Here are some of the reasons we bought a house in the sunshine state of Florida. During a 2 week stay you will only scratch the surface of the vast array of things there are to do and see.

Orlando is the theme park capital of the world with major attractions including the Disney parks, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Sea World, to name just a few. Besides the major attractions in the Orlando area there is so much more to experience. Plentiful shopping, nightlife, golf, beaches and excellent dining experiences.

 

The beautiful Gulf Coast beaches are only an hour or so drive from the house, boasting the warm water of the gulf and fine sandy beaches. The Atlantic coast is a similar distance away where you will find the famous Daytona and Cocoa beaches. For the motor enthusiast visit the famous Daytona racetrack or visit Kennedy Space Centre and if you are really lucky witness a shuttle launch.

 

There are so many places to visit where you can get close to nature. At Crystal River you can swim with gentle manatees or just swim or snorkel in the crystal clear spring water. If you love dolphins swim with them at Sea World’s Discovery Cove or take a longer drive to the Florida Keys for your dolphin experience. Silver Springs is a national landmark and nature theme park set in 350 acres.

 

You can shop till you drop in Orlando. From Prime Outlets on International Drive, a huge selection of shops selling well-known brands at discounted prices to Orlando’s exclusive Millenia Mall, a fine selection of shops and restaurants including designers such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Tiffany. A shopaholics dream.

 

The State of Florida is blessed with some of the best golf courses in the country and Orlando has more than it’s fair share. The famous PGA tour courses of Bay Hill Lodge and Disney’s Magnolia Plantation are both in Orlando and you can play these as the professionals do.

Some other exceptionally good courses are a short drive from the house. Within 5 minutes there is Highlands Reserve with scenery unlike any other in the area. Within 10 minutes there are Orange County, The Legends and Mystic Dunes. All are very fine courses and sure to challenge you. You will always receive a warm American welcome wherever you choose to play.

Now for what the Americans do well, eating. If you choose not to dine at home you will never be stuck for choice when it comes to eating out. There are well known restaurants like Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Café, both situated in Downtown Disney. Both are an incredible experience, dining amongst Hollywood memorabilia or in the depths of the jungle.

On International Drive you will find less well known but equally good restaurants catering for all tastes. Bill Wongs is a great Chinese buffet where you can eat as much as you like. Bahama Breeze has a Caribbean theme in a relaxed tropical setting. Olive Garden and Carrabbas are the places for lovers of Italian food, while Charley’s Steak House is a meat eater’s paradise, try their 52oz steak. Last but not least you must try the Ponderosa’s famous American buffet, a great place for breakfast or dinner.

 

This is only a quick guide to things to see and do while staying in Orlando, based upon our own experiences. We are sure you will discover lots more during your stay.

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