Orlando: The Non-Theme Park Side
Truth be told, I rarely visit the theme parks. I haven’t blogged about Disney once in the 16 months I’ve been blogging and only visited SeaWorld with my dad because his company hosted an employee event at the park.
That’s not to say I don’t like theme parks. Not true! I actually love them, but my wallet says otherwise. I seriously can’t wait to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal this year. I have pre-purchased tickets that are burning a hole in my pocket!
But this post is designed to tell you about the other side of Orlando. The non-theme park side.
First, Orlando is HUGE. It can take you 40 minutes to drive from one end of the city to the other. Disney World is actually located in Kissimmee, about 30 minutes from downtown Orlando (if there is no traffic, that is). If you come to Orlando, definitely take time to visit the theme parks, but if your travel plans allow for it, you may wish to take advantage of some of the other wonderful things Orlando has to offer:
Park Avenue in Winter Park: Park Avenue is an adorable brick-lined street located in Winter Park, an up-scale area of Orlando. Park Avenue is lined with delicious restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques, and opens up to a big grassy lawn where you may watch movies in the park. It’s dog friendly and is a great place to go for a hot date or brunch with family and friends.
- Winter Park Boat Tour and Dinner at Luma
- Dinner at 310 Park South
- Shopping at Williams-Sonoma + Registering at Williams-Sonoma
Shopping on Park Avenue
Baldwin Park: Baldwin Park looks like it should be the neighborhood where Stepford Wives was filmed. It’s an adorable cookie-cutter area of Orlando, with beautiful homes and Sadie’s all-time favorite dog park. Also, check out Farris and Foster’s, a neat chocolate shop where you can make your own chocolate!
Dog Park!
Downtown Orlando and Lake Eola: Lake Eola is the large lake located in downtown Orlando. Joggers, families and couples alike all enjoy circling the lake and taking in the skyline of downtown Orlando. The lake is located within walking distance of several delicious restaurants, including the upscale Spice Steakhouse, trendy Dexter’s and casual, family-friendly BBQ joint, Wildside.
Lake Eola at Night
Morning Walk Around the Lake
Weikwa Springs: Weikwa Springs is the location of a beautiful natural spring where people enjoy BBQs, picnics, kayaking and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Ryan and I absolutely love the hiking trails at Weikwa Springs State Park.
Hiking with Ryan, Sadie and My Sista!
Other fun activities in Orlando include:
- Lakeridge Winery
- High Tea at the Ritz Carlton
- Orlando Magic Game
- Concert/Show at Hard Rock Live, House of Blues, Amway Arena, etc.
- Beer Fest in May
- Holiday Fun: ICE! at the Gaylord Palms or Festival of Trees
(Special thanks to blog reader Emily W. for inspiring this post!)
Question of the Afternoon
What is the one thing you would tell someone they have to do if they visited your hometown?
Ahhh this is SUCH a great post for us!! Thankyouthankyou!! Can’t wait to visit Orlando next week
Everyone does the usual history stuff in Philly, but the best attractions are the battlefields outside of the city- Brandywine and Valley Forge. HUGE parks! And in NYC, I’m a firm believer that visitors should shun all the tourist attractions and just walk around without a plan. It’s the best way to discover the city!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
gabriela, i have a feeling you would LOVE winter park!!
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
Dani Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
Not to mention King of Prussia Mall !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dani
[Reply]
You and Ryan should check out Relax Grill on Lake Eola (by the 5/3 Bank) on a Friday or Saturday night from 6 – 8 PM. They have an all you can drink wine/beer for $10 w/ unlimited pita bread, hummus and tazaki! It’s a pretty chill place where you can even bring Sadie.
Jessica
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
we walk by that place ALL the time!
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
Laura @ Backstage Pass Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
That is an amazing deal. $10 for all you can drink wine / beer and apps? If I lived in Orlando they’d need to revisit that after one night of my boyfriend and I being there, lol!
Laura @ Backstage Pass
[Reply]
D.C. is a great place to live because there are a lot of free museums and events every weekend. I would recommend someone go to a free concert at the library of congress. It’s a great venue to hear live music, often by world renowned musicians on historic instruments.
Pixie
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
that sounds so fun!
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
I live in Orlando, too. I grew up living in IL and my family went to Disney so many times on vacation. I used to work there and so did my husband, so we got to go for free all of the time, but since neither of us work there anymore, we don’t go (I love Disney, but tix are wayyy too expensive). My dad doesn’t understand what we could possibly do for fun anymore now that Disney’s out of the picture. He’s definitely in the camp of theme parks-only when it comes to central FL.
Tiffany @ Conor & Bella
[Reply]
I love this post! We lived in Orlando for a year and loved getting around to the non-themed venues.
We miss it a lot, but we do say that one good thing about living in DC is that the tourist attractions are free and when we lived in Orlando everyone wanted to go to the parks when they visited. It just got way too expensive. I loved downtown Orlando. We had a friend who lived right by Lake Eola, sooo pretty! With that said, we are from another tourist hot spot, Lake Placid, NY. For anyone traveling up there, I recommend visiting the Olympic Arena and seeing where the Miracle on Ice actually happened. And to just keep looking around and realizing that Lake Placid, NY is not home to a ridiculously huge alligator. 
Amanda
[Reply]
I loved the area I went to lunch with you in Orlando. So quaint and beautiful! Can’t wait to do it again. I wished we could have had more time (and less rain) to have walked around and see it more.
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun
[Reply]
I really love this post! I am a huge fan of Disney World and I have been there and Universal Studios several times. I have always wanted to explore more of Orlando. Thank you for posting these great places! I definitely need to check them out the next time I visit.
One of my reccomendations if anyone wants to visit Philly is in the winter time definitely go ice skating at Penns Landing! It is so romantic plus you get an incredible view of the skyline of the city! I am hoping to do that this year!
Hope
[Reply]
Good review – except you missed East Orlando (maybe on purpose – hee) — Waterford Lakes/Avalon Park. Lots of stuff to do out here too, including monthly festivals/celebrations! I guess you skipped the Mall of Millenia and Sandlake area as well so I don’t feel so bad
Of course, most people I know who visit Orlando DO visit the theme parks, I usually recommend that they also check out the nearby beaches (especially New Smyrna).
Michelle
[Reply]
My town is the home of the world’s biggest granite quarries, but they’re kinda boring. I would take people to the Ben & Jerry’s factory, which is about 20 minutes away!
Lauren
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
count me IN for the ben & jerry’s factory tour!
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
If anyone visited Medford, NJ…
(SOUTH Jersey… don’t judge me, us southern jersey folk are much more laid back and friendly than those from the north/ on jersey shore)
…I’d say they HAVE to eat the corn on the cob and blueberries in season. You truly have never eaten either until you try them south jerz style!
the pine barrens are pretty gorgeous, too. jersey is so underrated.
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss
[Reply]
heather Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
no wayyy! north trumps all! all the good malls are north, GREASE TRUCKS, the city(no, the *real* one, lol)is only ten minutes away, and no camden up here…nah but really, jersey pride all around? springsteen is solidarity, friend! <3
heather
[Reply]
Julie- random question: Where do you get all of your cute workout shorts? Are they Nike Tempo shorts? Love ‘em!
-Alexa
Alexa
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
yep! nike tempos! usually from sports authority (on sale!) or the nike outlet in orlando.
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
Ahhh that lake is freaking gorgeous!
UHM
I would say that they have to go wine tasting if they come to my town! Seriously, it’s like the main attraction…or drive to the beach, that is good too! Or go see Hearst Castle! SO much to do!
Anna
[Reply]
Well Wilkes-Barre is my current city, and there’s nothing really noteworthy here, other than the Stegmaier Brewery (Lion’s Head beer).
My hometown is York, PA and if you are ever there you need to visit the Shoe House. It is literally a regular sized house in the shape of a shoe.
Alexis
[Reply]
I’m from St. Louis–everyone has to go to Ted Drewes! In Chicago, I say everyone needs to go on Lake Shore Dr.
Amanda (Eating Up)
[Reply]
Kathy Reply:
January 13th, 2011 at 10:33 am
I spent my college years in St. Louis and loved the town AND Ted Drewes! It has the best frozen custard anywhere! I remember huddling with friends as we even ate it during winter. I think Forest Park is also a great place, especially with the zoo, planetarium and museums.
http://www.slfp.com/SLFP-FPFEmap.htm
There’s also The Loop which is nice for some cool dining.
http://visittheloop.com/
Kathy
[Reply]
Great post! Wish I’d read this before I visited Orlando! To be fair though, I was 8 years old, and much more interested in Mickey Mouse than in beautiful parks!
I recommend if people come to London that they go on the London Eye. There are great views of the city from there!
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner)
[Reply]
Orlando sounds and looks (great pictures!) lovely! Adding Weikwa Springs to my list of to do’s when we visit next spring!
If you ever come to my town, Tucson AZ, stay at Ventana Canyon (my fave of our fabulous resorts) and hike the the spectacular Santa Catalina mountains.. there are tons of trails, canyons, waterfalls, and pools to explore. I’ve lived here and hiked those mountains most of my 25 years and still find new favorite spots! They are amazing!
Love your blog!
Becca
[Reply]
My home town actually created it’s own type of cashew chicken. It’s all I’ve ever known, but I guess outside of here it’s called “Ozarks Cashew Chicken.” Gotta try it at least once if you’re in Springfield, MO.
Thanks for the post on Orlando!
Katrina
[Reply]
Katrina Reply:
January 8th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Eat at Frenchy’s!
Katrina
[Reply]
I LOVE THIS POST! I will have to come to Orlando again soon and discover more than just Disney World
I know its not too close to you but I’m actually going to Clearwater this spring… any recommendations there?
As a big baseball fan, my favorite place in Philly is Citizens Bank Park (its a gorgeous ballpark to see too!) Other places in the area I love are Penn’s Landing, Longwood Gardens, Reading Terminal Market, 30th Street Station, and all the restaurants downtown !
steph
[Reply]
Katrina Reply:
January 8th, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Whoops – insert Frenchy’s reply here instead of the post above…
Katrina
[Reply]
steph Reply:
January 8th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
thanks i will check it out !!
steph
[Reply]
Great post about Orlando! I was born and raised in San Francisco, and I recently moved back after spending four years in Connecticut. Folks often think of cable car rides and the Golden Gate Bridge when they visit San Francisco, but I highly recommend Golden Gate Park. It’s incredibly beautiful and peaceful, and there are many fun things to do. The Japanese tea garden is one of my favorite spots, and it’s right next door to the De Young Museum, the Academy of Sciences, and the Botanical Gardens. If you’re ever in San Francisco, check out these beautiful gems!
Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing!
[Reply]
Great post! I’d love to visit Orlando someday soon!
Kacy
[Reply]
I am originally from Mount Horeb, Wi (now I live in Madison) but in good ol’ Mount Horeb, we are known for our large wooden troll sculptures. We have them scattered all around the town! We also used to have a mustard museum but it moved into Middleton, a town basically connected to Madison. Next to Mt. Horeb is Little Norway, Cave of the Mounds and we have SO many hiking areas and lakes!
Also, you should go to a Badger game at Camp Randel Stadium (even though they lost the Rose Bowl BOO!) they still had a great season! Also a wonderful steak restaurant in Madison is Smokys Club, they literally melt in your mouth. I’ve never had a better steak and they must have over 200 different martinis too!
Wisconsin is fun, I promise!
Molly
[Reply]
Wow! Lots of great info, thanks! I have only been to Orlando for Disney and Seaworld, but wish I would have had the opportunity to experience some of what you mention here. I will definitely keep your advice in mind for future trips that way
Meagan
[Reply]
Pittsburghers will tell you that you have to get a primantis sandwich (choice of meat coleslaw and fries all smashed together) since it’s a pittsburgh creation….
However I would have to say that you have to ride one of our Inclines so that you can truly see the beauty of our city… and if you have some extra time go down to the strip district where they have the Pittsburgh public market…
Or you could just come on a football sunday and enjoy the insanity that is a drinking town with a football problem
Natalie
[Reply]
Hi Julie! I live in DC now, but my hometown is Houston! A lot of people don’t realize that Houston is the 4th largest city in the U.S. We have some great museums (MFAH, Museum of Natural Science), a fun zoo and the Beer Can House is a must-see for obvious reasons.
This is such a perfectly timed post — I’m going down to Orlando for work next week. Just wondering if you know if it’s safe to run around/near the convention center? Or if there’s any good places to run within walking distance of that area?
Tamsin
[Reply]
Julie, I have a random question for you – what do you do with all of the photos you take? Do you store them all on your computer? Print a lot of them? I take pictures a lot but can’t always figure out what to do with them, other than save them to my computer & print an occassional few…..
Ashlee
[Reply]
This is very timely, I have to go judge a meet in Clermont in late March. I think I have a free afternoon and might have to check some of this out.
For folks who come to DC, I would say you *must* go to Biagio Fine Chocolates because…well…right. But I would say that normal people should instead bum around Eastern Market on a weekend morning.
Victoria (District Chocoholic)
[Reply]
Anyone coming to visit Central PA/Harrisburg should definitely take a drive through downtown Hershey and smell the sweet scent of chocolate in the air!!!
Karen
[Reply]
Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is a favorite winter must-see. One Saturday in early December there is ‘caroling to the animals’ at the zoo. Everyone shows their Christmas spirit and sings carols to the different animals.
A hot dog is another must in Chi (dragged through the garden).
Claire
[Reply]
I love Winter Park and insist on going every time i visit my Mom in Port Orange!
Shanna
[Reply]
hmmm…if they’re in the denver area i’d definitely say make the drive out to the mountains or spend some time walking around cherry creek and shopping. or come to boulder! it’s all good around here
Heather (Heather’s Dish)
[Reply]
I loved moving home after college and rediscovering St. Louis! There are so many cute coffee shops and amazing ethnic restaurants on South Grand. Forest Park is bigger than Central Park and has a FREE zoo, museums, boat house, and outdoor theatre!
Then there is the Anhueser Busch brewery tour, the city gardens, the Magic House, CARDINALS GAMES!! It may be a “midwest town” but there is so much to offer.
SOMEONE COME VISIT ME!
Clare @ Fitting It All In
[Reply]
I’m loving this post. What a way to put down everything Orlando has to offer. People automatically associate it with theme parks, but there really is so much more. Winter Park is my favorite. I will be posting about my recent trip to Orlando including a trip to 310 Park South which I saw you had a post for. I love that place!
Chicago Cuisine Critique
[Reply]
Eat at Portillo’s!
kyla
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
AMEN! I LOVE Portillo’s! Are you from chicago?
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
I lived in Orlando for six months and while I didn’t like the city itself, I was a big fan of Winter Park. It’s so quaint and beautiful.
I live in Baltimore now and tell people to avoid the Inner Harbor! Check out upscale Harbor East and walk over to Thames St. in Fells Point. Do some shopping in Federal Hill, shoot up to the Maryland Zoo by Druid Park Lake, then grab something to eat at any of the amazing crab houses.
Renee
[Reply]
Oh I wish you had posted this last week!! I was in Orlando for a few days (over NYE), and we virtually didn’t know where else to go other than the parks. I’ll probably be back in June though, so I’ll definitely have to hit up some of those spots then!
Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat
[Reply]
Soooo I’m coming to Orlando in about 5 mins, just booked a flight! Haha, if only! I absolutely LOVE this and will be bookmarking it for friends/fam/myself if anyone ever discusses a vacation or trip to the area!
Thank you, Julie!
Meg
[Reply]
This is such a great post! I have family in Orlando that I hope to visit sometime. At least I know that there is lots to do there when I visit!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes
[Reply]
Winter Park is one of my favorite areas in the Orlando area! Sometime you and Ryan should check out Mt. Dora sometime for a smaller, cutsier small town area to explore.
For someone coming to Seattle, I always take them to the Fremont area first… it’s filled with unique and eclectic shops, statues, and just bizarre things all around such as the Troll Under the Bridge and the Center of the Universe. You won’t find anything like Fremont anywhere else in the world!
Bethany @ More Fruit Please
[Reply]
Allison @ Happy Tales Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Aw, I’ve always wanted to visit Seattle! It seems very charming
Allison @ Happy Tales
[Reply]
Where I live is the biggest mall in Canada (used to be the biggest in the world!) so that’s the main attraction. Edmonton also has many cool festivals that come throughout the year!
Leanne (For Health’s Sake)
[Reply]
This is an awesome post Julie
I LOVE 310- it’s one of my favorite restaurants here in Orlando. I also love Shari sushi- have you ever been there? That place is AWESOME!!
Holly
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
shari is delicious! we love that place for date nights.
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
I love Orlando. Seriously love it. I really wanted to move there when I was growing up. Didn’t happen…. yet anyway. It is still on my list though
My husband has never been there so I can’t wait to take him and show him everything – plus I can’t wait to go back as an adult and do all of the things that my parents never wanted to do – like pretty much everything on your list
Kayla
[Reply]
Great post! I love hearing about Orlando!
The three of you kind of remind me of the characters in “Marley & Me” during their Florida years – adorable newlyweds and an adorable pup!
Definitely a book to read it it’s one you haven’t yet, by the way. A must read for all animal lovers!
Sarah Elizabeth
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 5:14 pm
that book made me cry like a baby!
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
What a fantastic post! I wish I was going to Orlando soon!
For the Seattle suberbs I would say that you really should embrace it in the summer. Go to the Seattle waterfront and watch the ferries go by, learn the history of Seattle with the underground tour and pike place market (and stop at the first starbucks, if you’re a foodie, take a tour at Theo Chocolates then travel east back into the mountains. Go for a hike up Little Si or Pupu point. At the top, the valley lays beneath you.
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter
[Reply]
What a great post! I go to UCF and don’t live the typical college lifestyle so I done some of the things on your list, I love Park Avenue and the Farmers Market at Lake Eola, but I could always use more suggestions! I do love the theme parks though, especially Disney. They have lots of running events and other off the beaten path activities that most tourists don’t do when they visit. Another cool thing I’ve done since I’ve been in Orlando is a zip lining course at the Sanford Zoo. I noticed someone else also mentioned Mount Dora and if you liked having tea at the Ritz the Garden Gate tea room is fabulous for a girls day!
Grace @ Your Daily Grace
[Reply]
peanutbutterfingers Reply:
January 7th, 2011 at 5:15 pm
mount dora & the zip lining are on our to-do list!
peanutbutterfingers
[Reply]
I enjoyed your tour of Orlando! You’re right, all I think about it theme parks. But I guess I live in Idaho and all everyone thinks about it is potatoes. Historically, the Oregon Trail goes right through Boise. Idaho is definitely a state for the outdoorsy. There are lots of great mountains and skiing here, lots of places to hike and camp and dirt bike. In the summer there is a farmer’s market downtown and lots of boating on the lake and floating the river.
Meg
[Reply]
Thanks for all the great info! We are going to Orlando in June for a family vacation, and now we’ll have other stuf to do besides Disney! Thanks!
Heather H.
[Reply]
In Queens there is a nieghborhood called Forest Hills which I absolutly love love! There is a huge park, gorgeous golf course, countless resturants, and attractions. I am also a big fan of Bayside in Queens. Bell Blvd features some of the best resturants in the city!
Dani
[Reply]
I live in Maryland so the one thing visitors HAVE to do is eat a MARYLAND blue crab! No other crabs are like it and you want to avoid eating the females. To do it right though, you have to order them steamed with Old Bay and you have to pick the meat out of them yourself. It’s quite an experience.
Lindsey
[Reply]
who makes your running shorts? you always look so adorable in workout gear. i can’t seem to find fitness wear that is comfortable and looks decent. i know this may sound silly, but if i dress cute for a run or to the gym, it seems to inspire me more than a super baggy t-shirt because the t-shirt “hides” me.
ct
[Reply]
Wow, I never knew there were so many neat things in Orlando… and Lake Eola looks absolutely beautiful. It looks really big, too! How long does it take to walk around (can you even do that?!) Also, a place to make your own chocolate?!!? Talk about heaven!
All of the things you listed makes me want to take a trip to central FL! Maybe I’ll do the marathon next year and hang out for the weekend… do you find it gets crazy packed with tourists around all the race times? If so, goodluck with that this weekend!
Allison @ Happy Tales
[Reply]
Being from Tucson, Arizona, a must is a visit to Sabino Canyon! Beautiful, beautiful place where you are just immersed in nature. Last time I visited we took my little sisters and walked the trail to some little rivers they had there so we could swim. Too fun! Sometimes, you may even spot mountain lions, rattle snakes, road runners and any other desert animal. It’s just beautiful and fun!
For a night out, Congress is a must on Thursday nights and Monday nights for 80′s night! Soooo fun and $1 wells drinks! Can’t beat that.
Alexandrina @ The Cardio Queen
[Reply]
For someone visiting Seattle, I would start the day at Beth’s Cafe in Greenlake, followed by a 2.8 mile walk around the lake. Then we could visit Phinney Ridge and stop by the Woodland Park Zoo. Then head over to Fremont for some shopping and lunch at Norm’s (pet friendly restaurant). Then head down to the Pike Place Market and the Waterfront downtown for shopping, people watching and a glass of wine. End the day with dinner and drinks in Post Alley.
I think I might plan that day for myself actually!
Heidi
[Reply]
Orlando Hot Air balloon rides was really fun! They’re down on I-drive I believe. They even give you breakfast and champaige afterwards.
OrlandoPaula @ Eat, Watch, Run
[Reply]
I live in Milwaukee, which is a ridiculously fun place to visit. For out-of-towners, I always recommend checking out The Safehouse, which is a spy-themed bar / restaurant. It’s decked out with secret passageways, spy memorabilia and you even need to know a password to get in! Fortunately for me, it’s right across the street from where I work, so I go there frequently.
Laura @ Backstage Pass
[Reply]
Looks like a fun place!
christina cadden
[Reply]
I’m from Edmonton, Alberta. I noticed that another Edmontonian already posted about our huge mall (West Edmonton Mall) that is a definite tourist attraction. And as already mentioned, we are kind of known as the festival city because of all the different festivals that happen throughout the year. My favourite festivals are the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, the Fringe Festival (it’s a 10 day festival of plays and street performers…so much fun), Heritage Days (so much yummy food from around the world) and the Free Will Shakespeare Festival (each year two different plays are performed in an outdoor ampitheatre in Hawrelak Park).
I would also recommend visiting Whyte Ave. It is a great area with a ton of awesome stores (many are independent retailers rather than major corporations), restaurants and bars. It is also the area where the Fringe Festival takes place. We also have a newly renovated museum that is beautiful and in the heart of our downtown area.
Other recommendations for things to do in Edmonton include taking in a local roller derby game. I play for one of three leagues that exist here and it is seriously the most fun sport ever. Or check out someone great local music at the Starlite Room/Brixx Bar & Grill (downtown) or The Pawn Shop on Whyte Ave.
And the mountains are only a few hours away.
Michelle
[Reply]
Wow, there sure is a lot to do there!! That’s one busy busy town.
I guess if someone was visiting here, I’d tell them to go see all the rockets. We have the Nasa Space and Rocket Center here which is kind of cool. Other than that, there’s eating and 4 malls. lol OH but we do have a really nice park downtown!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss
[Reply]
I wishI had known about these place last year when we visited Orlando (to use our timeshare). We didn’t go to thar parks because they were WAY $$$$. We basically went to Downtown Disney, Cocoa Beach and shopped. I would’ve loved to visit Winter Park.
Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
[Reply]
Have you visited Orlando Watersports Complex? If you live in Orlando and have never wakeboarded, you must try it! Talk about a full body workout. I guarantee a good time.
Goose
[Reply]
I live right on Lake Michigan, so I would tell them that they have to spend some time in the state park — soaking up the sun, hiking the wooden-plank trails, and walking out to the beautiful red lighthouse. The water may not be the warmest, but it definitely is beautiful!
Anna @ ciaotochow
[Reply]
I live in Utah and so I would recommend comming in winter and going Skiing! So fun! Also, Park City is a great little town for shopping, restaurants, etc. And in the summer the hiking is awesome and a bunch of lakes around the state for water skiing, camping etc.
For my honeymoon we went to Orlando and didn’t see any of the things you mentioned, I think I need to go back.
Rachelle
[Reply]
THey would have to go to Camden Markets, The London Eye, Oxford Street, Soho, ooh Kensington… East London… there is SO MUCH to see over here!- every little bit of London is so different from the other!
Carrie
[Reply]
the problem with doing other stuff when we go to Orlando is that we’d have to rent a car and to me, it’s not a vacation if I have to drive
One time we did stay off site and did other stuff besides DW, but we were bored outta our minds and hungry. Coulda used this post then!
My hometown, there’s nothing. In NJ, there’s the statue of liberty, which yes, is in NJ, the shore of course, boardwalks, atlantic city. Paramus has lots of malls. But you’re better off going into NYC, which I do like once a year for someone’s birthday.
Lissy
[Reply]
Kind of off the subject but this post reminded me of an episode of “the office” where someone complains about phyllis’ perfume and she says in a huff “bob vance bought me this perfume in metropolitan orlando, it’s made from real pine!”
On subject in Austin you have to visit the capitol building, rudy’s bbq, Mt Bonnell, Mozarts, lady bird lake, the wildflower center (in the spring), the original flagship whole foods for the “whole foods” experience as I call it, any of the So’s – SoCo or SoLa or SoMa, and take a duck tour.
vanessa
[Reply]
I LOVE this post! Orlando looks like such a wonderful place. I have only been to the typical theme park attractions, but I think that the next time I visit i’ll have to work in some of these ideas as well.
Kelly
[Reply]
I am heading to Orlando with my husband in a month from Tuesday and this post came at the perfect time. We are planning what we will do in the area and besides Universal, don’t plan on hitting up Disney. Your tips helped us out tremendously! We’ll definitely go to Winter Park and maybe walk around Lake Eola.
I am from Milwaukee and I would say visitors have to go to the Milwaukee Art Museum to walk around the interior, even if they don’t go to the museum.
Lisa @ Fit in the Midwest
[Reply]
I live in New Orleans. If you come here, you HAVE to come prepared to do some major eating! Seriously, it’s like being on a cruise (so I hear, I’ve never been on one), you can’t stuff yourself at any sitting because you have to be prepared to eat again in the next couple of hours.
Beignets, snoballs, spicy boiled seafood, fattening creamy seafood pasta dishes, gumbo, jambalaya, pralines, and KING CAKE! Those are all musts.
There is lots of history to see here. I highly recommend riding the streetcar through Uptown New Orleans (the quaint, ritzy area), and walking around downtown – seeing the regular sites – the St. Louis Cathedral, the French Quarter, etc. If you can come two weeks before Mardi Gras or at the beginning of Saints season, that’s the most fun because all of the locals are out and excited.
Becki
[Reply]
Really interesting blog post. Your post is very interesting. I enjoyed this blog post. This article is wonderful! I have to say that after continually reading terrible as in, same old material, little quality content, etc. article posts on other sites, it’s good to actually read something that has some thought put into it. It’s a pleasure to read well written blog posts, especially after continually seeing rehashed crap that writers and bloggers are throwing out nowadays. It’s always nice when I come across content that actually has value, I’ve been seeing a ton of subpar writing attempts recently. Anyhow, thanks again and I’ll check back often to see what else you have to offer. I’ll check back in the future to see what else you have up your sleeve. Keep up the good work! BTW, I like your site design, but your header image was only loading half way for me. P.S. Your header is messed up a bit in IE. The problem could be on my end but I thought you might want to look into that.
Tucson Rental Homes
[Reply]