Land of the Mouse, right? Look, I think its unfair to not give credit to the theme parks for their contribution to our great city, but…we are far more than that. The following are ten great spots within a 2 hour drive of Orlando(from my front doorstep, to be exact) In no particular order:
Tarpon Springs (1 hr, 55 minutes) Did you know that this Greek fishing village is home to the highest percentage of Greeks in any city in the United States? World class fishing, Greek culture, and world class art galleries in the historic downtown await you in the sponge capital of the world.
Cassadega (1 hr, 2 min) Much has been said about this tiny roadside town. There is one hotel in Cassadega…the Cassadega Hotel, and allegedly, it is haunted. Spirit Encounters, Historical and ghost tours, this spot is known as the Psychic Capital of the World.
Kissimmee Prairie preserve (1 hr, 44 min) Want to see space? Go here. I did, and even during a cloudy night, I saw things in the sky I’d never seen before. Camp out for the night, take the kids, and you absolutely will not regret it!
Bok Tower Gardens (1 hour) Named after its founder, Pulitzer Prize winning author Edward Bok, these gardens offer a serene setting, with some of the most stunning sunsets and views anywhere in Florida.
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards (39 Min) Considered the premier Central Florida Winery, you can come sip on some premium wines and tour the grounds. Be sure to keep an eye out…they have some great festivals and concerts!
Sebring, Fl (1 hr, 30 min) Are you into cars? Maybe a trip to Sebring might fit your bill. Home to the Sebring International Raceway, there’s a number of great races you can catch. If not, you can also head down on Peugot Street, Ferrari Drive, Porsche Avenue, Vantage Terrace, Corvette Avenue, Thunderbird Road, etc. The city is also host to a historic downtown district, several state parks where you can take a boat tour, and even a mine that’s open to the public.
De Leon Springs (1 hr, 5min) Named after Juan Ponce De Leon, this 625 acre park features eco history boat tours, canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking, all in 72 degree water…year round!
Melbourne, Fl(1 hr, 13 min) Beachside town, with great restaurants, galleries, and antique shops. Just a little over an hour away, you will find the Atlantic Ocean calling your name. Be careful here…these waters can get choppy, which is why surfers love this spot.
Fort DeSoto (1hr, 48 min) Are you looking to set foot on the most beautiful beach you may ever see? Go to Fort DeSoto. Consistently voted among the nations finest beaches, these waters rival any beach on Earth. A few years back, my son and I went to Fort DeSoto. We were splashing around in knee deep water, when we encountered a school of Rays, gently floating past us. We’ve camped there as well, and spent the entire day exploring the Fort and various parts of the island. Trust me. Go. You won’t regret it.
Rainbow Springs State Park (1hr, 41 min). Waterfalls, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking. Less than two hours from Orlando. Need I say more?