FLORIDA: THE SUNSHINE STATE
BY CLAY
LARROY
Travel is
so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan
it correctly, it could be a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip
is fun as there are tons of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a
trip effectively? Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free
of stress as possible. Bring one carryon bag that includes everything you need,
not necessarily everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you
are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around
multiple bags. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Orlando “The City Beautiful”
About
Orlando
If there was ever a city dedicated to enjoyment, then Orlando is
it. Even the most cursory drive through the city will tell you one thing: there
is no disguising the fact Orlando is a city built on theme parks. Lots of them.
Strange to think that
until 1966, though, there was precious little here in central Florida. A few
roadside attractions aside, it was one man, Walt Disney, who really changed the
landscape. No matter which way you slice it, growth has spiraled thanks to a
huge influx of tourists that followed the arrival of Walt Disney World Resort.
Almost all of Florida's
cities and resorts are based around its long coastline, naturally capitalizing
on the beaches or swampland national parks that attract so many international
visitors. Orlando is the only real exception, a strange, idiosyncratic place in
the middle of the Floridian wasteland, and coincidentally one of the most
famous resort towns in the world attracting around 50 million tourists a year.
Most head straight to one
of the theme parks, the biggest and most famous being Disney World. Beginning
with the original Magic Kingdom, which opened in 1971, the park has expanded to
encompass three more theme parks, two water parks, a mini town called Downtown
Disney and a pretty lakeside stretch known as the Boardwalk.
But while theme parks
dominate, Orlando has built a distinct character of its own. There has been a
stab at giving the city some historic context with the promotion of ‘Old
Orlando', a stretch of the increasingly gentrified Downtown which includes
Orange and Garland Avenues.
There's also the pretty
Lake Eola, with brick streets lined with old oak trees and 19th-century homes,
as well as retro roadside attractions such as Gatorland.
Really though, Orlando is
all about encouraging as many people to have as much fun as they can cram into
a fortnight- whether that's at Disney, Universal or in the city center itself.
Things
to do in Orlando
Activities
Skydiving
Central Florida has some
great scenery to experience, whether you're a first-time jumper or a seasoned
veteran. Just a short drive from Orlando, the Space Coast and Kennedy Space
Center are visible via tandem or single jumps. Skydive Space Center is located
on 476 North Williams Drive, Titusville. Even non-jumpers are welcome to take the
ride up to altitude and just look out over the Space Coast.
Tel: 1 800 823 0016.
Website: www.skydivespacecenter.com
Website: www.skydivespacecenter.com
Rock climbing
Aiguille Rock Climbing
Center, 999 Charles Street, Longwood, is an excellent facility for new
climbers, and walk-in customers can rent the equipment needed to get started in
the sport. Regular scheduled classes are also held throughout the year. The center
is especially proud of its facilities for children, and it runs several
kid-friendly programs for younger ones wanting to try out their skills.
Tel: (407) 332 1430.
Website: www.aiguille.com
Website: www.aiguille.com
Airboating
Gliding across the
swampland that makes up the vast majority of the local landscape is probably
one of the most iconic activities associated with Florida. The Everglades in
the south of the state are obviously the most famous place to do this, but
Orlando has some adequate places close by. You'll have to ride out a little way
to Kissimmee, but there you can look up Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, which offers
a number of tours including night-time and safari rides.
Tel: (407) 344 9550.
Website: www.bcairboats.com
Website: www.bcairboats.com
Ballooning
If the thought of
skydiving turns your stomach, there's a more serene way to get up in the clouds
and take in Orlando's surrounding scenery. Orange Blossom Balloons can help you
start your day with a sunrise flight. The experience lasts around an hour and
on landing, there's the traditional champagne toast and breakfast picnic.
Tel: (407) 894 5040.
Website: www.orangeblossomballoons.com
Website: www.orangeblossomballoons.com
Horse riding
Disney has an
outdoor-themed facility called Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Although
it's hardly getting back to basics out in the wilderness, its riding programs
are perfect for children and families who have never ridden before. The horses
are gentle and the trails won't present any problems, even to beginners.
Children must be at least nine years old.
Diving and snorkeling
You may be inland, but
that doesn't mean there aren't opportunities to take to the waters. The
Floridian waterways are quite accessible even away from the coast, and
companies such as Fun 2 Dive run eco-friendly tours. The main attraction is the
chance to swim and snorkel with the mysterious and shy manatees.
Fishing
Florida has an incredibly
popular fishing culture, and Orlando is no exception. The main fishing
excursions are run on the Disney-maintained waterways such as those at Bay Lake
and Seven Seas Lagoon. Disney also stocks the lakes, so while you'll probably
have the thrill of reeling something in, it's aimed at casual anglers rather
than die-hards. The tour price includes refreshments, bait and your own guide.
REFERENCE SITES:
I have a home in Orlando.
That's kind of my default 'getaway' city.
Carrot Top
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