111 Places in Orlando That You Must Not Miss reveals the city’s real-life magic
You may know about Disney magic and Wizarding World magic, but according to 111 Places in Orlando That You Must Not Miss, Orlando has many more magical places that should not be skipped.
The new book in the 111 Places guidebook series, which presents destinations around the world from a personal perspective, is 111 Places in Orlando That You Must Not Miss. Written by Attractions contributing writers Susan and Simon Veness and featuring photos by Kayla L Smith, it urges both locals and visitors to explore Orlando’s hidden treasures and off-the-beaten-path oddities.
“We have spent our careers bringing the secrets of Orlando’s theme parks to light,” says Susan Veness. “This new book was a chance for us to share the locally significant spots in our home city, including many that are close to our own hearts.”
Some of the 111 Places in Orlando That You Must Not Miss
- Bob Ross, the beloved painter of “happy little trees,” is buried in Orlando, and visitors often leave tributes like paint.
- Fans of American literary icon Jack Kerouac can pay homage at the once-forgotten, one-bedroom duplex where he penned The Dharma Bums, now the Kerouac Project, a writer residency program.
- The Timucua Arts Foundation offers over 100 concerts each year in the comfort of the founders’ large living room.
- Vault 5421 is a post-apocalyptic, secret bar decorated entirely with eclectic objects.
- Lake Eola is the perfect place for a walk and an encounter with the Ghost Dog, a playful terrier known to appear for a head scratch before disappearing again.
Photo by Kayla L. Smith
- Kids love learning about ancient creatures at the Poozeum, an exhibition of prehistoric poop at the Orlando Science Center.
- Nikki’s Place serves mouthwatering fried chicken, black-eyed peas, and many other delicious Southern treats, including“the trinity” of collard greens, candied yams, and mac-and-cheese.
- Visitors can relax in a warm vat of beer-making ingredients at the Orlando Beer Spa, modeled after the famous beer spas in Prague. The experience includes unlimited IPA, Pilsner, and Belgian witbier.
- Tank America offers the opportunity to drive real, decommissioned tanks with the support of experienced veterans.
Photo by Kayla L. Smith
- Actual wildlife abounds at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, a highly successful nature restoration project, where alligators can always be found, and otters, an occasional armadillo, or even a bobcat might be spotted.
“We discovered so many places and stories we never knew,” says Simon Veness. “Even after living here for 20 years,we found surprises around almost every corner.”
111 Places in Orlando That You Must Not Miss ($23.95) is available online and in stores.
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