Karen Creed horseback riding at Westgate River Ranch, Florida (Photo: Leslie Graham)
Central Florida is most famous for being home to Disney World, Seaworld and Universal Studios. But there is more to this wonderland than just great theme parks writes Karen Creed.
For holidays in Central Florida traveling from Ireland visit www.americanholidays.com
1. Splash out or make a catch
With year round sun, there is always a need to cool off in Florida. Luckily water sports are abundant in Central Florida. As home to USA Water Ski, the national water-ski federation and with 554 lakes, the water sports heritage of this area is significant. There are a large number of water sports schools across the area teaching the latest in Wake-boarding, water-skiing and barefoot skiing with Lucky Lowe’s being one of the best. The USA Water Ski national museum is based in Polk City and is open to the public – you might even see a water-ski competition on their lake. Many of the water based activities take place early in the morning and fishing is top of many visitors list. The lakes are home to bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and even sunshine bass. www.luckylowe.com www.cfbucketmouths.com
2. A chance to fly
Central Florida is a real hot spot for aviation enthusiasts and a thrill ride with a difference. Everything from air-shows, bi-plane rides and balloon flights are available all year round at the fascinating Fantasy of Flight, where you’ll get a unique taste of the sounds and sights of the trenches in World War One and incredible back lot tours that open up the world of aviation restoration. You can even take the controls on a bi-plane flight. The Central Florida area is also very popular for hang-gliding and skydiving. Wallaby Ranch is the ideal place to try out the sport of hang gliding. Here you can partake in year-round discovery tandem hang gliding flights and hang gliding instruction. They use the latest tandem aero-towing techniques to provide the safest, most enjoyable hang gliding experience possible. www.wallaby.com
3. Live like a cowboy
I never expected to do my first ranch holiday in Florida of all places, but there are cowboys in Florida. And they’ve been on the scene for over 250 years. In fact Florida vies with Texas as the number one cattle producing state in the USA. Many of these ranches have opened up their doors to tourists inviting people to stay and immerse themselves in the ranch life. Westgate River Ranch is an authentic “Dude Ranch” experience, which does not compromise on comfort. You can relax in luxurious, Western-style accommodations while embracing all the fun aspects of a ranch holiday. From an encounter with a real live cowboy at the Kissimmee Cow Camp to a day’s horseback riding in a Floridian wilderness, a pony ride or the thrill of a real wild west rodeo at Westgate River Ranch if you love horses then there is plenty for you to enjoy. www.wgriverranch.com
4. Cypress Gardens Adventure Park
For the whole family, the ‘Granddaddy’ of them all, Cypress Gardens was Florida’s first theme park and still features beautiful, historical botanical gardens, strolling southern belles, a butterfly arboretum and plantation house. Plus, the world famous Starliner Rollercoaster, Florida’s very first Rollercoaster which was rescued and painstakingly moved to the park last year; the Water Park, with wave pool, high flumes and a lazy river; the gardens, shows, zoo and over 38 adrenalin charged rides including four other family roller-coasters. It is still a great value day out at $38 with a second visit free of charge. www.cypressgardens.com
5. Chalet Suzanne
Throughout my travels I love to come across places that are wonderful and different in an unforgettable way. Chalet Suzanne is just and it has attracted all sorts of celebrities from Robert Redford to Dolly Parton. This enchanting inn with 30 chalets is nestled on 70 acres. As you look around the sumptuous dining room, your eyes feast on a variety of artistic table settings created with treasures from around the world. Expansive picture windows frame your view of the rolling landscape and a lake, allowing you to enjoy the ever-changing beauty of nature. There is also the option to stay at Chalet Suzanne in one of their beautifully decorated rooms. You’ll be able to relax in elegance in one of their 30 uniquely decorated guestrooms, many of which have JacuzzisOnce you have enjoyed the atmosphere and food at the Chalet Suzanne Restaurant, do take time to stroll around their 100 acres. Here you’ll be able to enjoy the Wine Dungeon, Gift Boutique, Autograph Garden which has been the site of many an elegant wedding), Chapel Antiques, Ceramics Salon, the Soup Cannery, and the private airstrip. www.chaletsuzanne.com
6. Shopping made easy
The first time I came to Florida I went on a crazy shopping spree in the outlets. Now I realise that you can get just as good value in many of the malls that are outside the tourist territory especially in sale season.Because of the large number of tourists who visit Central Florida every year, the area is home to not only numerous discount and factory outlet centers, but several major upscale shopping malls, bringing in the more brand conscious holidaymakers and higher end residents. As a result, several major designers from Chanel to Louis Vuitton have shops in Orlando encouraging visitors to shop until they drop, or their credit cards are maxed out.
7. Give into your sweet tooth
If you crave sweet treats, you’ll really enjoy a visit to the candy factory, Davisons of Dundee. Not only do you get to see how the sweet treats are made but get to taste them afterwards. Davidson’s of Dundee boasts Florida’s finest tree-ripened fresh citrus fruit including oranges, honeybells, page oranges, temple oranges, and ruby red grapefruit. They also make their famous citrus candy from scratch. Established in the SunRidge area of Central Florida since 1967, they have been shipping the best Florida citrus to customers across the USA and Canada for over 35 years. If you are stuck for gifts to bring home to sweet toothed friends and family then this is definitely the place to stock up on presents. Jim Davison showcases the best selling products as seen on the food network in the US. www.dundeecitrus.com
8. Swing like you’re winning
Golf is an obvious attraction in Florida given the great weather and championship courses. But its not just for the serious golfer, beginners can also test out their skills on a course maybe even get a lesson.The Eaglebroke in Lakeland is dubbed a premier golf experience and boasts superb scenery and a stunningly designed 18 hole championship course with perfectly groomed greens and rolling hills. Outside of Eaglebroke within a 50-mile radius, you’ll find more than 500 beautiful holes of golf at some of the state’s best courses. Golf is not expensive either with excellent rates for groups or those who are staying at a golf resort for their holiday. www.eaglebrooke.com
9. Bok Tower
The renowned Bok Tower Gardens is one of Florida’s original tourism venues. Located on the one of the highest points on the Florida peninsula, Bok Tower Sanctuary is a national landmark. There are 128 acres of gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmstead Jr. and a bell tower housing one of the world’s great carillons. Edward Bok never forgot the words of his grandmother “Make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.” Bok indeed left his mark on the world with his magnificent “singing” tower. When designing the tower, inspiration was drawn from the Gothic towers and churches of Europe, but it was Edward Bok’s love of nature that inspired the tower’s decorative motifs. Although it was constructed to house the Carillon, it is the centerpiece for the beautiful gardens also. In modern day Florida Bok Tower Gardens draws thousands of nature, historic and music enthusiasts. There are also many family-friendly garden areas which give children the chance to learn about the gardens while playing in a vine-covered arbor or observing butterflies. www.boktowergardens.org
10. Float above Florida
Holidays are about having a lie in but one of the mornings you should get up early to see the sun rise, especially from a hot air balloon. We took off at 6am to glide over the lakes district and see the real beauty of Central Florida. It is a great photo opportunity from up above to capture scenic shots of the landscape below. Be warned, it can be a bumpy landing. It is definitely one flight I won’t forget anytime soon. www.fantasyofflight.com/balloon
For holidays in Central Florida traveling from Ireland visit www.americanholidays.com
For more information on Central Florida visit www.visitcentralflorida.org
Unravel Travel TV www.unraveltravel.eu
Thanks for your sharing.so wonderful! wish you have a lovely day and all the best.