AllWays Traveller Features
Natural attractions come to the fore in Orlando North
Seminole County, in the Orlando-Kissimmee area of the Sunshine State, has long been an option for a budget conscious base by those wanting easy access to the nearby theme parks and the Atlantic coastline around Daytona Beach.
In recent years, however, the County has been forging a name for itself as a destination in its own right, and this has led to the area branding itself Orlando North - the natural oasis.
As a result the area is gaining recognition, in its own right, as a destination offering a more authentic Floridian experience.
And with good reason for it is home to bald eagles, osprey, herons and a natural habitat for the gray fox, white-tailed deer, river otter and American alligator.
There are a string of historic small towns waiting to be explored and a host of excellent dining and entertainment opportunities.
Although there is more than enough to make for a great break in Orlando North, from here one can get to many of Florida's other major attractions within an hour including Walt Disney World; Universal Orlando; Sea World; Wet 'N Wild; Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach; Downtown Orlando and the Kennedy Space Center.
Florida at its natural best
Like so many others, our first vacation to the States was to Orlando.
Well not quite Orlando, just those parts taken up by the theme parks.
But then, with five of them in Walt Disney World, another two at Universal Orlando, Sea World and several themed water parks these cover a good few acres of non-stop excitement and undiluted fantasy.
This is not me moaning. I am as big a kid as any when it comes to theme parks.
But it does mean the overriding perception of Orlando is based on its status as the 'theme park capital of the world' - to the exclusion of most everything else.
This does tend to blinker the visitor to the natural and 'real life' opportunities on offer in the area.
And that's where the good folks in Seminole County come in.
The county, which is focussed around the historic districts of Sanford, Longwood and Oviedo, is making a determined effort to persuade visitors to Orlando to head in its direction.
The natural oasis
They are now branding the County as Orlando North and promoting it as the areas natural get-away.
It is accepted that many visitors will be lured by its proximity to the theme parks and Atlantic coastline (and accommodation costs a third less than the more popular tourist areas).
But there is also a confidence that those willing to devote some vacation days to exploring this area will not be disappointed.
The Wekiwa Springs State Park
Top of the list when it comes to a natural environment is the Wekiva Springs State Park.
Covering 6,900 acres of wild landscapes it is the epitome of the natural attraction of Orlando North.
Visiting the park, one gets a feel of just how central Florida must have looked when the area was home to the Timicuan Indians, who lived by fishing in the spring-fed creeks and hunting deer in the uplands.
An area of swampy, grassy marshes, it is the place to spot Florida wildlife in its natural environment.
One, excellent way to do this is to canoe or kayak along the 15 mile Wekiva River waterway trail, although other options include horseback riding, cycling or hiking.
www.floridastateparks.org/park/Wekiwa-Springs
Wekiva Island
Wekiva Island is a delightful spot on the gently flowing Wekiva River, and a magnet for locals and tourists alike.
A one time small marina and bait shop, the island complex was struggling to reach any sort of potential until Mary Sue and Bill Weinaug stepped in back in 2009.
In the intervening years the couple have invested time, money and unstinting commitment to create a thriving, hugely popular hang out for family and friends.
The Island offers a great day in the outdoors, either relaxing along the Boardwalk area lined with wooden Adirondack chairs, or kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding.
There's also the chance to rent a river-bana for the day.
Swimming in the water, which is a constant 72 degrees, is a good way to cool off - that and enjoying a cold beer at the Tooting Otter.
The Otter is Wekiva Island's outdoor and indoor bar, with excellent craft beer and wines and a fine menu, and there is regular live music at the weekends.
Mary Sue and Bill are making their island as 'green' as possible, as befits its location.
And the artistic approach to the design of the toilets are a sight in themselves.
Geneva Wilderness Area
The 180-acre Geneva Wilderness Area, features flatwoods, ponds and lake systems which, in turn, supports a variety of wildlife.
Two main trails wind their way through the park, passing along the edges of the ponds and through a stand of pine forest that once was part of a thriving turpentine camp.
The other provides a connection to the Flagler Trail, a north-south trail leading into the Little Big Econ State Forest.
Visitors can well come across white-tailed deer, gopher tortoise, wild turkey, grey fox and snakes.
There are also the remains of the original railroad tracks that opened Florida to tourism over a century ago.
The Ed Yarborough Nature Center has exhibits highlighting the diverse ecology of Central Florida.
www.floridahikes.com/genevawilderness
Lake Jessop
The other major natural attraction is Lake Jessup which, at 16,000 acres, is one of the largest in Central Florida.
The lake is said to be home to Florida's densest populations of alligators and this is also a place to spot osprey and bald eagles along with heron, egret and a host of smaller birds.
This wonderful natural resource suffered greatly from pollution and waste discharge during much of the 20th century but, in the last couple of decades, a major conservation effort has seen the lake recover.
Getting out on the lake is by far the best way to experience its majesty.
An airboat ride on the lake
An airboat ride on the lake with Cap'n Steve Harper, from his dock at Black Hammock Fish Camp, is a thrilling experience.
The Cap'n takes his guests on a trip around and across this vast expanse of water.
Meandering slowly around Bird Island and its surrounds is a bird spotters delight.It is also the opportunity to float silently up to a few of the lakes population of alligator, their backs and snouts just visible above waterline.
In complete contrast the high speed dash across the lake and through the reed beds is exhilarating.
The Black Hammock Fish Camp restaurant, which sits on the lake, is a popular lunchtime spot with alfresco dining to live music in the evening.
Historic towns and real nice folks
The other pleasure to be had in Orlando North is visiting the historic towns and small communities and meeting real nice folks.
Sanford
Sanford, the county seat of Seminole County, is a vibrant small town on the southern shore of Lake Monroe at the head of the St. John's River.
Its historic downtown area, around Sanford Avenue, offers a fine mix of folk art galleries, vintage and antique stores, restaurants, cafes and bars.
On the riverfront is a large marina and the Sandford RiverWalk, a waterfront trail for walkers, joggers and cyclists.
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is also on the doorstep.
Janine Taylor Folk Art
A highlight is going to be a visit to Jeanine Taylor's studio on Sanford Avenue.
Jeanine specialises in contemporary folk art from Florida and the Deep South and her gallery is home to a group of working artist studios.
At any given time she also showcases the work of up to 30 self-taught artists through a regular programme of shows, events and educational workshops.
A place to stay in Orlando North
The Hampton Inn and Suites, Altemonte Springs
By Ann Mealor
We have stayed at a number of Hampton Inns over the years and have always found them to be clean and comfortable and the staff friendly and helpful.
The Inn at Altemonte Springs was no exception and lived up to our expectations.
Our suite was large and well furnished with a lounge area and small kitchen equipped with a fridge and microwave. We had all that we needed for our short stay, including free wi-fi which was a real bonus.
Breakfast is always good
The complimentary breakfast at Hampton Inns is always very good.Guests can help themselves to a selection of fruit, yogurt, pastries, bagels and a choice of hot dishes
My favourite item, however, is the Belgium waffle.
Guests can make their own by pouring the batter into the hot waffle maker, waiting two and a half minutes and voila – out pops the perfect treat, delicious with maple syrup.
Our Inn was in a great spot, close to the shops, bars and restaurants at Altamonte Mall.
After a busy day, we enjoyed putting our feet up and sipping a wine around the fire pit and outdoor pool.The more energetic went for a dip or headed to the 24 hour fitness centre.
The Hampton Inn and Suites provides a great value base for families or couples looking to explore the sites of Orlando North without breaking the bank.
The Danville Bed and Breakfast
The Danville Bed and Breakfast, at Geneva, Florida is one of those truly unique places to stay that once visited is unlikely to be forgotten.
What began as a retirement home for Dan and Deborah Shaw has become a luxury guest house run by the family.
But it is so much more than that.
The entire front of the property, which to all intents and purposes is the side of the house, raises to reveal a themed recreation of the town of Danville - complete with an Irish pub.
There's a small airstrip and, with Dan having enjoyed a career flying with the US Air Force, he is more than happy to take guests on a quick flight in his single-engine aircraft.An aircraft hanger has been converted into a 'man-den' for those wanting something more macho break.
While in Orlando North
The Florida National Scenic Trail
The Florida National Scenic Trail, runs for 1,300-miles from the panhandle to the Everglades and offers exceptional bird watching along its length.
In Seminole County, the Trail takes in several wilderness areas, giving visitors the chance to spot a wide variety of birdlife.
The trail is mostly unpaved except in Lake Mary, where it follows roadways to cross the Seminole Wekiva Trail and the Cross Seminole Trail.
These two trails have been designated as Seminole County Showcase Trails because of their length and scenic views.
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Among so much natural wildlife, Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens at Sandford offers the chance to view over 400 animals including giraffe, leopard and the Southeast's largest collection of venomous snakes and non-venomous reptiles.
ZOOm Air Adventures, located at the zoo, is a zip-line adventure course that give a 'look-down' view of the animals.
The Blue Springs State Park
The Blue Spring State Park covers more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. John's River.
It is a designated manatee refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees.
During manatee season, which approximately runs from mid-November through March, several hundred manatee can be viewed atop the spring's overlooks on cold days.
The Spring´s crystal clear, 73-degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers during the designated swimming season.
Fishing, canoeing, and boating are also enjoyed along the St. John's River with river boat tours available.
A self-guided tour inside the historic Thursby House, built at the height of the steamboat era in 1872, can also be taken.
www.floridastateparks.org/park/Blue-Spring
Farmers Markets
For those wanting to fit a Saturday farmers market into the itinerary :
Good Neighbors Farmers Market, Oviedo
This farmers market is located on a 15 acre working farm, with vendors selling fruit and vegetables, honey, foods, handmade products and just about anything agricultural.
www.goodneighborsfarmersmarket.com
Lake Mary's Farmers Market
This small market offers a selection of fresh produce, large and small plants, orchids, locally produced honey, baked goods and handmade jewellery.
Sanford Farmers Market
The Sanford Farmers Market, every Saturday,is a year-round green market with a large number of fresh food producers in downtown supported by live entertainment.
What's on in Sanford
Alive after Five
Alive after Five, or AA5, is Central Florida's largest recurring monthly street party with live music, local artists, food and craft beers along Sanord Avenue.
The event, which includes and 'art walk', takes place, rain or shine on the second Thursday of every month and is a good excuse to enjoy the towns restaurants, art galleries, gift shops and antique stores.
Sanford also plays host to a range of annual events and celebrations.
The annual St Johns River Arts Festival, which is a fine arts and fine crafts festival, is held each April.
It sees over 150 artists who have been selected to participate and features paintings, sculptures, demonstrations and live music.
Somewhere to dine
Bahama Breeze, Altemonte Springs
Bahama Breeze is casual dining at its best writes Ann Mealor.
Part of the Altemonte Springs shopping mall, this laid back, Caribbean restaurant is part of a chain, but don't let that put you off as the tasty food and friendly atmosphere makes it well worth a visit.
The Caribbean-inspired food, handcrafted cocktails, and relaxed island atmosphere fit well with the beachy décor. Warm and welcoming, it's an ideal place to eat or drink with friends after a busy day shopping or sightseeing.
Diners can sit inside or out on the attractive deck area and listen to live music.We always eat al fresco when we can, making the most of the warm weather.
Unwinding to the holiday sound of a steelband we sipped our pre-dinner cocktails and deliberated over our dining options.
The menu at Bahama Breeze is extensive, so plenty to choose from whatever your tastes.
Top of our list was the juicy lobster and tender shrimp quesadilla with onions, sweet peppers, spinach and a three cheese blend served with all the trimmings.
Another favourite was the coconut and shrimp tacos; flour tortillas filled with crispy coconut shrimp, tomato salsa, Sriracha aioli and cabbage-jicama slaw. Delicious.
Catch the afternoon or late night happy hour if you can and try one of the tropical cocktails or half-price appetizers.Cheers!
Santiago's Bodega
A very popular tapas-style restaurant, Santiago's Bodega had a vibrant buzz about it when we arrived for our early evening meal writes Ann Mealor.
Decorated in a traditional, colourful Spanish style, the place had a cosy, Mediterranean feel, a pleasant change from the large American diners.
The food here is best shared.Order about four tapas plates per person and savour their different textures and flavours.
We njoyed: tender beef short ribs in a sticky cherry hoisin glaze served with orange-miso slaw; refreshing yellow fin tuna ceviche marinated in a spicy citrus juice; plump dates stuffed with goats cheese and wrapped in prosciutto; large Roman meatballs nestled in angel hair pasta; Spanakopita – spinach, feta and onion baked in crisp filou pastry and reliably tasty patatas bravas, pan fried potatoes in spicy tomato sauce.
Try and leave room for the bread pudding – surprisingly light and the best I have tasted.
If you fancy the Sunday brunch, book in advance and make sure you try the French toast.
The Altamonte Mall
The Altamonte Mall is the second largest indoor mall in Central Florida, with 175 specialty shops, department stores and restaurants and an AMC movie theater.
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