Orlando, Florida is known for its abundance of terrific theme parks. But what is there to do after you have ridden all the rides and seen the theme parks and just want to relax? You can venture off the tourist trail and see the Orlando local residents know and love. Orlando is Central Florida’s largest city. While the outskirts of the city has seen a plethora of theme parks mushrooms up and flourish as a fantastic holiday destination, the heart and soul of Orlando has remained the same. It is a gentle Southern city with a wonderfully eclectic arts community, great restaurants, interesting neighborhoods and a long and distinguished history.

Who is the city of Orlando named after? That is one of the hottest debates in the city. Some say it is a soldier, Orlando Reeves, who died on the shore of Lake Eola defending the area. Others say it was named after rancher Orlando Savage Rees. Still others say cultured gentleman James Speer named the city after the character from Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’. No matter who was the city’s namesake, its name officially changed from Jernigan to Orlando in 1857. It became incorporated as a city in 1885. Today visitors to the city can see many of the sites and artifacts related to its founding throughout the city.

The arts are very popular in Orlando. It is a major element in the character of the city. Orlando is known for the diverse musical genres embraced by its residents. There Rock, Hip Hop, Latin, Reggae, Heavy Metal and Classical music have all found a home. That means visitors to the city are sure to find an entertainment venue specializing in the type of music they like. The theatre is also embraced in Orlando. The city boasts Shakespearian, Broadway and many other types of theatre which find expression there. Several of the local universities have excellent theatre programs. The Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival draws local, national and international companies each year. There are also major ballet companies. The World Ballet Competition has been hosted in Orlando each year since 2007. Orlando also has a number of fine arts schools, galleries and museums which nurture and promote painters, sculptors and other fine artists.

Orlando’s restaurants are also world class. Whether you are looking for American fare or international cuisine you can find it in Orlando. Visitors on holiday can enjoy Southern Barbecue or Cuban, Puerto Rican and other types of Latin and Caribbean cuisine. There are excellent restaurants featuring Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and other Asian dishes. There is fine Italian dining and fun Mediterranean meals to be found in various sections of the city. They are a reflection of Orlando’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Touring Orlando’s great neighborhoods is another popular pastime. Many people love the architecture and tree lined streets of Winter Park, the eclectic bohemian atmosphere of College Park and the colourful Asian themed homes, shops and markets in Chinatown.

Orlando has it all. Visit and see for yourself.

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