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

Port Orange Has It All!

Most everyone has heard of the famous Daytona Beach. A destination for bikers, spring breakers, race fans, and beach lovers. But if you say you live in Port Orange, you are most often met with blank stares.
  

Port Orange is, of course, part of the greater Daytona Beach Area, and is a nice-sized city in its own right. Moreover, Port Orange has some claims to fame – so read on to find out more!

Port Orange is considered to be a principal city in the Fun Coast region of the state of Florida. The city's estimated population in 2013 was 57,203.

Port Orange was settled by John Milton Hawks who brought freed blacks to work at his sawmill after the U.S. Civil War. Esther Hawks established an integrated school in the area. The colony struggled soon after its creation and most colonists left. The area that became known as Freemanville is a legacy of the settlers that held on in the area.

Over the last 30 years, Port Orange has grown in leaps and bounds. It now features a broad spectrum of retail and entertainment establishments, fine restaurants, YMCA, library, and parks. Notably, Palmer Chiropractic college, which draws a younger-than-Florida-average population to Port Orange, is located in Port Orange.

Spruce Creek High School regularly makes the top 100 high schools in the US, and it boasts an International Baccalaureate program as well as an international award winning Jazz Band.

Among the top 10 things to do in Port Orange are the beautiful Sugar Mill Gardens and Cracker Creek . Trip Advisor has a comprehensive list. 

Port Orange is the 7^th safest city in Florida and the second safest city of its size (over 45,000 population). The police have a big presence, and it is generally known that you better not drink and drive – ever – but especially not in Port Orange! City council is very active in planning and expansion. If you want to get involved – and involvement is welcomed – the City of Port Orange makes it easy.The city has a Facebook page and so does the Port Orange Police! 

Whether you already live on the Fun Coast, or are considering a relocation to this area, Port Orange is worth your consideration! In addition to being a small city that has everything, it in perfect proximity to all other cities along the fun coast – Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ormond Beach, Ormond by the Sea, Flagler Beach to the north; Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater to the south. And of course it's a hop, skip, and a jump to Orlando!

Housing options include the gated golf communities, as well as many neighborhoods with moss draped oaks and water views along creeks, bays, and the beautiful Halifax River (Intracoastal Waterway).

Come to Port Orange 

and see what you’ve been missing!

  Referrals are how we build our business, and it is an honor to help your friends and family with their real estate needs.

Creative Florida Living 

Janet Sells 

Daytona Beach - Gateway to the World!

Whether you live in Flagler, Daytona, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, or Edgewater, you are always near an airport. Or maybe you are considering relocating to our beautiful Daytona Beach Area! Picking up friends and family for the popular Florida visits and getting away yourself are both easy and fast. 

 The closest airport to our coastal area is Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). It is located right off of International Speedway Boulevard across from Volusia Mall. And it’s about a mile from the I4 and I95 intersection.
DAB is serviced by two big airlines: United Air and Delta. Both offer overseas flights, making Daytona Beach an international hub. DAB

Sanford Airport (SBA) is an easy 30-minute drive from any of our Daytona Beach Area coastal towns (Sanford also has some fun restaurants and shops you should check out while you’re there. And don’t forget the nifty Sanford Zoo.)

This airport is serviced by several charter airlines that offer national and international flights, such as Allegiant, IcelandAir, ArkeFly, JetAir, Monarch, and several others. If you are an international traveler, you will appreciate this service, as well as the very affordable airfares. SBA

 Orlando International Airport (MCO) is, of course, the largest area airport. It is about an hour drive via I4 or I95 and toll roads, such as 528 and 417. MCO’s proximity to the Disney Parks makes it a desirable hub for local and international travelers alike.

MCO is serviced by all major airlines, including Southwest Air, United Airlines, Frontier, Delta, British Airlines, Lufthansa, JetBlu and many more. The size of the airport necessitates arriving early for flights, since security lines can be long. On the upside, MCO has many amenities, it is smack-dab in the center of Florida, and it offers flights to and from just about anywhere in the world. MCO

So no matter where on the central Florida coast you live or are thinking about living, you will always have easy access to the rest of the United States and the world! 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet's Real Estate Website