I’ll be in Orlando, FL (Kissimmee/St. Cloud area) in late February and was wondering, aside from the obvious big tourist attractions offered by Disney, Universal et al., what’s worth visiting. Also, what’s a good place to eat? As long as it’s not a large chain or franchise, I’m interested in all cuisines and all price ranges (local chains are okay).
What would be worth visiting is greatly dependent upon your interests. If you like science and museum type attractions, then you might like the Orlando Science Center ($15/adult; $3.50/parking); or the Loch Haven Art Museum ($donation). You might also like to see the Kennedy Space Center (just over an hour to the East). If you’re into beaches, then Daytona and Cocoa Beach are a little more than an hour East, and Tampa/St.Pete are about the same distance to the West. (East coast has more waves, West coast has more shells and white sand.) If you’re into nature, you might like a walk through Leu Gardens just North of downtown Orlando. If you like tourist stuff, then try Church Street in downtown Orlando, International Drive just South of Orlando (shopping galore), and the shops of Downtown Disney (formerly Lake Buena Vista). If you like the less crowded attractions, try Gatorland (South of Orlando), Cypress Gardens (West of Orlando), or a boat trip through the Winter Park canals (just North-East of Orlando).
As for where to eat, well you’re better off sticking to the chains. In my opinion most of the locally owned places are greasy spoons and ptomaine factories. (Others may disagree, but I don’t care for any of the ones I’ve tried.) You will get good food in most of the big hotel restaurants, but you’ll pay a premium. (Of course, you should expect that in a tourist town.)
Thanks for the advice YiBaiYuan. Judging from what you said, the restaurant selection in the Orlando seems pretty disappointing. I was hoping there would be some good Southern BBQ joints, fish houses, or Cuban/Caribbean places in the area.
Well, Orlando is a little too far south for “good southern BBQ” unless you find a really random hole-in-the-wall place in the middle of nowhere, and it’s a little far north for an overabundance of Cuban/Carribbean food places.
Now, if you were to go to the Ft. Lauderdale area (three hours south of Orlando), you’d find some pretty good Cuban places, but better ones are even further south. I don’t know much about the restaurants in Orlando, but I’ve been to a few good Chinese restaurants there while visiting people.
Thanks for your advice. BTW, are there any good chains worth trying out?
Tu Tu Tango’s on International Drive is a good fun restaurant. All they serve is appetizers, so you go with a bunch of friends and order different things and share.
If you like gardens, Leu Gardens is cheap. $4 to get in, and acres and acres of plants from tropical to desert, along with flowers and herb and butterfly gardens.
You might want to check out Winter Park, a city just north of downtown Orlando. Park Avenue is a pedestrian-oriented street with about ten long blocks of mostly independent restaurants, retailers and art galleries.
Don’t confuse Winter Park with Winter Garden. I called the place “Mullet Garden” when I lived in the area, for reasons those from Orlando would understand.
The bulk of quality independently owned restaurants will be in Orlando proper, especially around the Thornton Park neighborhood, and suburbs north of the city; Winter Park, Maitland, and Altamonte Springs. However, they’re on the oppoite side of town from the attractions. Check out a copy of Orlando Weekly, the city’s Thursday freesheet, for reviews.
As far as good chains, you might want to hunt down the closest location of Sonny’s Barbecue, a favorite among transplants from Southern states. If you can tolerate the constant chirping of Nextel phones, Sonny’s is a good place to experience traditional Southern style 'cue.
For BBQ in the area try O’Boys Barbeque which is in Winter Park, just north of Orlando and Bubbalou’s Bodacious Barbeque. They’re both good.
In the city of Orlando try dining at Tanqueray’s which is on the corner of Orange Ave. and Pine Street underneath the bank there. The food is great.
In Winter Park on Park Avenue there are a number of interesting places but my favorite is 310 Park South (the name is the address). The food there is wonderful.
In Thornton Park try Shari Sushi some of the best sushi I’ve had ever.
North end of Orlando right next to Winter Park is Del Frisco’s Steakhouse. Very expensive but you won’t be sorry.
I have to politely disagree with YiBaiYuan I’ve lived in this area since 1968 and eaten in plenty of locally owned placed that were excellent (see above)
Have fun. There are a few places for live music or DJ/dance stuff if you’re interested.
Lone Cabbage Fish Camp is the place to go.
Take state road 50 out of the east edge of town, turn onto state road 520, and its a little bit before Cocoa. Can’t miss it.
Best f’ing catfish in the world.
If you want real directions, feel free to ask.
If you can get a reservation, (for dinner at least) Houston’s in Winter Park is really rather good.