What are you favorite spots to go in Orlando, FL? Apart from Disney, what would you consider as a must see?
I would want to find out where you got that fruity pebble covered donut you're holding, and what they are injecting it with.
Also I seen commercials that one of the parks had Hogwarts castle.
@DonLonG I got it at a festival in Miami! We have a latin festival called "Calle Ocho Carnaval" every year that brings artists from all over the world to come perform at different platforms around the street that closes for a day. We close the main avenue for about 2 miles and you have food stands at every turn with yummy food! Latin music all over and people walking/dancing and enjoying the festivities. The donut had dulce de leche (caramel) inside of it! We have a few donut shops that have amazing donuts!
@SouthFlorida4U Why did you have to tell me that? I was trying to knock out my bucket list, not add more things to it.
@SouthFlorida4U there’s Universal Citywalk, downtown Orlando, Historic Downtown Mount Dora has cute shops and restaurants and is a nice place to walk around.
@DonLonG Hahaha! You do have to come visit to Miami! Plus the beaches are wonderful! The cuisine is great since most of it is Latin from different countries which have their own flavors and plates. Very yummy!
Kennedy Space Center, Winter Park, Lake Mary. Have you ever used Google? https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g34515-Activities-Orlando_Florida.html
@UKGuy She's from the area, I'm sure she knows all the tourist traps that trip advisor might have. No matter what city you are in, locals always want to find something special, unique, not crowded and commercialized. Some hole in the wall hidden gem off the beaten path that is hard to find on a google search.
Her question serves multiple purposes. It gets more activity to this slow forum on a lazy Sunday, she might learn about some new place to visit from a local, it's a good conversation starter with either a local or a traveler to the area, it gets more attention to her profile, and her pictures make me jealous that mines are sub-par and now I want to get some professional ones taken.
👀👀👀 donuts
@DonLonG you are one smart man! It does multiple purposes, keeps me from being moved to a sub category and I do want to find something that's a gem! It's always the same things with Trip Advisor and I'm looking for something small and unique. I live in Miami but I'm coming to visit Orlando every 6-8 weeks from here on out. So I wanted to see other places that aren't on the list but are local to Orlando and just as amazing as the big stuff advertised.
Miami has some great hidden gems that only locals would probably know about and they are just as beautiful as the advertised stuff. Like the donuts! We have 2 tiny local places that are just donuts and when they sell out, they close the business and no more until the next day. Fresh and limited. So worth it!
@DonLonG and THANK YOU for you compliments on my pictures! The donut one was through my iPhone and the rest were professional by a friend that loves to take pictures of me when we go out and about Miami to events. She gets to practice her photography (she's pretty new) and I get to have nice pictures. Most of the pictures never get posted but I have hundreds of amazing ones!
Btw your pictures are one of the best ones I've seen on this site! Also your profile is beyond amazing! You can tell that you are a person that is dedicated to do things all the way. Probably one that exceeds in most things he puts his mind to! I love that! Growth in a person is such a beautiful quality!
@SouthFlorida4U - Google doesn't just find the TripAdvisor site! I just gave a link to that as an example. I'm sure Google can find any 'hidden gem' that anyone knows about. You might have to scroll beyond the first page of results. Try typing in HIDDEN GEMS IN ORLANDO like I just did. This is just one site of many: http://wnctravels.com/orlando/secret-spots-and-hidden-gems-of-orlando-fl/
The one thing you can see that is gratifying in Orlando is Orlando in the rear view mirror. I once lived in Florida and have traveled to the state for several years on business and Orlando is one of my least favorite places in the state. Many locals call it Borelando. Part of the reason is the artifice of the city. All the perceived must-sees are constructs from large entertainment companies that the city government panders to. It is also a city of mega churches. In short, it is Las Vegas without the sin, energy and personality.
@FunCartel you’re not entirely wrong. While there are fun things to do in Orlando, I love getting out of it. I was in South Florida last weekend and wouldn’t mind living there. I didn’t realize how “meh” Orlando was until I got out of it. I’m a big Disney and theme park fan, but that’s about it when it comes to this area.
@ILikeWarmHugs I would much rather be in South Florida or the Gulf Coast.
@FunCartel yes!!! I love the Gulf Coast. Clearwater Beach is one of my favorite.
Ditto on Clearwater. Confectioners sugar sand—-so soft.
Leu Gardens in Orlando is nice. I thought about going there! Sometimes they have movie nights there and you can have picnics.
I have only visited but I enjoy running and walking and found some great routes. I also love trees and living in the Midwest it’s always nice to see trees, plants and flowers from other regions. Kids have grown up but will someday take my amazing grandkids to Disney. I find their perspective helpful in enjoying a theme park.
@UKGuy I loved the list that you provided! I'm going to look at least into 2 of those locations! I plan to keep going every few months so I wanted to try something every time I go visit.
@FunCartel You are a hoot! Buahahahaha! I'll be visiting a few times a year so I wanted to try something different than the Disney stuff. It gets boring after a while! I don't think I've ever been to Clearwater, I'll have to check it out. Thank you!
@ILikeWarmHugs I think its a nice place, I'll go check it out!
@trackcoachred The only time you'll see me running is for an emergency!
If you’re from S. FL you’re good to go on beaches - I recommend Winter Park and Mt. Dora (lakes, canals, shops, cafes, parks, brick streets, 19th/early 20th C. homes) - Winter Park is more upscale, Mt. Dora more quaint.
If you’re going all the way over to Clearwater, though, Anna Maria Island is definitely worth a look. And if you’re going there, drive down it and Longboat key to St Armand Circle . . . a little like a round Las Olas! On the way there from Orlando may as well swing by Mazzaro’s (off 275 on 22nd North in St Pete) Italian market - fabulous place the size of a grocery store but with a deli, gelateria, espresso bar, bakery, coffee roastery, a separate wine room . . .
@ThomSSI YES to Mt. Dora and Winter Park!
@SouthFlorida4U At my age every run is a potential emergency! 😀. I have always run and continue to do so even though every year is a little slower. Lol
@trackcoachred 😂😂😂😂
@trackcoachred Buahahahaha!!!
@ThomSSI Thank you for that info! I'm keeping notes! Thanks again!