Oviedo, Florida is one of Central Florida’s treasure troves of unique and adventurous things to do. If you are the type to search for off-the-beaten-path experiences and charming towns, full of friendly faces and rich history, then a day spent in Oviedo is just the thing for you. Here are a few things to help get you exploring the area.

ENJOY A RELAXING AFTERNOON AT CHEYNE RANCH

You’ve heard of goat yoga, we’ve even introduced you to horse yoga, but have you ever heard of a Bunny Zen Room? Imagine yourself in a room, surrounded by the fuzziest and cuddliest bunnies whose main job is to help dissolve your stress and anxieties. The Cheyne Ranch has created this experience with managing stress in mind. Their mission is to share therapeutic, educational, and recreational experiences with the public through their animals and farmstead. Not only can you spend time cuddling bunnies, but you can also enjoy several other hands-on animal experiences.

The folks at Cheyne Ranch will teach you all about caring for horses, take you on a pony ride, introduce you to a family of goats, show you the best ways to feed chickens, and so much more! They also have an Airbnb on the property for those who have always dreamed of waking up on a farm and escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Get away from it all and book a visit on their website. There, you will also find more information about staying in their Airbnb.

TAKE AN ART CLASS AT THE ARTISTIC HAND GALLERY AND STUDIO

The Artistic Hand Gallery and Studio have been a staple in Oviedo for over 30 years. Owner, Del Seaman, has been an artist his entire life and has dedicated most of it to teaching the next generation of artists the skills to his trade. While clay making and pottery are what he focuses on these days, the teachers in his studio offer a wide variety of art classes for all ages. From pottery to painting, to jewelry making, there is a class for just about anything!

You can also drop in and paint pottery, which is perfect for those who are only in town for a short while. For only $20 you can paint one of the pottery pieces that is made in-house. They will then glaze and fire your masterpiece and ship it directly to your house!

Aside from their classes, the gallery is an actual treasure trove of gifts and funky art pieces, perfect for those looking for one-of-a-kind pieces. All the art sold and displayed is handmade and one of a kind! You will even see pieces created by Del and his beloved late wife, Brenda, displayed within the shelves. This place is truly a roadside attraction. Stop by and enjoy the whimsy outdoor area to be creative and enjoy being surrounded by nature.

To hear more about Del’s story and the Artistic Hand Gallery and Studio, check out our interview with him on the ONSC Podcast!

FUEL YOUR APPETITE AT MARLOW’S TAVERN

Marlow’s Tavern in Oviedo is a great spot to grab a drink and a delicious made from scratch meal. The entire staff is extremely friendly and accommodating to those with dietary restrictions. On top of their extensive menu, chefs can customize any dish to fit your needs. They also offer an entire gluten-free menu! The best way to start off your meal is with one of their signature cocktails. The Blueberry Buck is one of their classic favorites. This delicious drink is made with Smirnoff Blueberry, fresh lime, Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer, and fresh nutmeg, perfect for a hot Florida day. Another great option is the Grapefruit Ricky 2.0, which is Marlow’s take on a Moscow Mule. It is mixed with American Harvest Vodka, St. Germain, fresh grapefruit juice, and a squeeze of lime.

For an appetizer, the Asparagus Fries are a must! They are extra crispy and pair perfectly with the citrus aioli dipping sauce. Another great starter is the chickpea fries! They are surprisingly delicious and a great low carb/high protein option to French fries (however, their fries are amazing as well!) For the entrees, you really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. Everything is fresh and made to order. Their menu is seasonal, so everything they cook with is made with the freshest ingredients.

The Shrimp and Grits is one of their popular signature dishes. The juicy shrimp is served on top of a white cheddar grit cake and topped with sauteed spinach, Roma tomatoes, shallots, and covered with a roast tomato beurre blanc sauce. chef’s kiss

The Vegetable Farfalle is a great vegetarian option on their menu. The pasta is mixed with in-season vegetables, covered in a caramelized onion velouté, and topped off with parmesan cheese. You can also make the dish vegan by asking for no cheese on top.

The Black and Blue burger is another one of their signature dishes. It is topped with melty gorgonzola cheese, apple-wood smoked bacon, and serves on a sesame brioche roll. This is one of those mouthwatering burgers that are just as pretty as it is delicious! For a lighter option, the Chopped Salad is a fresh and delicious choice! For pet parents, Marlow’s also offers a Yappy Hour menu and has pet-friendly patio seating.

Not only is this restaurant delicious, but it is also conveniently located within walking distance to Center Lake Park at Oviedo on the Park! After you are finished eating, you can enjoy lovely park views of the lake and take a photo in front of the Greetings from Oviedo mural. This is also a popular place for pet owners to walk their dogs, so you can sit in the huge lawn chairs and enjoy a parade of cute dogs to round out the day.

If you are ever out exploring any of these places or find yourself in Orlando North, make sure to tag us on social media for a chance to be featured on our page! @DoOrlandoNorth #DoOrlandoNorth