An Orlando vacation is one of the most popular amongst tourists, but it is much more than just a city tailored for theme park devotees. Orlando city has a wide range of sights, places to eat with many of these available along International Drive where it is possible to park the car and take a stroll. The city has been attracting tourists for a long time and justifiably so as it has just about everything the visitor could want.
Orlando is a warm and welcoming place that enjoys looking after people with its many shopping malls, restaurants, clubs and bars. Besides the major theme parks, a vacation in Orlando can offer so many attractions to spark the imagination that it's hard to know where to begin.
The Central Florida Zoo for instance only opened back in 1975 and was owned by the Sanford Fire Department prior to that but is now the home to over four hundred animals. Even though it is privately owned, it is run by a charitable group with the intention of providing classes for children and protecting species that are only found in Florida and other world wide exotic animals.
It is also possible to see a large collection of the works of Louis Tiffany at the Museum of American Art over in Winter Park. For aficionados of Tiffany art, this is the place to visit with the largest display anywhere in the world, including jewelry, paintings, glass, pottery and ornaments.
Whilst Orlando may appear on the surface to be a town designed for the entertainment of children that could not be farther from the truth with adults equally well looked after. For people that prefer the night, the list of things to do on an Orlando vacation is almost endless with families, teenagers and adults all well looked after.
Take the Orlando Science Center which can offer over 200,000 square feet of exhibitions and displays in ten huge halls, its focus is to provide a basis for experimenting, and learning science and technology. If your preference is in railways then the International Trolley and Train Museum on International drive will be a pleasant surprise with 14 trains running continuously and three waterfalls in a space of about 4,000 square feet.
The Mercado Center on International Drive is the home to the Titanic Exhibition where you are treated like a tourist traveling onboard the Titanic Ocean Liner; this is a really moving and eerie experience which includes many original objects from the Titanic. Away from all the hustle is the wonderful Lake Eola Park in the heart of downtown, it has beautiful sidewalks in over forty acres where it is possible to spend a few peaceful hours.
Now you couldn't possibly visit Orlando without a trip to the numerous theme parks including Disney World, Universal Studios and of course not to forget the fantastic Seaworld. If you are on you first Orlando vacation, try to visit all the major attractions first because it is almost certain you will return again another year.
Picnics are delightful when well managed. The perfect picnic always puts everyone in a great mood. The idea behind picnics is that much of the food is prepared at home, then transported to an outdoor setting. Here, you have a great variety of choices. Whether it is a beach, a grassy knoll overlooking a trickling brook, or a designated picnic area, your goal is to be certain your feast has a smooth transition. Pack food in lightweight containers that are airtight to ensure they arrive at your destination safely.
A walk through your garden will provide plenty of ideas what to put in your cooler. There are a number of things growing there that will make your picnic a huge success. One of the first things you should pack is a few sprigs of mint. Put these in the center of your blanket or tablecloth to keep the bees away. Take a few extra sprigs to enhance the flavor of the lemonade. A tray of oregano, basil and chives allows guests to take a piece of whatever they choose to add to other greens.
For a beautiful centerpiece, scoop the center out of a head of cabbage to make a bowl. Set it in the center of a colorful tray and place carrot sticks, celery, green peppers, broccoli and cauliflower around it. Use the cabbage as a "bowl" for your spinach dip"cabbage bowl" with spinach dip. This adds color and a touch of class to your picnic.
Plant pansies or petunias in mugs for each of your guests. These can be set beside each plate. When your guests leave, they can take them home, transplant the flowers and keep the mug as a memento of the great day you spent together.
If your picnic is going to take place in the evening, add a citronella candle to your box of supplies. This adds a nostalgic atmosphere and keeps pesky bugs away.
You can choose between preparing all your food beforehand or put the barbecue or grill to action once you arrive at your destination.
Be sure to add cups, plates, serving utensils, a serrated knife, cutting board, napkins, flatware, salt and pepper and trash bags to you picnic basket. You will also need a cotton tablecloth, quilt, blanket or large beach towels.
Add items to your basket for special picnics. For example, a romantic picnic is more of a hit with crystal wine glasses and fine china. On the other hand, a family picnic will be more successful if you add a pair of binoculars, a kite and a Frisbee to your basket. Suncreen and insect repellent are one of your more important items here.
Ants clouds and bees are not the only threat to an enjoyable day. Always keep foods in the refrigerator until you are ready to pack your basket. Add a bag of ice or ice packs to
keep food cool. Cold foods should be kept at a cool 40 degrees. Never pack your cooler too full. Be sure there is room for air circulation. Hot foods should be kept at 140 degrees or above. This avoids turning your picnic into a salmonella delight.
Keep uncooked meats in airtight containers so juices cannot contaminate other food when transporting them to the picnic. Wash hands, surfaces and utensils before and after handling uncooked meats.
Raw and perishable foods contain bacteria or parasites. When these foods are served undercooked or are prepared, handled or refrigerated improperly, dangerous toxins develop. The result can be food poisoning which has flu like symptoms.
If salads cannot be kept cold, use vinegar-based salad dressing, not mayonnaise based. Remember Mayonnaise needs to be kept at least at 40 degress or cooler to be safe.
Wash all produce with cold water before cooking and eating. Cold water kills bacteria and removes toxins such as pesticide sprays.
Always marinate meats in the refrigerator. Boil marinade for a full ten minutes before pouring over cooked foods.
If you follow the tips in this article, you will have an enjoyable day in the great outdoors. Your food will be fresh and you will keep microscopic guests away.
Just prepare simple foods - there is no need for elaborate cooking. The simplest recipes are mouth watering good when eaten under nature's canopy. Enjoy!