Underrated and Unknown Attractions in Central Florida

If you live in Central Florida, you know that there is always something fun to do. And if you are visiting, you are probably here to experience some of those fun things. Most notably are, of course, the Disney Parks near Orlando, that draw millions of visitors every year. But those parks are pretty pricey, especially if you are going with your family. 

However, not to fear! Here are some great attractions and activities that are not expensive and some are even free! Moreover, they are not as well known, so you may not encounter hordes of people when you go.

The VIBE Tour at Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk  in Orlando is a fabulous place for dining, shopping, and entertainment. There is one little-known attraction though, The VIBE Tour in the largest Hard Rock Café in the world! 

This free tour is one of the best deals in all of Orlando. The VIBE tour usually includes the John Lennon Room filled with one of the largest collections of Lennon artifacts, many of them being donated directly from Yoko Ono. The Attic is the other major room on the tour. This room features historical rock artifacts that you’re encouraged to pick up and feel. Tours are between 2 P.M. and 9 P.M. unless there is a concert at the café. To go on a tour, all you need to do is show up and ask a host to take a tour.

Dora Canal Cruises

Mount Dora is a darling little town with exquisite shops and restaurants. You should definitely go. The drive from the greater Daytona area is just over an hour and well worth it. A little known attraction there are the Dora Canal Cruises, of which there are quite a few (here is a list ). 

Try the Rusty Anchor Tours that start in downtown Mt. Dora, passing by the seaplanes of Tavares before entering into the small canal. Dora Canal is lined with cypress trees, passes by a small park and through some of the last untouched property in the Golden Triangle area. Cost ranges between $15-$25 depending on the tour.

Titanic Artifact Exhibition

Are you fascinated by the tragic history of the famed Titanic? Just down the road in Orlando is a collection of Titanic artifacts that everyone should see. Included in the museum are amazing recreations of many of the iconic rooms from Titanic, displaying the opulence of the ship. The main focus is the massive collection of artifacts recovered from the shipwreck. The “Little Big Piece,” a 3-ton section of the Ship’s hull, helps bring home how big the ship really was. This is an amazing, award-winning local history museum. Tickets are $22 for adults. If you purchase them online, there is a discount. Go here to find out about location and other details. 

Whether you live along the Fun Coast, are visiting, or are considering a relocation, remember that there is always more to discover!

 Creative Florida Living 

Janet Sells

Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art

For centuries, painters sat on dewy tree logs in meadows and art studio stools across Florida creating what has become the biggest collection of Florida art on display for the first time at the new Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art that just opened this February!

 

Over 400 works show long-gone buildings and serene scenes of the Florida landscape, capturing sunrises, birds in flight, and blossoming wildflowers. The works cover a 200-year span of Florida dating back to the 1700s.The entire collection is comprised of 2600 works of Florida art. It will take about 10 years to rotate all of it through the museum display. 

In addition to a large gallery space including a mezzanine, which showcases the collection’s signature pieces, the innovative Museum includes 6 changing galleries ranging from 900 to 2,000 square feet: the Florida Weather Gallery, the Florida Communities Gallery, the Volusia County Gallery, and more. There are also conference and education rooms, a café with outdoor seating and a gift shop.

The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum is on the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) campus on Nova Road. Admission is $10.95 for adults, $8.95 for seniors and students. Hours are the same as those of MOAS: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm. The first Tuesday of every month offers free admission. 

The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art is a true jewel in the Greater Daytona Beach Area. You can literally spend hours immersing yourself in beautiful art and Florida history. Whether you are visiting or live here permanently, this museum is not to be missed! More Info