Orlando/Kissimmee Hotels

Once you scratch the surface, however, Orlando has a darker side. The fact that Orlando is the third most dangerous city in the US, gives the ubiquitous grinning Mickey signs a fun-park-horror kind of feel. Ironically, it’s this juxtaposition that makes Orlando worth a trip.

Once you realise there’s more to Orlando than meets the eye, the city unfolds in unexpected ways. It’s like a microcosm of the entire US, with all the good and not-so-good elements crammed into the city limits.

This is the city where Jack Kerouac first became a beat legend and American icon. It’s also a city of culinary surprises, and when you’ve had your fill of costumed waiters and themed restaurants, head to Colonial Street and Mills Street to find yourself in Little Vietnam, eating some of the best pho anywhere. There’s even natural, unbranded beauty, with the Loch Haven district home to pretty lakes and quirky museums.

A stone’s throw away is lil’ ol’ Kissimmee, a historic treasure-trove of woods, wildlife and leisure living, and the perfect place to wind down, relax and ingest a little authentic culture after the chaos of Orlando.

Orlando's Top 10

Orlando History

• Orange County Regional History Center – Three floors encompassing 12,000 years of Florida history.
• John F. Kennedy Space Center – The history of the space program and a glimpse towards its future.
• Jack Kerouac House – When he was not on the road, he was here creating his masterpieces.
• Tibet-Butler Preserve – See what Florida looks like without the people; this is an amazing wildlife preserve without being an amusement park.
• Osceola County Pioneer Village and Museum – See how Florida’s pioneers lived and how they struggled.

Orlando Art & Culture

• Painting with a Twist – Not just painting classes, but a whole evening out.
• Orlando Museum of Art – Features a rotating collection, so no matter how many times you visit, you will see something new.
• Orlando Opera Company – Get away from all the glitzy productions and enjoy a night at the opera.
• Orlando Shakespeare Theater – To go or not to go, that is the question. Go and enjoy the performance.
• Orlando Ballet – Classical and modern ballet performances.

Orlando Shopping

• Mall at Millenia – The building is as famous for its architecture as for its shops.
• World of Disney – There is no bigger Disney store anywhere in the world. If you love the mouse, you will think this is heaven.
• Orlando Premium Outlets-Vineland Avenue – Find designer goods at outlet prices.
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – A fantasy place for the little princess in your life.
• Antique Row – A whole street of antique shops. If you like treasure hunting, you may never leave.

Gay & Lesbian Orlando

• Mr. Sister's Entertainment Complex – Not just a club but 12,000 square feet of fun.
• Parliament House – Bills itself as the world's largest gay resort.
• Revolution Nightclub – Another megaclub to dance the night away.
• Hanks – A more relaxed getaway that feature a happy hour beginning at noon.
• Pulse – Cannot make up your mind what to do? Pulse has three different rooms for three different experiences.

Orlando-Kissimee Local

This relaxed neighbourhood oozes old money, history and good ol’ Southern charm. Its Downtown Historic District is a real sight for anyone who has a soft spot for beautiful old architecture. Take a stroll along the shopping strips and meander through the many antique and vintage stores, then find – and lose – yourself at one of several museums on offer. The Heritage Museum and Cornell Fine Arts Museum are packed with gems. If you’re in town during mid-August, the Sidewalk Art Festival always attracts a big crowd and is a must.

The first thing that comes to mind when you think about Daytona Beach is probably the races and the crazy college kids during Spring Break. And you’re right. This area has a chilled, beachy vibe and a lot of youngsters cruising the streets. The stacks of malls will keep you entertained, while if you happen to venture over in late-February, the buzz of the Daytona 500 is sure to give you a thrill. If you’re more into the thrills of party animals in their early 20s, be sure to hit up this place in spring when college kids shed whatever inhibitions they previously had and revel it up on the beach.

Art lovers? This area should be your first port of call as it’s filled with galleries and museums like the Maitland Historical Museum and Maitland Art Center. Grab a bite of culture and then a bite of food at the famous Farmers Market, open every Sunday. Gourmet goodies galore!

Woodland Boulevard, the main street of downtown DeLand, is essentially a strip of history, with rows of heritage buildings for your viewing pleasure. Grab a coffee at one of the many cafés and take it all in. Once you’re done, hit up the flea markets and mall for some retail therapy. This district is also home to a number of universities, so expect a lot of cool stores and a lot of cool kids.

It’s hard to believe that Casselberry is part of such a thriving epicentre of excitement, because it’s just so darn peaceful. You’ll find no less than 17 parks here and plenty of things to do. Crystal Bowl Park is home to the Crystal Bowl Butterfly Garden (who doesn’t like butterflies?) and Secret Lake Park is one of the most visually stunning areas in the district. Once you’re done relaxing, why not take an art or craft class at Casselberry Art House? Have fun, make a royal mess and take home a special souvenir.

Orlando-Kissimmee Eat & Drink

Orlando-Kissimmee Events

The Bluegrass Festival in March sees Kissimmee celebrate bluegrass for four days. Catch a performance, munch on some Southern comfort food and pick up some handicrafts at the market.

Kissimmee comes alive in April with JazzFest. Visitors are treated to a variety of performances by big names and small timers alike while they indulge in food and wine. Saxophones and cool crooners, aplenty!

Fans of theatre and other performing arts should put May’s Orlando International Fringe Festival on their schedule. The 10-day fiesta sees a wide variety of fun and unique performances happen all over the city.

Independence Day is a big one for the whole country, but particularly in Osceola County. July 4^th is celebrated in the best way possible, with a mix of festivals, performances and shows, arts and crafts as well as fireworks (of course). Revel in the exciting buzz.

Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival in mid-October to mid-November is, quite simply, a food heaven. Tantalise your taste buds with the best of the best edibles at over 20 international food and wine stalls.

When To Go

While summer brings out the massive crowds and the fun buzz, it also brings scorching heat and humidity. March to April and September to October are your best bets as those periods are comfortably (rather than oppressively) warm. If you’re adamant on spending a summer (June to August) in Orlando, bring plenty of sunscreen, little clothing and a relaxed attitude.

• Winter: 11-22°C (52-72°F)
• Spring: 17-31°C (63-88°F)
• Summer: 26-37°C (79-99°F)
• Autumn: 16-24°C (61-75°F)

What To Miss

• The theme parks may be fun but everything is over-priced, including the bland food. Avoid going bankrupt by making smart spending choices. Buy only a few souvenirs, a small but sufficient meal and be on your way. Better yet, bring plenty of water and snacks so you won’t feel tempted to spend up big at the food venues.
• Areas like Pine Hills, Parramore and OBT (Orange Blossom Trail) can be quite dangerous. There is a lot of gang violence and poverty here, so if you do somehow find yourself here after dark, jump in a cab straight away.
• The traffic. Rush hour (3-7pm) on the I-4 is notoriously evil, so stay away!

Getting Around

• Publicly-operated LYNX buses trawl all over Orlando/Kissimmee, cost just over a dollar per ride and are a reliable option. Amtrak trains are also available for longer trips.

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