With our thrill seeking start to the week including things like hang gliding, sky diving, and roller coasters it had taken a large amount of our energy and we think the other finalists would agree that this was the perfect moment to slow the pace down and start to explore the little know gem that is downtown Orlando. We talked many times with the people we interacted with about the 67 Days of Smiles experience and what it had been like. One of several thoughts that kept jumping to the front of our minds was the things we were able to see and do that we never would have uncovered as a regular tourist, and that is at the heart of this whole contest. Our introduction to the culturally rich downtown area began with an opportunity to explore the Orange County Regional History Center and it's exhibits. Laid before us was the rich history of central Florida and some of the events that defined its evolution. Some things we might have guessed, such as the importance of the citrus industry, but others still were new and enlightening. The tradition of the Seminole Indians, the early cattle ranching, and the original court room remaining from the buildings previous life all added to our knowledge of the region. A fine way to spend the afternoon.
We "squeezed" in some time to learn about orange farming...and to come up with that corny joke.
You Sir, are guilty of having enormous amounts of fun in such a short time!The history center was only one of many great things offered to those who will come and explore downtown. We had lunch in a fantastic mexican cafe, one of many, many, dining options, and we found there to be an equal amount of opportunities to experience art or theater. A beautiful lakeside park is host to farmers markets and joggers alike.The educational wrapped in the cultural spiced up by night life creates a mosaic in which one and all could find something worthwhile. A shame to have our appetites whetted with the smallest glimpse of the cities core. learn more @ http://www.downtownorlando.com/. As part of our downtown crash course we we treated to a lovely reception atop the Plaza near the cities center. Here we had the fortune to become acquainted with some of the minds and, more importantly, hearts behind the vision of downtown Orlando. It was evident that these men and women had invested themselves fully into this community and they displayed a passion for and a dedication to the development of the area. It isn't just where they work it is their home. I hope they are aware of the appreciation we have regarding their involvement and interest in the 67 days of smiles promotion. It would be a thrill and an honor to work further with these individuals.
One of the many unique downtown eateries.
It wouldn't be Florida if we didn't wrassle a gator!
Outside The Plaza.
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