Given the Old World natural beauty of Orlando North and its seven historic cities, it is no wonder that the destination has become a must-visit spot for antiquing. History and preservation loom large here. The area was put on a map at the turn of the 19th century by E.W. Henck, who played a major role in establishing the South Florida Railroad that opened...
Spring is peeking its head around the corner, which means it’s time to do a bit of Spring cleaning…and shopping. Recently, I ventured off to Altamonte Mall to revamp my wardrobe and have a little fun with the various amenities that they have to offer. Altamonte Mall sits right in the heart of Altamonte, adjacent to Florida’s interstate 4;...
Le Macaron The iconic French pastry can be found as well as many other delicious treats at Le Macaron. Scrumptious chocolate bonbons, cakes, shakes, and gelato. Le Macaron is the perfect bakery option for a quick gift idea for those difficult to buy for, your loved one or simply for you if you’re craving a sweet treat. Some of my favorite macaron flavors...
Every small city needs a place that serves tasty, affordable food, pours inexpensive (and generous!) drinks, has live music or DJs most nights, and stays open late. Whether you call it a small venue, a cool hang, or even a dive, you also have to call it this: necessary. A downtown just isn’t complete without at least one. For Historic Downtown Sanford,...
Orlando North, Seminole County has the goods when it comes to desserts. You can get sweets to eat just about anywhere in our destination. But why not reach a little higher? These shops specialize in desserts that aren’t just delicious. They bring innovation and imagination to the game. Chez Jacqueline This quaint little place located in the Shoppes...
Like the foamy head on an expertly poured draft beer, Orlando North/Seminole County’s craft brew scene has steadily risen, but not gone over the top. Rather than have a glut of microbreweries, as is the case in some destinations, Orlando North’s beer-making community has emphasized quality and longevity. At last count — in early 2020...
Florida’s rainy afternoons don’t mean you have to stay huddled in your room. You can still have outdoor-style fun indoors in Orlando North/Seminole County, at some of the most unique adventure facilities you’ll find anywhere. Here are a few places to check out that will test your strength, endurance, wits and overall capacity to have fun....
There are so many lakes, springs, rivers, state parks, nature preserves, and conservation areas in Orlando North, Seminole County, there’s almost no end to the places you can hike or bike. But you want to trek smart, right? So a bit of planning is a good idea. You can take short jaunts, all-day outings or, for hardcore enthusiasts, map out a full-on hiking...
“We’re as farm to table as we can be,” says Ron Thomas, owner of The Smiling Bison, an upscale gastropub that’s helping drive a culinary renaissance in Historic Downtown Sanford. “If there is a local option and the quality is better than we can get elsewhere, local is the way we go. But if we have to make a call between local and quality,...
Visiting Orlando’s theme parks is a pilgrimage for people the world over. Disney World alone draws some 50 million fun-seekers every year. And while we’d all love to fly into Orlando via private jet and stay in a grand resort right next to our favorite theme park, the fact is, most of us are on a budget. That’s where Orlando North, Seminole...
In 1975, when the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens moved into its current location in Sanford adjacent to Lake Monroe, it was home to just 38 animals. Four-and-a-half decades later, this Seminole County institution houses more than 400 animals, runs industry-leading conservation and education programs and hosts an ongoing series of exciting...
Seminole County Office of Emergency Management is activated in anticipation of impacts from Dorian. For up to date information on Hurricane Dorian, please visit: www.seminolecountyfl.gov/dorian For Social Media Updates, please visit Seminole County social media channels. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeminoleCounty Twitter: https://twitter.com/seminolecounty...
Are you getting your fair share of Gemütlichkeit? It’s a wonderful German word that means a sense of well-being and good cheer in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe runneth over with Gemütlichkeit. “We make it happen,” says Theo Hollenbach, who owns the complex with his wife, Linda Hollerbach,...
Orlando North, Seminole County is widely celebrated as an outdoor wonderland, where visitors can hike, bike, swim, kayak, fish and explore to their heart’s content. Our destination also has its share of attractions -- places where you can have organized adventures and inexpensive fun. In keeping with the culture of our area, many of our attractions...
1st STREET SANFORD - WHERE TO SHOP, SIP, SUP AND SCHMOOZE IN CENTRAL FLORIDA’S RIVERFRONT COMMUNITY Visitors who’ve had enough of Central Florida’s theme parks should swing through Historic Sanford, where the meals are always mouthwatering, the craft beer taps are flowing and the crowds non-existent. The historic city...
If you’re seeking a venue off-site from your host hotel that embodies what’s great in formal, fanciful or laid-back Central Florida, consider the following venues that stand apart from function halls, hotels and theme parks: For an “untamed Florida” theme, there’s Black Hammock Fish Camp along the...
Repeat visitors to the Central Florida themeparks and beaches seek out new activities, lodging and dining spots to keep things fresh for the kids and themselves. In Orlando North, Seminole County (midway between the two tourist corridors) has lots new to entice travelers to try something new, quirky and to look forward to in the future. Here’s...
As admission prices at Orlando-area theme parks keep going up, families must stretch their vacation dollars. Struggle no more: a breezy 45 minutes from the theme parks you’ll discover Orlando North, where you’ll enjoy lots of budget-friendly fun at a fractional cost of a day at the theme parks. Say goodbye to parking and resort fees and...
Thinking about a weekend Florida getaway? Then think outside the Orlando theme park area, just an hour outside, to quaint and quirky Seminole County (aka Orlando North) where the outdoor entertainment is nature-based versus manmade, and the food is as globally inspired and diverse as the cuisine in Epcot. If flying rather than driving into Sanford...
Summer is heating up in Do Orlando North and we’ve got just the thing to cool you down – craft beer! We chatted with some of the area’s finest breweries and got their personal craft beer recommendations and food pairings to enjoy on a sultry summer day or night. Wop’s Hops, the first microbrewery in Sanford, brews some of Seminole County's most...
Florida foodies and culinary travelers looking to wet their whistles and fill their plates should swing through Sanford, where the meals are always mouthwatering and the craft beer taps are always flowing. The historic city and county seat has one of the “region’s hottest food scenes” according to the Orlando Sentinel, and boasts...
From Basic to Exotic, Our Restaurants Get Your Sundays Started Right With all the outdoor activities in Orlando North, Seminole County, it only makes sense to fuel up before a day of fishing, hiking, biking, rowing, zip lining or all of the above. Perhaps you’re looking forward to a lazy day in the sun by the hotel pool. Either way, gotta eat. And you can...
The Orlando North, Seminole County Tourism office has relocated. Our new address is: Orlando North, Seminole County Tourism 1055 AAA Drive Heathrow, FL 32746.
Whether your clan dates back to the 12th century or you’ve never even heard of haggis, there’s plenty to enjoy at the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games. Since their first full-blown event in 1978, the Scottish-American Society of Central Florida has welcomed members of all communities to partake in traditional celebrations on the third...
Being born and raised in Sanford, Florida, I knew everything there was to know about celery. It sounds ridiculous, but hear me out: Sanford was known as “The Celery City” and the “Celery Capital of the World.” Celery crops were as far as the eye could see for decades, my dad went to Seminole High (also known as the Celery Feds), and I even...
