Orlando: Things to do Away from the Theme Parks

We fell in love with Florida many years ago and discovered that after exhausting the major attractions and theme parks there still remained a lot to do in a climate that is so often balmy. As a result we eventually bought a villa there and regularly go back for a dose of sun during Britain's drab winter.

If you are planning to visit Florida with children its almost inevitable that the number one priority will be the theme parks, but even the most enthusiastic visitor to the theme parks will eventually want to try something else, if only for a day or two, and the following comments will hopefully give a few suggestions on alternatives.

Golf

After the theme parks Orlando is probably best known for its golf courses and has almost 200 of them. Of particular note are ChampionsGate (5 minutes from Thousand Oaks Boulevard), Reunion (2 minutes nearer) and Celebration (about 10 miles away).

ChampionsGate Golf Club

Champions Gate Golf Club

ChampionsGate Golf Resort, is a nationally acclaimed golf facility for world-class golf, only 10 Minutes from Disney World and located at Exit 58 on Interstate 4 - just minutes away from International Drive and area attractions. It offers 36 holes designed by International Golf Champion Greg Norman and is the World Headquarters of David Leadbetter Golf Academy.

There are two courses, the National Course which is a classic layout of America's finest destinations and a pleasure to play with its majestic greens and long ranges, and the International Course which is unlike any other in the Orlando area, but one that will be familiar to those who have played the links courses of Scotland and Ireland.

Contact Reservations at 407.787.4653

Another view of ChampionsGate Golf Club

Celebration Golf Club

This course has a park-like atmosphere within the natural wetland environment, creating a truly serene golf experience. The course boasts rolling terrain that weaves through a series of pristine lakes and periodic clusters of native oak, pine and magnolia.

Designed with shot-making strategy in mind, the championship calibre course demands accurate approach shots and consistent putting. Featuring strategic hazards and challenging greens, and sporting five sets of tees on every hole, the course invites competition for many skill levels. Host to prestigious events such as the 2002 U.S. Senior Open Qualifier, 2003 Florida State Public Links Championship, 2004 & 2005 Buick Scramble National Championships, and the 2004 - 2006 Robert Gamez Celebration Invitational.

Situated at 701 Golf Park Drive, Celebration, FL 34747 Amenities include a practice putting green, aqua driving range, practice chipping hole and there is a 3-hole Junior Course suited for 5-9 year olds.

Turkeys wandering onto the back garden of Lake View
villa just a few days before Thanksgiving

Shopping

With the exchange rate so favourable to UK visitors, it is impossible to visit Orlando without shopping 'til you drop. The Mall at Millenia in particular is recommended, it's the city's newest shopping centre and has the top three US department stores - Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Macy's - plus 150 other stores, restaurants and cafes.

Situated at 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando, just off I4 where 435 goes under I4.

For visitors for whom this is a first trip we also suggest Walmart. Its no more than a super store but the range of clothes and household accessories is enormous, and it makes sense to bring out the barest essentials in clothes and buy at Walmark.

Walking

After a hard day at the attractions we recommend a peaceful walk along the banks of East Lake Tohopekaliga. Simply drive into down town Kissimmee and turn right off the High street. The lake is large with walks along its banks where you can fish or simply enjoy the tranquility of the evening.

View of the lake and conservation area across the road
from Lake View villa

Fishing

The lake by Thousand Oaks boulevard is over 40 acres and well stocked with fish or alternatively East Lake Tohopekaliga provides some good fishing.

Beaches

Being an hours drive from the sea doesn't stop Orlando from being an excellent place for a swim. Discovery Cove is a collection of man-made lagoons surrounded by a sandy beach. Visitors can snorkel with shoals of tropical fish in a coral reef, come within inches of barracuda and sharks safely behind acrylic screens or swim among rays. There is a fresh water pool and a tropical river that gently guides floating guests through the park.

If you have the time we recommend taking a day out to visit the west coast between St Petersburg and Fort Myers. There are many lovely beaches along this stretch and Bradenton in particular is recommended for lunch with some great restaurants which specialise in fresh fish.

Sightsee

Winter Park is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon site-seeing and people watching. Boarding a boat for the hour long tour of Lake Osceola, your guide tells you the history of the sprawling mansions that line the banks of the three lakes. Why not also pay a visit to the Wine room on Park Avenue, a hybrid of upmarket off-licence, delicatessan and wine tasting centre. Its automated machines dispense more than 150 wines to taste, from 50p an ounce.

Local towns

Kissimmee

As you drive along the 192 you will see historic down town Kissimmee sign posted. Built along the shores of East Lake Tohopekaliga it is straight out of small town America, but the walks along the lake are recommended.

Kissimmee High Street

Eating

Forget burgers and doughnuts - food in Orlando is surprisingly good. For a really special dining-out experience try Manuel's on 28th, a chic restaurant atop a city office block. With glass walls it was difficult to decide whether to gaze out at the city lights or drag out attention to our plates.

At ChampionsGate is the Omni Hotel where you can get a very good meal or, for a reasonably priced meal why not try Manny's off I27 - about 15 miles south. Here you need to book a table it is so popular with the locals, but the ribs are to die for.