Fun Near Orange County Convention Center
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If you’re staying at the Orange County Convention Center all day for an event, you don’t want to get stuck missing out on all that Orlando has to offer. Try checking out some of the entertainment, shopping, and dining venues in the surrounding areas:
International Drive
International Drive has a strip where you can find the infamous upside-down family attraction building of WonderWorks, it is a sight to see. Down the street further, you’ll see another wayward building that is crooked, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! This strip has a bunch of entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants that won’t require a full day’s commitment.
Icon Park
Also located on International Drive, Icon Park is a good-sized destination spot with an observation wheel, aquarium, wax museum, plus shops & restaurants. Although tickets are required for certain attractions, parking and admission are free.
Shopping
There are a variety of shopping centers nearby such as:
Mall at Millenia: Offers a luxury shopping experience with over 150 stores including a variety of high-end brand name stores such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Apple.
Florida Mall: Central Florida’s largest mall providing a unique and multi-generational shopping experience.
Universal’s CityWalk: A shopping center that sits at the entrance of both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Offering a variety of stores, restaurants, pubs, and experiences.
Disney Springs: Disney’s shopping center where you can find all things Disney. It houses a variety of stores, restaurants, pubs, and experiences.
Orlando Premium Outlets: An outdoor outlet mall in Orlando, along the northern end of International Drive featuring brands such as Adidas, Aeropostale, and American Eagle.
Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets: The sister outdoor outlet mall along the southern end of International Drive featuring brands such as Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, and Nike.
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Nightlife
Check out the exciting nightlife Orlando has to offer! With so many nightclubs and bars, there’s always something to do. Here’s a shortlist to name a few:
- The Beacham
- The Social
- Aero
- The Patio/Jungle Room
- Tier Nightclub
- The Independent Bar
- Savoy
- The Attic Orlando
- Cowboys
- The Edison
Dining
Norman’s
Caribbean themed fine dinging that boasts dishes such as yuca stuffed crispy shrimp and Mustard-dill Marinated Venison Loin.
Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
Your best bet for an amazing steakhouse. Try the East Utica Greens Escarole sautéed w/ Garlic, Prosciutto, Bread Crumbs, and Romano. Or try their world famous Delmonico’s Delmonico Steak a HUGE 1-1/2 Pound All Natural Certified Angus Beef, Center Cut Rib-eye Steak from Midwestern Grain Fed Heavy Aged Beef, seasoned and perfectly seared.
Fiorella’s Cucina Toscana
This is a cute little Italian restaurant inside the Westin Orlando hotel where even vegetarian’s find they can have a great meal here. Some favorite dishes include fresh crab meat stuffed scampi and linguini alla vongole.
Fishing & Boating
At the Orange County Convention center, you will be close to the Butler Chain of Lakes. There is a great opportunity to go boating and fishing.
Here you can rent a boat and enjoy all the lakes have to offer. Here are some tips for boating near the convention center:
- Boat Ramp: Try to get there early because parking spots near the ramps fill up quickly and you don’t want to have to walk a mile to your car after a day on the water. In Windermere, you can get your boat into the water at R.D. Keene Park & Boat Ramp into Lake Isleworth, which connects to the Butler Chain of Lakes. There’s a pay box that takes a $5 fee.
- Save Some Money & Time: There are resorts along the water that rent small boats when you stay on their property. You will still be close to the convention center but even closer to a day on the lake.
- Make Some Friends: Mud Island on the Butler Chain is where people go to hang out on their boats together and chat. The sandy shore of the cypress- and the moss-covered island is ideal for beaching or anchoring alongside fellow boaters. Keep in mind that this is a family-oriented area.
- Extra Fun On Your Boat: Wakeboarding, waterskiing and all fast-paced water sports are great in this area. You might even catch a competition if you come at the right time. The year-round warm temperatures along with all the local lakes make this the breeding ground of water tow sports champions!
Theme Parks
Why not make the most of it and head to the parks. Yes, it might get a little crazy, but you might be amazed to find that you may actually cover more ground by yourself at the parks. The theme parks also offer many actives that aren’t just regulated to children and families.
Epcot at Disney World is a great place to eat amazing food from around the world. There are dishes at Epcot that cannot be found anywhere else. From Bastilla (a minced chicken pie sprinkled with cinnamon sugar), and Jasmina Salad at Restaurant Marrakesh to grilled Tilapia with roasted corn and cactus leaves from the La Hacienda de San Angel, you’re sure to find something to surprise you! Did you know you can get discounted Disney tickets...just click the icon and start purchasing.
Epcot also has amazing cultural events such as the Epcot Flower And Garden Festival during the spring. During the summer, you can enjoy Summer Concerts. Fall in Epcot will bring you to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
Thrill seeker? Your best bet is to go to Universal’s Islands of Adventure. They offer the most thrill rides. You can also check out Universal’s CityWalk, which is the park’s shopping area where you will find great eats also.
Need help preparing for your business trip while at the Orange County Convention Center? Ask one of our Reservation Specialists who are always ready to answer your Orlando Vacation questions.
Insider’s Tip:
There is so much to see and do in Orlando many visitors get overwhelmed with the choices. Plan your business trip ahead of time around so you can make the most of what Orlando has to offer.