In the process of getting ready for our road trip coming this June 2014, I discovered some applications to help me learn about the cities we are going to be visiting (DC and NY). I shared them with you in my last post (http://writingnewstories.com/2014/05/28/research-research-and-more-research/). I talked to you about City Walks, which hopefully will be very helpful for what we need in this trip. One thing I notice about this app is that comes for many cities in and out of US. I was curious about the kind of information and suggestion that this application might have for the city of Orlando, where I live.

Everybody knows how touristic is Orlando! I am almost certain that half of the people that comes to central Florida is to go to the amusement parks and the other half of the tourist to visit the beach during the winter season, it’s a lot warmer here in Florida. So, I wanted to know the suggestions besides the amusement parks. For my surprise Disney World is not even mention, neither Sea World. I don’t understand why, but I am sure that neither of those parks need promotion.

One of the places that this app for Orlando mention as a “Must See” is Lake Eola Park and it is one of my favorite places in Downtown Orlando as well.

I understand that people when planning their vacation to Orlando, might not even think of passing by here with so much to do and so many parks in the itinerary. But going to a place without visiting the downtown of the city, is like leaving incomplete! Why coming here, why passing by?

Well, in any vacation (specially if you are visiting all the parks!) you need to whine down, to rest of the rush of visiting everything, you need a day to take it slow and easy… Also it will be good for you to know how people live in Orlando. Not everything is a Cinderella Castle around here and you wont see Mickey Mouse running around the city. Come a take a walk through Downtown Orlando, take a look to the normal side of the city!

You can start your walk at Church Street

During the day you will see cars around, at night the street is close to traffic and only pedestrian are allowed. You can enjoy the nice buildings of this small downtown, but still give you that sense of being in the city.

 

 

You will find in here, like in any other city, the bars, the restaurants, old and antique look buildings,the main library, museums and much more.

Because the downtown is not that big, you will be able to find Lake Eola Park without a problem, there are signs everywhere or you can ask, its easy to find. Around the lake you will find inspiring sculptures (http://writingnewstories.com/2013/11/20/eight-unique-sculptures-for-the-city-of-orlando/ ) and lost of friendly squirrels and birds, but the must important to mention are the swans. We have a community of swans living in the park, there are very well take care and protected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Around the lake there is a walking or jogging trail, there are restrooms, restaurants, a playground for the little ones, sculptures, paddle boats and more. But the best thing that you can find in here is a time for you to relax in the middle of your vacations.

Until then…

xamlinnette 🙂