If there is anyone in your family who thinks that learning in general or science in particular, is tedious and boring, then they haven’t been to the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale. This is a museum with more than 200 interactive exhibits and special shows that compete with the best of Florida’s tourist attractions.
Promoting lifelong learning in science for children and adults through exhibits and programs is the mission of this museum and they do it in flying colors.
An example of the novelty and inventiveness of this place is a special exhibit that they are currently running. “Grossology, the impolite science of the human body” uses animatronics and other high-tech interactive exhibits to let you discover, in a humorous way, everything about the human body including warts, pimples, farts, belches and the like.
The museum offers a mix of special exhibits, like Grossology that rotate during the months and some permanent exhibits as well. The permanent exhibits will also capture the imagination of young and old alike. For example the Runways to Rockets exhibit hall has a new 4,000 square foot aviation station where visitors will be able to learn how to fly by actually stepping into a simulated cockpit. You will even be able to put on personal wings and step into an air tunnel and feel what flying is all about.
Another stand-out exhibition is the Living in the Everglades section of the museum. Here you will find an 11,000 square foot outdoor trail that highlights the different ecosystems of Florida. The indoor exhibit has interactive kiosks showing the importance of the Everglades, the effect of humans on the Everglades and current efforts to restore this eco-system to a healthy condition.
The discovery center section of the museum was especially designed for children seven years old and younger. Here they can climb a tree, build a wall or hoist a sale and experience the fun of learning how the world is put together.
For older folks, the Gizmo City section explains how things work, and how technology affects our lives. The highlight here is the virtual volleyball game.
One of the big block-buster features of the Museum is an IMAX movie theater with five story-high screens. The screen is said to be the biggest in southern Florida and measures sixty by eighty feet. The sound experience is also spectacular with 42 speakers belting out 15,000 watts of digital surround sound.
You can even bring home some of the fun of this museum by shopping in their Explore Store where you will find games, toys, books and gifts that express the themes of the museum.
The Museum is located in the Arts and Science District, across from Riverwalk's Esplanade Park and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Admission prices are a modest $10 for adults (less for seniors and children) and a good buy is the $15 General admission ticket which gets you into the exhibits and one IMAX film show.
Mark and Susan Whichard are Orlando tourism experts and write frequently about attractions in and around Orlando. Mark and his wife Susan are the proprietors of Quality Villa Rentals Orlando. You can get great deals on Orlando vacation homes and villa rentals at this website http://www.qualityvillarentals.com
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Take a walk in historic Downtown Orlando
There is a lot to do in Orlando, but instead of only going to the famous theme parks, why don't you try something different on your next Orlando vacation. A walk in the city's downtown historic district area brings you face to face with the history of this important city.
Your walking tour can be concentrated in the eight blocks of buildings which were designated in 1980 by the City of Orlando as an historical district. The district is a cohesive collection of buildings that reflects the commercial and governmental history of Orlando.
The district is composed of buildings constructed from the 1880s until the early 1940s. Surrounded by modern skyscrapers, approximately 60 historic buildings in this district offer a glimpse into the city's past. The historic district designation has helped preserve buildings that might otherwise have been demolished due to the rapid rate of growth and demand for commercial space in this booming city.
Orlando's first historic district demonstrates the economic and political growth of the city for over six decades. Thedistrict contains historic structures such as the depot, the courthouse, banking, office and retail buildings. The variety of building styles and sizes reflects the evolution of architecture and construction in downtown.
The styles represented in the district are Queen Anne, Twentieth Century Commercial Style, the Beaux-Arts, Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco and Art Moderne. Nearly all of the buildings are of masonry construction due to a series of fires in the late 1800s that destroyed many wood structures and prompted the City to pass new building standards.
Here are some of the sites on this 2.5 mile tour.
1. Well'sbuilt Hotel, 511 West South Street
Dr. William Monroe Wells constructed this hotel in 1926. It provided lodging to African Americans during segregation
when rooms were not available to them in other areas. Many famous entertainers and athletes stayed here. Next-door was Dr.
Wells' South Street Casino, where many of the entertainers performed for the African American community. The Well'sbuilt Museum of African American History is located here now. NRHP, OHL
2. Dr. William Monroe Wells House, 519 West South Street
Dr. William Monroe Wells built this Foursquare style house on a lot one block to the east in 1924. He was known as one of Orlando's longest practicing African American doctors and was involved in the commercial and cultural life of the community with the Well’sbuilt Hotel and the South Street Casino.
3. Victorian House & Cottage, 541 West South Street
The Victorian House and Cottage are among the only remaining Folk Victorian structures left in the city. The
level of detail found in the original turned columns, railings and carved fretwork is not found in any other
buildings in Orlando.
4. Hankins Building, 647 West South Street
Dr. I.S. Hankins constructed this Art Deco commercial building in 1947. Hankins was an early African American physician and civic leader. He was an active participant in the Washington Shores development, which provided opportunities for new home ownership for Orlando’s African Americans.
5. Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 701 West South Street
This African American church was organized in 1919 and met in various locations until land was finally purchased. Church
members made the rusticated concrete blocks that were used for construction of the walls. The Gothic style church opened in 1921.
6. Ebenezer Methodist Church, 596 West Church Street
As early as 1892, this congregation had a wooden church on this site. It was the first African American Methodist
church in Orlando. Starting in 1922, the members built this Gothic style brick church.
7. Slemons Department Store, 129 West Church Street
This dry goods store was constructed in 1924 for William Slemons. He first came to Orlando in 1886. Slemons and his sons owned a number of stores in downtown Orlando from the 1880's well into the middle of the twentieth century.
Each building has its own story and the buildings listed above are only a small portion of the tour. You can download the whole tour on a pdf, complete with map at http://www.cityoforlando.net/planning/cityplanning/Walk_Tour04.pdf or you can visit these sites for more information about the history of Orlando and the latest information about its downtown area: www.cityoforlando.net/historic www.downtownorlando.com
Mark and Susan Whichard are Orlando tourism experts and write frequently about attractions in and around Orlando. Mark and his wife Susan are the proprietors of Quality Villa Rentals Orlando. You can get great deals on Orlando vacation homes and villa rentals at this website http://www.qualityvillarentals.com
Your walking tour can be concentrated in the eight blocks of buildings which were designated in 1980 by the City of Orlando as an historical district. The district is a cohesive collection of buildings that reflects the commercial and governmental history of Orlando.
The district is composed of buildings constructed from the 1880s until the early 1940s. Surrounded by modern skyscrapers, approximately 60 historic buildings in this district offer a glimpse into the city's past. The historic district designation has helped preserve buildings that might otherwise have been demolished due to the rapid rate of growth and demand for commercial space in this booming city.
Orlando's first historic district demonstrates the economic and political growth of the city for over six decades. Thedistrict contains historic structures such as the depot, the courthouse, banking, office and retail buildings. The variety of building styles and sizes reflects the evolution of architecture and construction in downtown.
The styles represented in the district are Queen Anne, Twentieth Century Commercial Style, the Beaux-Arts, Mediterranean Revival, Art Deco and Art Moderne. Nearly all of the buildings are of masonry construction due to a series of fires in the late 1800s that destroyed many wood structures and prompted the City to pass new building standards.
Here are some of the sites on this 2.5 mile tour.
1. Well'sbuilt Hotel, 511 West South Street
Dr. William Monroe Wells constructed this hotel in 1926. It provided lodging to African Americans during segregation
when rooms were not available to them in other areas. Many famous entertainers and athletes stayed here. Next-door was Dr.
Wells' South Street Casino, where many of the entertainers performed for the African American community. The Well'sbuilt Museum of African American History is located here now. NRHP, OHL
2. Dr. William Monroe Wells House, 519 West South Street
Dr. William Monroe Wells built this Foursquare style house on a lot one block to the east in 1924. He was known as one of Orlando's longest practicing African American doctors and was involved in the commercial and cultural life of the community with the Well’sbuilt Hotel and the South Street Casino.
3. Victorian House & Cottage, 541 West South Street
The Victorian House and Cottage are among the only remaining Folk Victorian structures left in the city. The
level of detail found in the original turned columns, railings and carved fretwork is not found in any other
buildings in Orlando.
4. Hankins Building, 647 West South Street
Dr. I.S. Hankins constructed this Art Deco commercial building in 1947. Hankins was an early African American physician and civic leader. He was an active participant in the Washington Shores development, which provided opportunities for new home ownership for Orlando’s African Americans.
5. Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 701 West South Street
This African American church was organized in 1919 and met in various locations until land was finally purchased. Church
members made the rusticated concrete blocks that were used for construction of the walls. The Gothic style church opened in 1921.
6. Ebenezer Methodist Church, 596 West Church Street
As early as 1892, this congregation had a wooden church on this site. It was the first African American Methodist
church in Orlando. Starting in 1922, the members built this Gothic style brick church.
7. Slemons Department Store, 129 West Church Street
This dry goods store was constructed in 1924 for William Slemons. He first came to Orlando in 1886. Slemons and his sons owned a number of stores in downtown Orlando from the 1880's well into the middle of the twentieth century.
Each building has its own story and the buildings listed above are only a small portion of the tour. You can download the whole tour on a pdf, complete with map at http://www.cityoforlando.net/planning/cityplanning/Walk_Tour04.pdf or you can visit these sites for more information about the history of Orlando and the latest information about its downtown area: www.cityoforlando.net/historic www.downtownorlando.com
Mark and Susan Whichard are Orlando tourism experts and write frequently about attractions in and around Orlando. Mark and his wife Susan are the proprietors of Quality Villa Rentals Orlando. You can get great deals on Orlando vacation homes and villa rentals at this website http://www.qualityvillarentals.com
Friday, January 8, 2010
Orlando is for Shopping, Not Just Theme Parks
This title says it all, sort of. You can find just about anything you want in Orlando, and any time of year (unless you like snow and cold weather; sorry friend) The superb shopping in Orlando can be just as much of a tourist attraction as the world famous theme parks and other regular tourist attractions.
Called by some writers ‘the ultimate family holiday destination’ this small but vibrant city is home to a large number of excellent shopping malls, and is known for its vibrant nightlife and renowned sports centers. In sum, a visit to Orlando means a phenomenal number of outstanding shops and stores. You’ll find a vast range of designer outlets, classy department stores, countless fashion boutiques and sprawling shopping malls.
Something for everyone, indeed. Let’s check out a few of them now, so you can have an idea of what to expect in this tourist mecca. Starting at the top end, there is the Florida Mall, Orlando’s largest shopping center. With 245 stores, including eight department stores, well, you’re more than likely to find what something you want here. The location, naturally, is convenient as it’s near International Drive, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World.
Not so large, but hardly ‘small’ is Alamonte Mall, near the downtown area. More than 150 stores beckon you to a great shopping experience which is very much Florida, including indoor palm trees and native vegetation in the mall. And if shopping is your thing, or even if you just need a couple of personal items or a gift or two, or three, don’t miss The Mall at Millenia. Reputed as very big and very complete, it’s centrally located and close to major theme parks. The mall offers such conveniences as valet parking, discounted hotel reservations, gift wrapping, and a U.S. post office; and that’s just the beginning.
And with all that shopping, eating has to fit in there somewhere. There’s quick and easy food for the family at the food court. There are also plenty of upscale restaurants and their famous cheesecake factory.
The variety of shopping in Orlando is not just in the number of malls. There are various styles also. For example, outlet malls are known for great deals. Orlando has several outlet centers. Two are located right on International Drive: Belz Designer Outlet Center and The Belz Factory Outlet are convenient to get to and the Belz Factory Outlet is the largest outlet center in the United States. The designer outlet includes brands such as Ralph Lauren, DKNY and many others.
Another outlet mall is The Orlando Premium Outlet, featuring discount merchandise. There are good deals at just about every store. And Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, located near Disney World, has a great variety of stores and products for everyone in your family, including a playground for the kids. Completing the shopping cycle, International Drive has two large, open air markets. The Mercado has several stores featuring a wide variety of designer clothes. There are also various places to buy the art work of local artists as well as other Floridian merchandise. The ambience of an open air market is emphasized by the cobblestone walk ways throughout.
The Pointe Orlando is a large open air market with sixty stores, but is not only for shopping. One can have a great time dining and enjoying their evening entertainment. Its seven restaurants and two night clubs assure you a fine time.
And to get more of a sense of locality, another open air market, The Farmer’s Market, features fresh produce, locally made crafts and a variety of other merchandise. So, yes, it’s true, Orlando really does offer the visitor a full experience. After the theme parks, don’t forget your shopping. You’ll find it all here!
Mark Whichard is a frequent writer on Orlando tourism. He and his wife Susan are the proprietors of Quality Orlando Villa Rentals. Visit his website for more information on Orlando Florida Vacation Homes. http://www.qualityvillarentals.com
Called by some writers ‘the ultimate family holiday destination’ this small but vibrant city is home to a large number of excellent shopping malls, and is known for its vibrant nightlife and renowned sports centers. In sum, a visit to Orlando means a phenomenal number of outstanding shops and stores. You’ll find a vast range of designer outlets, classy department stores, countless fashion boutiques and sprawling shopping malls.
Something for everyone, indeed. Let’s check out a few of them now, so you can have an idea of what to expect in this tourist mecca. Starting at the top end, there is the Florida Mall, Orlando’s largest shopping center. With 245 stores, including eight department stores, well, you’re more than likely to find what something you want here. The location, naturally, is convenient as it’s near International Drive, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World.
Not so large, but hardly ‘small’ is Alamonte Mall, near the downtown area. More than 150 stores beckon you to a great shopping experience which is very much Florida, including indoor palm trees and native vegetation in the mall. And if shopping is your thing, or even if you just need a couple of personal items or a gift or two, or three, don’t miss The Mall at Millenia. Reputed as very big and very complete, it’s centrally located and close to major theme parks. The mall offers such conveniences as valet parking, discounted hotel reservations, gift wrapping, and a U.S. post office; and that’s just the beginning.
And with all that shopping, eating has to fit in there somewhere. There’s quick and easy food for the family at the food court. There are also plenty of upscale restaurants and their famous cheesecake factory.
The variety of shopping in Orlando is not just in the number of malls. There are various styles also. For example, outlet malls are known for great deals. Orlando has several outlet centers. Two are located right on International Drive: Belz Designer Outlet Center and The Belz Factory Outlet are convenient to get to and the Belz Factory Outlet is the largest outlet center in the United States. The designer outlet includes brands such as Ralph Lauren, DKNY and many others.
Another outlet mall is The Orlando Premium Outlet, featuring discount merchandise. There are good deals at just about every store. And Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, located near Disney World, has a great variety of stores and products for everyone in your family, including a playground for the kids. Completing the shopping cycle, International Drive has two large, open air markets. The Mercado has several stores featuring a wide variety of designer clothes. There are also various places to buy the art work of local artists as well as other Floridian merchandise. The ambience of an open air market is emphasized by the cobblestone walk ways throughout.
The Pointe Orlando is a large open air market with sixty stores, but is not only for shopping. One can have a great time dining and enjoying their evening entertainment. Its seven restaurants and two night clubs assure you a fine time.
And to get more of a sense of locality, another open air market, The Farmer’s Market, features fresh produce, locally made crafts and a variety of other merchandise. So, yes, it’s true, Orlando really does offer the visitor a full experience. After the theme parks, don’t forget your shopping. You’ll find it all here!
Mark Whichard is a frequent writer on Orlando tourism. He and his wife Susan are the proprietors of Quality Orlando Villa Rentals. Visit his website for more information on Orlando Florida Vacation Homes. http://www.qualityvillarentals.com
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