Hidden Treasures in Orlando

Sure, it's easy to find something to do in Orlando at any given moment. But what if you're looking for the unique or unusual spots, outside of the usual tourist traps? We've got your guide to what's off the beaten path in Orlando.

If you can't get enough of Tiffany glass and art, then The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is your home away from home. Featuring the most extensive collection of Tiffany pieces in the world, the museum features a spectacular chapel interior originally designed for the World's Fair in Chicago. Learn more...

Address: 445 North Park Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789 - MAP
Phone: (407) 645-5311
Web: www.morsemuseum.org

Artifacts, photographs, multimedia presentations, slave records, books and more all serve to tell the story and history of African Americans in the Florida area. The items chronicle the civil rights era and events leading up to it, and all are on display at the Wells' Built Museum. Learn more...

Address: 511 West South St., Orlando FL 32805 - MAP
Phone: (407) 245-7535
Web: www.pastinc.org

You can pull an I Love Lucy or a Curious George at Farris and Forster's Famous Chocolate Factory, where guests create their own chocolates. Or select from the gourmet treats already on hand, like the Marshmallow Puff Daddy, Oreo Speedwagon or Billy Graham Cracker.

Address: 4875 New Broad St., Orlando FL 32814 - MAP
Phone: (407) 770-1607
Web: www.farrisandfosters.com

Take a trip to Rock & Roll Heaven, Orlando's largest independently owned music store. This throwback retailer will have you reliving your musical roots, whether your thing is punk, rock, ska, metal, rap, indie or disco. Browse through a colossal collection of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, cassettes, VHS tapes, laser discs and more.

Address: 1814 North Orange Ave., Orlando FL 32804 - MAP
Phone: (407) 896-1952
Web: www.rock-n-rollheaven.com

Take the trolley and tour Orlando's International Drive without the hassle of driving and parking. Just hop on and off the I-RIDE Trolley as you visit all the attractions along the main drag. Pay one price and ride all day.

Phone: (866) 243-7483
Web: www.iridetrolley.com

Tour the 1950s-era house where Jack Kerouac wrote his ground-breaking novel, "The Dharma Bums." The beat-generation author lived here with his mother when his first novel, "On The Road," began to garner acclaim from critics and fans. The house has been restored and welcomes visitors; it also hosts a yearly Writer in Residence project.

Address: 1418 Clouser Ave., Orlando FL 32804 - MAP
Web: www.kerouacproject.org

Gather with readers and writers at Books & Books, one of the most respected independent bookstores in the country. Since 1982, Books & Books has hosted local, national and international writers as part of its award-winning Reading Series.

Address: 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables FL 33134 - MAP
Phone: (305) 442-4408
Web: www.booksandbooks.com

Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a country fair any day of the week. At Magical Midway, you can zoom around two elevated go kart tracks, ride on the bumper cars or test your stamina on the thrill rides.

Address: 7001 International Dr., Orlando FL 32819 - MAP
Phone: (407) 370-5353
Web: www.magicalmidway.com

Also...

Walt Disney World Star Wars Weekend

Address: 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando FL 32819 - MAP
Phone: (407) 363-8000
Web: www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

Gatorland

Address: 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837 - MAP
Phone: (407) 855-5498
Web: www.gatorland.com

Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium

Address: 8201 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819 - MAP
Phone: (407) 363-4418
Web: www.orlando.ripleys.com

The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

Address: 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789 - MAP
Phone: (407) 647-0283
Web: www.polasek.org

Showcase of Citrus

Address: 5010 US Highway 27, Clermont FL 34714 - MAP
Phone: (352) 394-4377
Web: www.showcaseofcitrus.com

Orlando, FL

Hidden Treasures in Orlando

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