Everyone knows that Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, but there is a lot more to this beautiful city than those popular vacation destinations. Local residents enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, excellent shopping, and delicious restaurants.
Of course, residents of Orlando also have the added perk of being able to visit all of the popular theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Sea World Orlando, and Legoland Florida. But that is just the icing on the cake when you factor in all of the great things that Orlando has to offer!
Orlando History
Originally populated by Seminole Indians, the town of Orlando was officially incorporated just after the Civil War. During that time, the area became the hub of the booming Florida citrus industry.
The most famous event in Orlando history happened in 1965 when Walt Disney announced his intentions to open Walt Disney World. After the resort opened in 1971, the tourism industry boomed along with the population and the local economy.
Orlando Lifestyle
Tourism is a way of life in Orlando, and that translates into all kinds of fun activities and attractions for local residents to enjoy throughout the year.
In addition to all of the major theme parks, there are also tons of outdoor activities like the airboat tours at Boggy Creek Airboat Rides, zip line fun at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, and the wild adventures of Revolution Off Road.
Orlando is also a golfer’s paradise with more than 150 local courses to choose from. The legendary Arnold Palmer designed multiple courses in the area including Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Shingle Creek Golf Course, and Orange Lake Resort.
Orlando Culture
The arts are also alive and well here in Orlando with enthralling performances taking center stage at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and breathtaking exhibits to explore at the Orlando Museum of Art and the Cornell Fine Arts Museum.
Of course, Walt Disney World is also famous for promoting arts and culture and is almost always hosting some type of cultural festival. The Epcot events page is chock full of all kinds of exciting cultural events.
Orlando Shopping
Being such a popular tourist destination also makes Orlando a hotbed for all different types of shopping excursions.
If you are looking for mall shopping, you can start out at The Mall at Millenia or The Florida Mall.
Then, for designer outlet shopping, head over to Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Orlando International Premium Outlets, or Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.
And if a more relaxed outdoor shopping experience is what you are looking for, you can find that too at destinations like Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk, and Pointe Orlando.
Orlando Restaurants
Those relaxed shopping destinations are also the place to be when it comes to dining in Orlando.
At Disney Springs, you will find world-famous restaurants like Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen, Masaharu Morimoto’s Morimoto Asia, and Wolfgang Puck’s Wolfgang Puck Express.
There are just as many famous places to eat over at Universal CityWalk, and then there are even more popular spots on International Drive and Restaurant Row.
And just in case all of those tourists spots are a bit too much for you, there are also hidden gems like Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa, The Rusty Spoon, and The Stubborn Mule located all over town.
Where to Retire in the Orlando Area
The Lakes at Harmony is an active adult community located in the master-planned community of Harmony in St. Cloud. These two and three bedroom homes are built for the way you live today, with space where you need it most. Among the spacious outdoor living space, many of which include water or conservation views, residents also enjoy a private recreation center and pool.
From the miles of walking and biking trails, to the community garden, parks and fitness center, Harmony has something for everyone. Gather at the Town Square which includes a spa, market, physician office, restaurants and more or play a round of golf on the only Johnny Miller Signature course in Central Florida without ever leaving your community.
Get more information about The Lakes at Harmony here.
The water is calling you to Twin Lakes, one of the most desirable active lifestyle communities in Central Florida. It’s time to live less crowded on the tranquil shores of Live Oak Lake where residents enjoy lakeside living with boating, fishing, kayaking and many other amenities usually reserved for fine resorts. With a clubhouse, pool, patio areas, newly opened fitness center and a full time activities director, there is something for every- one in this outstanding community. Twin Lakes, by Jones Homes USA, is now selling new homes with luxury features and advanced home technology, from the low $200k’s in the “convenient to everything,” Orlando Area.
Get more information about Twin Lakes here.
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