[StarfishKey]

Bringing this up again. I'm considering making the trip in March of this year maybe. I might go slow and take at least a month, so there are lots more towns that need locals to mention them! Even if I don't hit it, someone else might! So keep those suggestions of what locals love to do in your town coming...

And if you know of any safe, clean, cheap places to stay that you would recommend to your own family, mention those too!

[StarfishKey]

I was going back over these posts, and I notice that very few people around Florida have listed their favorite local beaches. Please, anyone who lives local to a beach, aside from the other things locals do there, please also mention which local beach (or access point) you think is the best!

[MAniacTHW]

Originally Posted by StarfishKey

I was going back over these posts, and I notice that very few people around Florida have listed their favorite local beaches. Please, anyone who lives local to a beach, aside from the other things locals do there, please also mention which local beach (or access point) you think is the best!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6...5x2iGa8rLqVuwA

I have a video up showcasing my favorite beach (Picnic Island) as well as some other cool parts of Tampa. Enjoy!

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by Crane's Rooster

Orlando/Central Florida

SKIP THE THEME PARKS! You can visit them anytime, for the "real" Central Florida must sees are:

Thornton Park/Downtown Orlando- take in Lake Eola, the Farmer's Market on Sunday to get a real feel for local Orlando. Stop in at one of the restaurants in Thornton Park for brunch, I recommend Dexters.

Park Avenue in Winter Park - great pedestrian strip with restaurants, boutiques, and just overall great people watching. Just about all the eateries here are good. Small museum on the north end of the strip and Rollins College on the south end. Both are very picturesque and worth seeing.

Mills 50 - An ecclectic mix of locally owned restaurants and bars. Also home to Central Florida Little Saigon/Asian District. Good authentic Asian food.

Loch Haven Park - Home to Orlando Museum of Art, Science Center and several smaller museums.

Wekiva Springs/Wekiva Island - old natural Florida. Take a swim in the ice cold springs or paddle down to Wekiva Island for an ice cold one at CFL's inland beach.

Downtown Sanford - recently revitalized it has great new beer gardens, restaurants and shops, and great views of Lake Monroe along the refurbished Riverwalk.

Mt. Dora - a picturesque little town along a large chain of Lakes. It's in the rolling hills of Lake County. You can take guided excursions out on the lakes as well.

Green Mountain Scenic By-way - great drive where you may even forget you're in Florida at times. Great views of the hills and in some areas you can even see the downtown Orlando skyline in the distance. Take plenty of pictures. You can also stop at beautiful places such as Bella Collina or Monte Verde Academy. Nearby Lakeridge Winery is also worth a visit.

Some of my favorite restaurants

4 Rivers BBQ, Hawkers, Pho Vinh, Antonios, Bosphorous, Pio Pio, Zaza, Oh Que Bueno, Kasa, Kohinoor, Izzaban Sushi, Shari Sushi, Roccos Tacos, Big Fin Seafood, Lola Sushi

Favorite Parks - Lake Eola, Crane's Roost Park, Blue Jacket Park, Sanford Riverwalk

Favorite Drink Spots - downtown, Lake Ivanhoe, Park Avenue, Sand Lake Restaurant Row.

For Mt. Dora, the downtown area surrounding the Donnelly/5th Ave intersection is great! Very walkable, lots of boutiques, great restaurants, bars, and a rather breathtaking view of Lake Dora. It's a surprisingly beautiful town center despite being in Lake County... Especially "that part" of Lake County.

For Altamonte area, I second Crane's Roost park.