Orlando is the landing point for people destined for fantasy vacations in the city’s world-famous theme parks. The new guidebook 111 Places in Orlando That You Must Not Miss (Emons Verlag/Distributed by ACC; US $23.95, paperback with flaps) aims to entice visitors and locals alike to explore all the hidden treasures that the City of Orlando itself has to offer.
“We have spent our careers bringing the secrets of Orlando’s theme parks to light,” says Susan Veness, who co-authored this book with her husband Simon 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.”
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 a year in the comfort of the founders’ large living room. On the opposite end of the cultural spectrum, Vault 5421 is a post-apocalyptic, secret bar decorated entirely with eclectic objects.
This new book offers many daily attractions for families in Orlando. Nikki’s Place serves mouthwatering fried chicken and black-eyed peas, along with many other delicious Southern treats, including “the trinity” of collard greens, candied yams, and mac-and-cheese. 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. Kids love learning about ancient creatures at the Poozeum, an exhibition of prehistoric poop at the Orlando Science Center.
Orlando has a much wilder side, too. Tank America offers the opportunity to drive real, decommissioned tanks with the support of experienced veterans. Afterwards, 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. 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.” With vivid photos by Kayla L Smith in every chapter, the book is available online and in stores.
This book is part of the illustrated 111 Places guidebook series for locals and experienced travelers. Each guidebook presents a city, region, country, or specialty theme from a wonderfully different and personal perspective. Go off the beaten path to find the hidden places, stories, shops, and neighborhoods that unlock a destination’s true character, history, and flavor.