Ready to take on Disney

Despite – or rather because of – its popularity as a summer vacation destination, Disney is one of my top ten places in Florida to avoid like the plague during the summer months.  It’s hot and crowded, which means you’ll spend far too much of your day standing in the hot sun next to sweaty strangers.

But ladies, gentlemen, tourists, and locals, I’m thrilled to announce that I have discovered two of the very best things to do with kids in Orlando during tourism season – and they aren’t just at Disney, they’re at EPCOT.

When our family heads over to Walt Disney World, we usually skip EPCOT.  Compared to the other parks, EPCOT has very few rides – which is what kids tend to think of when you tell them you’re headed to Disney World, right?  Well, rides and waiting in lines and buying $10 balloons.  But mostly - the rides. And yet we recently spent an entire day at EPCOT without having to wait in line – and everyone had a blast.

Read More »

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.

Success

All photos provide by Britt Reints and her iPhone.

Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year (February 14th for those of you living under an anti-Hallmark rock).  I believe that is a sign that the most perfect Valentine’s Day gift must be a romantic weekend away.

And where better to get away in February than the Sunshine State of Florida?

Of course, Florida is a big state, teeming with romantic beaches, secluded Bed N’ Breakfasts and luxurious spas that would make a perfect setting for any romantic surprise.  In the interest of making your life easier (and putting my favorite ideas in writing for my own husband), I’ve narrowed down the possibilities to Five of my favorite romantic weekend vacations in Central Florida (also known as in and around Orlando).

5. Seven Sisters Inn in Ocala, Florida.

Paris Apartment at Seven Sisters Inn

I’ll admit, Ocala, Florida is not the first place I would send someone for a romantic weekend.  But this infamous bed and breakfast is a rare treat – especially if you’re into ghost stories.  Known as “Florida’s most haunted Bed and Breakfast” (which suggests there is competition for the title), the Seven Sisters Inn has been featured on national “ghost hunting” television shows.  Past guests are encouraged to share their supernatural experiences in public journals, so even if nothing happens during you’re visit you should find plenty of ways to freak yourself out.

Why run away to a haunted bed and breakfast for Valentine’s Day?  Think clinging together during scary movies – times ten.

4. A Beach Retreat at Flagler Beach, Florida.

Again, most people would ask themselves why Flagler Beach?  It’s not quite Daytona Beach.  It’s not quite St. Augustine.  It’s just about half way in between and appears to offer absolutely nothing to tourists.

And that, my friends, is the appeal.

Dusk at Snack Jack

For about $100 per night, rent a private villa on the beach at the Island Cottage By The Sea.  Spend your days enjoying nothing but each other and the sound of the ocean.  The beaches here, while public, are quiet and uncrowded.  For a casual yet romantic dinner, you can eat indoors or out at Snack Jack’s and enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the water at sunset.

Of course, if you do decide you need more visual stimulation during the day than the ocean and boutique shopping can provide, you’re just a short drive up the coast to the infamous lighthouses of St. Augustine.

3. Be Grown Ups at Universal Studios Orlando and City Walk

Many people don’t think about amusement parks when they are planning a romantic weekend.  After all, places like Universal Studios were made for kids, right?

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios becomes a completely different experience when you go without children.  And when you stay in one of the on site hotels, you’ll receive free fast passes for all of the rides – which means no kids and no waiting in lines! My favorite on site resort is the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, but you have three to choose from.

When you’re done screaming and giggling like kids on the roller coasters, spend the night at City Walk.  You have dozens of restaurants and clubs to choose from – from a Latin dance club to a popular piano bar.  Again, staying on site means convenient transportation to and from the restaurants and clubs, as well as well lit paths for a late night walk back to your hotel.

2. Shop Until You Drop at The Florida Mall in Orlando

Mall at Millenia in Orlando

Maybe you don’t think shopping is romantic.  Maybe the idea of sleeping in a mall doesn’t send chills down your spine and a smile across your face.  Maybe it’s a good thing you’re not married to me.

If your Valentine loves to shop, you can spend the entire weekend doing what she (or he) loves.  The luxurious Mall at Millenia and the cult favorite IKEA practically share a parking lot.  There are two upscale outlet malls within 10 minutes of one another (Prime Outlets and Premium Outlets – because we wouldn’t want to confuse the tourists with similar sounding names).  And you can finish the day and spend the night at The Florida Mall, a sprawling complex that houses a Sephora and it’s own hotel!

If your Valentine doesn’t love to shop, the two of you can read this and have a good laugh together at the crazy lady who considers a really good mall a romantic date.

1. The Spa at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grand Lakes

Yes, it’s The Ritz.  No, this won’t be a cheap weekend.

But it will absolutely be worth every single penny you spend if you decide to splurge on a trip to The Ritz Carlton Spa.

You can get pampered individually, or enjoy special spa treatments together like a couple’s massage.  Of course their treatments are first class, but my absolute favorite part about this place is what happens between the treatments.

The co-ed lounge area is heave on earth.  You’ll ooze out of there at the end of the day, more relaxed than either of you have been since you were old enough to understand the difference between a workday and a weekend.

It doesn’t get much more romantic than a night at The Ritz Carlton with a deep tissue massage, a soak in a jacuzzi, and a long, hot sweat in the steam room.

Of course, if you’re married to me, you already know this.  Right? Right?

Photos courtesy of Seven Sisters Inn, Joe Shlabotnik, and Britt Reints

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