March/April 2023


www.nitravelnews.com


ups. And every Tuesday night, Tasty Tuesdays features local food trucks with everything from vegetarian plates to American gastropub favorites. Thornton Park is a stylish dining and nightlife area known for


brick-


Washburn Imports at Ivanhoe Village, which is a neighborhood bar housed in a furniture store specializing in boutique wines, craft beers and cocktails. Florida’s only sustainable winery, Quantum Leap, offers a tasting room and free tours upon request. Meanwhile in Clermont’s rolling countryside, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards offers complimentary VIP winery tours and tastings along with live entertainment during weekend events.


“Beyond the theme parks and attractions, Orlando’s neighborhoods and nearby cities offer endless adventures with dining, nightlife, arts &


culture, outdoor recreation, shopping and more. ”


lined, canopied streets with a distinctly European feel. Foodies will love some of the popular eateries, including local favorites such as Soco Restaurant, The Stubborn Mule and RusTeak. The nearby Maxine’s on Shine, nestled between Thornton Park and Mills 50, has a warm and intimate atmosphere perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner with friends. After dinner and drinks, adults can finish off the night at one of the area’s entertainment and nightlife locations, including The Abby for themed music nights and live theater, the Stardust Lounge underground club and others. Those looking for one-of-a-kind treasures can head over to College Park. Shops


like Driftwood Market,


Bijou’s Boutique and Top Drawer Consignments sell unique items perfect for any collector or treasure hunter. The district’s culinary options range from counter-service to fine dining, like The Taproom at Dubsdread, Armando’s and Tin & Taco. Winter Park’s Park Avenue is the perfect place to enjoy upscale shopping and some of Central Florida’s most unique shops, a meal overlooking the cobblestoned streets at eateries like blu on the avenue, Prato and 310 Park South, unique art at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art,


delicious


wines at The Wine Room, a scenic cruise through three lakes on the tranquil Winter Park chain with Scenic Boat Tour and more.


multiple sky-high attractions fit for any adrenaline-seeking junkie.


Nona Adventure Park is the ultimate outdoor park adventure featuring the largest aqua park in Central Florida, a water park and an adventure tower. After your adventure, stay for a drink at the bar and listen to live music at sunset. Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland allows guests to clip in and zip off on an exciting outdoor adventure soaring 1,200 feet through the air and over the Alligator Breeding Marsh,


OH ORLANDO | 41


Center for the Performing Arts, featuring well-known musicals,


including


“Hamilton” and “Wicked,” as well as musical performances by top artists like Josh Groban, The Beach Boys and Gladys Knight. The newly open Steinmetz Hall achieves an N1 sound rating - the lowest level at which humans can detect sound. The Amway Center in downtown Orlando hosts a variety of award- winning artists – both classic and new. For something a little more grass-


complete with 130


alligators watching from below. Fly high at Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight & Park, with year-round Discovery Tandem Flights and hang-gliding instruction using the latest Tandem aero towing techniques to provide the safest most enjoyable experience.


Catch a Performance Theater and live music enthusiasts will


find a plethora of opportunities to enjoy live entertainment throughout Central Florida – from indie band performances to Broadway-produced shows. Fans of theater will enjoy the Dr. Phillips


roots, visitors can catch a performance from Indie bands and artists at The Social or The Plaza Live in downtown Orlando. The Enzian Theater shows indie films,


cult classics and hosts the annual Florida Film Festival every spring. Come early to enjoy a drink at the theater bar. The


Timucua Arts Foundation


presents and inspires great music and art in Central Florida through performance and education – all within the confines of an ordinary house.


For more information, please visit www.visitorlando.com.


TIPS TO MAXIMISE AN ORLANDO VACATION ORLANDO is an exciting and


versatile destination, home attractions that thrill, to inspire


and help guests unwind while reconnecting with loved ones. Travelers to The Theme Park Capital of the World


®can


maximize their vacation time and budget by following these useful tips:


Purchase tickets


in advance – Buying tickets online before you arrive can be a time and money saver (no waiting


rest and relaxation by leaving at least one day free of plans and be open to spontaneity. This is the perfect time to enjoy the hotel or resort amenities, including expansive pool areas found at many Orlando water slides


resorts. From and splashing


fountains to lazy rivers and secluded grottos, a day at the pool is sure to refresh and recharge your family for even more fun.


Explore ‘things at will


call) – and Visit Orlando helps travelers save with Orlandotickets.com.


In


addition to discounted tickets to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, the website offers savings on attractions and experiences outside of the theme parks. Download the Visit Orlando App – Visit Orlando’s free app helps travelers plan their vacation, save


on Explore Like a Local


In Downtown Orlando, adults can enjoy a live performance at the prestigious Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts or an improv show at SAK Comedy Lab. Acclaimed downtown restaurants include The Boheme at Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, DoveCote Restaurant, Reyes Mezcaleria and 310 Lakeside. For some outdoor fun in the city, visitors can take a stroll around Lake Eola Park or ride a swan boat on the lake surrounded by Orlando’s impressive city backdrop. Dining and indie flair are the main draws of the Ivanhoe Village district. Adventurers can experience a sunset or glow paddleboarding excursion at Epic Paddle Adventures. Foodies can enjoy an upscale meal with an unbeatable lake view at Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe or enjoy some quality antiquing at local antique shops in the area. The Hall on the Yard is a new full-service food hall delivering nine diverse culinary offerings and three premium cocktail bars in an eclectic environment. Named after its centrally located


T.G. Lee dairy plant, The Milk District serves as a progressive lifestyle, music and cultural hub with numerous places to catch live music, starting with The Plaza Live, which hosts the Orlando Philharmonic and a wide range of shows. For shopping, the Milk District Spot is home to local homegrown vendor pop-


Many of the top reasons to visit Lake Nona


are its dining options, including chef- driven restaurants like BACÁN at the newly open Lake Nona Wave Hotel, Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen and Canvas Restaurant & Market. More great food, plus beach volleyball, nightly live entertainment, a kids' playground, a dog park and more, can be enjoyed at Boxi Park, a deconstructed food hall built from repurposed shipping containers. Those who love sports and adventure will enjoy water sports at Nona Adventure Park; tennis, Padel or pickle ball at USTA National Campus and golf games at Drive Shack Orlando. Located 15 minutes north of downtown Orlando, the historic town of Eatonville was incorporated in 1887, making it one of the first self- governing,


all-Black municipalities


in the U.S. — and the oldest still in existence today. Visitors will find a collection


of restaurants, historical


sites and museums. It is also where American Folklorist Zora Neale Hurston grew up and is honored by the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, providing gallery space for artists of African descent.


Experience an Adrenaline-Fueled Adventure


Aside from countless roller coasters at its theme parks, Orlando is home to


attraction


tickets and explore the destination. Users can also search a list of things to do and view up-to-date events while keeping up with the


to do’ ahead of your visit – Orlando hosts a wealth of annual events, including seasonal and holiday celebrations, cultural happenings and sporting events. Visit Orlando’s full listing of events and free things to do in Orlando helps visitors easily plan their trip. Take advantage of free and ride-share transportation – Many resort hotels,


theme park


properties and tour operators provide complimentary transportation from


to and major Orlando


destinations, including Orlando International Airport. Taxis, shuttle vans,


latest news on Orlando attractions. The app can be downloaded in Apple App and Google Play stores, and is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Spend less time in line – Orlando’s theme parks offer options for guests to skip lines or return at a specific time through Walt Disney World Resort FastPass+, Universal Express Pass, SeaWorld Orlando Quick Queue Unlimited and Volcano Bay TapuTapu ™wearable. Universal Express Passes and Quick Queue Unlimited are available for an additional fee, while FastPass+ and TapuTapu


™are


included with corresponding theme park admission. Enjoy Extra Perks – Staying at one


of the theme park’s on-site properties has major advantages, such as early admission and extended hours; complimentary transportation; convenient child care services such as in-room babysitting and children’s activity centers; front-of-the-line access and special discounts. Build in breaks – Build in time for


private car


pick-ups and ride- share services such as Uber and Lyft are available at both Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). This


interactive map of Orlando can help visitors easily plan their trip around the destination. Come Prepared – Sunshine and warm temperatures are hallmarks of an Orlando vacation, but keep in mind that afternoon rain is common during summer months. Ponchos are a smart item to pack as they are small and compact. Plus, even on a clear day, they can keep you dry from splash zones and water rides. Items like these can also be purchased at any one of Orlando's theme parks should you forget. Don’t try to see it all – It would take more than 121 days to experience everything in Orlando. It is home to endless attractions, and there’s no need to feel pressure to see and do everything in one trip. Prioritize several attractions and save the rest for a return trip!


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