The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens — an Orlando North institution and one of the destination’s top attractions — covers 26 acres, houses more than 400 animals and runs industry-leading conservation and education programs. After experiencing a two-month closure from mid-March to mid-May, the zoo is open and thriving again. The...
How does plunging into crystal-clear, 72-degree water sound? Or paddling a kayak through it, stopping occasionally to dip your toes into its cool, refreshing embrace? It’s easy at Wekiva Island, Central Florida’s favorite watering hole. You can simply jump into the Wekiva River and swim and float to your heart’s...
Orlando North, Seminole County’s abundant outdoor activities make our destination one of the safer places to visit in the Sunshine State. We’re the perfect destination for people who are looking to experience natural Florida and want to do so in a sensible — and affordable — way. Our many open-air attractions, parks, hotels, and...
Just a short drive from the Orlando theme parks sits a wholly different kind of attraction. The Black Hammock offers one the best thrill rides in Florida: the airboat ride! It’s your can’t-miss ticket to plenty of air and sunshine, authentic flora and fauna, and up-close (but not too personal) encounters with alligators. These treks are a...
¿Eres un amante de la naturaleza y te apasiona explorar nuevos lugares? Si es así, Orlando Norte lo tiene cubierto! Justo a las afueras de los centros comerciales y restaurantes de Orlando Norte, se encuentra una gran cantidad de vegetación exuberante llena de hermosas vistas y fauna natural. Desde senderismo, kayak y acampada - no...
Are you a nature lover with a passion for exploring new places? If so, Orlando North has got you covered! Just outside of Orlando North’s shopping malls and restaurants, lies an abundance of lush greenery filled with gorgeous views and natural wildlife. From hiking to kayaking and camping – there is no shortage of outdoor activities in this beautiful...
Named one of the best towns for families to live in Central Florida, Lake Mary has all the makings of a perfect vacation spot. It’s still in the vicinity of Orlando attractions, but just far enough away to give you a break from big-city crowds. For a day or a week, you too can have this city's attractive lifestyle: top-rated hotels, restaurants and...
When you come to stay in Orlando North, you get the best of all worlds: renowned theme parks, authentic nature experiences and some of the most pristine beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. In fact, with us you’ll feel like a jackpot winner: thanks to our affordable hotels, you can splurge on both a beach and a theme-park vacation. You’ll see significant...
A short drive from busy Orlando and surrounded by idyllic nature trails, Oviedo embraces its rural scenery. Settled by homesteaders along the shores of Lake Jesup in the 19th century, modern Oviedo is a city for everyone. Whether you’re talking about its ample conservation land and waterfront just minutes from the historic downtown, renowned airboat...
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...
