Orlando has a lot more to offer than Disney World and miles of shoreline. It is also a hub for prime real estate, and in this sodden economy, the prices of homes have diminished significantly. This article will give you a primer on Orlando's attractions, and some insight into why so many people want to call this Florida city home.
Orlando is known worldwide for its theme parks,
including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, but this destination offers much more to its visitors than all-powerful Marvel Superheroes and Mickey Mouse's friendly gang.
For the past two decades, Orlando has been making a name for itself with its pulsating nightlife. Talented local DJs drive a lively underground music scene, and the energy spills over to a wide variety of quality clubs. Visitors can take in underground sounds in a cool lounge scene or sit back, relax and drink a pint in a pub that takes them to Ireland. Or they can check out live concerts featuring international superstars or dance till the wee hours in one of the city's mega clubs.
If you're looking for an authentic Orlando nightlife experience, head to the favorite local nightspots in downtown Orlando and Thornton Park.
If you're looking for an authentic Orlando nightlife experience, head to the favorite local nightspots in downtown Orlando and Thornton Park. Most of the action is clustered along Orange Avenue, which runs through the heart of the city. Orlando is one of the few cities in the country to nurture its own alternative DJ and dance music scene. This movement has been compared to the one that took place in London in the late Ô80s and early Ô90s.
Considered downtown's epicenter for all music house and techno beats, Club Firestone provides the ultimate dance club experience. Priding itself in discovering the next big thing to hit the streets, Club Firestone has hosted the hottest names in the industry early in their careers, including Sasha, Diplo, DJ Funk, Keoki and Digweed. Also, offering the Òbig cityÓ feel of the trendy nightclub are Club Icon and Tabu.
If you prefer something a little less flashy, but one that still allows you to dance the night away, the Independent Bar is the place for you. This club features Ô80s alternative, Ô90s indie and post-modern sounds. With its caf}-style outdoor seating, this place is perfect for people watching.
Speaking of people watching, the Wall Street Plaza provides more than ample opportunities, with its eight bars and restaurants making it an entertainment destination of its own. If you're a music performer at heart and are feeling gutsy, you can get up on stage and dance on the oversized bar at One Eye Jacks. Or head over to Monkey Bar, a sleek martini bar, to listen to the sounds of lounge music. Wall Street Plaza is known for its weekend block parties.
There are places around the world that are full of character; they tell a wonderful story without really saying a word. Orlando has a few of those one-of-a-kind places waiting to be discovered.
For starters, The Basendorfer Lounge is designed to be edgy and intriguing. It's named after its Imperial Grand Basendorfer piano, one of only two in the world. Residing in the artsy Grand Bohemian Hotel, the lounge hosts original works of art and has a nightly lineup of local musicians.
If live music is your thing, the Raglan Road Irish Pub features exciting nightly entertainment, complete with a live Irish house band and dancers. This gem showcases four antique bars, each more than 130 years old, imported directly from Ireland.
In the mood to chill out? Head to Icebar Orlando, one of Orlando's trendiest nightclubs. As soon as you step inside this frozen wonderland, you'll know there's no other place like it in Florida. Everything is made of ice Ð from the bar you lean on to the couch you sit on to the glasses you drink from. Icebar Orlando is kept at a frosty 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Thankfully, a cape and gloves are provided when you walk in.
Another cool bar to check out is Sky60. It has a touch of South Beach flair and a rooftop bar that offers great views of Orlando's skyline while playing down-tempo beats. You'll find the best local DJ talent here.
If you love celebrating Mardi Gras, Pat O'Brien's is the place for you. An authentic reproduction of one of New Orleans' favorite watering hole, Pat O'Brien's is the original home of dueling pianos, the Òflaming fountainÓ patio and the world-famous ÒHurricaneÓ specialty drink. A sing-along in the Piano Bar provides lively entertainment and lifetime memories.
So there you have it. Plenty of reasons to visit Orlando and consider buying a home there.
