As summer break is coming to a close, the last thing you're probably thinking about is NEXT summer's vacation. But maybe you should be. I mean, how was the trip? Stressful? All-Inclusive? Did everyone enjoy themselves? Here are the top 5, as recommended by Parents magazine:
1. San Diego, CA
2. Portland, OR
3. Washington DC
4. Orlando, FL
5. Chicago, IL
Now, I'm going to help you plan this out. Maybe next year will go a little smoother ;)
San Diego, what a city?! It's really beautiful. Take my advice and stay near the downtown (Gaslamp District) the trolly will take you everywhere you need to go. My choice for major highlighs would have to be the zoo, the USS Midway, and Balboa Park. Here's a great itinerary I stumbled upon. I couldn't have planned it better myself... other than to space it out! I would suggest this same trip but over 2days!
Portland is every Foodie parent's dream vaca! And while you're stuffing your face there are some pretty cool things to see along the way. A very good friend of mine lives here now with her young family and she suggested the following: Spend an afternoon at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), including a tour of the USS Blueback Naval submarine. Drink a heavenly seasonal Burgerville milkshake, made with local huckleberries, caramel apples, or chocolatey hazelnuts. And finally, get a bird’s-eye view from the Portland Aerial Tram.
Washington D.C. was a family favorite for my clan growing up. My dad lived there when he was in the Coast Gaurd so he knew all the tricks and tips. We went several times while growing and I've since been with friends. I know it as one of my homes! Here's the best part- It's CHEAP! All of the 17 branches of the Smithsoniam (this includes the ZOO!), there are several weeks worth of sights to see. Plus the area is steaped with rich revolutionary hiertage and military pride. I ALWAYS see the changing of the gaurds at Arlington- I remember doing this as a family, it really taught me so much respect for our armed forces. I also suggest picnicing on the Mall lawn. It really takes the rush out of a long day of exploring!
Orlando... well I live here, so you would think I would be it's biggest advocate. That would be wrong! But I know why everyone comes here, I work for that very company. That being said, there is more to Central Florida than a mouse and his 4 theme parks that couldn't possibly be covered in a single trip! My suggestion: Half the stay doing theme parks, half the stay at the beach- Clearwater is amazing, sometimes you can even see dolphins!
Chicago- My one true love! At least it is in this country. The heart and soul of this city is in it's communities. My favorite being Lincoln Park. I suggest staying there and taking the EL into the Loop area. It's a fun lesson on mass transit for the kids! Once in downtown you have so much you can see and do. Everyone picks the Shedd Aquarium and it is amazing, but head down the road just a bit and also check out the Adler Planetarium! They have really cool exhibits that should interest the whole faily.
Hope this makes next summer a little easier!
Showing posts with label Orlando. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orlando. Show all posts
Friday, August 16, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
I'll have an Orlando, hold the theme parks
To a majority of the world, the City Orlando is synonymous with places like Disney, Sea World, and Universal... and those places are lovely. But do you ever wonder what the city would be like with those giant companies? What else does this city bring to the table?------ A whole lot!
The City of Orlando is comprised of several small townships, which like any major city. However, just like in New York City, these townships still feel a sense of pride and independence from the city as a whole. If you were to ask someone from Winter Garden where their from they would be quick to assure that Winter Park is NOT Orlando... despite it being mere minutes from the downtown area. So this post may require some maps, because I'll be list the sites by their township. And now, onto the hidden gems.
Dining:
Yellow Dog Eats, 1236 Hempel Avenue Windermere- The owners took a dilapidated farm house and turned it into one of the coolest sandwich shops in the world. Get the special (no mater what it is) if you're there before it runs out!
Hamburger Mary's, 110 West Church Street, Orlando- There are a couple of these out in the state, but this one is the best. The waitstaff is SASSY and your check comes in a pump... what more could you ask for?!
4 Rivers Smokehouse, 1600 W. Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park- Serving up traditional TEXAS smoked BBQ in a cafeteria style service.
YumYum Cupcake Truck*, 3042 Eaglet Loop, Orlando- If you can find it, just be prepared for such awesomeness your tasted buds have never know!
*If you are here on the right night, the city of Celebration hosts a Food Truck Night about once a month or so. 851 Celebration Ave. It's pretty epic!
Bars:
The Wine Roon, 270 Park Ave S. Winter Park- If you're a fan of wine, then stock up on some Advil for the next day! This place is pretty hip. You fill up a card with a desired amount of money and then each pour/tasting costs a certain amount. It's awesome for a Ladies Night.
Eye Spy, 54 North Orange Avenue Orlando- It's hard to find, but it's worth it for the night of fun and mystery ahead of you!
Kitty O'Shea, 8470 Palm Parkway, Lake Buena Vista- A little close to Disney, but it's a total dive bar with the prices to match. One of the most affordable places you'll find here in Orlando.
Sights:
Harry P. Leu Garden, 1920 N. Forest Ave, Orlando- This 50-acre botanical garden is Orlando's equivalent to The Secret Garden: a maze bursting with color and unusual greenery.
Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka- Pronounced Wahk-EYE-vah, it is a 7,000-acre park where the waters are crystal - clear and stay at a comfortable 72 degrees all year.
The Shops on Park Ave, Winter Garden- I love to just stroll along this area. The squares have hidden walkways and shops. There's even a French Pastry Shop!
Skycoaster, 2850 Florida Plaza Boulevard, Kissimmee -Good for you, go for it! Me, I'll keep my feet on the ground... but my friends rave about this gravity defying experience. Undoubtedly one of the scariest adventure activities in Orlando, the SkyCoaster slowly hoists you backwards with a cable 300 feet into the air. The cable stops and there you hang until on of the riders has to muster up the courage to pull the release cord, which sends riders plummeting toward the ground, then swings back and forth a few times.
Florida EcoSafaris, On my to do list, I'm really looking forward to a zipline next time I'm free in Orlando!
As you can plainly see, there's more to Orlando than roller coasters and character meet'n'greets... Also I still love Disney, look for that post soon ;)
The City of Orlando is comprised of several small townships, which like any major city. However, just like in New York City, these townships still feel a sense of pride and independence from the city as a whole. If you were to ask someone from Winter Garden where their from they would be quick to assure that Winter Park is NOT Orlando... despite it being mere minutes from the downtown area. So this post may require some maps, because I'll be list the sites by their township. And now, onto the hidden gems.
Dining:
Yellow Dog Eats, 1236 Hempel Avenue Windermere- The owners took a dilapidated farm house and turned it into one of the coolest sandwich shops in the world. Get the special (no mater what it is) if you're there before it runs out!
Hamburger Mary's, 110 West Church Street, Orlando- There are a couple of these out in the state, but this one is the best. The waitstaff is SASSY and your check comes in a pump... what more could you ask for?!
4 Rivers Smokehouse, 1600 W. Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park- Serving up traditional TEXAS smoked BBQ in a cafeteria style service.
YumYum Cupcake Truck*, 3042 Eaglet Loop, Orlando- If you can find it, just be prepared for such awesomeness your tasted buds have never know!
*If you are here on the right night, the city of Celebration hosts a Food Truck Night about once a month or so. 851 Celebration Ave. It's pretty epic!
Bars:
The Wine Roon, 270 Park Ave S. Winter Park- If you're a fan of wine, then stock up on some Advil for the next day! This place is pretty hip. You fill up a card with a desired amount of money and then each pour/tasting costs a certain amount. It's awesome for a Ladies Night.
Eye Spy, 54 North Orange Avenue Orlando- It's hard to find, but it's worth it for the night of fun and mystery ahead of you!
Kitty O'Shea, 8470 Palm Parkway, Lake Buena Vista- A little close to Disney, but it's a total dive bar with the prices to match. One of the most affordable places you'll find here in Orlando.
Sights:
Harry P. Leu Garden, 1920 N. Forest Ave, Orlando- This 50-acre botanical garden is Orlando's equivalent to The Secret Garden: a maze bursting with color and unusual greenery.
Wekiwa Springs State Park, 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka- Pronounced Wahk-EYE-vah, it is a 7,000-acre park where the waters are crystal - clear and stay at a comfortable 72 degrees all year.
The Shops on Park Ave, Winter Garden- I love to just stroll along this area. The squares have hidden walkways and shops. There's even a French Pastry Shop!
Skycoaster, 2850 Florida Plaza Boulevard, Kissimmee -Good for you, go for it! Me, I'll keep my feet on the ground... but my friends rave about this gravity defying experience. Undoubtedly one of the scariest adventure activities in Orlando, the SkyCoaster slowly hoists you backwards with a cable 300 feet into the air. The cable stops and there you hang until on of the riders has to muster up the courage to pull the release cord, which sends riders plummeting toward the ground, then swings back and forth a few times.
Florida EcoSafaris, On my to do list, I'm really looking forward to a zipline next time I'm free in Orlando!
As you can plainly see, there's more to Orlando than roller coasters and character meet'n'greets... Also I still love Disney, look for that post soon ;)
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