Orlando Off the Beaten Track
Description:
There is so much more to Orlando besides theme parks. Take a trip off the beaten path and you’ll discover an artsy, outdoorsy, and delicious side to Orlando plus you’ll probably save a wad of cash. From sunrise balloon flights to historic ‘Do-It-Yourself’ pancake locales, you’ll be amazed at all the ways this city delivers memorable moments. When you’re ready for a theme-park-free getaway, Orlando will deliver an unforgettable getaway.
Author: Kristen Manieri
Day 1 - Orlando
Check into your B&B located in downtown's Thornton Park district. Here you'll find lots of boutiques, cafes, and a handful of great restaurants, most with fabulous outdoor patios where a well-healed crowd soaks up the sunshine. After lunch and a stroll around Lake Eola (maybe even a swan boat ride across the lake) make your way to I-Drive to experience the thrill of indoor sky diving. Later, dinner and entertainment go hand in hand at Medieval Times. The day's finale is a boogie down at Wall Street where a bevy of bars and lounges rock out every night.
1
Hue
Location:
view in google maps629 East Central Blvd
Orlando, FL 32801-2916
Phone:
407 849 18002
iFly Orlando
Location:
view in google maps6805 Visitors Circle
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone:
+1 407 903 11504
Waitiki Retro Tiki Lounge
Location:
view in google maps26 Wall Street Plaza
(at Orange Avenue)
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone:
407 481 11995
The Veranda Bed & Breakfast
Location:
view in google maps115 N. Summerlin Ave
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone:
800/420-6822Day 2 - Orlando
Balloon tours take flight at the crack of dawn so plan for an afternoon siesta later in the day. While you may feel a little sleep deprived, this sunrise expereince is certainly worth it. Keep in mind that unless you book a private flight, your basket will be filled with other tourists. These early morning balloon flights usually wrap up around eleven, leaving you time to explore a little on your way back downtown to the B&B. I'd suggest heading to the little town of Celebration for lunch and a stroll. Or stop into the Gaylord Pal,s Hotel and hang at this magnificent resort for a few hours. This resort boasts a gigantic indoor atrium that showcases key West, the Everglades, and St. Augustine. There are also severl options for lunch. For dinner, Le Coq Au Vin consistently wins Orlando's most coveted dining awards and is a local favorite. Draw the day closed with belly laughs at SAK Comedy Lab, Orlando's finest improv comedy show.
2
Coq Au Vin (Le)
Location:
view in google maps4800 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32806
Phone:
1 407 851 69803
Sak Comedy Lab
Location:
view in google maps29 S. Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone:
407/648-0001Day 3 - Orlando
Few visitors venture beyond I-Drive, Disney area, and downtown Orlando, but those that do will find several hidden gems like Wekiwa Springs State Park. Here visitors can take a dip in the spring, always a refreshing 72 degrees, or paddle down river in a canoe and kayak. Plenty of local wildlife can be viewed from the river or along the park’s hiking trails. After a full day spent in the sun, Enzo’s Restaurant on the Lake is only a twenty minute drive east on 434 (take a right on 17/92). Make sure you have a reservation and try to arrive a little early to enjoy a cocktail on the dock overlooking the picturesque lake. Later you can catch an independent or foreign film at The Enzian, where the kitchen serves everything from gourmet pizzas to fresh baked cookies and delivers them right to your table in the theater.
1
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Location:
view in google maps1800 Wekiwa Circle
Orlando, FL 32712
Phone:
+1 407 884 20082
Enzo's Restaurant On The Lake
Location:
view in google maps1130 South U.S. Highway 17-92
Orlando, FL 32750
Phone:
1 407 834 98723
Enzian Theater
Location:
view in google maps1300 South Orlando Avenue
Orlando, FL 32751
Phone:
407 629 00544
Back Booth
Location:
view in google maps37 West Pine Street
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone:
407 999 2570Day 4 - Orlando
Arrive at De Leon State Park hungry and head straight to the Old Spanish Sugar Mill for DIY pancakes. On your own personal grill, you’ll be whipping up fluffy pancakes accompanied by the Mill’s famous toppings. Afterwards, explore the park on land and in water before heading to College Park, another of Orlando’s quaint downtown neighborhoods. With a Starbucks in hand, traverse through eclectic boutiques before settling in for a variety of small plates at Taste, College Park’s artsy eatery. If the timing is right, you may even be able to take part in a cooking class at Truffles and Trifles next door. If not, head over to Harmoni Market for a glass of wine in a Tuscan setting.
1
Taste Restaurant
Location:
view in google maps717 West Smith Street in College Park
Orlando, FL 32804
Phone:
407 835 06462
De Leon Springs Hiking Trails
Location:
Orlando, FL 32130