Off-The-Beaten Path In And Around Central Florida
prepared by Orlando native, Sheryl Kurland
DeLeon Springs State Park and the on-site Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant. Park (DeLeon Springs) – Offers an Eco/History Boat Tour, swimming in the springs, hiking and birding. http://www.floridastateparks.org/deleonsprings/default.cfm
At the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant at the park, every table has its own pancake griddle and you cook your own with all different types of fresh add-ins! A ton of fun. http://www.planetdeland.com/sugarmill/sugarpage2.htm
Blue Springs State Park (Orange City) – Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge. The spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. Canoeing, kayaking, wildlife trails, fishing, boat tours. http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/Activities.cfm
Winter Park:
• Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
• Park Avenue Shopping & Eateries
• Morse Museum Of American Art
One-hour Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour travels through the beautiful lakes and canals of historic Winter Park. It’s the only way to see the true beauty of Winter Park which includes Rollins College, Kraft Azalea Gardens, Isle of Sicily, tropical birds, plants, flowers and magnificent mansions. www.scenicboattours.com Follow your excursion by strolling along Park Avenue in Winter Park, featuring upscale shopping and great restaurant choices. http://www.parkave-winterpark.com/ Another Winter Park must-see is the the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, featuring a collection of the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany as well as fine 19th and 20th century American decorative arts. www.morsemuseum.org
Kissimmee Air Boat Rides (Kissimmee) – Glide through the wetlands of Central Florida to get up close and personal with Florida’s wildlife in its natural environment. www.bcairboats.com, www.bigtohoairboatrides.com
Millenia Fine Art (Orlando) – Largest art gallery in the southeast U.S. with 30,000 square feet of exhibition space. Significant works by revered artists, sculptors and photographs of the last centruy are the cornerstone of the gallery’s collection. www.MilleniaFineArt.com; Contact: Josh Garrick, jjgarrick@aol.com, 407-304-8106.
Rivership Romance (Sanford) – Scenic river boat cruise down the St. John’s River. Indulge in total relaxation of a lunch or dinner cruise aboard the 98-foot triple-decked boat. Gourmet entrees are served in casual elegance while you soak up the splendid scenery in climate-controlled comfort at your reserved table or on the shaded outer decks. All meals are prepared fresh on board by award-winning chef. Combine it with Historic Downtown Sanford. http://www.rivershipromance.com/
Historic Downtown Sanford (Sanford) – The newly renovated Historic Downtown Sanford has much to offer the day tripper. Stroll the streets and shop the many upscale boutiques and antique stores. The spirit of Southern hospitality is experienced on every street corner. Beautiful city parks, hundreds of turn of the century homes, hundred year- old oaks. Spend an afternoon in this downtown setting with brick streets, restored buildings and sidewalk cafes. Combine it with the Rivership Romance. http://www.sanfordinfo.com/
Orlando Museum Of Art (Orlando) – http://www.omart.org/info/info.about.html
Mennello Museum Of American Art (Orlando) – www.mennellomuseum.org/
These two superb art museums are within walking distance of each other.
Bok Tower (Lake Wales) – Sites include Lush Olmsted gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., majesty and music of the Singing Tower with its 60-bell carillon, and splendor of Pinewood Estate. http://boksanctuary.org/index.html
Historic Mount Dora (Mount Dora) – Quaint town. Fun shopping. Terrific cafes. Train trolley around the city, dating back to Civil War times. http://www.whattodoinmtdora.com/shopping/
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards (Clermont) – Florida's largest premium winery, pioneer in the development of table and sparkling wines from hybrid grapes. Tour the winery, indulge at the extensive tasting room, buy at the gift shop. http://lakeridgewinery.com/
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp (Cassadega)- For a very unusual experience, this little city is populated by resident “mediums.” No appointment needed for readings. Just knock on a resident’s door! The Camp welcomes not only believers, but the curious and skeptical, as well. http://www.cassadaga.org/aboutus.html
RESTAURANTS
Bergamo’s Italian Restaurant (International Drive, in vicinity of attractions) – Fine dining, delicious food, fantastic entertainment. All servers are musically talented and have had classical voice training. They entertain/sing as they serve, with a pianist in the center of the restaurant. A total evening experience. www.bergamos.com
Antonio’s Restaurant (Maitland) – Sandwiches and deli downstairs at Café D’Antonio with an Italian grocery store. Elegant dining upstairs with superb service at Antonio’s
La Fiamma. All delicious. www.antoniosonline.com
The Ravenous Pig (Winter Park) – Modeled after tradition of the Gastropubs of London. Offer fine micro-brewed beers drawn from custom-designed tap as well as an extensive wine list and full bar. Extensive menu, ranging from pub fare to raw bar offerings to creative salads, house-made pastas, the freshest in seafood and bistro classics such as steak frites. www.theravenouspig.com
Nonna's Wine Bar & Café (College Park) - Authentic Italian restaurant, formerly an old house. Offers homemade dishes, thin crust pizzas, delectable appetizers, large wine variety. Dining philosophy: To make the guest’s dining experience less expensive than it would cost to go to the local grocery store and buy the ingredients to make the meal yourself. http://www.parklifestyles.com/company.php?id=1&item=74
Lavender & Lace Tea Room (Lake Alfred) – Lovely restaurant for ladies (and men, too) to dine together for lunch. Fresh, homemade gourmet-type food. A true tea-room experience with fine china displays and classic décor in each dining room. Amazing home-made desserts. Complemented by a unique gift shop. About 30 minutes from the attractions area; off exit #48 on I-4. www.lavenderandlacetearoom.com
Christini’s Restaurant (in vicinity of attractions) – Another excellent Italian restaurant. Upscale atmosphere. www.christinis.com
Linda’s La Cantina Steakhouse (Orlando) – A landmark restaurant since 1947. www.lindaslacantina.com
DelFrisco’s Prime Steak & Lobster (Orlando) – Five-star restaurant serving USDA prime corn-fed beef, mouthwatering rib eyes, tender sirloins, Governor's Filet, fresh seafood, shrimp, crab cakes, fried oysters (to die for)and featuring Australian cold-water lobster tails as well as sinfully delicious desserts. Cozy atmosphere, dressy casual attire, superb service. Newly remodeled. http://delfriscosorlando.com/index.html
Logan’s Bistro (Orlando) – Excellent neighborhood-type bistro. Couldn’t locate a web site. For more information, call 407-898-5688.
Julie’s Waterfront (Orlando) - Lakefront restaurant. Very rustic, very casual. Good variety of delicious food – especially the sweet potato fries! Sit outside on the wood patio and enjoy the waterfront view and cool breeze. http://www.julieswaterfront.net/