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All Articles for : Orlando
Hang Gliding at Wallaby Ranch
In that first tandem flight, Chad taught me how to turn, how to slow down and how to speed up. By the time we rolled in, only 15 minutes later, my life was forever changed.
Tags: sports, Orlando, flight,
Central Florida Overview
A vivid contrast to the hustle and bustle of the state’s larger cities, Central Florida is home to small, quaint towns including Mount Dora, Arcadia and Dunnellon, perfect for lazy evening strolls and shopping excursions.
Tags: Arcadia, Bartow, Dunnellon, Lake_Buena_Vista, Lakeland, Mount_Dora, Ocala, Orlando, Oviedo, Sanford, Sebring, Winter_Haven, Winter_Park,
On the Hunt for Treasure in Kissimmee
The rules are simple: Solve 14 clues and a final challenge. At the end of the summer, whichever team has the most points will win the $10,000 bounty.
Tags: Kissimmee, resorts, family, Orlando,
Classic Florida Rides
The Haunted Mansion has been there since before opening day. Because parts for the Florida ride were built alongside the Disneyland original, the attraction was ready six months before the rest of the park.
Tags: Winter_Haven, theme_parks, Walt_Disney_World, Lake_Buena_Vista, Orlando, Universal_Studios, Kissimmee, Tampa, Daytona_Beach, St_Augustine,
Kid-Friendly Fun in Orlando
Liki Tiki Village is practically overflowing with family appeal. Each of the one-, two- and three-bedroom villas features a spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen and a washer and dryer.
Tags: Orlando, family, resorts, theme_parks, Kissimmee,
Winter Wonderland
With flame-red bougainvillea and hibiscus blossoms, green coconut palms hung with oversized bulbs and mistletoe draped in cypress trees, Florida flora puts on its own holiday display.
Tags: Walt_Disney_World, events, Orlando, theme_parks, Fort_Lauderdale, Sanibel_Island, Captiva_Island, Delray_Beach, Fort_Myers, St_Augustine, Vero_Beach, Sarasota, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, Jacksonville, Tampa, Busch_Gardens, Lake_Buena_Vista,
Life After Golf
By the time your companion finishes getting loofahed, wrapped and spoiled within an inch of his or her life, you can easily fit in 18 holes.
Tags: golf, resorts, spas, family, St_Augustine, Fort_Myers, Orlando, fishing, Panama_City, Florida_Keys, Santa_Rosa_Beach, Key_Biscayne, Amelia_Island, Daytona_Beach,
On The Road to Bohemia
I watched Little Miss Sunshine over a beer, a made-from scratch veggie burger and fresh-cut rosemary and parmesan fries (prepared on order in the theater’s kitchen) – delicious.
Tags: Orlando, theater, historical_sites, Winter_Park,
Florida's Smaller Marine Attractions
With a microscopic admission, you'll have plenty of spending money to rent a surrey for a family bike ride, grab a bite at one of the Pier's many restaurants or take something home from one of its souvenir shops.
Tags: Bradenton, Fort_Walton_Beach, Islamorada, Key_Largo, Miami, Orlando, Panama_City_Beach, Tallahassee, Tampa, sealife, aquariums, family, St_Petersburg,
Something Old, Something New
Along with impressive museums, the St. Petersburg area has enough galleries and openings to fill your social calendar from January to December.
Tags: Dade_City, Delray_Beach, Mount_Dora, Orlando, Quincy, antiques, shopping,
Four Seasons
It's easy to imagine sugar plum fairies in our Junior Ocean View Suite, which is awash in the vivid pastels of sea glass.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Orlando, Palm_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, luxury, resorts, hotels, dining,
A-Foot in Orlando-Kissimmee
The neighborhood buzzes with excitement nightlong. Attractions stay open late and a wealth of restaurants draw the theme-park crowd for relaxed casual to fine dining in a setting of bright lights and big city.
Tags: Kissimmee, Orlando, Universal_Studios, family, theme_parks, walking_tours, SeaWorld,
Water World
If you'll pardon the pun, there's something totally cool about a Florida water park that's designed to look like a ski resort.
Tags: Clearwater, Crystal_River, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, White_Springs, water_parks, family, Busch_Gardens, zoos, aquariums, museums, Lake_Buena_Vista, Universal_Studios, SeaWorld, High_Springs, nature, Walt_Disney_World,
Birds of a Feather
The unique refuge was established in 1931 to provide a wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl and is one of the oldest in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Tags: Fernandina_Beach, Key_West, Merritt_Island, Micanopy, Orlando, Sanibel_Island, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Titusville, wildlife, trails, birding, St_Petersburg, parks, nature, Homosassa,
Walk on the Wild Side
The grand sight of a whale splashing in the water is not usually associated with Florida. But northern right whales choose our northeastern coastal waters, almost exclusively, to give birth in winter months. They are among the most endangered species of large mammals in the world.
Tags: Big_Pine_Key, Crystal_River, Marco_Island, Naples, Orlando, Oviedo, Pensacola, Sanibel_Island, Sarasota, Sebastian, Tallahassee, Titusville, Vero_Beach, nature, wildlife, manatees, dolphins, Everglades_National_Park, Florida_Keys,
Malls with Style
International Plaza & Bay Street boasts the only Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom in western Florida and 200 designer and specialty boutiques, many exclusive to the area.
Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Sandestin, Sarasota, Tampa, Winter_Park, shopping, dining,
Boys of Spring
Among the legends who roamed the field were Babe Ruth, Dizzy Dean and many others you may be able to recall from years past.
Tags: Bradenton, Daytona_Beach, Fort_Myers, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Lake_Buena_Vista, Lakeland, Miami, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Tampa, Vero_Beach, West_Palm_Beach, sports, St_Petersburg, Walt_Disney_World,
Florida's Retro Theme Parks
Many of the rides are highly embellished versions of rides you might see at the state fair - scrambler, Ferris wheel, Tilt-O-Whirl, bumper cars.
Tags: Homestead, Islamorada, Key_West, Orlando, Pensacola, Tampa, St_Augustine, museums, nature, theme_parks, water_parks, gardens, St_Petersburg, wildlife, zoos, aquariums, sealife,
Music to Our Ears
All around the state, musical organizations recognize the need to build audiences.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Clearwater, Cocoa_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Fort_Myers, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Key_West, Lake_Wales, Lakeland, Miami, Miami_Beach, Mount_Dora, Naples, Ocala, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa, music, St_Petersburg, Melbourne,
Family Must-Sees
Your kids will be kissed and hugged by dolphins and sea lions respectively at Theater of the Sea in Islamorada.
Tags: Clearwater, Crystal_River, Fort_Myers, Gainesville, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Marianna, New_Smyrna_Beach, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, Tampa, Venice, West_Palm_Beach, Winter_Haven, Walt_Disney_World, SeaWorld, Universal_Studios, Busch_Gardens, Kennedy_Space_Center, museums, wildlife, sealife, family, Siesta_Key, Fort_Walton_Beach, theme_parks, zoos, water_parks, aquariums, Everglades_National_Park, Daytona_Beach,
Top Florida Biker Events
Biketoberfest is Daytona Beach's autumn counterpart to Bike Week. The crowds aren't as overwhelming as the city's spring event, but Biketoberfest is every bit as much fun.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Gainesville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Ybor_City, motorcycling, events,
Biking Daytona and Beyond
St. Augustine's Colonial Spanish Quarter is a pedestrian maze of shops, eateries and attractions such as the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in America.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Flagler_Beach, New_Smyrna_Beach, Ocala, Orlando, Palatka, Winter_Park, St_Augustine, museums, parks, beaches, Ormond_Beach, motorcycling, historical_sites, Ponce_Inlet, lighthouses,
High-Flying Days
Nearby Gulf Breeze has been dubbed Florida's UFO capital because of the many sightings reported there. Rumor has it that the UFOs are really experimental military aircraft.
Tags: Cocoa, Fort_Walton_Beach, Gulf_Breeze, Lakeland, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Titusville, flight,
Orlando By Night
This city in the heart of Florida has a whole host of nightlife spots, offering something for everyone, whatever your speed.
Tags: Orlando, Winter_Park, nightlife, music,
A-Foot at Walt Disney World Resort
Kids programs and video arcades at many resorts keep the little ones happy while the big ones sneak off to be pampered at one of two major spas on property (many of the resorts also have their own smaller day spas), or for adult recreation and sizzling nightlife.
Tags: Kissimmee, Orlando, theme_parks, family, walking_tours, Walt_Disney_World,
Fast-Forward on the Fairways
Perhaps the Academy's most unique characteristic is three practice holes that allow "real conditions" practice.
Tags: Orlando, golf, resorts, Kissimmee,
B&B Beautiful
The Colonial Revival home is so stunning that passing cars slow down to see it. And though it's three blocks from busy Main Street, we heard nothing but songbirds during our stay.
Tags: Bartow, Lake_Wales, Lakeland, Orlando, Tampa, bed_and_breakfasts, parks, hotels, museums, historical_sites, romance, weddings,
Gator Tales
Captain Martin maneuvered us into swampy areas where unsuspecting 'gators splashed into the water to the left and right of us. We were lucky: We saw at least a dozen 'gators during the half-hour trip.
Tags: Orlando, Oviedo, Sarasota, wildlife,
H2O Adventures
Get close to native aquatic plants like pickerelweed and eelgrass, and watch the speckled perch and largemouth bass go by.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Orlando, Oviedo, Sanford, nature,
Winter Park, Mount Dora and DeLand
In typical New England fashion, the opulent residences of Winter Park are often secluded and hidden from public view. However, a scenic boat tour offers views of various mansions from the lakes and canals of the gracious and historic city of Winter Park.
Tags: DeLand, Mount_Dora, Orlando, Winter_Park, shopping, antiques, museums, art, parks, historic_districts, historical_sites,
Unexpected Orlando
With Disney, Universal and SeaWorld around, the area's reputation for big-ticket fun goes without saying. But don't allow that to obscure the "unexpected Orlando."
Tags: Orlando, family, museums, nature,
Kissimmee Golf Safari
The National presents a formidable challenge with three double doglegs and fairway-long bunkers on some holes.
Tags: Kissimmee, Orlando, golf, resorts,
Kid-Friendly Orlando
You can't come to Florida without seeing a live alligator. At Gatorland, we had plenty of chances to get up close and personal with hundreds, from critters you can hold in your hand to the 18-footers that call the park home.
Tags: Orlando, family,
City Profile: Oviedo
Oviedo is a great place to visit if the enchantment of a small town with all the amenities appeals to you.
Tags: Orlando, Oviedo,
City Profile: Sanford
Enjoy dining in one of our quaint restaurants or Victorian tea rooms located throughout the historic district.
Tags: Orlando, Sanford,
City Profile: Orlando/Kissimmee-St. Cloud
Experience the bustling marketplace of Port of Entry, battles between good and evil on Marvel Super Hero Island, slapstick ruckuses at Toon Lagoon, prehistoric megalosaurs in Jurassic Park, mythical sorcerers on the Lost Continent, and fanciful revelry at Seuss Landing.
Tags: Kissimmee, Lake_Buena_Vista, Orlando, Universal_Studios,
City Profile: Lake Buena Vista
As soon as you arrive at Lake Buena Vista, you'll have no doubt you're in the heart of the world's playground - the opportunities for enjoyment are endless.
Tags: Lake_Buena_Vista, Orlando,
City Profile: Winter Park
Not only are there enough activities to keep you and your family content within the Winter Park city limits, but all the Orlando attractions are just minutes away.
Tags: Orlando, Winter_Park,
Orlando and Beyond
No visit to Florida is complete without sighting an alligator. The easiest place to spot one of these primal creatures is at Gatorland. It's the "Alligator Capital of the World" and one of Florida's first major tourist attractions.
Tags: Orlando, driving_tours, museums, golf, Tours_on_a_Tankful,
Cocoa and Kissimmee
Back on terra firma, go on a turtle trek. The Canaveral National Seashore, on A1A near Titusville, is a virtual turtle incubator, with hundreds of sea turtles making the journey to lay their eggs in the warm sands beside the Atlantic.
Tags: Cape_Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Kissimmee, Okeechobee, Orlando, Titusville, nature, wildlife, Kennedy_Space_Center, driving_tours, Tours_on_a_Tankful,
Theme Parks: Orlando
SeaWorld's animal interactions are as intense as ever with "Sharks Deep Dive", the park's most daring animal interaction program where guests don wetsuits and either snorkel or scuba dive in a large shark cage for an unforgettable encounter with more than 50 sharks.
Tags: Orlando, Tampa, theme_parks, Walt_Disney_World, SeaWorld, water_parks, dolphins, wildlife, Tours_on_a_Tankful, driving_tours,
Neighborhood Attractions in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale
Fish from the pier. Whack volleyballs in the very capital of beach volleyball. Play on the covered playground. Rent water toys. Relax with a good book.
Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Dania_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Hollywood, Kissimmee, Orlando, Tampa, family, beaches, aquariums, museums, parks,
Hanging High
With student pilots and first-timers, the emphasis is on safety. Unlike mountain hang-gliding where take-offs and landings can be thrilling and dangerous, aero-towing offers a gentle rolling start and stop.
Tags: Orlando, sports,
Art Safari
Thousands of visitors go to St. Petersburg specifically to pay homage to this eccentric artist and to explore in depth his amazing vision of the world. And with so many of his great works to appreciate, take your time and dally a little.
Tags: Boca_Raton, Fort_Lauderdale, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Miami, Miami_Beach, Ocala, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Tallahassee, Tampa, West_Palm_Beach, art, museums, St_Petersburg, Sarasota,
Awesome Family Adventures
Take lots of pictures because no one's going to believe your kids didn't make up this magical river.
Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Crystal_River, Islamorada, Madeira_Beach, Milton, Orlando, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Steinhatchee, family, theme_parks, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, parks, water_sports, Everglades_National_Park, Universal_Studios, St_Petersburg, Port_St_Joe, fishing,
Ethnic Diversity
The sponging industry continues to draw swarthy seamen and their families, making the neighborhood around the sponge docks a living museum.
Tags: Clearwater, Delray_Beach, Eatonville, Key_West, Miami, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, Tampa, Tarpon_Springs, Ybor_City, St_Augustine, culture, history,
Florida's Performing Arts
When you have a yen for lighter-than-air dance, when you yearn for the beauty of form-made-fluid, a night at the ballet, and nothing else, will satisfy.
Tags: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, Sarasota, Tallahassee, music, theater, culture,
Must-Sees for African-American History and Culture
Here Martin Luther King stayed while supporting local civil rights movements. It was also home to the man who taught Ray Charles, a student at the local school for the deaf and blind, to read music in Braille.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Daytona_Beach, Eatonville, Fort_Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Key_West, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee, historical_sites, history, historic_districts, art, culture,
Fishing Sites
You'll get ample cracks at yellowtail and mangrove snapper, plus shots at black and gag grouper.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Gainesville, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Miami, Naples, Ocala, Okeechobee, Orlando, Palatka, Stuart, fishing, Homosassa, Boca_Grande, St_Petersburg, Panama_City, Melbourne,
Must-Do Hikes in Florida
In just a few short hours, hikers can escape the pressures of civilization and relax in the tranquility of a wilderness paradise, then return to their former lives, recharged.
Tags: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Key_Largo, Kissimmee, Milton, Ocala, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Stuart, hiking, trails, parks, nature, Jupiter,
Ron Jon Surf Shop
To keep folks coming back, Ron Jon boasts an always-surprising calendar of events, highlighted by autograph sessions and demonstrations by top surfers.
Tags: Cape_Canaveral, Cocoa_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Orlando, shopping, resorts,
Up-and-Coming Courses
Florida's big-name golf destinations may garner most of the national attention, but locals have long known that some of the state's best golf is found in up-and-coming locales like Northwest, Central Florida and the Daytona Beach area.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Key_West, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Sandestin, Tampa, golf, resorts, Ormond_Beach,
An Arctic-Style Sleepover at SeaWorld
Down below, where we would sleep, Beluga whales sang to each other and a baby cuddled with its mother, much like we'd be doing later in the chilly setting.
Tags: Orlando, Tampa, SeaWorld, sealife, family,
Kinder-Kind Resorts
Plays, beach walks, water balloon soccer, language-learning and scavenger hunts are among the activities incorporated into kid-appealing theme days such as Natural Wonders, Wet 'N' Wild, Messy Mania and Space Day.
Tags: Captiva_Island, Lake_Buena_Vista, Orlando, Sanibel_Island, Tampa, Tarpon_Springs, family, Florida_Keys, dolphins, hotels, resorts, Homosassa,
Thrill Quest
The car climbed higher and higher in the creepy hotel through a maze of elevator shafts and hallways, building our anxiety before the inevitable drop. Everyone let out a scream as we plummeted 13 stories, bounced up and then shot down the shaft again.
Tags: Kissimmee, Orlando, Tampa, Busch_Gardens, Walt_Disney_World, SeaWorld, Universal_Studios, theme_parks,
Florida Spa Sampler
Succumb to the luscious Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Wrap or the Exotic Flower Bath.
Tags: Bonita_Springs, Fort_Myers, Islamorada, Key_West, Kissimmee, Miami, Miami_Beach, Naples, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, spas, resorts, luxury, Sanibel_Island,
Over-the-Top-Luxury
For the perfect end to the perfect evening, summon your Bath Concierge to draw a bath with a sensuous blend of oils and bath salts.
Tags: Boca_Raton, Bonita_Springs, Islamorada, Key_Largo, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Palm_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, luxury, resorts, hotels, spas,
Orlando/Kissimmee Area
The propensity for over-the-top entertainment has infected the environs with a love for fun, faux, goofy and imagination.
Tags: Eatonville, Kissimmee, Lake_Buena_Vista, Mount_Dora, Orlando, Sanford, Winter_Park, theme_parks, Walt_Disney_World, SeaWorld, Universal_Studios,
Unique Dining
If you're in the Space Coast area, make a lunch date with an astronaut. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Lunch with an Astronaut program is a popular dining treat for kids and parents alike.
Tags: Bradenton, Captiva_Island, Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, DeLand, Fort_Lauderdale, Grayton_Beach, Hollywood, Key_West, Kissimmee,