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How to spend your last few hours in Orlando
As an owner of a very popular vacation home I usually have to check out of our own home several hours before our flight leaves Florida. The next set of guests usually arrive on the same day as current guests check out and in order for the villa to be prepared and clean to the usual high standard check out time is usually 10/11. 00am. I am frequently asked for suggestions on places to visit or things to do on the last day and here are some of my suggestions (based on my own experience! )
For guests with flights home from Tampa.
A stop for lunch at
Ybor City, just off the I4 before Tampa Internation Airport, is a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. Choose from a variety of cuisine - Spanish, Cuban, Italian, Greek and French – these can be found by strolling down La Setima, the main street of the Historic District. Try tapas and a pitcher of Spanish sangria in a café atmosphere reminiscent of a Mediterranean village or you can grab a coffee and light lunch – there is a lot of choose and it is a great way of using up those remaining dollars.
There are some nice stores in this quaint historical area and there are many speciality stores giving a perfect opportunity to buy some last minute souveniers, gifts and postcards. Known as Tampa’s Latin Quarter for over a century, Ybor City is an exotic blend of aromas, flavors, sights and sounds. There are also bus and walking tours, these are of course subject to date and time.
For guests with flights home from Sandford and Orlando International.
Lakeridge Winery is situated on the US 27N, just outside Clermont. Complimentary Tours and Wine Tasting are offered seven days a week. Tours operate frequently, starting with a short video, a walk near the production area then outside on a balcony to see a spectacular view of the vineyards where the grapes are grown and harvested. The Wine Tasting (best bit for non drivers! ) is held downstairs at a large tasting counter and a variety of wines ranging are usually offered. The winery tour and wine tasting lasts approximately 45-50 minutes. Afterwards you can browse the extensive retail area with gifts, wines, accessories
Winter Park. Historic Winter Park is situated on the I4 East, Park Avenue in the heart of WInter Park is a great place to spend your last few hours in Orlando. This is near Rollins College and is the main Winter Park shopping and eating experience.
Park Avenue has a long park in the middle of the street and has restaurants, spas, retail, specialty shops all down about 1-2 miles. (There is a fantastic pet store with everything for your favorite pet) This avenue has many restaurants, cafes and upscale bars and many offer reasonable lunch time specials. Park Avenue has a rival with Winter Park Village. This is a newer shopping center that includes resteraunts and a movie theater. Park Avenue has it's charm but Winter Park Village seems to have something for everyone too. Cheesecake Factory to Ruth's Chris for eateries. Some very expensive stores and specialty shops to Pier One and Borders bookstore. This is not as walkable as Park Ave but does feature very nice and updated retail space. The
Scenic Boat Tour is well worth a visit. The relaxing, narrated, one hour cruise through the beautiful lakes and canals of historic Winter Park makes it a must on every person´s list. It´s really the only way to see the true beauty of Winter Park which includes Rollins College, plants, flowers and magnificent mansions. The boat trip operates daily and is only 5 minutes from Park Avenue. It is reasonably priced (approx $10 per person) with a disc. for children.
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