I didn’t grow up in USA but I moved to Orlando for a job offer and quite frankly, hated living in Central Florida.
Artificial landscapes, endless traffic and bright, neon lights along the tourist corridors offered little incentives for locals to venture out.
Tired of living the life of a hermit, with a change of attitude I discovered I was wrong about Florida in many ways.
Here are some common misconceptions and what I discovered when actually trying to see a different side to Florida…
1. Orlando is More Than Just Theme Parks
Sure there are literally a dozen parks within a few short miles, but Central Florida has plenty of other activities to keep you occupied on the weekends.
You can surf, parachute and trampoline all indoors or venture outside on an airboat ride in search of wildlife.
Some of the best brand-name shops in the country are situated in the outlets and the quaint Mount Dora, 40 minutes out of Orlando, will offer more home made goods and antiques.
The Winter Park Farmer’s Market is a great place to find fresh ingredients for cooking (but tourism brings a healthy amount of restaurants for even the most discriminating palettes).
In nearby Tampa, the Lowry Park Zoo and Channelside Entertainment District are great day trips.
2. But the Theme Parks are Great
The Yuletide Season brings a flurry of lights, music and special entertainment in the parks to get even Mr. Scrooge in the spirit of the holidays. But all year round one-of-a-kind thrills, immersive lands and top-notch entertainment are great to celebrate a special occasion – or just yourself.
The Epcot Food & Wine Festival is a hit among locals and visitors alike and Universal’s Mardi Gras is a non-stop hustle to grab as many beads as you can and then celebrate with some fantastic musical acts.
And don’t miss legendary acts like Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group that call Orlando home.
3. You Don’t Have to Travel Far for a Great Getaway
Let’s face it, the whole world comes to Florida for vacation and the world they explore for a big expense is just beyond your backdoor for a fraction of the price!
Miami makes for a great weekend trip while St. Augustine is an easy day trip. Beaches on either coast offer a quick escape while the the Florida Keys are ideal for a week of fun in the sun.
You’re a stone’s throw away from multiple cruise terminals and the Space Coast offers prime launch viewing vistas (while supplies last)!
I’m often asked where do Floridians vacation? Florida of course!
4. Remember “Old Florida” Attractions
Long before the theme parks hung up their shingles and opened for business, Florida was a hub of tourism. While many attractions of yesterday have faded away, a few are still hanging in there and worth exploring.
Gatorland and Weeki Wachee Springs are Old Florida at it’s finest. A crisp dip in Wekiwa Springs is just what the doctor ordered on a hot summer day and further up the road, Rainbow Springs, can’t be beat for a 3-hour Inner Tube Trip down the river.
Weeki Wachee offers “old Florida” and the beauty of Florida’s outdoors in one.
5. Festivals Aplenty will Keep You Plenty Busy
Eating fresh strawberries, getting lost in a corn maze and stomping grapes are some of the seasonal festivals and events that make their way through town each year.
The cultural festivals are too numerous to count and film festivals are sprinkled throughout the year. And with a watchful eye, you just might have the chance to participate in Orlando’s Annual Pillow Fight Celebration!
There’s truly no reason to be stuck at home at night or the weekend. Check our my Florida travel guide to show that Orlando is a destination not just for the casual traveler but the permanent resident too. So let’s go out and have an adventure!
