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ORLANDO GUIDE
ORLANDO THE GUIDE
FROM SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS TO SWINGING A GOLF CLUB, FROM THEME PARK THRILLS TO FINE DINING, ORLANDO OFFERS INCREDIBLE MEMORY-MAKING OPPORTUNITIES. EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS—AND ENJOY.
DINING
DISNEY AREA
CAPA Spanish. This 17th-floor rooftop steakhouse and bar offers cuisine with a Spanish twist. The restaurant features an open kitchen, wood-burning grill and outdoor seating for views of Disney fireworks. D (nightly). Four Seasons, 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., 407.313.7777. www.fourseasons.com/orlando
IL MULINO NEW YORK TRATTORIA Italian. This authentic Italian eatery offers dishes from the Abruzzi region. Free daycare provided. D (nightly). Swan and Dolphin Resort, 1200 Epcot Resorts Blvd., 407.934.1609. www.swandolphin.com
JALEO Spanish. Renowned Chef (and culinary humanitarian) José Andrés has brought the talents of his culinary team to town, and the results are mouthwatering. The restaurant is purely Spanish—timeless dishes given a modern twist. Disney Springs, 321.348.3211. www.jaleo.com
JIKO—THE COOKING PLACE African. See giraffes and zebras before you dine. Enjoy authentic African cuisine and rare wines. D (nightly). Animal Kingdom Lodge, 2901 Osceola Parkway, 407.939.1947. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
RAGLAN ROAD IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT Irish. The good times roll with music, dancing and dazzling culinary creations from Chef Mark O’Neill. The beer choices are extensive, including signature draughts made just for Raglan Road. L, D (daily) Br (weekends.) Disney Springs, 1640 E. Buena Vista Drive, 407.938.0300 www.raglanroadirishpub.com
SHULA’S STEAK HOUSE Steak. Custom Angus steaks combined with their aging process make up an award-winning “Shula Cut.” Some free child care provided. D (nightly). Swan and Dolphin Resort, 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., 407.934.1362. www.swandolphinrestaurants.com
DOWNTOWN
BOHEME RESTAURANT New American. This elegant downtown restaurant boasts a fabulous art collection along with a prestigious AAA Four-Diamond rating. B, L, D (daily), Br (Su). The Grand Bohemian, 325 S. Orange Ave., 407.313.9000. www.grandbohemianhotel.com
INTERNATIONAL DRIVE
JACK’S PLACE Steak/Seafood. Steak, seafood and regional dishes are served in an intimate dining room among Orlando’s largest collection of celebrity-autographed caricatures. Get your caricature done for free on F and Sa nights. Complimentary valet. D (nightly). The Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive, 407.996.1787. www.jacksplacerestaurant.com
A LAND REMEMBERED Steak. Old Florida charm abounds with artifacts and photos from the state’s past. D (daily). Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., 407.996.3663. www.landrememberedrestaurant.com TAVERNA OPA Greek. This I-Drive mainstay captured the Greek and Late-Night Dining categories among readers in our latest dining poll. It’s a fun spot—there’s lively music, belly dancing, dancing among diners and napkin-throwing. But Taverna also pays attention to the menu, with selections like branzino (the European sea bass), slow-roasted lamb, Nisiotiko (“the Greek paella’’), and moussaka. L, D (daily). 9101 International Drive, 407.351.8660. www.opaorlando.com
THAI THANI Thai. Choose from assorted curries made with spicy chilies and coconut milk, ginger-laced stir fries, fresh spring rolls and seafood specialties. The atmosphere is colorful and festive. L, D (daily). 11025 International Drive, 407.239.9733. www.thaithani.net
SAND LAKE ROAD
H BIG FIN SEAFOOD KITCHEN
Seafood. Located on Restaurant
Row in the Dr. Phillips area, this locally-owned and operated spot offers the freshest seafood presented in both classic and innovative ways.
D (daily). 8046 Via Dellagio Way, 407.615.8888. bigfinseafood.com
SOUTH
HEMISPHERE RESTAURANT Creative/Contemporary. Enjoy fine dining from the ninth-floor location with runway views. Locally sourced and organic options are on the menu. B, D (daily). Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, 9300 Jeff Fuqua Blvd., 407.825.1234. www.hemisphereorlando.com UNIVERSAL/CITY WALK
BUBBA GUMP Southern. Located at Universal’s CityWalk, Bubba Gump is an excellent family dining experience. Try one of the many shrimp dishes, try on the plaster casts of Forrest’s running shoes and delight in the Southern hospitality. Free valet. L, D (daily). 6000 Universal Blvd., 407.903.0044. www.bubbagump.com
THE PALM RESTAURANT Steak. Located in the Hard Rock Hotel, this legendary steak house boasts aged steaks, jumbo Nova Scotia lobster, and classic Italian specialties. D (daily). 5800 Universal Blvd., 407.503.7256. www.thepalm.com
WINTER PARK
PRATO Italian. From Chef Brandon McGlamery comes Prato, a trendy, communal spot with inventive offerings like mustard spaghettini, duck breast with pancetta and braised cabbage, filet mignon marsala, and some of the best pizzas around. 124 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407.262.0050. www.prato-wp.com
THE RAVENOUS PIG American. Chefs Julie and James Petrakis, both Orlando-area natives who trained at the Culinary Institute of America, showcase the “gastropub” phenomenon with an ever-changing menu. L, D (daily). 565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park 407.628.2333. www.theravenouspig.com
IVANHOE
H RUSSELL'S ON LAKE IVANHOE
American. With commanding views of Lake Ivanhoe and comfortable, chic surroundings, Russell’s offers upscale casual dining with an innovative and fresh menu. Happy hour offers small plates and drink specials; weekend brunch dazzles with a fresh array and breakfast and lunch specialties as well as bottomless mimosas and sangria. D (daily). 1414 N.
Orange Ave., Orlando, 407.601.3508. www.russellsorlando.com
GROCERY
H PUBLIX
Shop for groceries, beauty and personal care products, liquor and beer, baby products and more. Get your groceries delivered to the resort of your choice in as little as an hour.
Powered by instacart. www.publix.com/resortdelivery
ATTRACTIONS & MUSEUMS
ART GALLERIES
CITYARTS FACTORY The area’s largest collective of art galleries, showcasing local and international works of art, rotated monthly. Free admission Tu-Sa. Be sure to check out Third Thursdays. 39 S. Magnolia Ave., 407.648.7060. www.downtownorlando.com
ATTRACTIONS
CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS See more than 400 animals, feed the giraffes, admire the big cats or take a ride on the train. Little ones will also enjoy a tropical splash pad open yearround, a playground and a petting zoo. Open daily. 3755 NW. US Hwy. 17-92, Sanford, 407.323.4450. www.centralfloridazoo.org
REVOLUTION OFF ROAD Learn to ride an ATV, gear up for bass fishing or tool around on dune buggies and 4x4s. 4000 State Road 33, Clermont, 352.400.1322. www.revolutionoffroad.com
BEYOND ORLANDO
BOK TOWER GARDENS Features Olmsted-designed landscaped gardens crowned with a majestic bell tower that plays music by the hour. Open daily and holidays. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, 863.676.1408. www.boktowergardens.org
MUSEUMS
MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART This beautiful lakefront facility is home to sculpture gardens and a permanent collection of paintings by American Primitive artist Earl Cunningham and other traditional and contemporary artists. Closed M. 900 E. Princeton St., Loch Haven Cultural Park, 407.246.4278. www.mennellomuseum.org
H MORSE MUSEUM
OF AMERICAN ART
Featuring the world’s most comprehensive collection of work by
Louis Comfort Tiffany, including his 1893 chapel interior and art and architectural elements from his
Long Island estate, Laurelton Hall.
Exhibits include late-19th- and early-20th-century American pottery, paintings and decorative art. Stop by the gift store for pieces inspired by the arts and crafts movement. 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407.645.5311. www.morsemuseum.org
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER Central Florida’s storyteller since 1942. Journey through the region’s transition from Indian settlement to small citrus and cattle town to today’s worldwide destination. 65 E. Central Blvd., 407.836.8500. www.thehistorycenter.org ery including one of the Southeast's largest collection of camellias. 1920 N. Forest Ave., 407.246.2620. www.leugardens.org
PERFORMING ARTS
AMWAY CENTER Home to the Orlando Magic basketball team, this venue also plays host to major shows and concerts. 400 W. Church St., 407.440.7900. www.amwaycenter.com
ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART With permanent collections of American art, African art and works of the ancient Americas, the museum also hosts prominent traveling exhibitions. Loch Haven Cultural Park, 2416 N. Mills Ave., 407.896.4231. www.omart.org
ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER Themed exhibits teach while they entertain. The center also features an observatory. Open daily. Loch Haven Cultural Park, 777 E. Princeton St., 407.514.2000. www.osc.org
NORTH ORLANDO
H WEKIVA ISLAND
Offering kayak, canoe and paddle board rentals and a boat launch,
Wekiva Island is a favorite gathering spot on the river. Enjoy an outdoor and indoor bar, river-banas, fire pit area and boardwalk. 1014 Miami Springs Drive,
Longwood, 407.862.1500. www.wekivaisland.com
PARKS & GARDENS
HARRY P. LEU GARDENS This 50-acre botanical garden is a maze bursting with color and greenORLANDO SHAKES This full-season professional theater includes the works of William Shakespeare and other classics, holiday comedies and a series of plays for young audiences. Loch Haven Cultural Park, Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St., 407.447.1700. www.orlandoshakes.org
WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE This professional musical theater presents upbeat musical comedies and revues from Broadway and a monthly, New York-style cabaret. 711 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, 407.645.0145. www.winterparkplayhouse.org
THEME PARKS
LEGOLAND FLORIDA Built especially for kids, this 150-acre theme park offers more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. One Legoland Way, Winter Haven, 877.350.5346. www.legoland.com/florida
SEAWORLD Immerse yourself in the sea, from up-close animal encounters to awe-inspiring performances to thrilling rides. 7007 SeaWorld Drive, 407.545.5550. www.seaworldorlando.com
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT Be part of the Hollywood experience at major theme parks Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay. Don't miss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 6000 Universal Blvd., 407.363.8000. www.universalorlando.com
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT Combining theme parks Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, plus shopping and dining at Disney Springs. Lake Buena Vista, 407.939.5277. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
TOURS
tiful Winter Park. Rides daily from 10 am to 4 pm, cash or checks only. 312 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407.644.4056. www.scenicboattours.com
VISITOR INFORMATION
H SEMINOLE COUNTY TOURISM
Home to affluent Lake Mary, pristine rivers and scenic trails, Seminole
County is a short drive from Orlando.
Enjoy outdoor adventures on the lake, shopping and fine dining. 1055 AAA Drive, Suite 148, Heathrow, 800.800.7832. www.visitseminole.com
WATER PARKS
THE BLACK HAMMOCK Take an airboat ride across Lake Jessup, home to Central Florida’s largest alligator population. Visit the scenic bird island to spot waterfowl, bald eagles and wild boars. Enjoy dining in the full-service restaurant. 2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo, 407.807.6623. www.theblackhammock.com
BOGGY CREEK AIRBOAT ADVENTURES Spot exotic birds, turtles and alligators in their natural environment while zooming on an airboat. 2001 E. Southport Road, Kissimmee, 407.344.9550. www.bcairboats.com SEAWORLD’S AQUATICA Enjoy the serene to the wild, with white, sandy beaches, up-close animal experiences, lush landscaping and thrilling rides. Try the new Ihu’s Breakaway Falls, an 80-foot slide with four, 360-degree turns. 5800 Water Play Way, 407.545.5550. www.aquaticabyseaworld.com
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WALT DISNEY WORLD, BLIZZARD BEACH Chill at the wave pool, ride the chair lift to the top of the mountain, or catch a thrill on Summit Plummet. Walt Disney World Resort, 1534 W. Buena Vista Drive, 407.939.7812. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
KISSIMMEE SWAMP TOURS Enjoy an exciting, 60- or 90-minute tour through the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Open daily. 4500 Joe Overstreet Road, Kenansville, 407.436.1059. www.kissimmeeswamptours.com
WINTER PARK SCENIC BOAT TOUR Relax on this one-hour narrated tour through the lakes and canals of beauWALT DISNEY WORLD, TYPHOON LAGOON Float along a lazy river, ride a water coaster, plunge down nine water slides and take on one of the world’s largest artificially created waves. 1145 E. Buena Vista Drive, 407.824.4321. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com SHOPPING
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GIFTS & SOUVENIRS
H CORONA CIGAR CO.
The bar and store locations are actually 4,600-square-foot-plus humidors. Open daily. 7792 W. Sand Lake Road, 407.248.1212 127 S. Orange Ave., 407.404.5344 1130 TownPark Ave., Lake Mary, 407.333.3453. www.coronacigar.com 407.554.3105. www.driftwoodmarket.net.
SHOES
H BOOT FACTORY OUTLET
This This Nashville outpost offers two free pairs with the purchase of one on national brands such as Rocky, Justin, Sterling River and more. Styles include work, hiking, fashion, motorcycle, Western and more. 5490 International Drive, 407.903.0317. www.twofreeboots.com
JEWELRY & WATCHES
NA HOKU Na Hoku captures the essence of Hawaiian lifestyle and tradition in its collection of fine jewelry. Disney Springs, 1676 E. Buena Vista Drive, 407.560.0630. www.nahoku.com