Non Disney or Universal Orlando (Apopka, Winter Park: rent, amusement park, credit)

[Tommygphotos]

Sarasotian coming for a weekend because we have a resort credit from when COVID started and don’t want to walk around Disney or Universal with masks on all day.
Not opposed to masks, just not our type of relaxation wearing a mask in an amusement park all day.

Give us some ideas of other “Orlando” things to do around town. Staying at the Swan Dolphin.
Mid 40’s and looooove good food.
Bonus points for favorite (non chain) steakhouses!

Thanks in advance

[Arcenal813]

Best steakhouse is probably Linda’s

[boy3365]

If you're still wanting something touristy sort of in the same area, check out ICON Park. It is on International Drive and houses the big observation ferris wheel. It is an outdoor shopping/dining/entertainment complex. However, I am not sure if masks are required on the property when you are in open air.

The Winter Garden Farmers Market may be a good option too. In addition to the market itself, it has a nice small town downtown as well as a food hall called Plant Street Market.

[Arcenal813]

Agree on ICON.
It’s a go-to for us, as opposed to the major parks.

If into markets, East End in Audubon is very nice. Some quaint walkable neighborhoods around there too.

[kyle19125]

Charley's is the place for steaks and while a "chain", a local one with three locations in FL. https://www.charleyssteakhouse.com/

Downtown Winter Park is a nice destination for lunch/dinner along with shopping with quaint surroundings. The Morse Museum is an interesting place to check out and especially welcoming on a hot day.

https://winterpark.org/park-avenue
https://www.morsemuseum.org/

[Tommygphotos]

Thanks everyone. Checking these out, but always looking for more. We come in a few times a year pre-covid

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by Tommygphotos

Sarasotian coming for a weekend because we have a resort credit from when COVID started and don’t want to walk around Disney or Universal with masks on all day.
Not opposed to masks, just not our type of relaxation wearing a mask in an amusement park all day.

Give us some ideas of other “Orlando” things to do around town. Staying at the Swan Dolphin.
Mid 40’s and looooove good food.
Bonus points for favorite (non chain) steakhouses!

Thanks in advance

Downtown Celebration. Nice outdoor walking around the lakes there.



Eddie V - They do have more than one location, but as a foodie myself who has lived in cities like Seattle and San Francisco, I can say there steak is one of the best I've had, their ribeye with side of peppercorn sauce.



Apopka Vineland Wildlife Drive - You drive your own car, it's free, you feel like you are on a safari, never seen so many gators, hundreds if not thousands of birds and ducks.



Lake Eola Park on a weekend.



Lake Baldwin, nice area to walk around, also a path that loops around the lake.



The Salty Donut, so good and basically nextdoor Lobos Coffee Roasters, also so good.



Winter Garden / Plant Street Market - Rent bikes, you can even ride them to Oakland Nature Preserve, park them there and take the 0.5 mile boardwalk hike to Lake Apopka.



Disney Springs - A tourist and local favorite, love Blaze Pizza there.

[WinterParkLocal]

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

Best steakhouse is probably Linda’s

I respectfully disagree on Linda‘s being good steak. It’s an institution but the steak is over seasoned and subpar in my opinion. I’d rather go to Christners on lee road for a good steak. I do enjoy East end market on Corrine for anything from Gideon‘s cookies to the biscuit company and just to wander around. I’d also recommend walking Park Avenue In Winter Park, the Winter Park boat tour, having lunch outside at Prato, don’t miss the meatballs. If you want breakfast food briar patch is a favorite. There is plenty to do just up and down Park Avenue. You could also visit the beer garden at the ravenous Pig.

[kibblenbitz]

Originally Posted by WinterParkLocal

I respectfully disagree on Linda‘s being good steak. It’s an institution but the steak is over seasoned and subpar in my opinion. I’d rather go to Christners on lee road for a good steak. I do enjoy East end market on Corrine for anything from Gideon‘s cookies to the biscuit company and just to wander around. I’d also recommend walking Park Avenue In Winter Park, the Winter Park boat tour, having lunch outside at Prato, don’t miss the meatballs. If you want breakfast food briar patch is a favorite. There is plenty to do just up and down Park Avenue. You could also visit the beer garden at the ravenous Pig.

Definitely agree on Briarpatch. Personal favorite.

I happen to like Linda's too... In that neck of the woods, another nice spot is Galeria. https://www.galeria-restaurant.com/