Must See Sights and Landmarks in Orlando Area

"The Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe is a unique attraction in a place that’s filled with bright lights and theme parks. Originally built to provide a home for worship for Catholic tourists visiting the Orlando area, this Latin rite basilica has become a tourist attraction in its own right. And while it still holds daily services, many visitors to the city head there just to see the magnificent architecture."

"In addition to magnificent views from 400 feet in the sky, the 15-person, air-conditioned capsules allow for rides in the rain or shine. Kids especially love riding the Ferris Wheel at night due to the color-changing light show. If you’re searching for the perfect family photo opportunity, this is it!"

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user https://www.reuni... used under CC BY-SA 4.0. The ICON Orlando is full of things to do and places to eat."

"Minutes from the busy city life of neighboring Orlando, visitors will find a serene escape in the Art and History’s five museums nestled within two campuses. Visitors can fill a day exploring the Maitland Art Center, Maitland Historical Museum, Telephone Museum, Waterhouse Residence Museum, and Carpentry Shop Museum. Just step inside the restored Waterhouse Residence Museum and be whisked away to Victorian times as you stroll through a guided tour admiring the Eastlake staircase and plush furnishings or reminisce about the turn of the century with woodworking tools, including ones used by Mr. Waterhouse himself."

"Part of Maitland’s cultural lineup, Art & History Museums — Maitland has so much to offer that it can’t be contained by one building. Instead, it is spread out over two campuses, both of which are on the National Register of Historic Places: the Maitland Art Center and the Victorian-era Waterhouse Residence Museum. The Maitland Art Center is also a National Historic Landmark, thanks in large part to unique Aztec- and Mayan-influenced architecture and one of the southeast’s only remaining examples of Mayan Revival designs."

"Just minutes from Downtown Orlando, the five museums that comprise the Art & History Museums – Maitland feature countless opportunities for visitors to experience hands-on history and fine art exhibitions."

"Located in Maitland close to Winter Park, about 30 minutes north of International Drive, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center doesn’t just teach about the past. It also focuses on a future that is free of antisemitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry. One of this museum’s most unique exhibits invites you to don Oculus googles for a powerful virtual-reality experience that will transport you to the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis, with Frank sharing her inspirational story along the way."

"Classic cars at Old Town (Pic: Michel Curi) In the evening we stumbled across a cute tourist area called Old Town back along the 192 highway in Kissimmee. This was a strange mix of illuminated fairground rides and a bungee swing alongside a Western-style highstreet with funky shops and an imitation ‘small town America’ feel. There was also a car show with classic 1950s and 60s cars on when we were there."

"Sophisticated and approachable, this New American steakhouse redefines the classic steakhouse with innovative preparations and contemporary twists. Spencer's features a signature raw bar, the Prime Spencer's Cut, natural grass-fed beef dry-aged 21 to 28 days, local seafood, and local organic produce. As part of our sustainable initiatives, Spencer's for Steak and Chops is now an Ocean Friendly Restaurant!"