Old Town
Old Town is one of Orlando's best-kept secrets. Popular with the locals, it offers classic amusement rides, live entertainment, and shopping and dining opportunities. How much money you spend here depends entirely on your budget, and you can easily spend a whole afternoon walking around for just pennies. Weekend afternoons are especially popular, as there's a parade of more than 300 cars, including hot rods, antiques and classics every Saturday at 1 p.m. Live bands perform rock and roll music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night. Visitors can enjoy more than 100 eateries and shops designed in classic American style from the '50s and '60s.
Old Town
5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
Orlando, Florida 34746
(407) 396-4888
www.old-town.com
Lake Eola Park
Despite its relatively small size compared to other local parks, the 43-acre Lake Eola park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations within Orlando. This is in part due to the majestic swans that inhabit the park's lake, as well as the many chances for relaxing, dining and paddling along. There's a .9-mile track that surrounds the lake and is a favorite among walkers and joggers. For those who prefer to take on the water, there are electric gondola and paddle boat rentals available. Jazz concerts, arts and crafts expos, and other events are common at the park and usually free.
Lake Eola Park
Orlando, Florida 32801
(407) 246-2827
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
The Charles Hosmer museum houses the world's largest collection of Tiffany glass and is must-see for lovers of the arts. Examples of objects in exhibit include leaded glass windows, lamps, mosaics, furniture and jewelry. There's also a reassembled Tiffany chapel in exhibit, which measures 39 feet long by 24 feet high. Aside from Tiffany art, the museum also has an important collection of 19th century pottery, including works by Rene Lalique and Frank Lloyd Wright, sculptures by Thomas Crawford, and unique items by Faberge and Emile Galle. Paintings, prints and enamels are also part of the collection. As of 2009, the entry fee is just $3.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
445 N Park Avenue
Winter Park, Florida 32789
(407) 645-5311
www.morsemuseum.org
About The Author
Sarah Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications, including "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.
