by Scotty Mack

Created on: April 02, 2008   Last Updated: December 08, 2008

Working for a car rental company in Orlando, I often saw the same visitors year after year. Because they had been here so many times before, they often were looking for things to do other than the major theme parks. I was never at a loss when it came to offering advice on some of the area's other attractions and hidden gems. The fact is, even if you never made it to any of the major theme parks, there is so much to do in Orlando, a couple of weeks would not be enough time to fit it all in. Some of the best include:

* Silver Springs: Famous for their glass-bottom boat tours, this park offers a unique way of viewing Florida's underwater world. Additionally, there are jeep safaris, wildlife shows and exhibits as well as rides for the little ones.

* Kennedy Space Center: One of the most popular Orlando-area vacation destinations, Kennedy Space Center offers visitors a variety of educational and interactive experiences that are sure to appeal to everyone. IMAX 3-D movies, simulators, educational and informative tours as well as the ability to see and explore a space shuttle replica are some of the many experiences you will find here. Of course, if you are visiting the Orlando area at the right time, you may even have the opportunity to view the launch of a Delta rocket or even a space shuttle while visiting Kennedy Space Center!

* Cypress Gardens: Newly re-opened, Cypress Gardens is the Orlando area's first commercial theme park. Known originally for its stunning gardens, sensational ski shows and beautiful southern belles, Cypress Gardens now features forty-one new and exciting rides and the addition of a water park. Moreover, there are many animal exhibits and shows, a petting zoo and Cypress Gardens plays host to many well-known Country Western music acts.

* Daytona USA: A park for race car enthusiasts featuring a museum, interactive exhibits, simulators, an IMAX theater and Speedway tours.

* Blue Springs State Park: A relaxing change of pace, known as the gathering place for manatees, this Florida State Park also features a natural spring, a fishing pier, picnic areas and canoe rides.

* Haunted St. Augustine: As the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is a wonderful place to visit that is filled with quaint, old-world charm. Some go there for the unique antiques and specialty boutiques. Others go for the fabulous beach. History is what draws others. St. Augustine has a history filled with stories of Ponce De Leon and the fountain of youth; a history filled

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