Of all the reasons you just can’t wait for summer — warm weather, blooming wildlife, and even more time outside — your upcoming Central Florida vacation is probably the biggest one. This year, instead of sharing your season with crowds, long lines, and lots of traffic, spend your time at some of the area’s locally owned and history-rich attractions.
Here are some activities that you can enjoy with your family, friends, or significant other this summer in Central Florida.
Sample a Few Delicious Sweets
No summer vacation is complete without some sweet treats. Satisfy your cravings and try some all-new flavors at Webb’s Citrus Candy Factory. Famous for their goat milk fudge and array of chocolate confections, this candy factory is favored by locals. Or, get your hands on some old-fashioned marmalade, jam, and jelly made locally at Davidson of Dundee. Sample some gourmet citrus chocolates and swipe some jars of your favorite fruity spread to take home.
Take a Stroll Through the Local Gardens
Central Florida is full of natural wildlife and nature preserves, some of which are personally grown and raised by local botanical experts. Visit Harry P. Leu Gardens to see acres of exotic plants, trees, fruits, and vegetables. If you’re in the mood for even more nature, head over to Mead Botanical Garden. This 47.6-acre public park features everything from a bike trail to a butterfly garden.
Beat the Heat at a Nearby Museum
If you’re looking for a unique way to take a break from the outdoors, spend part of your trip taking in local art, history, and art history at one of Central Florida’s nearby museums, including:
- Orange County Regional History Center – Explore 12,000 years of rich Central Florida history spread throughout the center’s four flours and countless exhibitions.
- Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art – Delicate, fine works of glass art decorate this museum along with paintings, pottery, and historic architecture.
- Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens – Journey through the sculpture gardens to get a first-hand look at the works of Czech sculptor Albin Polasek.
Embrace Adventure on an Airboat Tour
Do you want to add some adventure to your itinerary? Look no further than the one and only Grape Hammock Fish Camp. Known as one of the top airboat tours in the state, Grape Hammock’s airboat rides take passengers on a trip to experience the “real” Florida right on the waters of Lake Kissimmee.