SCIENCE & NATURE
Orlando Science Center: (407-869-7151) Understand the mysteries of nature in a hands-on setting with Nature Works, Water Works, and a Tunnel of Discovery display.
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens: (Orlando, 407-246-2620) Wander 55 acres of tranquil gardens, breathing in the fragrance of camellias and orchids.
A World of Orchids: (Kissimmee, 407-396-1887) The world's largest collection of orchids blooms in this lavish indoor tropical environment.
Kennedy Space Center/Spaceport USA: (Cape Canaveral, 407-452-2121) Take a guided tour of America's only space shuttle launch site and enjoy a sight-and-sound journey into space exploration in the five-story IMAX theater. Spend the day looking at spacesuits, lunar modules, and other memorabilia of America's quest to land men on the moon.
U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame/U.S. Space Camp: (Titusville, 407-269-6100) See the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo capsules and take the simulated shuttle flight sends into outer space.
WHEELS
Classic Chevy International: (Orlando, 407-299-1957) Classic 1955-1957 Chevys on display.
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing: (Ocala, 904-245-8661) Trace the history of drag racing, and see more than 50 classic cars powered by Chrysler Hemi engines. Among them, a Dodge Charger and 25 Swamp Rat top-fuel dragsters.
WHERE TO GO IF IT RAINS ALL WEEK
Brave Warrior Wax Museum: (Kissimmee, 407-363-3500) Explore the Americas with wax figures of Lewis and Clark, General Custer, and the Dakota Indians.
The Elvis Presley Museum: (Kissimmee, 407-396-8594) South of Memphis you'll find more than 150 personal items-cars, costumes, jewelry-and memorabilia that belonged to the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Orlando Museum: (Orlando, 407-345-0501) A tourist trap worth the trip for those with a penchant for the bizarre.
SHOPPING
If you think this is Souvenir City, you're right -- especially if you're in the market for a licensed-character T-shirt, plush toy, or Mickey memorabilia. Yet Orlando and surrounding areas also offer adult treasures. Browse Winter Park's tree-lined Park Avenue boutiques and galleries.Or stroll antiques districts in Orlando and Lakeland. For discount wares, hie to the outlet mall or vast flea market.
Orlando's Antiques Row: Starting at the intersection of Princeton and North Orange avenues, there's a mile-long stretch of 25 unique antiques shops.
Belz Factory Outlet Mall: (5401 West Oakridge Road, Orlando, 407-352-9611) At the nation's largest factory outlet center, shoppers can find designer fashions, footwear, and more. Calvin Klein, Oshkosh, Guess, Anne Klein, and Bass Shoe are among the name brands.
Disney Village Marketplace: (Walt Disney World Resort, 407-824-4321) Entertainment and eateries surround the shores of the Buena Vista Lagoon. But the real draw is the enormous selection of Disney gear, toys, music, videos, kidstuff, and other paraphernalia.
Winter Park: (407-644-8281) European sophistication blends with small-town charm in the Park Avenue district, approximately 15 minutes from downtown Orlando. A cluster of galleries, and boutiques including Laura Ashley, Ann Taylor, Williams-Sonoma, and Victoria's Secret, are here. Central Park, a small greensward, is a fine spot to rest one's feet, read the paper, do a little people-watching, or take a picnic lunch.
Lakeland's Antique District: (Lakeland, 813-688-8551) Housed in several historical buildings, Lakeland area shops display a unique and eclectic assortment of fine antiques. Appraisal-worthy selections of heirloom quilts, art figurines, and 18th and 19th-century furniture can be found. Bartow's Enchanted Cottage Antiques, Philip's Antiques and Yeats Antiques shops are highly regarded.
Flea World: (Highway 17-92,Sanford, 407-647-3976) Flea World houses more than 1700 vendors in several connected air- conditioned buildings. Serendipitious finds, from appliances to furniture, from costume jewelry to trading cards, are a given.
The Church Street Station Exchange: (129 West Church Street, Orlando, 407-422-2434) Once a stop along the South Florida Railroad, this turn-of-the-century depot was converted into a three-level, Victorian-style shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. Scents Unlimited, House of Ireland, and Benetton are among the shops. Kids may like the turn-of-the-century carnival-style game room.
Orange Blossom Indian River Citrus: (5151 South Blossom Trail, Orlando, 407-855-2837) Send home a taste of the Florida sun. Fresh oranges or grapefruits can be shipped to any location within the continental United States and Canada.
