by Sandra Sheridan

Created on: January 29, 2009   Last Updated: July 11, 2011

Secret, special and way too good to miss!

Hopefully, you'll save some time and money (questionable in the mouse capital!) to discover the natural pulse of the Orlando area. You'll enjoy lovely parks and neighborhoods, some real dining gems, art, shopping and even a scenic boat tour! We'll focus on the genuine experience that makes Central Florida glow.

Downtown Orlando, just north of the attractions, is an excellent place to start. Take a stroll around Lake Eola, and you'll quickly understand why Orlando is "The City Beautiful". Located in the heart of the city, the lake is an icon of urban living with colorful flower beds, graceful willows, a little community of beautiful, but surly swans, and always a number of visitors who are thankful for this peaceful haven. On the lake and adjacent streets, you'll find many choices for casual and grand dining. Wander just a couple of blocks east of the lake to discover Thornton Park, a trendy little neighborhood with great boutiques, great eats and lots of style.

Urban Think! Bookstore on East Central comes readily to mind as a must stop and browse kind of place. It's a wonderful independent with eclectic book selections, local art, comfortable seating, convenient WiFi and even beer, wine and coffee. Check out their website at http://www.urbanthinkorlando.com/NASApp/store/IndexJ sp

Time to move along to our next charming neighborhood, just a bit northwest of Interstate 4. College Park is old Orlando at its best with winding brick streets, some pretty fine homes overlooking Lake Ivanhoe, and the friendly, bustling Edgewater Drive business district.

A blue plate diner sits across the street from a high-brow gourmet food and wine shop. Restaurant selections will please any palate, and you'll really love The Top Drawer, one of the greatest consignment furniture and accessory shops you'll ever enter. Whether post divorce castoffs or whimsical, I-want-a-change victims of the rich and famous, Top Drawer finds are high quality and well priced.

We'll end our College Park sojourn just off Edgewater at the Dubsdread Country Club on Par Avenue (cleverly named, wouldn't you say?) If you're a golfer in need of a fix, by all means try this completely renovated 18-hole municipal course. Otherwise, step right to a table on the covered verandah overlooking the 9th hole. Of course you can also sit in the TapRoom, but it's hard to beat the scenery outside. Their service is friendly, their sandwiches and appetizers delicious, and the full

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>