When you think of Orlando, theme parks seem to come to mind. However, the heart of the city has it’s own character and charisma that allow tourists and locals alike to meld together. Come discover your urban with these Top 8 things to see and do.
1. Orlando Farmers Market. Every Sunday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at Lake Eola Park. This market is more than just your average farmers market. Find seasonal fresh produce, a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, artwork, handmade craft items like jewelry, pottery and soap. Thornton Park also offers a Farmers Market on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
2. Movieola. Lake Eola Park’s free outdoor movie series.
3. Orlando City Soccer Club game. New for 2015, the City of Orlando is proud to have a Major League Soccer team. The season runs through fall.
4. The Great Escape Room. A real-life room escape game based on the popular computer and mobile phone escape games. After entering a room with your team, the door is locked behind you with 60 minutes on the clock. The team must work together in order to find clues and solve puzzles that will lead you and your team to escape. It is park scavenger hunt and part puzzle game.
5. Third Thursday. Third Thursday Orlando is a monthly celebration of Downtown Orlando arts, business, food and culture. On every third Thursday of the month, downtown cultural groups hold a diverse range of events and open their doors to visitors in order to engage more people in the arts and culture that exists in the Downtown area.
6. Thornton Park Wine and Art Walk. The 2nd Thursday of every month, a crowd gathers for the Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine + Art Walk. Guests come to celebrate the community, art and partake in an evening of sights, sounds, food, shopping, and some tasty tastings all along the walk!
7. Swan Boat Paddle Boat Rentals. A ride on a paddle boat is a great way to explore Lake Eola. Lake Eola Park has swan-shaped paddle boats available for rent for $15.00 per half hour. Each boat holds 5 adults.
Some other areas of interest in the greater Orlando area would be Loch Haven Park. Loch Haven Park is home to a cluster of theaters, museums, the Orlando Science Center, and the Orlando Ballet. The Orlando Science Center was just named #1 in a list of Orlando’s Family-Friendliest Museum Offerings from USA Today. Currently, the Orlando Science Center is hosting a Mummies of the World Exhibit.
For more information on Downtown Orlando, visit them online at www.downtownorlando.com.
