Another look at the entertainment in Orlando
Another look at the entertainment in Orlando
Orlando, Florida, is a cosmopolitan city with culture, excitement, romance as well as world-renowned family friendly attractions. Beneath the glitzy veneer of Universal Studios Florida and the Shamu splash of Sea World lies treasure easily discovered. A vacation to Orlando shouldn”t stop at International Drive continue to Orange Avenue and points beyond to unearth Orlando, the county seat of Orange County. It may be called “the beautiful city,” but a more fitting title might be “THE fun city!”
Orlando thrives on tourists seeking adventures and whimsical getaways into fantasylands where great times are had by all at the familiar fun spots. Just don”t allow your vacation to end there, travel the streets of Orlando for off the tourist track fun. Head for 777 East Princeton Street and the Orlando Science Center. Everyone gets involved in learning about science through interactive programs that explore the world from without and within. Planetarium shows and movies are presented on an 8-foot screen with audio that gives a life like reality to viewers inside the 310 seat CineDome. Geared more towards children, the Orlando Science Center will keep active minds and hands busy learning and who knows, adults may learn a thing or two, also.
If a few hours of feasting your eyes on the beauty of art is a quiet need, check out the Orlando Museum of Art at 2416 North Mills Avenue. Newsweek named OMA one of the best art museums in the south. The works of American artists such as Ansel Adams, John Singer Sargent, and Georgia O”Keefe are displayed. Wander through rooms housing the collection, Art of the Ancient Americas. A collection that includes pieces done in jade, cloth, gold, silver, and stone from 30 cultures over the Americas.
Festivals and the arts flourish with flair. From September until May The Orlando-UFC Shakespeare Festival entertains with productions from the Bard, plays for the kiddies, and new plays being developed. OMA and The Orlando-UFC Shakespeare Festival, along with Orlando Science Center, are housed in the Loch Haven Park not far from downtown Orlando. The ballet company, opera, and symphony create a picture of passionate line, movement and music that brings a sense of culture to Orlando.
The Harry P. Lew Gardens spread before visitors in lush prolific beauty on 1922 Forest Avenue. One of the largest collections of camellias grows here as well as one of the largest formal rose gardens in the United States. Meander down paved walkways to discover a tropical stream garden, a kitchen garden complete with vegetables and herbs, and a butterfly garden. All three gardens are new to The Harry P. Lew Gardens in Orlando.
There are hundreds of places to shop in Orlando. International Drive brings Outlet and mall shopping to the masses of people who roam up and down this congested, tourist area. A more uptown shopping experience can be found on a 3-mile stretch off Orange Street. Here quaint antique shops, one of a kind galleries, and upscale boutiques accompanies the sound of purses being snapped shut after a fine purchase. Bargain hunters will have found their Mecca at Central Florida Farmers Market and the Church Street Market provides shopping, entertainment, and dining all rolled into one fun place.
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