What to Do?

Plenty. You have many choices among shopping, dining, sports, culture and nightlife.

Culture
Here are some of the area's performing arts and cultural centers.

Vacation Land
Orlando isn't called the Vacation Capital of the World for nothing.

Shopping
Want a place to shop? More than 200 shopping centers and eight major malls deliver the goods throughout the region.

Dining
The names Latin Quarter, Bongo's Cuban Café, Columbia and Samba Room might mean nothing to you now.

Nightlife
What to put a little night in your life?

Sports
You can either watch or you can play.

CULTURE

From festivals and theaters to museums and galleries, the arts are alive in metro Orlando. In fact, there is something for just about everybody and any cultural taste. Here’s a peek behind the curtain:

• ALBIN POLASEK MUSEUM & SCULPTURE GARDENS. Albin Polasek, considered one of America’s most prominent sculptors of the 20th century, created more than 400 works, half of which are on this museum’s property.
  
  
• BACH FESTIVAL SOCIETY. This classical music organization is one of the longest continuously operating festivals in the country, bringing high-caliber classical music to Central Florida.
  
  
• CHARLES HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART. The museum’s Tiffany collection is the world’s most inclusive, ranging from his famed leaded-glass windows to glass buttons, painting and pottery.
  
  
• CORNELL FINE ARTS MUSEUM. Accredited by the American Association of Museums in 1981, and with an expansion that more than quadruples its previous 5,000 square feet of space, the museum houses a collection of more than 6,000 objects plus offers powerful exhibitions along with many other programs.
  
  
• FESTIVAL OF ORCHESTRAS. At least five symphony orchestras from across the world are presented. In the past, those orchestras have included the Royal Philharmonic, Moscow Philharmonic and National Orchestra of France.
  
  
• MAD COW THEATRE. Despite its odd name, this is one of Orlando’s most respected professional theater companies, presenting compelling works of theater for a wide range of audiences.
  
  
• MAITLAND ART CENTER. It features Mayan/Aztec motifs and includes 23 separate structures linked by beautiful gardens and courtyards.
  
  
• MENNELLO MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART. Owned and operated by the City of Orlando, the museum celebrates outstanding traditional and contemporary American artists, including those of Hispanic heritage.Among the newest features is a permanent exhibition of the Earl Cunningham Collection.
  
  
• MILLENIA GALLERY. This relatively new addition to the area’s growing cultural landscape provides another destination for serious art collectors and enthusiasts.
  
  
• ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL HISTORY CENTER. Housed in a restored 1927 courthouse, the center offers four floors of exhibits and interaction for visitors of all ages.
  
  
• ORLANDO BALLET. The only premier professional ballet company in the metro Orlando area is under the artistic direction of world-renowned Bruce Marks.
  
  
• ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART. The museum’s collection of works focuses on American art from the 19th century to the present, African art and art of the ancient Americas.
  
  
• ORLANDOOPERA. The Orlando Opera has evolved into a major regional opera company. Among the renowned singers who have appeared with this company are Placido Domingo, Beverly Sills and Luciano Pavarotti.
  
  
• ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA. This fully professional ensemble is Central Florida’s resident orchestra and presents more than 105 performances each season.
  
  
• ORLANDO REPERTORY THEATRE. Through partnerships with the University of Central Florida, local educators, arts groups and theater professionals, this professional theatre has become a valuable resource for parents, teachers and children in Central Florida.
  
  
• ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER. One of the Southeast’s largest such facilities, the center features dynamic hands-on exhibits in 10 themed halls. The attractions are especially designed to teach children.
  
  
• ORLANDO SHAKESPEARE THEATER. This professional theater specializes in productions of Shakespeare and others classics, in addition to a popular series for the youth.
  
  
• OSCEOLACENTER FOR THEARTS. Live theater, concerts, special events and visual art presentation all are housed at this diverse center in Kissimmee.
  
  
• SUNTRUST BROADWAY IN ORLANDO. As part of the Broadway Across America group, touring shows are staged.
  
  
• THE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL RESOURCE AND EDUCATION CENTER OF CENTRAL FLORIDA. Located in Maitland, the center seeks to explore the past and teach people about dangers to freedoms and human rights, as well as lessons about the Holocaust.
  
  
• THEATRE DOWNTOWN. Dedicated to creating a broader base of live-theater possibilities in the Central Florida area, Theatre Downtown specializes in producing and spotlighting unique plays and artists.
  
  
• WINTER PARK BACH FESTIVAL. Started in 1935, this is the third oldest continuously operating Bach Festival in the United States. The choir contains 150 singers.
  

Orlando isn’t called the Vacation Capital of the World for nothing. There are many places to go to act just like a tourist. Only, these places are around town, right here in your own backyard.

At the Walt Disney World Resort, there are four theme parks filled with famous Disney adventures: the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney is continually making additions to its attractions, such as Toy Story Mania!, where guests enter the world of Andy, the cartoon boy whose come-to-life toys have created their own carnival while he’s away.

Universal Orlando includes the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks, along with the CityWalk entertainment complex. Among the newest additions at Universal is The Simpson’s Ride—part thrill ride, part TV show, starring Homer, Bart and family, located at Universal Studios. Also, The Blue Men Group has taken permanent residence at Universal Orlando Resort.

SeaWorld contains 200 acres of shows, thrill rides, animal attractions and, most recently, animal encounters. In March 2008, SeaWorld opened Aquatica, a new water park which blends upclose animal experiences, waters from serene to extreme, highspeed thrills and wide, sandy beaches with a South Sea Islands atmosphere.

Plus, you can visit many other attractions, including: the Central Florida Zoo, Discovery Cove, Gatorland, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Medieval Times and Arabian Nights, which has a Latinthemed skit as part of its dinner show, where Latin music and dance are featured. Meanwhile, the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, which is a staged on a full-sized authentic replica of an 18th Century Spanish galleon, has Latin-inspired show scenes to spice up the popular entertainment.

Want a place to shop? More than 200 shopping centers and eight major malls deliver the goods throughout the region. And if you don’t think people love to shop in town, consider this total: $25 billion—the amount people spend in local stores annually.

Of the major malls, Mall at Millenia is the newest—and fanciest.The mall features such big names as Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Hugo Boss. The area’s largest mall, at 1.6 million square feet, is The Florida Mall. There, more than 250 stores await, including Saks Fifth Avenue. Next in line, in order of size, are Altamonte Mall, Seminole Towne Center, West Oaks Mall, Orlando Fashion Square and Oviedo Marketplace.

Also try the stores right in your neighborhood or maybe off the beaten path.

Latin restaurants naturally hold a special place in the heart—and the stomach. While there are many worthy places to go for Latin food, here is a spicy sampling to stimulate your appetite:

• AMAZONAS LATIN GRILL. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Sand Lake Road area of Orlando—all with Latin flavor in a comfortable setting.
  
  
• CEVICHE TAPAS BAR & RESTAURANT. Trendy and hip, with soft live music and white table cloths, this Spanish restaurant is helping to relive Church Street in downtown Orlando.
  
  
• COLIBRI MEXICAN CUISINE. Located in Baldwin Park, this recently opened establishment specializes in authentic Mexican dishes as well as imported tequilas and specialty margaritas, with indoor and outdoor seating.
  
  
• CUBA LIBRE RESTAURANT & RUM BAR. Located at Pointe Orlando, this new upscale establishment features contemporary Cuban cuisine plus lively Latin music and professional Salsa floorshows in an open-air tropical ambiance with outdoor dining.
  
  
• HABANA GRILL. A Caribbean plaza-style dining room, reminder of Old Cuba and three generations of family tradition highlight this dining experience in Altamonte Springs. Plus, there’s live music.
  
  
• EL BODEGON TAPAS & WINE IN WINTER PARK. Upscale but comfortable, the restaurant features authentic Spanish tapas as the main fare. Entrees also are available, and the menu comes with Spanish titles.
  
  
• LAGRANJA BRASASGRILL. This is fast food with a Latin flair in Winter Park. Try the tasty rotisserie “adobo” chicken and all the fixings.
  
  
• LA HACIENDA. Located in Orlando, this Colombian eatery specializes in reasonably priced cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
  
  
• MI VIEJO SAN JUAN. This East Orlando eatery is bright and cheerful and serves hearty Puerto Rican dishes served by a friendly staff. It’s an ideal place for a quick bite in a relaxed, homey atmosphere.
  
  
• NELORE CHURRASCARIA. Owned and managed by Brazilians who bring more than 25 years of experience, this churrascaria- style restaurant on International Drive is authentic and sophisticated.
  
  
• NUMERO UNO. This mom-and-pop Havana- styled café just south of downtown Orlando features a variety of traditional Cuban favorites.And the meals don’t cost a fortune.
  
  
• OH QUE BUENO! The name says it all. Enjoy top Colombian cuisine in Central Florida at rock-bottom prices. There are two locations: on South Semoran in Orlando and Orange Blossom Trail in Kissimmee.
  
  
• ROLANDO’S. Cuban cuisine has a home in Casselberry—a spacious, bright and popular place.
  
  
• TEXAS DE BRASIL. Looking for high-end churrascaria? One wonderful option is this “unique” national chain restaurant on International Drive.

NIGHTLIFE

After dining out, it’s time to Salsa—or at least stay out a bit longer.Where to go? For romance or dancing, try these Latin places:

• BONGO’S CUBAN CAFE. This restaurant also serves up live music, with a Ricky Ricardo impersonator and an open area where you can dance.
  
  
• KARMA KORNER. Located across from Wet ’n Wild, this place gets hot on Saturday’s Latin Night.
  
  
• CLUB MIRAGE. Saturday nights are all about Latin music; located on West Oak Ridge Road.
  
  
• COCO’S. It’s hot, hot, hot, especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It’s located on Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando.
  
  
• CLUBWHISPERS: Friday nights get loud at Club Whispers in southwest Orlando, as the sounds of salsa, merengue, bachata, freestyle, disco and reggaeton take center stage. Expect a lively, upscale atmosphere in a classy club.
  
  
• LA GOTA FRIA PUB. On Friday and Saturday nights, it’s Latin music and dance all night long.
  
  
• LATIN QUARTER. Live music blends with a colorful décor and tasty food to spice things up at CityWalk, especially on Thursdays.
  
  
• LOS PORTALESNIGHT CLUB. Friday and Saturday nights are dance nights at this Casselberry club.
  
  
• MAMBO CLUB. Latin music is the featured attraction on both Friday and Saturday nights; located on West Oak Ridge Road.
  
  
• SALSA LATINA. Friday night is Rumba Night at this Kissimmee club.
  
  
• SAMBA & JAZZ CLUB. Elegant dining and dancing are brought back into fashion at this upscale south Orlando restaurant and lounge.
  
  
• SAMBA ROOM. On Saturdays, it’s a restaurant- turned-night club in southwest Orlando.
  
  
• TROPICAL MAGIC RESTAURANT & NIGHTCLUB. Some of the hottest salsa, merengue and bachata are played by a DJ at this upscale club located west of downtown Orlando.
  
  
• UP THE GROUND-JALA JALA. This International Drive club has Latin music Fridays and Saturdays. Saturday Night doubles as Colombian Night.
  

You can either watch or you can play. Either way, when it comes to sports, metro Orlando will keep you busy. For those who enjoy their own recreational fun, the region contains a wealth of sports facilities in virtually any pursuit. Sports range from softball and soccer to fishing and, of course, golf. After all, the many professional golfers who live here have to practice their craft somewhere. And if you think your golf game is really up to par, try your luck at courses such as MetroWest Country Club and Orange County National. There, top-notch courses have played host to the 2003 PGA Tour Qualifying School.

For those who want to watch others play, metro Orlando offers NBA basketball, Major League spring training, professional golf and big-time college football.

The NBA basketball comes courtesy of the Orlando Magic, led by superstar Dwight Howard. The Atlanta Braves hold spring training at Disney while the Houston Astros prepare in Kissimmee. Two PGA Tour events and one LPGA event are held in town.

Sports have gone “big time” at the University of Central Florida (UCF), with the opening of the UCF Arena and Bright House Networks Stadium. The arena seats 10,000 people and mostly houses basketball,while the stadium seats 45,000 for football in the fall. The UCF Knights are a rising team in college football, and Orlando is the site of two bowl games.

So the choice is yours: Watch or play.