Are you one of the many students deciding to stay around the UCF area for Thanksgiving Break? Don’t sweat it you’re not alone and I happen to be a local here to share some of my favorite activities nearby!
- Disney’s Campground Bike Riding
This is one of my personal favorites. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge Resort offers outdoor recreational rentals and one of the many offerings includes bike rentals to be used all over their neighboring grounds. From lakefront boardwalks to wooded trials, you can take the bikes as far as the sister campground site and stop to visit the campground farm which is also home to the prestigious Disney Clydesdales Horses. After a relaxing and adventures bike ride, you can enjoy hot chocolate under the immaculately decorated resort lobby.
- Wekiva Springs
If you’re looking for a cheap way to enjoy the water, but prefer not to make a trip to the beach, take a trip to the Wekiva Springs State Park. Swim in their 72 degree swimming hole and experience the beauty of a cold plunge. Surrounded by the natural foliage of the state park, it’s easy to forget you’re anywhere near Orlando. There is also a big grassy area surrounding the water that provides great for tanning, picnics, or barbeques.
- Enzian Theater
If your tastes range on the cultural side, consider checking out the Enzian Theater in Winter Park, FL. This small dinner theater shows films ranging from cult classics to the latest awarded film festival flicks. They even have an outdoor bar, Eden Bar, that provides amazing specials, for those of you 21 and up, under the stars and greenery of their gorgeous outdoor gazebo. For all of you hipsters at heart or open minded adventurers this is a notable place to check out!
- Park Avenue, Winter Park
This area, only locals know, is one of the classiest spots for dining, shopping, and spending ones free time, in the Orlando area. From a huge range of boutique specialty shops to some of the most popular restaurants in the city, you have a vast selection to any occasion. During Thanksgiving Break if you’re also looking for a kick-start into the holiday season you can attend the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra “Holiday Pops” Concert on Sunday November 30, 2014 at 4pm in Park Avenue’s Central Park for free! Lay down a blanket, bring a picnic basket, and enjoy the sounds of the season!
- Black Hammock Adventures
This hidden gem is located in the back country of Oviedo, FL which is just a short drive away from UCF. If you’re interested in having a true Florida swamp experience take an airboat ride on notorious Lake Jesup. This lake is known for having the largest alligator population in Florida! After this experience you can grab a drink or a bite to eat at their Lazy Gator Bar or The Black Hammock Restaurant.