Central Florida is a diverse area within the middle of the state that provides a variety of places to live, whether you want to be walking distance to a beach, close to attractions, in the midst of downtown, or on sprawling pastures, there are definitely an option for everyone. In beautiful Central Florida, the main tourist attraction that may instantly come to mind is Disney World, as well as the other world renowned theme parks. However, Orlando Florida is an incredibly charming city, booming with activity, culture, and life. Forbes has listed Orlando as #67 in the top places for businesses and careers. Orlando is also ranked by Forbes as the #1 city for job growth in the country in 2014. The University of Central Florida, located in Orlando, is one of the top fastest growing and largest universities in the country. A trending culture of restaurant and hip coffee shops are growing as well, attracting foodies and creating community throughout the city. Orlando also offers the beautiful Leu Gardens, History Center, festivals, art museums and the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Central Florida Attractions
Central Florida is known throughout the world for its many theme parks and attractions. Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld are some of the world’s most sought after and visited theme parks. The Travel Channel ranked both the Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park and Universal Studio’s Islands of Adventure in their top 10 best theme parks. Trip Advisor also ranked Discovery Cove #1 in their top summer park to visit. The top 3 water parks in the United States are all found in Orlando, including Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and Aquatica SeaWorld’s Water Park. All the different attraction options provide families and their children a diverse vacation and living city.
Orlando City Soccer
Recently, Orlando City Soccer club has been growing popularity and fans within Central Florida. The club was formed in 2010 by Phil Rawlins, an Orlando native. 3 years after the club was formed, they were awarded the 21st Major League Franchise, with a promising future on the horizon. On March 8, 2015, Orlando City hosted their first Major League Soccer game at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Their success on the field, as well as the excited and loyal passionate fan base, has caused this sport and team to become one of Central Florida’s newest favorite attractions and pastimes.
Amway Arena
The Amway Arena is a new venue within Orlando that is impossible to miss while driving along Orlando’s interstate (I4). Situated in the heart and center of downtown Orlando, this newly built Arena draws in thousands of spectators, sports fans, and music lovers. With the Arena’s modem design incorporating glass and metal architecture, along with its changing graphics promoting upcoming events, this Arena is home to the largest and best concerts. The Arena was built with both indoor and outdoor facilities, restaurants and even a kid play area; showcasing the diversity of the city of Orlando.
Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center
The Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, commonly referred to as ‘DPAC’, is the newest artistic addition in the City Beautiful, otherwise known as Orlando, Florida. This performing arts center, located directly in downtown Orlando, on nine-acres, was the replacement of the former Bob Carr Theater. Inside the performing arts center, the Walt Disney Theater, accommodates 2,700 guests and another venue, the Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater, accommodates 300 guests. With construction plans beginning in 2016, the performing arts center will also construct a third theater, hosting 1,700 seats for ballet, orchestral performances and operas. It also has a gorgeous outdoor space to host performances. In addition, the center has a School of the Arts for classes and educational purposes.
To find out more information on the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center or buy tickets, go to their website.
Orlando Dining
The ever-growing delicious dining opportunities in Orlando are catching the eye of more than the locals. Recently, Food Networks Alton Brown made an appearance in Orlando and ate at some of Orlando’s best spots, posting photos and captions that definitely showed his appreciation and approval. One stop Alton made was at the Ravenous Pig. This restaurant was ranked #2 in USA Today’s top 10 places to eat in Orlando. It is a gastropub, with a gourmet spin on common pub foods, which uses local and seasonal foods to create a delicious changing menu. Another top pick in Orlando is 4Rivers Smokehouse. This restaurant has barbeque that makes mouths water upon entering through its doors. Continually busy, bustling with loyal locals who sport 4Rivers bumper stickers and belly’s that can’t get enough of their delicious choices of brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or smoked turkey, to name a few. Their order and eat style enables speedy service and allows the guest to see the array of offerings, before they sit at large family style wooden picnic tables. Pho88 in the small China Town area in the acclaimed Mills/50 area, close to downtown Orlando, is a classic dining experience. With their most ordered Pho, a Vietnamese popular classic, this restaurant continues to bring back locals. All the meals served at Pho88 are authentic, very reasonably priced and the service is extremely quick and attentive, giving the patron space to enjoy their dishes.
