Fun stuff to do in Orlando????

**KMonte85** · 03-11-2010 02:39 PM

So I'm going to a conference in Orlando next week and I've got the afternoons and evenings free for the most part...

Any Floridians (or just people familiar with the Orlando area) know some fun stuff to see or do in the Orlando area after 3pm or so on weeknights?

I'd prefer to stay away from the really touristy Disney/Epcot/Universal/SeaWorld stuff. I would much rather visit nature preserves, parks, beaches, landmarks, etc... that kind of stuff! I'll have a car to go wherever...

Any local treasures I should be sure to see before I fly back to the Arctic circle (aka Wisconsin lol)?

**Fish** · 03-11-2010 05:25 PM

Go to Winter Park! Park Avenue has nice upscale shopping, a beautiful grassy park, great restaurants (try 310 Park South), and some neat wine bars. The Wine Room is my favorite- google it to get an idea of why it is unique.

New Smyrna Beach is my favorite beach. It is northeast of Orlando, about 45 mins away. There are some awesome restaurants there (The Garlic, Riverview, Norwood's, Spanish River Grill) and of course beach bars (Tony & Joe's is the BEST- they usually have a band playing). Cute boutique shops down Flagler Ave. The sunset is always pretty (of course the sun is to the west-behind you- but the eastern sky has the prettiest colors).

I grew up in Sanford, which is about 20 mins north of Orlando. Lake Monroe has a pretty harbor and is a nice place to watch people, boats, and birds (and alligators). They recently added a walkway on the shore with huge swings. We used to take a picnic or get a bucket of chicken and eat by the lake.

If shopping is your thing, Orlando has a huge selection. There are 2 HUGE outlet malls (touristy but you can find great deals). The Mall at Millenia is our upscale mall (think Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales)- fun to go to just for people/celebrity watching.

Hope that helps a little. Have fun!

**KMonte85** · 03-12-2010 06:34 AM

THANKS FISH!

I'm definitely going to check out New Smyrna Beach - sounds lovely! And my hotel is just a hop away from one of those outlet malls in Orlando so I might have to hit up that too!

I'm just not into the Disney/Epcot/theme park stuff, which I know is why most people go to Orlando, but I wanted to see what else would be out there! Thanks again!

**pretzel** · 03-12-2010 06:42 AM

My brother lives in Orlando and alot of his wife's relatives live in the Sanford area. I've been to New Smyna beach, it's good. Don't go to Daytona, especially now since it's kiddie's week (aka spring break).

It's been a while but I remember Church Street Station was alot of fun.

**pretzel** · 03-12-2010 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by KMonte85

THANKS FISH!

I'm definitely going to check out New Smyrna Beach - sounds lovely! And my hotel is just a hop away from one of those outlet malls in Orlando so I might have to hit up that too!

I'm just not into the Disney/Epcot/theme park stuff, which I know is why most people go to Orlando, but I wanted to see what else would be out there! Thanks again!

Universal Studio's wasn't bad. It's so big and is split up into something like 3 sections. The one with Margaritaville was fun.

**KMonte85** · 03-12-2010 07:01 AM

Originally Posted by pretzel

Universal Studio's wasn't bad. It's so big and is split up into something like 3 sections. The one with Margaritaville was fun.

Someone else has told me the same thing about Universal... that its not just a bunch of tots standing in line waiting to go on rides. I may try that park..

I thought about going to Gatorland too - kind of a corny place, but if I can sit on an alligator and get my picture taken, why not! lol

**pretzel** · 03-12-2010 07:06 AM

I don't remember being too impressed with Gatorland. I always loved Sea World. I know it's a bit touristy but there's a calm about it, at least for me anyway.

Cape Canaveral isn't that far away either.

**Fish** · 03-12-2010 08:11 AM

Oh yes, and the Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are beautiful, bring a camera!

I went to Gatorland when I was small, and have a picture holding an alligator. Tacky and rundown, yes, but a Florida legend.

Universal Studios City Walk is where Margaritaville is. There are other restaurants (Hard Rock), clubs, and a movie theatre there. You don't have to pay park admission because there aren't any rides in that part.

Downtown Orlando is fun too- Wall Street Plaza is my favorite but I don't know how exciting it would be during the week. There are like 5 bars/clubs that you pay one cover charge for (it was $5 the last time I went).

Have fun! I miss Orlando.

**kygirl** · 03-12-2010 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by KMonte85

I thought about going to Gatorland too - kind of a corny place, but if I can sit on an alligator and get my picture taken, why not! lol

I totally went to Gatorland when I was there

Corny or not... it was still interesting

**KMonte85** · 03-12-2010 09:19 AM

Oh yeah! I wanted to go to Hard Rock too! Forgot about that one....

My itinerary is getting more and more full! Thank goodness I've got me a rental car so I can tool around to all these great places.

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