Orlando has Mickey Mouse.  And Universal Studios.  And water parks up the wazoo.  Hell, we have an entire part of town commonly referred to as “the attractions”.

You came for the amusement parks, we get it.

But what locals (and celebrities) (and celebrities who are also locals) also get is that Orlando offers unbeatable shopping. Whether you’re a bargain hunter (that’s me!), a label whore (Oh! Hi! Also me!) or just a casual window shopper (not at all me) – you’ll find the perfect shopping experience in Orlando.

Here’s what you need to know, from a self proclaimed local Orlando shopping expert (me again!):

Mall at Millenia is THE place for gawking and designer labels

I’m not talking about Hollister and Banana Republic (although you will find these havens of yuppy wanna be somebodys at Millenia as well).  I’m talking about the stores that make your thinks she’s a big deal because she’s a lawyer friend look like a welfare mom.

Louis Vitton.  Gucci.  Chanel.  Jimmy Choo (angels sing in here, people, I swear).

And not outlet Gucci or Chanel.  Real, actual, requires armed guards at the entrance Gucci and Chanel.

Think Rodeo Drive with a roof.  And fewer celerities.

IKEA is a true shopping maven’s worst nightmare

I hate IKEA.  Hate.  IKEA takes everything that is fantastic about shopping and sucks the soul from it.  I am loathe to even tell you that one exists in the Orlando area for fear that you will not be able to ignore the siren call of inexpensive, cheaply made, contemporary crap.

But it’s located right next door to the Mall at Millenia.  If you’re into that kind of thing.

Prime Outlets kicks Premium Outlets outdated butt

A Practical Find From Premium Outlet

There are two outlet malls located between Mall at Millenia and the attractions.  Both of them are located right along I-4.  Both of them have names that begin with a P.  Which means it is completely understandable how someone could take an entire day off work to enjoy one awesome outlet mall and find herself smack dab in the middle of another not nearly as awesome outlet mall.  And not realize it until she’d been at said another mall for roughly two hours.

I’m just saying.

Prime Outlets is the newer of the two P-Outlets in Orlando.  And while both offer an extensive selection of designer outlet stores (including BCBG and Coach that will make you swoon), only one (Prime) offers you the opportunity to pick through oversized bins of underwear at the Victoria Secret Outlet Store.

You just can’t beat a Victoria’s Secret bra for $9.99.

You have to endure The Florida Mall in order to enjoy Sephora and Aveda

The Florida Mall was designed by a moron.  It boasts 270 stores on one level, creating a sprawling disaster of indiscriminate hallways, courts and wings to navigate through.

But?  It boasts 270 stores.  In one place.  And most importantly, it is the only place in Orlando to find a Sephora and an official Aveda store.  If you’re traveling into Orlando from one of the thousands of cities that do not offer a Sephora, you simply have to take the time to visit The Florida Mall in order to experience the cosmetic mecca.

Just bring your walking shoes, water, and a map.

(You can’t actually get a map of the mall.  I made that part up.  Although, if you could that would be a genius idea.)

Flea Markets are actually awesome.

This might surprise you, but I’m a bit of a shopping snob.  So I was not at all impressed with the endless roadside billboards telling me about all of the “BIGGEST FLEA MARKETS IN THE WORLD!” or the “FLEA MARKETS WITH AIR CONDITIONING!”

It’s called a flea market.  Ew.

And then one Sunday a friend of mine dragged me into one under the guise of searching for a really great knock off purse.  My eyes were opened and my life forever changed.  Florida flea markets (and farmer’s markets if you can find them) offer some of the most fantastic deals on absolutely everything.  From unique jewelry and imported African art to luggage sets and kitchen utensils, you’ll find a booth offering you half off of anything your heart desires – and things your heart didn’t even know it wanted.

Trust me on this.  If you see a sign for a flea market, pull over. Immediately.  (And don’t be ashamed to bring in your own hand sanitizer.)

Now, you’ll notice on this little map that most of the places mentioned here are in the same general area.

Map of Orlando Shopping

That’s not to say that these are the only places you can shop in Central Florida.  But if you’re looking for a central location for your visit, this is obviously a good area to start.

Because of the proximity of the amusement parks, you’ll find literally hundreds of hotels, restaurants and clubs to choose from in the area.  While you’re in the neighborhood, I highly recommend the Brazilian Steakhouse (or Churrascaria), Texas de Brazil.

Click here to access the map directly on Google Maps.

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All photos provide by Britt Reints and her iPhone.

Blue Springs State Park

Every winter, Blue Springs State Park offers Central Florida visitors a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing natural phenomenons.

First is the spring itself, around which the park is designed.  The Blue Spring is the largest natural spring on the St. John’s river.

If you’ve never seen a natural spring before, you’re in for a treat!  Which is cliche, I know, but true.  The entrance to the spring is actually a large underwater cave that feeds out into what can best be described as a large creek.  Eventually the creek widens and flows into the very large St. John’s River.

The water is 73 degrees year around.  Even on the coldest January days, visitors to the park can feel free to swim in the warm waters.  Of course, you’ll want to bring a towel and something warm to get into as soon as you get out of the water and step into the much colder air.

If you do venture into the spring waters and head toward the mouth of the underwater cave, you may see professional divers who explore the spring’s opening almost daily.

Swimming with divers at Blue Springs State Park

You may also see an alligator or two.

Yes, it’s true.  Blue Springs State Park has signs posted up and down the water way warning visitors to watch for alligators.  In fact, the last time my family and I went we were pleased to see three very large alligators in the water – about five minutes after we had gotten out of it.

It's a marsh in Florida - of course there are alligators!

Blue Springs State Park, which is located in Deland, Florida (about 25 minutes outside of Orlando), also features several walking trails for hiking, bird watching, and romantic hand holding.

Walking in Blue Springs State Park

But the most popular attraction at Blue Springs is the return of the manatees each winter.

The spring serves as a natural warm water haven for the manatees when the temperature of the St. John’s River plunges in October or November each year.  On some cool mornings, visitors can see more than 100 manatees swimming along the spring run in Blue Springs State Park.  As the weather (and water) warms up in the spring, you’ll find fewer and fewer manatee.  However, even as late as March you may run across a few refugees from Sea World’s rescue and rehabilitation program.

Annie and Rocket - Sea World Refugees

These two manatees, Annie and Rocket, had been released last March back into the wild by Sea World.  They were equipped with tracking devices to help trainers and scientists monitor if they are joining the other manatees and returning to the river to feed.

Manatee from Sea World's rescue program - injured by boat props

swimming at Blue Springs State Park

What makes Blue Springs State Park unique from other Central Florida attractions is the ease with which visitors can interact with nature.  Although park rangers forbid swimmers from approaching and/or touching the manatee, it’s not uncommon for the manatees to approach the swimmers and bump humans with their large noses.  They’re harmless, and swimming with them truly is a unique, calming experience.  Even the spring itself is easily accessible via wooden walk ways, piers and docks.

Blue Springs State Park is open 365 days a year from 8am until sundown.  Admission is $5.00 per vehicle, or $1.00 for bicycles and pedestrians.

All photos by Britt Reints

I hate zoos.

I blame it on the fact that my mother adores the cheap entertainment that staring at animals provides and insisted on spending most of my childhood wandering from one animal exhibit to another.  You can only watch monkeys eat bugs off one another so many times before you start to become apathetic towards the miracles of the Animal Kingdom.

But even I, along with my two kids, enjoy the heck out of The Central Florida Zoo.

This is what "enjoying the heck out of the zoo" looks like.

Although I’m certain the Brevard Zoo would argue that they have equal claim to the name, The official Central Florida Zoo is located in Sanford, Florida.  As Google Maps will tell you, it’s located on Highway 17/92 – but the entrance is easy to miss with the small sign and massive overgrowth of roadside vegetation in the area.

The zoo is small.  It doesn’t begin to compare to a larger attraction like the San Diego Zoo.  And maybe that’s why my family enjoys it so much.

You may only spend a couple of hours walking along the clearly marked paths, or your kids could spend the entire day participating in hands on demonstrations and petting live animals that the staff bring out.

Petting a very old turtle at the Central Florida Zoo in Sanford

The zoo is located in Florida, which means the ample shade, air conditioned buildings and water attraction for the kids are especially appreciated in the hot summer months.  (Yes, water attraction.  Let the little ones wear their suits to the zoo!)

Another added feature exclusive to Florida zoos is the massive alligator and crocodile exhibits.  Bring hot dogs!  The crocodile displays are equipped with tubes that you can send food shooting through so that you can watch the animals snap at the airborne meat.

The zoo is open year-round, seven days a week (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Admission is $10.95 for adults, $6.95 for kids over 2, and FREE for kids under 2.  Which means my family of four can enjoy the Florida weather for less than $30 – including the cups of Cocoa Puffs to feed the lamas in the petting zoo!

Feeding goats cocoa puffs in Sanford, FL

Photos by Britt Reints

If you live in central Florida, you know that it is not 90 degrees for 12 months out of the year.  However, if you live anywhere else in the world, you’ll mistakenly assume that the “Welcome To The Sunshine State” signs are sincere and equates to tropical paradise even in the dead of winter.

You have only to visit Florida’s famed Daytona Beach between October and March to realize the error of your thinking.

While even northern tourists will find it much too cold to swim in the Atlantic during the colder months, the beach is still a great place to find fun and relaxation.

How can you possibly enjoy coastal Daytona Beach with all of your clothes on?

Take A Walk Along Daytona Beach

Take a walk.

Sure, it sounds cliche.  But kick off your shoes, roll up your pants, and stroll along the edge where the tide changes its mind over and over again and you’ll soon understand how long walks on the beach became a romance movie staple.

It feels good.  It’s relaxing.  It’s cheap and easy entertainment for the kids that makes for very impressive pictures to take home.  Time flies by and before you know it’s time for everyone to head to bed, the sun and wind having sapped your children’s will to argue.

If you get tired of staring at the endless stretch of white sand, rolling waves and disturbingly unaware birds, Daytona Beach pier and boardwalk area offers slightly more commercial attractions as well.

A small amusement park provides the opportunity to have yourself shot into the air at a freakishly fast speed via The Slingshot for $25 per person, per ride.  A two story strip mall (it is still Florida) offers tourist style shopping and Starbucks as well as several themed restaurants.

But perhaps the most unique experience at Daytona Beach that can be enjoyed year round is the sea chairs ride out over the pier and the water.

Daytona Beach Sea Chairs

It’s an old, rustic attraction that scares the crap out of some people.  But if you’re a fan of nostalgia and old fashioned charm, a tour along the skyline trolley is a true can’t miss.

And if you ride in December, for Pete’s sake, bring a jacket!

All pictures taken by Britt Reints.