I won’t deny that Magic Kingdom is truly magical and that super hero and Harry Potter fans alike can embrace their fandom at Universal’s Island of Adventure. But theme parks are only the beginning of what 'The City Beautiful' has to offer. Here is a list of fun and unique things to do in Orlando:
1. Local Farmers Markets
One of my favorite things to do in my hometown is visit Downtown Orlando’s Farmers Market at Lake Eola on Sundays. With locally grown produce, art and small businesses it’s a great way to really experience the community. Aside from all the vendors lucky enough to have a space in the market, local talents hang around and perform for donations. The Orlando area is home to seven different markets each hosted in their own unique neighborhood, each worth visiting.
2. Arts, Culture, History
These things flow rich through Orlando. From the Orlando Museum of Art to the Museum of Military History there is something to be enjoyed by everyone within Orlando's museums. One of my favorites is The Orlando Science Center. OSC makes science interesting and fun with four floors of interactive science exhibits plus the chance to participate in SkyWatch at the Crosby Observatory between the months of June and August.
3. The Milk District
This eclectic and quickly growing neighborhood named for its location surrounding T.G. Lee Milk national headquarters contains nightlife, restaurants, boutiques and more. The Milk District has been around since the '50s, carrying on long-established businesses and welcoming new ones. One of the newest additions to the area is Market on South, a plant-based restaurant and shared market. Arguably the most popular feature of this location is Tasty Tuesdays, where local food trucks come out and the neighborhood comes together. If you like a vintage, eclectic feel then the Milk District is worth your while.
4. Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens
This beautiful semi-tropical and tropical botanical garden is home to a mix of plants. The nearly 50 acre piece of land is known for its unique and extensive collection. If you’re interested in historical locations, Harry P. Leu Gardens, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places, should be something you check out. Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane, were known travelers, bringing back plants to add to their garden from each trip. Now you can tour the gardens and Leu House Museum, viewing the beauty and history they left for Orlando. Be sure to check their website for classes or events like Date Night Movie screenings in the garden.
5. Coffee Shops
Everyone and anyone who drinks coffee has been to a Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts in their life. Why not try something new? Austin’s Coffee offers micro-roasted coffee and open mic nights. Downtown Credo, a nonprofit coffee shop, lets customers pay by donation. Lineage Coffee Shop offers a house-bottled cold-brew coffee that you can buy in a six-pack to take home and enjoy. Smart Coffee HD sells coffee from global fair trade cooperatives and stays open until the last guest leaves. Not only does Orlando have various coffee shops with differing atmospheres, we are also in the process of opening a cat café!
6. Darn Good Beer
Orlando Brewing Company brews organic hand crafted beer that is available in over 500 Florida locations. Following The German Purity Law, Orlando Brewing Company brews their beers with only water, hops, yeast and malted barley. They offer free brewery tours Monday-Saturday at 6 P.M. at a first come first serve basis. Don’t pass up an opportunity to drink some local organic brews while enjoying events like live music or trivia night.
P.S. Orlando has multiple restaurants that make the most of the annoyance that is that train rattling by their building every so often … train shots! Whenever the train storms past, restaurant’s like PR’s Taco Palace, Hamburger Mary’s and The Hammered Lamb offer free or discounted shots.
