| Orlando, Florida is more than just the land of Mickey | | | | around. Even better they serve wine, beer and tasty |
| Mouse. It has a quirky undercurrent that most tourists | | | | and unusual meals like potato pizza with truffle oil to |
| do not get to see. So instead of writing about the usual | | | | begniets, a delicious French dessert that you can |
| round of suspects here are some of my central | | | | usually only find in New Orleans. |
| Florida favorites that may just give you a different | | | | 6) City Walk - this outdoor mall owned by Universal |
| perspective of Orlando: | | | | Studios has cafes, restaurants and night clubs and is |
| 1) The Austin Coffee House in Winter Park - this is a | | | | absolutely packed on the weekends. Have dinner at |
| funky little cafe that serves up organic foods and | | | | Emerils and then head to the club of your choice. They |
| desserts while playing music or eclectic films. On | | | | have everything from Reggae to Hip Hop. |
| weeknights and weekends it is usually packed as they | | | | 7) Celebration - this town is owned by Disney and |
| have live music. | | | | feels as if you have stepped into a Norman Rockwell |
| 2) Dandelions - this is a vegetarian tea house in | | | | painting. There are shops and cafes and their own |
| Orlando that caters to the artsy crowd, as well as the | | | | small town theater. All the homes are beautifully |
| techs. You can flop down on one of their coaches and | | | | decorated and the people are actually friendly to one |
| sip tea while having intelligent discussions on everything | | | | another. |
| from art to politics. | | | | 8) Old Town - located not far from Orlando is exactly |
| 3) The Albin Polasek museum - this tiny house | | | | what it sounds like. This town is where you go on |
| donated by the artist has amazing paintings and | | | | weekends to see Antique Car shows. There is a soda |
| sculptures. Many of them were completed when he | | | | shop and a candy shop and it feels like you have |
| was partially paralyzed. The tour includes a lot of | | | | stepped back in time, when you visit. |
| personal history, including information on his love affairs | | | | 9) Saks Comedy Warehouse - located in downtown |
| and his ability to blend his religious beliefs into his art. | | | | Orlando, is the place to go if you really need a good |
| The chapel he created is breath taking. | | | | laugh. This talented troop performs on the weekends |
| 4) If you care to drive a bit, go to the Lakeridge | | | | and will have you laughing so hard you may fall off of |
| Winery and sample some Florida wines. A warning | | | | your seat. |
| though, these are more than a bit sweet. The ride out | | | | 10) If you want to see more stars on the wall, and |
| there is fun though. You drive through winding hills and | | | | often in person, than in almost any other restaurant in |
| once you get there they take you on a tour and show | | | | America you go to Christinis Ristorante Italiano. The |
| you how wine is made. Of course there is also a wine | | | | food has won every imaginable award, the wine list is |
| tasting and they have tables outside where you can | | | | extensive and you never know who you will see there. |
| have a picnic. | | | | Take a moment to study the photos on the wall and |
| 5) The Enzian in Winter Park - this small non profit | | | | see how many celebs you recognize. |
| theater shows some of the best independent films | | | | |