Orlando, Florida

At first glance, Orlando would appear to be the world nucleus of the fast food industry. On seemingly every thoroughfare, in and around every theme park, mall and neon neighborhood, they are there. However there is a lot more than fast food, including fine cuisine and theme restaurants.

Walt Disney World

There are many options within the park to satisfy your appetite. Casual American options include Hemingway's and Pebbles Restaurant , where the Porterhouse is divine, while Italian can be found at Citricos and Mediterranean treats like Braised Lamb are on the menu at Spoodles . Try tropical Polynesian at 'Ohana , and some of the best sushi at Dragon Court , which features an all you can eat option. For something equally as exotic, try Maya Grill , which has contemporary South American dishes on its menu.

Universal Studios

Universal Studios' response to Disney's entertainment center is Citywalk , which packs 'em in every night. Sprawling across 30 acres, CityWalk is a lively cluster of dining, shops, cinemas and entertainment options ranging from the popular Hard Rock Cafe/Live . Famed chef Emeril Lagasse's dining spot, Emeril's Orlando , whisks up a roux to create Creole cuisine straight from the Louisiana bayous.Margaritas and "Cheeseburgers in Paradise" pour from the bar and kitchen at singer Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville , and everybody gets into the groove at a club called, well, The Groove . Salsa and samba reign at the Latin Quarter, where dance is abetted by food and entertainment from 21 Latin American nations. Racecar fans revel in the Nascar Cafe and basketball fans flock to NBA City to immerse themselves in National Basketball Association memorabilia.

Downtown Orlando

Although not as visited as the amusement parks, downtown Orlando has much to offer those staying in the area. The menu at Lac-Viêt Bistro features colorful Vietnamese cocktails and traditional noodle dishes. Charley's Steak House is among the top ten steakhouses in the country. The Citrus Restaurant is a favorite among locals for its welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Located in a Sheraton hotel lobby, Sixty South Bar & Trattoria is a low-key place to enjoy drinks with friends in the evening. Johnson's Diner specializes in Southern, fried favorites, while the Celt Irish Pub serves delicious pub fare and a wide variety of beer on tap. Don't miss the views of Lake Eola at Spice Modern Steakhouse .

Orlando is best known for its status as one of America's best theme-park destinations; however many visitors are surprised to find that there's more to the city than Disney.

Walt Disney World

Exploring all that Walt Disney World has to offer takes at least a weekend. With the Magic Kingdom , Epcot , the Animal Kingdom and Cirque du Soleil , plus tons of fantastic restaurants, like Baskerville's , you're sure to be kept entertained.

Orlando Science Center

Visit the Orlando Science Center , which contains several interactive exhibits and a planetarium. The Harry P. Leu Gardens is filled with hundreds of trees and large, lush rose gardens, while the nearby Howell Branch Nature Preserve , a quiet sanctuary for birds, is worth exploring. Admire the architecture of the Calvary Assembly Of God , then grab a burger at 310 Park South .

Universal Studios

Visit Universal Studios , with its two parks, and the nearby Citywalk . Also in this area, you'll find SeaWorld , Cypress Gardens and Wet 'n Wild . There are also many good restaurants to choose from, such as the classy Morton's of Chicago .

Orlando Museum of Art

Downtown, the Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello Museum of American Folk Art both house substantial collections, while the smaller Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery focuses on work by the famous artist. Admire the architecture at the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando , then enjoy a hearty meal at Harvey's Bistro .

Orange County Regional History Center

Adjacent to the Heritage Square Courtyard is the Orange County Regional History Center , which contains pieces dating as far back as the Seminole Wars. The nearby Lake Eola Park provides picturesque trails. When you're through, walk over to the bustling Wall Street Plaza and dine at the European Globe cafe.

If you want to take a guided tour there are a lot of options. Glide along in an airboat, relax on the deck of a boat, or fly high in a balloon. There are many different ways to see Orlando.

Walking Tours

The Green Barn On The Lake ( +1 407 847 3559 )

Disney Wilderness Preserve ( +1 407 935 0002 / http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/florida/preserves/art5523.html )

Half Day & Day Tours

Kennedy Space Center Grayline Tour (+1 800 537 0917 / http://www.grayline.com)

Grayline Orlando Clearwater Beach & Lunch Tour (+1 800 537 0917 / http://www.grayline.com)

Grayline Everglades & Miami Tour (+1 800 537 0917 / http://www.grayline.com)

Air Tours

Orange Blossom Balloons, Inc. ( +1 407 894 5040 / http://www.orangeblossomballoons.com/ )

Blue Water Balloons ( +1 407 894 5040 / http://www.bluewaterballoons.com )

SkyScapes Balloon Tours ( +1 407 421 9322 / http://www.skyscapesballoontours.com ) Orlando Balloon Rides ( +1 800 586 1884 / http://www.orlandoballoonrides.com/ )

Boat Tours

Aquatic Wonders Boat Tours ( +1 407 846 2814 / http://www.Florida-Nature.com/ )

Heritage Lake Tours ( +1 352 343 4337 )

Airboat Tours

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides ( +1 407 344 9550 / http://www.bcairboats.com )

Bill's Airboat Adventures ( +1 407 977 3214 / http://www.airboating.com )

Horseback Tours

Horse World Riding Stables ( +1 407 847 4343 / http://www.horseworldstables.com )