INSPIRATION
ORLANDO FOR ADULTS
W L TRAVEL
INSPIRATION
ORLANDO FOR ADULTS
Orlando is widely recognised as a must-see destination for families, but adults without children may not know the adventures waiting just for them in the Theme Park Capital of the World. Exciting additions have joined the world-class attractions in 2017, including an entire water park, while globally inspired eateries, vibrant nightlife and one-of-a-kind experiences are ready to be discovered by curious travellers. Armed with a childlike sense of wonder and a thirst for adventure, grown-ups will delight in Orlando’ s diversity- no kids required.
Adult Friendly Attractions Orlando, theme park capital of the world, is the ideal place for grownups to reconnect with their inner child. Disney’ s Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’ s Animal Kingdom Park, Epcot, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’ s Islands of Adventure, Sea World, and Aquatica all call Orlando home. Two highly anticipated new thrills that have arrived in 2017 are Universal’ s Volcano Bay Water Park and Pandora- World of Avatar at Disney’ s Animal Kingdom. For those looking to step off the beaten path, lesser known adult-centric activities include America’ s Escape Game, SAK Comedy Lab, and Science Night Live, a 21 + event at the Orlando Science Centre offering late-night educational fun and adult beverages for purchase.
Dine Like a Local In 2016, Orlando was named the top foodie city in the United States by Wallethub, focusing national attention on the bustling food scene full of local eateries, food tours, eclectic neighbourhood markets and talented chefs. Upscale dining options include favourites such as Prato and The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park, along with newcomer DoveCote, an inviting French-style brasserie located in the heart of downtown. Soco, in picturesque Thornton Park, serves up contemporary Southern cuisine and top-notch brunch. Food tours, running weekly in Winter Park and Celebration, and neighbourhood markets allow for a progressive dining experience. East End Market caters to a diverse culinary crowd with decadent hockey-puck-sized cookies at Gideon’ s Bakehouse, allnatural detoxifying smoothies at Skyebird Juice Bar & Experimental Kitchen, and the recently opened Domu, which serves authentic ramen. The city is also home to some of the nation’ s best chefs, including chef Kathleen Blake of The Rusty Spoon, one of four local Orlando chefs to receive a 2016 nomination for“ Best Chef: South” from the James Beard Foundation.
Any Hour Can Be Happy Hour A plethora of lively nightlife options await travellers in the City Beautiful, from the swanky Bösendorfer Lounge inside the Grand Bohemian to the epicentre of dancing and nightlife found along Wall Street and Orange
Avenue downtown. In between, The Courtesy serves craft cocktails and hosts a monthly cocktail class for aspiring mixologists. Wine lovers will find their happy place at The Imperial and Eola Wine Company, two of Orlando’ s wine bars. Local speakeasies Hanson’ s Shoe Repair and Herman’ s Loan Office provide a fun twist on a night out, with the former requiring a password for entry. The craft beer scene is also hopping with breweries such as Crooked Can Brewing Company and The Bear and Peacock, newly opened and Florida’ s only brewstillery. Visitors don’ t even need to leave the theme parks and tourist hot spots for nightlife; Universal City Walk, Pointe Orlando, and Disney Springs are all walkable hubs for after sunset fun. Raglan Road in Disney Springs offers an authentic Irish pub experience with nightly live music, an extensive beer and food menu, and Irish dancers in a lively pub atmosphere.
The Great Outdoors Outdoor adventures begin downtown with local parks and bike shares, then branch out to state parks and adrenaline pumping activities a short drive away. A focal point of downtown, Lake Eola Park is a flurry of daily activity and swan sightings, especially on Sundays with the arrival of the weekly Orlando Farmer’ s Market and a free community yoga class, Yoga in Lake Eola Park. The city’ s bike share program, Juice, offers bike rentals by the hour for self-guided exploration. Orlando’ s year-round warm and comfortable climate means nature lovers can appreciate Wekiwa Springs State Park, a short 30-minute drive north of Orlando, throughout the year. For a more adrenaline-fuelled experience, visitors will love the Screamin’ Gator Ziplineat Gatorland, a 1,200 foot long zip line course in which adventure-seekers soar over alligator marshes and enclosures. More zip lining venues include Forever Florida and Zip Orlando.
A Cultural Exchange Beyond the theme parks, locals know Orlando as a diverse city with its own unique culture. Museums offer a glimpse into the“ real” Orlando, from the Orange County Regional History Centre to the Morse Museum in Winter Park, home to the world’ s largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany works. Harry P. LeuGardens is a peaceful, historic sanctuary, while the Enzian Theatre shows indie films and cult classics, and hosts the annual Florida Film Festival. Fans of theatre will also enjoy the Dr. Phillips Centre for the Performing Arts, featuring well-known musicals, such as Wicked, alongside performances by musicians Norah Jones and Sheryl Crow.
For more information, visit www. visitorlando. com wirrallife. com 71