Considering a trip to Orlando, Florida? The good news is that you do not need to be a fan of Disney World in order to make the trip. Unbeknown to some, there are actually quite a number of other great things to do outside of the Disney complex, both in and around the city itself. Here are a few to consider.
Downtown Orlando
Located about 15 miles northeast of the Disney theme parks is downtown Orlando. Here you’ll find a bustling area full of incredible museums, sports complexes, restaurants, and – of course – shopping malls.
While there, make sure you take a trip to the Mennello Museum of American Folk Art. Inside you’ll find the only folk art museum in the state, and one of only a handful in the entire country. The collection features a wide variety of works by Earl Cunningham, as well as several collections by artists like Cassatt and Wyeth.
Kennedy Space Center
Not too far from Orlando, just southeast of Titusville, is the world renowned Kennedy Space Center. Within the space center, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of exhibits that teach about the development of space exploration and the country’s space program. If you take the bus tour, included with admission, you’ll have the chance to get on and off at several other key points around the complex, including the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry.
Don’t forget to take a moment or two to visit the Astronaut Memorial while you’re there. This incredible monument pays homage to the individuals who have lost their lives while working to promote the exploration of outer space.
Sand Lake Road
Sand Lake Road is one of the sections of Orlando located very close to Disney. It’s an upscale neighborhood with dozens of elaborate homes and, as such, the shopping district is equally luxurious. If you’re looking to indulge, window shop, or splurge on a more expensive meal with your honey, this is one place you might want to visit. Otherwise, stick to International Drive where the price tags – just about everywhere – are lower.
Visiting Orlando is easy, fun, and inexpensive, especially if you book one of the many cheap flights to Orlando made available throughout the year. Enjoy – and don’t forget that there are plenty of things to see and do outside of Disney.
