Guide To Orlando's Best Hidden Gems

Lake Nona

On the southeast side of Orlando is one of the most up-and-coming parts of the city, partly attributed to UCF's medical campus here. Visit the Sculpture Garden, shop at the Lake Nona Farmer's Market, and eat at my favorite restaurant in Lake Nona (they also have a location in Winter Garden, Dr. Phillips and Winter Park), Bosphorous.

West Orange Trail

Bikers will love this 22-mile trail in Winter Garden on the west side of Orlando. It's a great outdoor activity not just for bikers, but for fans of roller-skating, too.

Kissimmee Prairie Reserve State Park

Kissimmee Prairie is the only park in Florida that is International Dark Sky certified. Stargazers and astronomy nerds can gaze up at the night sky at the park's campgrounds.

Winter Park

This isn't a hidden gem, but I couldn't help but include it. Get here early because everyone else will be here, too! There's plenty of shops both local and national, plus delicious restaurants like AVA Mediterraegean and Cocina 214.

Mt Dora

Want a quiet little gem of an alternative to Winter Park? On the northwest side of Orlando is downtown Mt. Dora, right on a lake. They host Mt Dora Craft Fair annually in late October, ranked #1 Craft Festival In America by Sunshine Artist Magazine. I went last year and am really excited to go back soon!

Flowers, Fruit, & More

Close to Disney but feels a world away, Southern Hills Farm is a great spot to visit for the whole family. They have sunflower fields and their Fall Festival in the Autumn, strawberries in wintertime, and peaches and blueberries in spring. Have a group or a birthday? Contact them for available dates to use the farm as a venue (or have me organize that for you).

Take A Hot Balloon Ride

When you think of hot balloon rides, you probably envision a balloon over the Savannah or New Mexico. Nope! Still in Florida.

With Bob's Balloon Rides, operating for 20 years, see Florida's landscape far beneath you. Where are they? Anywhere you like! They have 100+ different takeoff and landing sites to choose from across Orange, Lake, Osceola and Polk Counties. How's that for a unique experience?

Spend Your Time In Style

You don't have to go out if you don't want to. Trust me, at Orlando's best resorts, you won't be the only one. I can personally vouch for the J.W. Marriott & Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes. I grew up spending staycations here and it was never anything but fantastic!

Head to the coast either east or west, you'll hit lovely beaches either way! Or extend your trip to Palm Beach, Miami or The Florida Keys

Bosphorus: Delicious Turkish food in Winter Park, Winter Garden, Dr. Phillips and Lake Nona.

Cedar Grill: I frequent this small Mediterranean-Latin restaurant! They have all sorts of options for all sorts of palettes, so it's family-friendly. Fellow beef lovers, try the shish kabob, my favorite.

Capa: Spanish steakhouse at The Four Seasons.

Ravello: Italian restaurant at The Four Seasons.

Whisper Creek Farm: The J.W. & Ritz Carlton's farm-to-table restaurant.

Morimoto Asia: High-end Asian cuisine in Disney Springs. Get a reservation ahead of time!

Kabooki Sushi: Offers omakase, sushi and more.

AVA Mediterraegean: Upscale restaurant serving meats, salads, octopus, and more. They not only serve dinner, but brunch, cocktails and dessert.