Afterward, have a snack. Walk back across and go to Ghirardelli Chocolate. All the ice cream here is fantastic, of course, but don't bother. What you want is a chocolate milk shake. And you will drink more of it than you think you will. Oh, and some McDonald's fries go great with that. Then, be a kid! Play with the Legos for goodness sake! Because we are going to be very adult and dance the night away at Pleasure Island, where a fee gets you in all the clubs and you mingle with people from all over the world.
Alternatively, you may choose to hit Universal Studio's CityWalk and catch the Blue Man Group. There are dining options and a variety of clubs to choose from here, as well.
Day Three: Saturday
I get it. You are exhausted today. But nowhere near as tired as if you had been schlepping around the Attractions all week. May I suggest a leisurely brunch at the Winter Park farmer's market? A small affair for the produce, but inside is a gourmet delight.
Afterward, another leisurely pursuit-high end shopping at the Mall at Millenia. A large mall, artistically decorated, with everything from an Apple store, to Urban Outfitters, to Tiffany's, to Neiman Marcus. You'll have no difficulty finding either a quick lunch or something more upscale at Blue Martini.
Endure that for as long as you can, and then prepare to enjoy some arts. The Orlando Museum of Art and the Science Center (if you have kids or have a little childlike wonder yourself) are a great way to spend some time. The OMA has unique exhibits, and notable traveling shows make their way there all the time. The Science Center is hands on fun for everyone.
Later you may like to check out what is playing at the Enzian, the art house theater of note, and enjoy some delightful dinner dining and wine. And since it is Saturday night, you could always head back downtown if you are up for more clubbing. Saturday is a good night for the nicer clubs. Young professionals, the pretty money, this is when they shine. Which clubs? Heck if I know, not my scene! But meander up and down Orange Avenue will again find you at the perfect spot for your style.
Day Four: Sunday
Today is a day of relaxation. You could head over to the Atlantic, about an hour away, and do a little body boarding. Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, or for a quieter time, I prefer Canaveral National Seashore where there are fewer people.
Or, stay closer to town and head over to Wekiwa Springs in Apopka. Take your bathing suit, towels, and/or your hiking boots and bug spray! Stop at the Fresh Market or Whole Foods on your way and grab a few things for lunch. A small fee to park gives you access to a range of activities. Sun yourself by the hot springs. Swim in the crystal clear waters. You can rent a canoe (bring cash) for a run down the river-keep an eye out for gators and other wildlife! (Don't worry, the swimming area is protected.) There are also miles of trails. A shorter one is a boardwalk through wetlands and a much longer one leads through pine scrub and saw palmetto forests.
And finally, one last recommendation for dinner. If you like sushi, Fuji Sushi is the place to go for reasonable prices, excellent quality, and truly unique and interesting combinations of flavors. If sushi isn't your thing, Lemoncello is a wonderful Italian place. Or there is Blue Bistro. Reservations are necessary, and the food is to die for with just the right amount of adventurousness.
Further Recommendations for Successful Exploring
Hopefully I have given you a few ideas to get you away from the Theme Parks and into the community. This really is how the locals live! Orlando is filled with opportunities for exploration. Grab a copy of the free paper, the Orlando Weekly, to see what is going on. There are always great music shows, art openings, and new places to eat. Once you get away from Disney, Universal Studios, and International Drive, the real adventure begins! Never hesitate to ask the locals, from your first waitress at Tijuana Flats to the clerk at the boutique shoe store on Park Ave, we all have our favorite places and trust me-we are used to you asking! Enjoy!
