Orlando and Central Florida

Orlando, for most people conjures up the image of theme parks, mainly Walt Disney World, but it has a lot more to offer than that. In fact, Disney is technically not in Orlando but rather nearby Lake Buena Vista. Downtown Orlando is a growing area centered around Orange Avenue that is packed with bars, clubs and restaurants, as well as theaters and concert venues. A few blocks away is Lake Eola Park, a picturesque park situated around a swan-filled lake. The area also offers excellent golfing, gardens, parks and museums.

Orlando is one of the biggest tourist destinations because of the nearby theme parks and resorts. Close to International Drive is Universal Orlando Resort, which includes two theme parks, three hotels and a large shopping district. SeaWorld Orlando is a marine theme park featuring Kraken, the biggest rollercoaster in the Orlando area, as well as Believe, the Shamu adventure.

The Spanish-style, 500-acre, lakefront JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is located approximately two miles east of SeaWorld® Adventure Park and 10 miles from Orlando International Airport. This location is also two miles from Wet 'n' Wild and Discovery Cove, seven miles from Universal Orlando®, 10 miles north of Walt Disney World® Resort, 50 miles from the Kennedy Space Center, 65 miles from Daytona Beach, and 75 miles from Busch Gardens. Hotel amenities include the signature Spanish fountain, 24,000-square-foot Lazy River and outdoor heated pool (with caves and waterfalls), poolside dining, lighted tennis courts, and access to the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Spa. For dining and refreshments, the hotel houses Primo by Melissa Kelly (award-winning Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere), Citron (American Brasserie), Lobby Lounge, Quench Bar & Grill, and Starbucks. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service, a variety of children's activities and amenities, babysitting, a concierge, self-parking (15 overnight; 12 day only), valet parking (20 overnight; 17 day only), and 24-hour front desk service.All rooms feature high-speed wireless Internet access, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, bathrobes, marble bathrooms, bathroom phones, separate showers and tubs, safes, work desks, minibars, complimentary coffee, free weekday newspapers, and climate control.Complimentary scheduled transportation is provided to Wet 'n' Wild, Universal Orlando®, SeaWorld®, and Discovery Cove. Please contact the front office for reservations and transfer times.

20 miles south of Orlando, Walt Disney World covers 43 square miles, and includes four separate theme parks—the original Magic Kingdom; Epcot; Disney's Hollywood Studios; and Disney's Animal Kingdom. There are also water parks, hotels, campgrounds, lots of restaurants, fireworks and fun! Walt Disney World is a children's paradise, and your little ones are sure to cherish their time here for the rest of their lives! Park Hopper discounts are available along with multi-day tickets, and you can check the website for ticket options and booking.

The original Walt Disney World park, the Magic Kingdom creates a fantasy world for kids of all ages. The park contains seven different themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Mickey's Toontown Fair. Each land displays the special Disney magic, and around the whole park are rides, games, characters, shows, and shopping. At the center of the park lies Cinderella's Castle which towers over the park at 189 feet. The original design for the park was based on California's Disneyland, however it is larger and newer than the original. opens everyday at 9a.

Pebbles is one of Orlando's favorite American-food restaurants. Patrons are dressed in attire ranging from casual to dressy, as they relax in a soothing atmosphere with lots of plants, earth tones and soft lighting. An eclectic menu features such options as Mussels Chardonnay, Pork Porterhouse, Sautéed Shrimp and Polenta and Lobster Penne Pasta, served with artichoke hearts. Polish off your meal with a Kahlua-doused Chocolate Bread Pudding. The restaurant also features a full bar.

With Spaceship Earth, or what looks to be a giant golf ball, as its icon, Epcot has been a Walt Disney World favorite since it opened in 1982. Epcot celebrates technology and the future through two parts: Future World and World Showcase. Future World explores technology while World Showcase has pavilions representing eleven countries from around the world. Epcot has rides but features shows and tours ranging from Honey I Shrunk the Audience to an environmental show The Circle of Life.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art has the most extensive collection of Charles Morse in an enormous 11,000 square feet of space. The brain behind it was Jeannette McKean, the granddaughter of Charles Hosmer Morse. The most important collection here is the Louis Comfort Tiffany which includes leaded glass windows to glass buttons, pottery, jewelery, enamels, mosaics, lamps, furniture and furnishings. Other collections include decorative art, paintings and graphic works. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art also shows films, holds concerts and sponsors the famous 'Christmas in the Park'. The museum shop sells books, glass works and interesting gift articles.

The History Center has three floors of permanent collection which includes everything to do with Orange County history. These are also lent to museums and other institutes for display purposes. The center library is a massive resource for research and has rare and out of print works, artifacts, and archives. The Center's educational programs include field trips, the library can be used to teach a history lesson, fun and educational parties, and camps. The center is rented out for occasions and has a shop for accessories, books, toys, fun items and kitsch at their store.

If you got it, the saying goes, flaunt it, and Florida's got 'gators. Take a trip to this 70-acre park and see thousands of alligators, and the kindred crocodile, up close. Visit breeding pens, nurseries and rearing ponds. Children love the site's mini water park, and the petting zoo boasts goats, lamb, and other barnyard animals. Make sure to trod the 2000-foot boardwalk winding its way through a cypress swamp. If you get hungry, grab a bite at the on-site Pearl's Smokehouse. The menu features Smoked Alligator Ribs and Deep-Fried Gator Nuggets.

The trendy decor with warm hues and shimmering lights adds to the unique dining experience at Hue. The menu features an innovative mix of American cuisine with higlights, such as Seared Tuna, Wood-grilled meats and fish dishes. The happy hour definitely brings a smile to every diner's face as the rates are highly discounted. Participate in the 'Disco brunch' that's held every third Sunday of the month, where you can groove to the music and have an enormous platter to dine on.

One of the first theme parks to open in Orlando, SeaWorld has been operating here for more than 30 years. The 200 acres of attractions and animal shows make this a perennial favorite with Florida visitors. Many new attractions and rides have been added to the original fun including a laser-fireworks-water extravaganza and high-tech thrill rides. The park also hosts a number of family-friendly events, including February's Bud & BBQ Fest. See website for latest info.

In tune with its name, Seasons 52 offers a seasonally changing menu with dishes prepared with utmost care and concern. All the ingredients used are fresh and devoid of fat; but that doesn't make them any less delicious. The main attraction is at the wine bar, where you are offered free tastings of 3 wines out of the elaborate collection of one hundred and forty. The gorgeous cuisine plus the sophisticated yet warm ambience ensure a memorable dining experience. For those in the mood for romance, patio seating, overlooking the Little Sand Lake, seals the deal!

At Blue Spring State Park, springs bubble up and feed into Central Florida's Withlacoochee River. Tubing's a particular lure at this park, so jump into a big rubber tube and float down the waterway. Fishing is also permitted here, and there are many trails for hiking. One of the main highlights here are the endangered manatees, lounging by the springs. Camping on any of 51 primitive sites is extra, so call for rates. Scuba and snorkeling equipment rentals and canoe rentals are also available. Opens everyday at 8a.

Texas de Brazil Churrascaria serves up delicacies, such as Angus Beef Steak, Brazilian Sausage, and Roasted Australian Cold Water Lobster Tail Served with Drawn Butter. The meat is cooked over an open flame, and the waiters carry the roasted items straight to your table on skewers, before carving out the slices. Generous portions and a skilled, efficient staff add to the appeal of this place.