Orlando is a major getaway destination with infinite possibilities for your free time while at the Everything Under the Sun Expo. Consider putting these 10 must-see attractions and restaurants at the top of your list.
CITY ATTRACTIONS
âš« I-Drive complexes: Two complexes merit a visit for the entertainment, restaurants and shopping. The I-360 boasts the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel; an aquarium; eateries, bars and more. Pointe Orlando includes the Orlando WonderWorks fun house, restaurants and nightspots galore. I-360, 8445 I-Drive, Orlando; i-drive360.com | Pointe Orlando, 9101 I-Drive, Orlando; pointeorlando.com
âš« Universal Orlando: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a big draw, and the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride recently opened. Mardi Gras celebrations are in full swing in the French Quarter Courtyard, with nightly parades, Cajun cuisine and libations and live concerts some evenings. 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando; (407) 363-8000; universalorlando.com
⚫ Disney: “Disney After Hours” has returned to the Magic Kingdom for seven dates in 2018, including Feb. 8. Stay late to enjoy fireworks. Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts runs until Feb. 19. At Disney Springs, new restaurants include Wine Bar George and The Edison. The Patina Restaurant Group is adding three Italian eateries this winter: Maria & Enzo’s, Pizza Ponte and Enzo’s Hideaway. Magic Kingdom, 3111 World Dr., Orlando; (407) 939-3463; disneyworld.disney.go.com | Disney Springs, 1780 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; wdwinfo.com/disney-spring
⚫ Wild Florida: WF’s airboat rides explore shoreline, swamps and marshes. At the land base, there’s an 8-acre gator and wildlife park, and aviary. 3301 Lake Cypress Rd., Kenansville, Fla.; (407) 957-3135; wildfloridairboats.com
âš« Lake Eola: This downtown park is great for some R&R. Stroll or run around the lake, or rent a paddle boat and leisurely glide with the resident swans. Lake Eola, 512 E. Washington St., Orlando; (407) 246.4484; cityoforlando.net
RESTAURANTS
âš« The Stubborn Mule: This eatery features American cuisine, including sandwiches, burgers and appetizers. Also on the menu: Center Cut Filet with garlic mashed potato, grilled asparagus tips topped with baked scallop, fondue and a drunken fig reduction. Cocktails, draft beer, wine. Brunch served Saturday and Sunday; closed Monday. 100 S. Eola Drive, Ste. 103, Orlando; (407) 730-3400; thestubbornmuleorlando.com
⚫ Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House: This local favorite serves USDA prime beef; seafood such as lobster tail and crab cakes; desserts like six-layer lemon cake and banana bread pudding; and an extensive wine collection. 9150 I-Drive, Orlando; (407) 351-5074; delfriscosgrille.com
⚫ Artisan’s Table: This downtown restaurant has an ever-changing menu, with entrees such as herb-crusted lamb chops, prosciutto-wrapped salmon, and chicken and greens. Signature cocktails include Kentucky Big Bird and El Chupacabra; desserts include Cheddar Crust Dutch Apple Pie and Pumpkin Waffle Sundae. 22 E. Pine St., Orlando, (407) 730-7499; artisanstableorlando.com
⚫ B.B. King’s Blues Club: The iconic Pointe Orlando venue offers heaping servings of cuisine and music. Think barbecued ribs, shrimp and grits, Southern Fried Platter, and po’ boys. The B.B. King’s Blues Club All-Star Band keeps the joint jumpin’ nightly. 9101 I-Drive, Ste. 2230 Orlando; 407-370-4550; bbkings.com/orlando
⚫ Muddy Waters: The New Orleans-style eatery near Lake Eola features oyster dishes, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, po’ boys and pork belly tacos. A Louisiana-inspired cocktail menu has beverages such as sazerac and Ramos gin fizz, plus wine and beer. 101 S Eola Dr., Orlando, FL; (407) 843-9676; muddywaters-orlando.com
