Silver Lake Resort

Travellers determined to lounging around the hotel pool on days away from Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld should give it a second thought. There is an endless array of alternative attractions you can easily sandwich in-between theme park hopping, many of which do not cost a penny.

One of the best ways to get the taste the real Florida is to get back to nature and orchestrate a face to face encounter with some of Central Florida’s wilder inhabitants.

How To Make The Most of It:

Day 1
Orlando is surround with counties Seminole, Orange and Osceola, These counties are dotted with lakes of all shapes and sizes like westgate lake or silver lake with its gorgeous silver lake resort, from the vast, gleaming waters of Lake Jesup in the north to the smaller urban retreat of Lake Eola in downtown Orlando.

The more southerly lakes run into the No 1. ecological spectacle in Florida - the Everglades. In case there is not enough time to journey the 250 miles south and experience the one and only «Glades», then you should head for East Lake Toho, just 20 minutes from International Drive, for an authentic taster.

With its swaying cypress trees and bald eagles circling overhead, Lake Toho feels a million miles away from the hectic chaos across town. Most visitors come here to experience the famous Boggy Creek Airboat Rides (a family-friendly company that specializes in Gentle Ben-style rides through the lake’s wetlands) and the search of Florida’s most famous critter.

Before you getting wet, a good idea could be to line your stomach with a hearty breakfast in the Southern-style East Lake Fish Camp. It is never too early to indulge into the local specialities of frogs’ legs, gator or catfish.

At the very edge of the lake you’ll find board and airboat that will skim you at speed (up to 45mph) over the lake’s surface. Make sure you hold on to your hat as you hurtle through the long grass. When your guide cuts the engine, it will be a sign that he’s spotted something lurking in the distance, most likely a stealthy alligator hiding in the undergrowth. Visitors with a taste for flying can also try parasailing - your guide will reel you out and up to 240 meters for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.

If whizzing through tall grass wasn’t your cup of tea, then opt out completely and visit one of the area’s more serene lakes for a waterfront picnic.

Day 2
Almost impossible to beat in tranquility is a trip to Winter Park, one of Orlando’s most exclusive suburbs. Mingle among the ladies who lunch on Park Avenue and take a stroll around the delightful but expensive boutiques.

Just a few streets from Park Avenue, there are three of the region’s most picturesque lakes: Maitland, Osceola and Virginia. You can take the short walk to Lake Osceola where you’ll find one of the oldest attractions in town, the Scenic Boat Tour, a delightful one-hour excursion that has been gliding visitors around since 1938.

Young travellers will enjoy the friendly skippers and the inevitable ducking as you move under low bridges. Be prepared for playful gestures by local residents including a life size model of late U.S. president Ronald Reagan.

For adult visitor this is an enthralling insight into the American property market and your guide will wax lyrical about the multi-million pound properties located on the water’s edge. The more interesting anecdotes comprise references to the plot of land where Margaret Mitchell penned the final chapters of the historic Gone with the Wind movie.