Orlando on a Shoestring

Description:

• Across the street from Wet n' Wild Water Park, this hotel is also 4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando and the Holy Land Experience.

• Best Western Movieland Orlando's guestrooms offer free wireless Internet access, cable TV, coffee/tea makers, and hair dryers.

• This family-friendly hotel's facilities include a fitness center, restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, game room, and gift shop.

Description:

Nestled on a rooftop, this neighborhood bar is a favorite hangout of the locals. The outdoor ambience is completely dependent on the weather conditions, although the spectacular views of the SunTrust tower and Church Street below make the visit worthwhile. The décor is done up in wood, with tiki torches lighting up corners. The age limit is 21 and above and the dress code casual, attracting both college goers and the business crowd alike. The music is average, though. A full liquor service and a selection of imported and domestic beers are on offer.

Description:

The Orlando Science Center is four floors of fascinating fun. The innovative center, the largest of its kind in the Southeast, provides 10 exhibit halls that allow visitors to explore everything from Florida swamps to the arid plains of Mars to the human body. One of the big attractions is the Dr. Phillips CineDome, a 310-seat theater that presents large-format films, planetarium shows, and laser-light extravaganzas. Just a small sampling of what you can expect includes exhibits such as KidsTown, where little folks wander in exhibits representing a miniature version of the big world around them. In one section, there's a pint-size community that includes a construction site, park, and wellness center. Dr. Dare's Laboratory is a "classroom of tomorrow" that includes interactive computer displays, and NatureWorks uses replicated Florida ecosystems to teach kids about the environment. Dino Digs, TechW.orks, Xperience Factory, and Cool Science are some of the other exhibits that await you. Look for the Super Service Center, a Construction Site just for kids, and the Kids Kitchen all coming soon. Allow 3 to 4 hours, more if you have an inquiring mind

Our Local Expert Says:

White Wolf is a favorite for its Bohemian atmosphere, vintage antiques, live performances, and really great food!

Description:

White Wolf Cafe has been a favorite local restaurant and entertainment spot since opening its doors back in August 1991 for its exceptional food, friendly atmosphere and unique environment. The menu offers a wide selection of fresh soups of the day, intricate salad choices and hearty entrees. If you do not spot a typical favorite right away, try the insanely delicious garlic seafood medley or the Tuscan flatbread pizza. If a lighter open is desired, check out the White Wolf Waldorf salad with chicken, apple, celery and walnuts over romaine lettuce with a creamy house Waldorf dressing. It is sure to please!

The surroundings are a quaint mixture of vintage items like stained-glass windows, Tiffany-style lamps and old-fashion oil painting. Although these items are for sale they certainly create a warm and inviting ambiance. Only one trip to the White Wolf Cafe will leave you wanting more.

Description:

The Social is not a tame little nightclub with light music. It's an all-up-in-your-face music venue where live bands rock the stage most nights of the week. Considered one of Orlando's best live music venues, The Social attracts a few national acts for more intimate shows and also features some great local talent. Even though The Social serves its own food, which has a Southwestern flair, the club's downtown location is surrounded by restaurants if you're in the mood for something different.

Description:

• Across the street from Wet n' Wild Water Park, this hotel is also 4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando and the Holy Land Experience.

• Best Western Movieland Orlando's guestrooms offer free wireless Internet access, cable TV, coffee/tea makers, and hair dryers.

• This family-friendly hotel's facilities include a fitness center, restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, game room, and gift shop.

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.

Description:

An old-fashioned indoor-outdoor eatery with a neon frankfurter-shaped sign, this spot serves 36 kinds of hot dogs, in both regular and jumbo sizes. In operation for 10 years, it is a huge hit with the local lunch crowd. Favorites include the jumbo Chili Cheese Dog and the jumbo Reuben, a hot dog slathered in Thousand Island dressing. All hot dogs are served with French fries.

Our Local Expert Says:

Celebrate the legacy of the legend at the restaurant/bar that bears his name at Universal Citywalk.

Description:

Bob Marley, the revered father of Jamaican reggae music, provided the inspiration for this dining spot that's become a popular part of Universal Studios. By night, this place is jamming with Marley's and fellow reggae artists' music, keeping the steel drum beat going strong for dancing. There's a variety of appetizing offerings, such as whitefish dip with toast points, salsa served with unusual dipping chips that include dried yucca and plantain chips, and yucca fries, much loved in the Caribbean.

Description:

• Across the street from Wet n' Wild Water Park, this hotel is also 4 miles from SeaWorld Orlando and the Holy Land Experience.

• Best Western Movieland Orlando's guestrooms offer free wireless Internet access, cable TV, coffee/tea makers, and hair dryers.

• This family-friendly hotel's facilities include a fitness center, restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, game room, and gift shop.

Description:

At Joe's Crab Shack, you'll find cozy hardwood floors, plenty of kitschy decorations and enough crabs to fill the Atlantic (well, almost). Located just off busy Semoran Boulevard, not far from the airport, Joe's Crab Shack is a fun getaway for singles, couples or families, brimming with good cheer and simple, good cooking. Energetic servers dance and boogie around the room every ten minutes to keep things lively, but don't despair; they never let that get in the way of serving you a delightful array of fresh seafood, perfectly steamed crabs, clams and oysters, or a hearty round of scrumptious appetizers. Come for the food, stay for the fun!

Description:

The Melting Pot is just perfect for a first date, or an alternative to the stuffy after-business dinner. Roll up your sleeves, order a glass of wine or a bottle of beer and prepare to work for your dinner. Start off with a pot of cheese fondue mixed to perfection right at your table. Next opt for one of their delicious salads or move onto the main course. The protein offerings are vast including salmon, filet, chicken, shrimp, pork tenderloin and so much more. Each entree is presented with a slew of dipping sauces allowing each guest to create their own combinations to amp up the flavor. Sizzling oil cooks proteins to perfection, and for the health conscious, the restaurant offers a just-as-tasty boiling broth. If you can find room after an extravagant meal, make sure to try the chocolate fondue. There's nothing like hot melted chocolate on fresh fruits to cap off a wonderful meal!