Are you an adventure seeker or is coffee shop hopping more your vibe? Hitting the road with the whole family or planning a different kind of date night? Here’s your chance to carve out your own special way to Do Orlando North and share it with the world.
Explore authentic, hand-picked experiences created by locals filled with hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path adventures and so much more.
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Gabby (@gabsmdiaz) and Moe (@blastmohamed_media) are a power duo based out of Casselberry, FL. They spend most of their free time in search of authentic cuisine and unique experiences across Central Florida. Some of their favorite activities include kayaking, thrifting, street photography, visiting local artisan shops, and more!
In the heart of Historic Longwood, we visited picturesque Claro’s Coffeehouse. Complete with comfy seating, ambiance lighting, and a unique menu, this is the perfect place to start your morning. Our favorites from their menu include the Luscious Lavender Latte and the Blackberry Mocha Latte.
Plan Your Visit
Right in our backyard lies Wekiva Island, Longwood’s premier nature oasis. We experienced one of Florida’s natural springs in more ways than one. Feeling adventurous? Rent a water vessel and explore the gentle waters. Love a little bit of competition? Take a dive on their sand volleyball court or play cornhole along Wekiva River. Better yet, soak up the sun and relax on an Adirondack chair along the boardwalk. After you’ve had some fun, refuel with a hearty bite from Without a Paddle Café and a refreshing beverage from The Tooting Otter Craft Beer & Wine Bar. Everything you could ever ask for is a few steps away – what better way to spend your day?
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Learn & shop? I call that a win! We visited The Cottage Gift Shop, located in The inside Outside House, built in 1870 and moved from Boston in 1873. This is one of the oldest prefabricated houses in the United States. We really felt at peace in this little slice of history, and what made it even better was the unique array of brand and locally crafted products for sale!
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If you’re looking for authentic Thai cuisine, we’ve got just the place! Just a few blocks from Historic Downtown Longwood, Thailicious is cooking up some of our favorite dishes. Choose to dine in their intimate indoor lounge or their shaded outdoor seating area, where you will enjoy quick and friendly service! Our favorites from their menu where the Papaya Salad, Drunken Noodles, and Thai Tea.
Plan Your Trip
With over 40 in-house brewed beers, Hourglass Brewing is the perfect place to cheers the end of a long day! The taproom is stocked with board games, classic arcade games, cornhole boards, and a dog-friendly patio. We also enjoyed attending one of their daily events, like Wednesday Bingo Night.
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Breakfast with a view? Sign us up! We started our day at Caffe Di Riverwalk to catch the morning rays on Lake Monroe while sipping on their delicious Café Au Lait and Chai Latte. We also built our energy up with the Croissant Sandwich and Potato & Egg Burrito. They source coffee and ingredients from all around the world, and we were lucky to get a taste from the comfort of their armchairs.
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On a sunny day, we head to Pedal Driven Co. and rent bikes to ride around Historic Sanford! Pedal Driven Co. rentals run by the hour, and they have a wide array of bikes for any terrain. We rode down the scenic Sanford Riverwalk, spotted the Floating Cottage at the Monroe Harbor Marina, admired the architecture of the Sanford Civic Center, and more!
Plan Your Experience
Gallery on First is home to eight working artist studios open to the public. Their unique layout fosters an immersive experience for guests of all ages and taste. Better yet, they host an Open Studio event on the third Saturday of the month for the public to meet artists in residence and learn about their artistic process. Gallery on First also encourages YOU express your creativity by providing classes and workshops monthly. Talk about community engagement!
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Hollerbach’s German Restaurant offers schnitzel, wurst and other German classics, plus beer and live music. We walked up to their rooftop biergarten and enjoyed unparalleled views of Historic Downtown Sanford while sampling their expansive and unique menu. As the sun set, the sounds of German folk music and laughter filled the air. This little gem captured our hearts and we will surely be back!
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Ever wondered if you can infuse your favorite flavors into a bite sized marshmallow? ABSOLUTELY. We visited Wondermade to taste their marshmallows and ice creams, including some flavors only sold in store. Some of our favorite marshmallow flavors include Bourbon, Strawberry Champagne, and Waffles & Syrup
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