Central Florida destinations
Posted on Wed, Jul. 02, 2008
Palm Beach Post
Traveling to Central Florida? Here are some don't-miss spots.
• Grand Floridian: Disney's flagship hotel boasts the graciousness of a bygone era in a world of Victorian charms and pampering service. A white sandy beach, pool and monorail access are all part of the package.
Contact info: 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista; 407-934-7639; disneyworld.disney.go.com.
• The Terrace Hotel: This 88-room Lakeland hotel, built in 1924, fuses Old World charm with modern amenities; it has spectacular views of the lake and pastoral sunsets.
Contact info: 329 E. Main St., Lakeland; 888-644-8400; www.terracehotel.com.
• Manuel's on the 28th: A classic international eatery with a spectacular view of downtown Orlando. One of the few restaurants in the area that suggests jackets for men -- and does not allow denim. The menu changes with the seasons, but its strengths are in exotic game, seafood and meats prepared with a creative flair. Large selection of wines by the glass and bottle. Dinner only, Tuesday through Saturday and reservations strongly suggested.
Contact info: 390 N. Orange Ave. (28th floor of the Bank of America Building), Orlando; 407-246-6580; www.manuelsonthe28th.com.
• Le Coq Au Vin: Classic French, but so nicely done it's never gone out of style. Small and intimate. Don't leave before the souffle or you'll miss a fabulous ending. Dinner only; closed Mondays.
Contact info: 4800 S. Orange Ave., Orlando; 407-851-6980; www.lecoqauvinrestaurant.com.
• Disney World: The most visited and largest recreational resort in the world, Disney World includes four theme parks, two water parks, 23 themed hotels, and lots of shopping, dining, entertainment and recreation.
Contact info: 407-824-2222; www.disneyworld.com.
• Universal Studios: An entire universe of action and thrills featuring two theme parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Contact info: 407-363-8000; www.universalorlando.com.
• Bok Tower Gardens: A National Historic Landmark with a 205-foot historic bell tower and a 157-acre garden of azaleas, camellias, magnolias, palms, live oaks and pines. Located on the highest point found on the Florida peninsula.
Contact info: 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales; 863-676-1408; boksanctuary.org.
• Silver Springs: A 350-acre nature theme park that surrounds the headwaters of the beautiful Silver River, the largest artesian spring formation in the world. Glass-bottom boats ride over cool springs. Riverbanks are lined with towering bald cypress trees, some more than 500 years old. Turtles, herons and osprey bask in the sun.
Contact info: 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs; 352-236-2121; www.silversprings.com.
• Seven Sisters Inn: Themed rooms begin an artistic expedition at this Ocala B&B. Experience the lighthouses of Cape Cod, a Safari Bengal room, gilded treasures and Egyptian artifacts, a sultan's bed in mysterious India, imported French fabrics from Paris and the Zen-like harmony of the Orient. Jacuzzi, Victorian soaking tubs, stone spa showers, fireplaces, heated towel bars available in most rooms. Gourmet breakfast included. Well-behaved pets get a special bed.
Contact info: 820 S.E. Fort King St., Ocala; 800-250-3496; www.sevensistersinn.com.
• Park Plaza Hotel: Built in 1922, the Park Plaza has 27 rooms and the character of a gracious inn. Enter the lobby past the heavy wooden doors and through the petite chocolate shop, past the green marble fireplace and overstuffed furniture.
Contact info: 307 Park Ave. S., Winter Park; 407-647-1072; www.parkplazahotel.com.
• Victoria and Albert's, Disney World's Grand Floridian Hotel: If you can suffer servers in Victorian garb, you'll have a unique experience at the pinnacle of Disney dining. Consistently rated tops for service in the area, it seldom fails to thrill. You'll drop big bucks to impress your lover here, but it should do the trick. Try the chef's table where you're pampered even more.
Contact info: In the Grand Floridian Resort, 4401 Grand Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista; 407-824-1089; www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining.htm.
• Cypress Gardens: New owners Rob Harper and Brian Philpot keep tradition alive at this 71-year-old Florida-themed attraction that boasts thrilling rides, Splash Island water park, historic gardens, animals, the famed Southern Belles and a world-famous water ski show.
Contact info: 6000 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven; 863-324-2111, Option 4, Ext. 1; www.cypressgardens.com.
• Gaylord Palms Resort: The 1,406-room resort and convention center near Central Florida's famous theme parks is a theme park unto itself. The atrium includes a replica of the Castillo de San Marcos, the historic Spanish fort in St. Augustine; a ''River of Grass'' Everglades area with rustic boardwalks, tin-roofed shanties and animated gators; a replica of Mallory Square in Key West; and thousands of tropical plants, including Spanish moss, bromeliads, orchids and lilies in ponds.
Contact info: 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee; 407-586-0000; www.gaylordhotels.com.
• Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn: The Orlando-based resort, with zany poolside games, a 3,000-square foot arcade, character breakfasts, kids spa, mini-golf, two mini-water parks (one with a four-story tower), family karaoke and a cyberzone with online Nick games, is like a mini theme park. Most of the activities -- and kids' meals -- are free with your hotel stay.
Contact info: 14500 Continental Gateway, Orlando; 866-462-6425; www.nickhotel.com.
• Westgate River Ranch: This country-casual dude ranch an hour south of Orlando near Lake Wales offers a rustling rodeo, swamp-buggy rides, hayrides, old-fashioned cookouts, horseback riding and toasting s'mores over an open pit. There's also a trap and skeet range, riding stables, airboat excursions, a nature trail, pony rides and a fishing derby. The ranch offers standard hotel rooms, efficiencies, one- and two-bedroom cottages, time shares and suites with amenities such as a small fridge, microwave and screened porch.
Contact info: 200 River Ranch Road, River Ranch; 866-499-9077; www.wgriverranch.com.
• Vic's Embers: An upscale throwback to supper clubs of pre-World War II, it's dark, with a nightclub feel. They dish up steaks (including a chateaubriand for two), pasta, and seafood. Also, live music and flambéed desserts served tableside -- cherries jubilee, anyone? Dinner nightly, and Sunday brunch. They don't take reservations.
Contact info: 7940 U.S. 441, Leesburg; 352-728-8989; www.vicsembers.com.
• Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament: Jousting knights, plenty of horseplay and a courtly theme make this 'dinner theater`' a kitschy but fun way to spend dining bucks. It's a set fee with a few menu choices, and pretty decent food, as supper theaters go.
Contact info: 4510 W. Irlo Bronson Highway, Kissimmee; 888-WE-JOUST; www.medievaltimes.com.
• Fantasy of Flight: Home to more than 40 rare and vintage aircraft, many of which have been restored to flyable condition. Interactive exhibits, restoration tours, aerial demonstrations, children's fun with flight center, biplane and hot air balloon rides are offered.
Contact info: 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E., Polk City; 863-984-3500; www.fantasyofflight.com.
• Solomon's Castle and the Boat in the Moat Restaurant: Howard Solomon's shiny silver castle -- made of old newspaper press plates -- towers above 90 acres of Florida swampland between Arcadia and Zolfo Springs. Solomon, an artist, carpenter and stand-up comic, bought the 55-acre spread in the 1970s and has been working on it ever since. It's a popular tourist attraction and a bed-and-breakfast.
Contact info: 4533 Solomon Road, Ona; 863-494-6077; www.solomonscastle.org.
• Jurassic Park-themed Kid's Suites at the Royal Pacific Resort: These hotel suites make their debut at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. With raptor's cage headboards, custom wall murals, artwork from the making of the movies and Jurassic Park-themed furniture, these suites offer privacy for mom and dad, with a separate room for the kids.
Contact info: 6800 Lakewood Plaza Drive, Orlando; 888-273-1311; www.universalorlando.com.
• Holiday Inn/Ocala: Like no other Holiday Inn you've ever seen, this six-story, 133-room boutique hotel and conference center opened last fall and has 133 rooms, a dynamic lobby, Cypress Shadows Cafe & Lounge, Sky Asian Fusion restaurant, a spa, sauna and fitness center.
Contact info: 3600 SW 38th Ave., Ocala; 352-629-9500 or 888-HOLIDAY; www.ocalainn.com.
• Citrus: In the Uptown area of Orlando, it's from the same group that brought Hue to the hip diners around Lake Eola. It's New American, with contemporary twists, and splashes of Latin and Southern influences. Don't miss the decadent blue crab cakes.
Contact info: 821 N. Orange Ave., Orlando; 407-373-0622; www.citrusorlando.com.
• Ethos Vegan Kitchen: A true vegan restaurant newly opened in the Lake Ivanhoe area of Orlando, this full-service restaurant would please anyone who simply likes good food. It offers a full menu of healthful choices, with soups, wraps, pizzas, pastas and entrees -- and no animal products in sight. Go for the pecan-crusted eggplant. Prices are moderate, so your recycled cardboard wallet will remain healthy, too.
Contact info: 1235 N. Orange Ave., Suite 101, Orlando; 407-228-3898; www.ethosvegankitchen.com.
• Aquatica at SeaWorld: Aquatica joins sister parks SeaWorld and Discovery Cove. Featuring 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons, and more than 80,000 square feet of seemingly endless, sandy beaches, this waterpark impresses in size and scope. Exhilarating encounters with the only Commerson's dolphins found in the southeastern United States, giant anteaters, brilliant birds and an array of exotic fish are all part of the fun.
Contact info: 888-800-5447; AquaticabySeaWorld.com.
• The Simpsons Ride at Universal Orlando Resort: The Simpsons mega-attraction opened in May. Guests are rocketed along with the Simpson family on a hysterical adventure.
Contact info: 407-363-8000; www.universalorlando.com.
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