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 Dining
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.
Orlando Area Communities
Solivita is a national award-winning retirement community in Central Florida’s attraction zone, offering great natural beauty, vast recreational amenities and enough to do to keep any active adult as busy as you care to be. No matter where you live within this lush gated 55-plus community in Kissimmee, you can easily walk, bike or drive your golf cart to indoor and outdoor dining venues, state-of-the-art spa and fitness complexes, pickleball or tennis courts, and other facilities for sports and games. You can also meet up with newfound friends, share the fun in social clubs, and enjoy lifelong learning classes and countless other amenities—inviting you to do it all, or nothing at all.
With two stunning championship golf courses, intimate neighborhood centers, softball field, miles of green space for walking, cycling and meandering, and too many classes and clubs to count, you will have many ways to enjoy the Solivita life. You can request more information about Solivita here.
Another great option to consider is what is destined to become one of the most popular active lifestyle communities in Central Florida. Twin Lakes, by Jones Homes USA, is now selling homes from the $200k’s in the Orlando Area. Centered around a truly expansive 20,000 square foot Clubhouse complex on the tranquil shores of Live Oak Lake, it’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon poolside or a large evening celebration in the party friendly patio area. Here, residents enjoy lakeside living with boating, fishing, kayaking and amenities usually reserved for fine resorts. You can request more information about Twin Lakes here.
It might be the best known as a tourist destination, but Orlando is also a fantastic spot for making retiring boomers feel like they are on vacation all year round. If that sounds like something that interests you, book a research trip to Orlando to see it for yourself!
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