Orlando: Once Upon a Town...
Away from the theme parks and outside of peak season, Orlando is a real dream, full of hidden stories, says Helen Wright
This is a feature from Issue 16 of Charitable Traveller.
Cycle through an orchard of fragrant orange groves, pausing for a cold beer at a local craft brewery or navigate crystal clear waters by kayak, weaving serenely between the mangroves on a series of hidden canals, all just minutes from the world’s most incredible theme parks. Explore colourful neighbourhoods, rich in history and slurp authentic Vietnamese pho with smoked brisket sunken into the broth, skin still crispy and drizzled with chilli and lemongrass picked directly from the garden outside.
Orlando is full of surprises, but perhaps the best-kept secret of them all is shoulder season, the golden weeks of off-peak, where the pace is slowed, prices drop and the same incredible attractions, hotels and restaurants are waiting for you to explore – without the crowds.
With more than 59 million visitors a year, Orlando is the number one U.S. tourist destination and it’s easy to see why. Walt Disney World commands the most attention, dominating the theme park landscape with its centrepiece castle, world-class attractions and immersive storytelling, with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld and Legoland adding to the fun. But the real magic lies beyond the theme parks. Stay longer with some fantastic deals to be had by visiting off-season. Between September and November, once the summer surge has eased and before the Christmas crowd arrives, is Orlando’s sweet spot. There is so much to do, Orlando offers absolutely everything for the perfect holiday. From Michelin-starred restaurants to natural beauty spots, local attractions, splendid hotels, shopping, arts, culture and curious neighbourhoods, Orlando is a ride. Here’s a look at what’s on offer beyond the world-class theme parks, because there’s something unexpected around every corner.
Into the wild
Orlando's natural beauty serves as the perfect counterbalance to the destination's signature theme park persona and the cooler winter and spring months are the perfect time to explore.
Go Local
To get a taste of some of Orlando’s most authentic neighbourhoods, head first to the Mills 50 district, or as it’s affectionally known: Little Vietnam. Huge art murals, affordable restaurants, and a celebration of Asian-American culture have catapulted this cool corner of Downtown Orlando into the mainstream. Start with lunch at Pho 88 then stay all afternoon, browsing the unique shops and sampling local arts and customs in one of Orlando’s most interesting and colourful communities.
From here, head south to Milk District, best known for its T.G. Dairy Plant, which opened in 1955 and is still in operation today, in what is now one of Orlando’s trendiest towns.
Don a cap and a band t-shirt and mingle with the locals alongside vibrant art murals, artisan markets and music festivals. Don’t miss Tasty Takeover – a weekly food truck block party with music, great food, and a glimpse of modern Americana at its best.
The more gentrified Winter Garden also attracts the cool crowd. Plant Street Market has a boutique brewery and a lively food hall with an outdoor beer garden for soaking up the late summer sun. Or, head to the similarly named, yet very different suburb of Winter Park, a picture-postcard American town straight from a Netflix movie. The historic town oozes charm, while its well-heeled clientele browses elegant boutiques and shops.Book a table at Prato, where the potato gnocchi with truffle butter is a triumph. Finish with a scoop of gelato – the mouth-watering flavours change every week.
There are six lakes in Winter Park, each connected through a network of canals. The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours that cruise the waterways are one of Orlando’s oldest tourist attractions – in operation since 1938 and still embracing that laid-back Florida mood.
Stay in Style
Culture Trip
The incredible evening shows at Walt Disney World aren’t the only showcase in town, in fact Orlando’s arts scene is thriving. Start downtown, at Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, which has dynamic productions from international and local artists representing virtually every genre. This includes Broadway productions, chart-topping musicians, the Orlando Ballet and the Orlando Philharmonic, comedy and family entertainment.
A free way to get your culture fix is to head to CITY unseen, an augmented-reality public art project, which includes murals coming to life, projection-mapping and a 360-degree visit
to an artist’s studio, all unlockable with a free mobile app.
In historic Eatonville, just 15 minutes west of Winter Park, explore the works of celebrated author Zora Neale Hurston and artists of African descent at The Hurston Museum. From there, take a stroll around the area and spot the colourful murals and poetry that decorate the streets, all created by a local art project.
On the Foodie Trail
The fact that Orlando’s tremendous dining scene is such a surprise to most visitors is part of its magic. What is initially perceived as a hotdog-between-rollercoasters cuisine is actually a destination with an impressive range of fantastic locally-sourced produce, Michelin Guide restaurants, celebrity chefs, gourmet food trucks, breweries and wineries. And the best part is you can eat like royalty in Orlando, no matter your budget or preference.
In this year’s second edition of the Michelin Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa, 44 restaurants are featured. Foodies can devour the soft and creamy Porterhouse at Capa Steakhouse & Bar, indulge their senses with a rainbow chirashi bowl from Kadence or indulge in a decadent multi-course dining experience at Soseki, where food is served ‘Omakase’ – loosely translated from Japanese as ‘chef’s choice’.
In the North Quarter District, Reyes Mezcaleria features flavourful Mexican food and tequila to taste (make it budget friendly with the crispy $6 tacos during happy hour). For a more casual eatery that doesn’t compromise on flavour, book in advance for gourmet farm-to-table restaurant Artisan’s Table, where the braised short rib is simply perfect. There is no doubt that Orlando’s diverse dining has character – and that’s before you’ve made it to the theme parks.
Get in touch with our expert travel agents to plan your low season visit to Orlando today!
This is a feature from Issue 16 of Charitable Traveller.
by net effect