Discover the "Unexpected Orlando"
While world-famous attractions have made Orlando a household name, the city also boasts many "unexpected" cultural treasures. Whether you're an avid lover of the arts or just want a relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening after your convention, you'll find plenty to do outside the theme parks.
Loch Haven Park, located in northeast Orlando, is the heart of Orlando's cultural corridor, providing a picturesque lakefront home to many of the area's artistic gems. The Orlando Museum of Art houses one of the nation's largest collections of art of the ancient Americas, as well as impressive collections of American and African art. The Orlando Fire Museum, which is operated by the Orange County Regional History Center, is housed in a restored 1926 firehouse and displays original fire engines from the early 1900s as well as gear and other artifacts from as early as 1885. Working Orlando fireman are on hand during museum hours to guide tours and answer questions. Across the street, at The Mennello Museum of American Art, you'll find Florida's largest collection of folk art with emphasis on works by Earl Cunningham.
Bring back the kid in you as you explore hands-on educational exhibits and watch larger-than-life films on the world's largest Iwerks domed theater at the Orlando Science Center. At the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival, take in works by the Bard and as well as several children's productions, or visit the Orlando Repertory Theatre, which presents a roster of family classics and kid-friendly theatre. Both theatres' seasons generally run September through May.
If you're craving some time outdoors after all those business sessions, take a stroll through the rose and camellia gardens at Harry P. Leu Gardens, not far from Loch Haven Park. Tour the historic home, enjoy a special evening concer or find some unique items at the gift shop to bring home to loved ones.
Downtown Orlando is home to the acclaimed Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, each of which hold their performances at the downtown Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre September through May. Broadway Across America - Orlando brings the top hits from Broadway to the Bob Carr as well. In addition, dozens of smaller theatres dot the downtown area, including Mad Cow Theatre, People's Theatre and Theatre Downtown.
A visit to downtown Orlando wouldn't be complete without a stop at The Wells' Built Museum of African-American History, formerly a hotel frequented by Duke Ellington and Ray Charles, as well as the Orange County Regional History Center, where you'll learn about the Sunshine State's colorful history of "tin can tourists" and Florida crackers.
Just north of downtown Orlando lies the nation's oldest incorporated African-American municipality, the city of Eatonville. The city pays homage to its favorite native daughter, anthropologist, writer and folklorist, Zora Neale Hurston, at the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts and during the Zora Neale Hurston Festival of Arts and Humanities each January.
The City of Winter Park is a cultural treasure just north of downtown Orlando. This tony little town is home to the world's most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany stained glass at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Just down the street, The Cornell Fine Art Museum, located on the campus of historic Rollins College, houses more than 6,000 objects of European and American art. While in Winter Park, be sure to catch a ride on the Scenic Boat Tour, which takes you on a narrated one-hour tour of the area's lakes and canals to see multi-million dollar mansions and the picturesque Rollins College campus and other Winter Park landmarks.
From the Scenic Boat Tour, you'll get a glimpse of the garden gallery of the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, which displays grand sculptures and other works by the late Czech-American artist. If time allows, drive over and view the art inside this lakeside mansion and chapel as well. Nearby, the Crealdé School of Art and the Maitland Art Center boast impressive galleries and exhibitions as well as classes for adults and children. Nearby, Kraft Azalea Gardens, an 11-acre park, offers scenic walking trails along beautiful Lake Maitland.
Throughout the year, cultural festivals fill the Orlando social calendar, including ArtsFest and PlayFest! in February, Bach Festival in late February/early March, Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival in March, Florida Film Festival in late March/early April, Cabaret Festival in April, Orlando International Fringe Festival and Florida Music Festival in May, Fiesta San Juan in June, a variety of Christian music festivals in September, Mount Dora Craft Fair in October, Fall Fiesta in the Park and Festival of the Masters in November, and many more. To find out what's happening in Orlando during your upcoming business trip, check out our comprehensive online calendar of events.