Central Florida Gems Off the Beaten Path

[Wistful_Thinking]

We usually vacation at WDW twice a year with our stays averaging 15-20 days each. Over the years we have gotten in the habit of making a few side trips to towns, places, venues, off the beaten WDW/Orlando path. For example, we like to take daytrips to the likes of Winter Park (Museums, Galleries, Restaurants, Wine Bars, etc) and Mt. Dora (Restaurants, Shops, etc.). We were wondering if there are any other hidden gems in central Florida we are missing….????

 

[madcoco]

A few more spots. Enjoy your stay and hope you find more places to visit off the beaten path.

Lakeridge Winery Clermont
http://www.lakeridgewinery.com/

Fantasy of Flight Museum
http://www.fantasyofflight.com/

Historic Downtown Winter Garden
http://www.wghf.org/

Florida Strawberry Festival Plant City
http://www.flstrawberryfestival.com/

Orlando Wetlands Park Christmas FL
http://www.nbbd.com/godo/orlandowetlands/



Gardens and Edens
http://www.theotherorlando.com/contents/chapters/16/index.html

State Parks
http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/

 

[Marshel]

Wekiwa Springs state park north of Orlando is a really cool change of pace. You can swim in crystal clear spirng (usually quite cool) water, rent a canoe and explore miles of spring fed streams; there's also picnic and camping areas. It's about 45 minutes from WDW.

 

[LindaBabe]

Leu Gardens

Bok Tower (about 1 hour south) great gardens and carillon

Paines Praire Nature preserve (not quite to Gainesville, if you don't mind the drive)

 

[Wistful_Thinking]

Thanks for all the ideas. There are a number of place that look like must dos for our next trip in December.

 

[MattM]

Another vote for Bok Sanctuary (aka Bok Tower). Its in Lake Wales, about 40 mins south of Disney. Very easy to get to.

http://boksanctuary.org/

 

[donaldduck352]

Here is alitlle known place.Check-out the website:

http://www.sunshinerivertours.com/index.html

Its about 1 and a1/2 Hrs.(if not less)from Orlando,and a really easy find!
Snorckeling with the mannatees

Done this several times and Capt. Mike is great

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Leu Gardens
Bok Tower (about 1 hour south) great gardens and carillon

We have been to both of these - I loved them! Leu Gardens is north of Orlando, and we also took a boat tour in Winter Park (?) and saw the Tiffany museum and the windows all lit up at night for a special Christmas show.

Bok Tower is near Cypress Gardens, so we made an overnight trip out of that.