Learning About the Parks and Neighborhoods of Old Town Orlando

Learning About the Parks and Neighborhoods of Old Town Orlando

When you need a break from the tourist traps in the southwest part of Orlando, go to the city's historic core. In truth, many of the old downtown districts are lovely, boasting a wide range of architectural styles and providing a sense of community in which real people go about their daily lives.

Beautiful residential areas surround the central business district and are easily accessible on foot. It's nice to take a stroll around the neighborhood on one of the cobblestone streets.

On this overcast and rainy day, we decided to go south from Loch Haven Park, park the car, and walk around some of the city's core neighborhoods. We parked in Lake Cherokee Park and walked its whole perimeter, taking in the beautiful homes and abundant animals.

Bird enthusiasts are able to watch a large variety of water birds right in the midst of town, and we saw one waterbird as it sat peacefully and suddenly launched its head forward to grab its airborne meal, all within a split second.

On this foggy day, the air took on an air of mystery thanks to the Spanish moss that hung from the branches of the towering oak trees. The mist rising from the lake was almost palpable. More than 300 lakes dot the city of Orlando, and many come complete with amenities and green space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

We continued south from Lake Cherokee to Lake Lucerne, which is close to downtown Orlando. Several fountains dot the lake's center, and the surrounding skyline of downtown Orlando makes for a picturesque backdrop.

Recreational activities for locals and visitors alike may be found at Orlando's astonishing number of public parks, many of which provide unique amenities. Using information from the City of Orlando's website, I've prepared a list of some of the best parks and other open areas in Orlando. These locations include a very cheaply priced golf course, Loch Haven Park, Orlando's hub of culture and science, Dickson Azalea Park, a variety of wetland regions, an ecology center, camping, and more. Places open to the public that provide low- or no-cost educational and recreational opportunities:

Surrounding Lake Cherokee lies the Lake Cherokee Historic District, a residential area that has architecture from almost every key era in Orlando's history. The park that borders Lake Cherokee is 3.8 acres in size.

Lake Eola Park is a popular attraction in the downtown area, with many people taking advantage of the attractive surroundings to stroll at lunch or in the evenings. Walking or sprinting around the lake's perimeter on the 9.9-mile-long walkway is a great way to get some exercise and see the lake's beautiful scenery. Visitors to the park can also rent swan-shaped paddle boats for $10 an hour, feed the live swans and other birds, take a romantic gondola cruise around the lake (www.gondola.com), catch a show at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, watch the kids play on the playground, eat at The Terrace on Lake Eola, or simply relax among the beautiful flower beds and take in the breathtaking view of Orlando's skyline.

The 45-acre Orlando Loch Haven Park is the largest cultural park in the area. North Mills Avenue and Princeton Street form the center of the park, which is surrounded on three sides by the lakes of Estelle to the north, Rowena to the east, and Formosa to the south. In February of 2001, improvements were made to the park. There's always something fresh to see or do at the park's various museums and theater companies. The park's central lawns, which are covered by towering oak trees, are a great location to relax and take in the sights of the lake. The park near Orlando's Mennello Museum of American Folk Art is home to "The Mayor," one of the oldest and biggest oak trees in Central Florida.

Minutes from downtown Orlando, the 1923-designed Dubsdread Golf Course is the area's oldest public layout. The likes of Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, and Claude Harmon have all played on this historic course since it hosted the Orlando Open. Golfers may still enjoy the same breathtaking views and challenging layout from back in the day, complete with tight fairways and strategically placed bunkers. The ideal golfing experience is not complete without a full restaurant and bar. The Dubsdread Golf Learning Center is a comprehensive golf academy located in Dubsdread. Go to the website "www.historicaldubsdread.com" for additional details.

In the heart of Orlando, you'll find a green haven at the Mayor Carl T. Langford Neighborhood Center. The facility is situated in a verdant sanctuary with towering oak trees, broad walkways, lush meadows, birds, butterflies, and lots of open space for children to run about and play. Young children will adore the swinging bridge across the stream and the playground. This lovely community center hosts a wide variety of nature-themed events that are both informative and entertaining. It is a great place to have a picnic with the family or for a company outing, and it also hosts a summer nature and art camp each year. If you're looking for a charming venue at a low price, look no further than Mayor Carl T. Langford Park. Central Florida Folk, Inc. puts on shows every other month on the second Sunday throughout the cooler months of the year.

If you want to get out of the house and appreciate nature, Wetlands Park is the place to go. Bird watching, wildlife photography, running, and biking are some of the most common pursuits. There are 1,650 acres of hardwood hammocks, marshes, and lakes for nature lovers to explore. The park's roads and paths through the woods total about 20 kilometers.

Experience a trip through time as you meander down Fern Creek at historic Dickson Azalea Park, located across the street from the City of Orlando's Mayor Carl T. Langford Park. Many of the bridges in South Florida resemble the Washington Street Bridge, which opened in 1926. Many people like coming here to enjoy the beautiful scenery and listen to the birds sing and the river trickle. This park is a haven for individuals seeking solitude in which to have a picnic or contemplate the past, when it served as a watering point for ranchers to bring their cattle to Ferncreek. Everyone, no matter their age, should visit Dickson Azalea Park to observe the dragonflies, relax under the shade trees, and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Spend the day with the kids exploring the 300 acres of Bill Frederick Park near Turkey Lake in Orlando, Florida. Open year-round, seven days a week, this park offers something for everyone. On hot summer days, you may cool down in the pool, while big pavilions can be rented for group picnics of any size, and smaller sun shelters can be used for family get-togethers on a first-come, first-served basis. All fishermen, from beginners to pros, can't resist the allure of the lake's many fishing opportunities. As a relic of its former life as a farm, the land now has a children's farm. There is a conference room with air conditioning in the Ecology Center. Tourists from all over the globe who come to Orlando's theme parks and other attractions can afford to stay at the camping area. For individuals who want to host a nature-based group retreat or chaperoned youth group, there is a separate section with bunk rooms and barbecues. The park has a huge playground, a baseball and softball field, a volleyball court, a bicycle trail, and a broad range of trails for visitors to explore the outdoors. Please take advantage of our discounted pricing for youth groups, as well as our Family Pass and Individual Pass options.

It's clear that Orlando isn't just about the amusement parks; there are plenty of intriguing, affordable activities for the entire family to enjoy away from the crowds.