Orlando Off the Beaten Track

Our Local Expert Says:

fabulous 'do it yourself' Bloody Mary bar during Sunday brunch!

Description:

The trendy decor with warm hues and shimmering lights adds to the unique dining experience at this upscale restaurant. The menu features an innovative mix of American cuisine with higlights, such as Seared Tuna, Wood-grilled meats and fish dishes. The happy hour definitely brings a smile to every diner's face as the rates are highly discounted. Participate in the 'Disco brunch' that's held every third Sunday of the month, where you can groove to the music and have an enormous platter to dine on.

Description:

This is the closest you can get to skydiving while still on the ground. Inside a huge simulator that looks more like a spacecraft than a building, visitors of all ages can experience skydiving in a wind tunnel or opt for the free-fall simulator. Either way, there's an experienced staff on hand to help calm your nerves, and there's plenty of padding in case you take a fall during your free-fall!

Description:

Waitiki Retro Tiki Lounge is located in the Wall Street Plaza in the heart of downtown Orlando. They are open for lunch and dinner or drinks all day long and have a daily Happy Hour from 4p to 7p. The decor sets the mood with plenty of bamboo, unique woodcarvings, teak flooring, straw thatches, artwork from contemporary tiki artists and an old-fashioned ironwood bar. There is live music from Wednesday through Saturday featuring surf-rock, lounge and reggae sounds, and hula dancers can be seen during special events. The outdoor balconies offer a great view of the surrounding area and the food and drink selections include tropical delights and plenty of specials.

Description:

Located in Thornton Park, this inn near scenic Lake Eola is another option if you want to stay near downtown. Its four buildings date back to the early 1900s. All units (studios to suites) include private bathrooms and entrances; some have garden tubs, balconies, kitchenettes, and four-poster beds. A few of the nicer options include the Washington Suite, which sports a four-poster bed and a Jacuzzi, and the romantic Carriage Suite, which has a four-poster bed and antique claw-foot tub. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom Keylime Cottage ($169) sleeps four and has a full kitchen.

Description:

This fine French restaurant is located on a nondescript stretch of Orange Avenue better known for convenience stores than gourmet eateries. Inside, guests enter a world of romantic lighting, starched white tablecloths and excellent cuisine. You might begin with Onion Soup, topped with Gruyere cheese or an appetizer of phyllo dough stuffed with vegetables and cheese, and follow that with a grouper filet or a Black Angus steak.

Description:

Locals perform at a 200-seat club (which launched the career of national improv artist Wayne Brady -- who occasionally shows up) that has performances several nights of the week. Favorites include the Duel of Fools, where two teams face off in improvised scenes based on suggestions from the audience, and Lab Rats, where students play in improv formats. Shows usually take place Tuesday and Wednesday at 9pm, Thursday at 8pm, Friday at 8 and 10pm, and Saturday at 6, 8, and 10pm.

Description:

Located in Thornton Park, this inn near scenic Lake Eola is another option if you want to stay near downtown. Its four buildings date back to the early 1900s. All units (studios to suites) include private bathrooms and entrances; some have garden tubs, balconies, kitchenettes, and four-poster beds. A few of the nicer options include the Washington Suite, which sports a four-poster bed and a Jacuzzi, and the romantic Carriage Suite, which has a four-poster bed and antique claw-foot tub. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom Keylime Cottage ($169) sleeps four and has a full kitchen.

Description:

Florida's fresh water comes from underground springs that rush through the state's underlying limestone base, known as an aquifer. Often, those springs bubble to the surface. You can see how that works at this 7,000-acre park where the waters are crystal - clear and stay at a comfortable 72 degrees all year. At this scenic spot, the headwaters of the Wekiwa (pronounced Wahk-EYE-vah) River, you can hike, camp, fish, go canoeing and, if you're lucky, spot some wildlife.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best lakeside restaurants in the area!

Description:

More than 25 years ago, this enchanting Italian villa on the shores of Lake Fairy was converted into an outstanding family run restaurant. The old house was divided into several dining rooms, creating an ambiance of time-honored elegance and homespun grace.

Come early to grab a glass of wine and enjoy it in their sculpture garden overlooking Lake Fairy. If you've timed it right, you might even be able to find a seat on the deck and watch the sun go down. This quiet and pretty area has been the site for many weddings and private parties. The food is simple, traditional, flavorful and homemade with only the freshest of ingredients. Start your meal with their famous Antipasti platter, a variety of house specialties.Then choose from pastas, seafood, meats, and poultry.Some dishes of note are The Dover Sole, the Spaghetti Alla Carbonara and the Penne Alla Vodka. Chances are, you won't be disappointed by anything you order here.

If you've saved room for dessert, you can enjoy conventional favorites such as tiramisu or Crème Brule, which is almost as smooth as the professional, polished service you'll be given by your server. The dining pace is slow and easy, leaving you lots of time to enjoy the cozy atmosphere. Valet parking is mandatory on busy nights and reservations are strongly recommended.

Description:

This theater/restaurant gives Central Florida perhaps its only opportunity to dine and watch a film at the same time. While watching a movie, usually a small art film or foreign film, you can feast on such Continental fare as chicken-topped pasta or whole snapper. You'll also find a variety of snack foods on the menu, with chicken wings a favorite. The café only serves food during show times, which vary, and it also hosts an annual film festival.

Description:

There something for everyone at Back Booth. This place is known for its musical performances and events, which range from theme nights and karaoke nights to performances by live bands. The music played spans various genres including alternative rock, funk, soul, R & B, jazz, punk, and much more. The bar features a variety of wines, liquors and beers, including Maudite beer, a rare speciality. The bartenders are friendly as well as efficient. The ambience is vivacious and very conducive for making friends.

Description:

Located in Thornton Park, this inn near scenic Lake Eola is another option if you want to stay near downtown. Its four buildings date back to the early 1900s. All units (studios to suites) include private bathrooms and entrances; some have garden tubs, balconies, kitchenettes, and four-poster beds. A few of the nicer options include the Washington Suite, which sports a four-poster bed and a Jacuzzi, and the romantic Carriage Suite, which has a four-poster bed and antique claw-foot tub. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom Keylime Cottage ($169) sleeps four and has a full kitchen.

Description:

Spicy and juicy Grilled Chicken Swords or Jumbo Shrimp Swords are lip smacking varieties offered here. Just when you're thinking what to ask for and what not, here's a suggestion—ask for the Small Plate Menu. It's an assortment of a variety of dishes that they offer, a good way to have the most of it all. Wines and beers are stocked in plenty. Art lovers have something to watch out or too. Every Tuesday, there is an exhibition of local artists and there's complimentary wine served as well!

Description:

Beginning on the north side of the park along an old road, visitors will find two trails through diverse woodland of elm, live oak, sweet gum, and pignut hickory. As a gateway to the hiking trails, an ancient bald cypress is just a short distance off the old road. The park entrance station offers a trail map detailing the two routes, which provide over six miles of pathway where visitors can see a variety of plant life including saw palmettos and huge ferns.

Visitors to the area are mostly attracted to the fabulous 72-degree springs, the large picnic and play areas, the tranquil Spring Garden, and even the pancake restaurant. Fishing, diving and paddleboating are additional recreations. A small visitor center has limited hours. Directions to Se Deon State Park: Take US Hwy 17 North from Deland for approximately six miles, following the State Park signs. Turn left onto Ponce DeLeon Blvd and you will travel approximately one mile to the entrance to DeLeon Springs State Park.