ORLANDO NORTH /
www.DoOrlandoNorth.com
ORLANDO NORTH
A RELAXING OASIS When you need a vacation from your vacation, simply head northeast of Orlando to a natural oasis, an easy and convenient distance from the theme-park crowds. Here you’ll find a blend of historic, quaint downtown areas alongside 2,000 waterways, including scenic lakes, rivers, natural springs and even a private island.
ORLANDO’S NATURAL SIDE For an admission fee notably less than many local attractions, you can see hundreds of exotic animals, including giraffes, rhinos and more, at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford. For an adrenaline rush, Seminole Aerial Adventures allows you to explore the treetops on suspended ropes courses and ziplines. Hiking and cycling enthusiasts receive a hearty welcome and plenty of opportunities to ride and hike along the trails that wind through Orlando North, Seminole County. Curving through parkland, streetscapes and waterfront locales, the well-kept hiking and biking trails are part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, a federally designated, non-motorized recreational trail that spans across some 40
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of the state’s most beautiful and unique landscapes. Paddlers will also find their paradise here. Wekiwa Springs State Park offers a crystalclear swimming hole with canoe rentals, and just upstream is Wekiva Island, a popular hangout for canoeing and kayaking on the Wekiva River where the water remains a constant 72 degrees year round. Other Orlando North waterways offer recreation. Enjoy the thrill of an airboat ride and see tons of alligators with Black Hammock Adventures on Lake Jesup in Oviedo. For a slower pace, rent a sailboat and cruise Lake Monroe or dine and cruise with the St. Johns Rivership Company aboard the Barbara-Lee, an authentic paddlewheel boat.
DOWNTOWN SANFORD Seminole County boasts several quaint areas, with Sanford being its heart. This historic downtown sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Monroe, part of the St. Johns River, the largest river in Florida. Downtown you’ll find lots of old Florida charm coupled with a hip, young vibe as you traverse cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks. Family-owned restaurants, trendy boutiques and lively night spots now occupy historic buildings, alongside gracious Victorian-style homes. Don’t miss The Imperial at Washburn Imports, an eclectic furniture store by day that transforms into an intimate bar every evening,
COURTESY ORLANDO NORTH SEMINOLE COUNTY; ©ROBERTO GONZALEZ
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