Orlando Vacation-The Not So Hidden Orlando
Most visitors to Orlando stick to the theme parks and International Drive -- the tourist center thoroughfare that's packed with cheap souvenir shops and chain eateries.
Let's be honest—there is only so much of that one can take. There's no better antidote than a relaxing foray into the real Florida-and you don't even have to venture all the way south to the Everglades to get a taste of the Sunshine State at its swampiest, wildest best.
Here are some great side trips that are really worth your attention. They will give you a different feel for the "sunshine state".
1. GO CANOEING. That's right seeing some real wildlife in a different setting away from the maddening crowd at Wekiva River in the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park. Get some great exercise along the way. Park hours are 8 am to sundown 365 days a year.
2. WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK. Canaveral National Seashore is a
popular beach for nesting sea turtles, with three species -- the leatherback,
loggerhead and green sea turtle -- hauling themselves ashore between May and
August to nest. Aside form that the natural beauty of the park is worth the visit.
3. SEBASTIAN INLET. If you are into secluded stretches of beach this is for you. Take the toll road-The Beach Line-towards Cocoa Beach and exit onto I 95 and head north a few minutes. Bring plenty of water, a picnic lunch, sunscreen and a good book and RELAX!!
4. MERRIT ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. For anyone who ever took the bus ride to Cape Canaveral you couldn't help but notice the scenery on the way. About an hour from Orlando, but a world away is this spectacular refuge home to literally hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife you may not see elsewhere.
Maybe the most spectacular part of the refuge is the Black Point Wildlife Drive.
The seven-mile, one-way loop takes you along the estuaries, with jump-out points
where you can wander onto viewing platforms to get closer to the wildlife. The
refuge acts as a buffer to NASA and Kennedy Space Center.
5. CORMORANT. If it's gators and bears and swamps you crave-this is it not far from Orlando on the east coast.
So it is not all fast food and fast paced entertainment if you opt for these special places that are not so hidden in plain view not far from the maddening crowd.
For more information check the links below.
Jack Krohn is a free lance writer and the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country. He has traveled extensively to Europe, throughout the southwest and Hawaii. He has had Diabetes, Pre-diabetes and Syndrome X for nearly fifteen years. He speaks from the experiences he has had during that time.
About the Author: Check out this website about fabulous ORLANDO
He owns SECURITY SOLUTIONS a one stop resource that provides solutions and answers for all your self defense and home security problems.
This website is devoted to educating patients of DIABETES
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