I’m here to give you some ideas of places to visit outside the theme park world.
You Mean Orlando Isn’t Just Theme Parks?
We have our fair share of mega-resort entertainment with the Disney Resort area topping the list. There’s also Universal Orlando, Sea World’s growing family of parks including Discovery Cove (if you want to swim with dolphins, this is your park) and the newly opened water park, Aquatica.
But, I want to talk to you about my hometown and the hidden gems you’ll find here.
Small Town Charm Spread Around
Orlando has grown by leaps and bounds since the early 1980’s so when I say Orlando I mean Metro Orlando. The Metro consists of several small town communities exuding small town charm along side the picturesque downtown skyline.
Tucked away in quaint Winter Park, FL you’ll find Park Avenue, a street filled with all sorts of shops both big name and locally owned. Less than 10 minutes from downtown Orlando and almost like a European village, Winter Park is great for an afternoon of shopping while peeking into the alcoves for more shops and quite places to sit and ponder.
Winter Park is also home to the Morse Museum of American Art which houses a rather large collection of Tiffany glass. There’s even a chapel designed for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. At $3 admission with kids under 12 free, it’s a great bargain.
There’s also a boat tour through the Winter Park Chain of Lakes that, as their website says, “guarantees plenty of swaying palms, towering cypress trees, lush ferns and a variety of flourishing
sub-tropical flowers. Breathtaking views of opulent private homes and exquisite estates sprawling along the shores are also a key feature of the scenic cruise.”
Not far from Winter Park, in downtown Orlando is Lake Eola Park. Originally a sink hole, Lake Eola is a great place to spend the afternoon with the family. Here, you can rent swan-shaped paddle boats or electric gondola boats; walk the .9 mile circular sidewalk; enjoy a picnic lunch with the kids and play on the playground. Throughout the year the park hosts a farmer’s market, concerts, art festivals and an awesome Fourth of July Fireworks Display.
A little farther away is the 110-acre park known as Gatorland in Kissimmee (say…kiss-im-e). I have fond memories of Gatorland. Growing up, my grandfather would take me there to see the monkeys. (Yep, monkeys at Gatorland!) He used to be a zoo keeper and when his zoo closed his favorite monkey was sent there to live. I used to be afraid the snakes would drop out of the trees on my head…but I digress.
Gatorland is a wonderful place to experience Old Florida and see the gators and crocs up close. (I’m not sure if they still have monkeys.) There’s even Gator Gully Splash Park for kids of all ages to get cooled off during our hot, humid summer afternoons.
On the other side of the city (but still only 20 minutes from downtown Orlando) is Wekiwa (say..wa-ki-va) Springs State Park. Perfect for the active family, Wekiwa offers the natural setting of undeveloped Florida. There are 13 miles of trails for hiking, biking & horseback riding. You can paddle a canoe or kayak (rentals available), swim in the cool springs (remember, hot, humid summer days) and pack the picnic basket for lunch. If you’re into camping, Wekiwa has a full facility campground for $20 + tax per site per night or primitive (tent) camping for just $4 + tax per person per night.
Nature Not Your Style?
If you’re not into camping or outdoor adventures, how about some exploration at our many malls? We have outlet malls galore here! And the Mall at Millennia is a not miss if you’re into shopping. Orlando is also home to one of only two IKEA’s in Florida and it’s right next door.
Closer to the theme parks and attractions you’ll find the opulent Gaylord Palms Resort and the International Drive area.
The Gaylord Palms Resort is situated under a roof that contains “four and a half acres of glass and steel” and has a “lush landscaped setting”. From May 2, 2008 to August 28, 2008 they are hosting a Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge where you can win $10,000.
They also host several events throughout the year including The Best of Florida Christmas & ICE! and The Best of Florida Live where Old Florida comes alive with gator feedings, sunset celebrations ala Key West, Sand Sculptures and more. One of the best features, in this Getaway Mama’s opinion, is the fact that there is a La Petite Academy® Kids Station offering supervised activities for children (ages 3 - 12) right at the resort.
International Drive has attractions, shopping, dining, entertainment, lodging and more. Located near just about everything, including the theme parks, International Drive is an ideal area to stay in the midst of it all. The I-Drive (as locals call it) area even has its own 50 Ways to Have Fun on I-Drive ideas.
Some highlights include: Monkey Joe’s, a really cool indoor playground where “kids come first”; Sky Venture Orlando for indoor sky-diving; and the I-RIDE Trolley so you can just park your car and go.
Haven’t Planned Your Summer Getaway Yet?
Orlando is a place where you could vacation again & again and still have not seen everything.
If you haven’t yet planned a summer trip, why not consider Orlando?
Go ahead - bring the kids when they get out of school and visit the theme parks but don’t forget to come back to visit the real Orlando.
Did I forget to mention that we’re only 45 minutes to Daytona Beach and 1 ½ hours from the Gulf Coast Beaches? We’ll save that for another time.
Tracy Roberts is a Home-Based Travel Planner and Owner of Above All Travel. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and four children ages 16, 11, 2 ½ & 3mos Their love of traveling and being together has them taking family vacations several times each year.
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