Orlando Vacation, but no Kiddie Parks?
 

I'm going to Orlando next week, staying near UCF. I'm wondering if anybody can give me some info on some good things to do in Orlando that don't involve theme parks and families with strollers. I am interest in art museums, gardens, eating out, nature trails, and other things like that. Any suggestions would be very helpful.

Susan, visit Winter Park, which is just a few miles from UCF...once there you can visit the Morse Museum of American Art, which houses original Tiffany pieces...you can also take a scenic boat tour in Winter Park...Park Avenue has many nice shops and restaurants...Mt. Dora is a quaint town about 25 miles north of Orlando and there you can browse through antique shops and galleries.

Please tell us more about Mt. Dora, Merrilee. We have two partial days in Orlando and plan to visit Winter Park one and perhaps Mt Dora (?) the second.

Susan, Mount Dora gives you an idea of what central Florida was like pre-Disney, although it has gotten somewhat more touristy. Lots of shops, cafes, bungalows, etc. Fun to stroll around. Go to www.mountdora.com for more info. <BR>The other place I highly recommend is Bok Tower gardens. Beautiful and peaceful--definitely NOT on the Disney beat. Check out www.boktower.org for more info.<BR>One very good restaurant that is off the beaten path is in The Mission Inn resort in Howey in the Hills. Try www.missioninnresort. Known for its Sunday brunch.

Sorry, that should be www.missioninnresort.com

Carol, Mt. Dora is a very quaint and charming town filled with antique shops, specialty stores, galleries, and restaurants....it's a great way to get away from the theme parks and crowds in Orlando...nice day trip...you can ride the Mt. Dora Trolley for a narrated historic and scenic tour...Palm Island has a long boardwalk over the lake and you can take a sunset cruise...The Lakeside Inn has a wonderful restaurant and there's another lovely place named the Windsor Rose English Tea Room and Restaurant...there are many other choices for dining...there are summer concerts in Donnelly Park.