Our Next Vacation Destination?

I am focusing on Orlando for a vacation site because it is a truly fantastic place to visit and live. Each year more people visit Orlando for the theme parks and white sand beaches. In 2000, 43.3 million people visited the area. It is the number one tourist destination in the world. Tourism brings billions of dollars into the area's economy, opening up more opportunities to the residents than people enjoy anywhere else in the country.

However, despite what most people would think, the local Metro-Orlando population is only 1 500 00. That is still a very small city. Orlando is one of the fastest growing communities in the United States. And, it is a community in every sense of the word. In fact, it is a collection of communities creating a unique classic urban lifestyle, instead of a clump of high rise buildings and concrete we associate with thriving areas in other parts of the USA. You only need to visit the Orlando Vacation Home web site to see how much the area has to offer than what you originally thought.

Downtown Orlando is a mixture of historic homes and luxury condominiums which is what holds the greatest appeal for me. Some communities like Thorton Park, Lake Eola Heights, Lake Lawsona, Lake Cherokee, and Lake Copeland are still predominantly vintage homes. Baldwin park is a new community that has been build cira 1940 architecture. I think, if we vacationed here, I would like to make this area the base of operations, so I could relax at the end of the day, and enjoy a quieter nightlife. I want to stay close to Lake Eloa, and go when there is an interesting festival or outdoor concert. I would also like to take the gondola ride, but I am not sure that hubby is romantic enough for it.

I am looking for a place with old world charm that will enable me to explore the fast pace of modern life. There is everything in Orlando. I would like to go in time to catch the Soul2Soul: Tim Mcgraw & Faith Hill concert this summer.

We might be able to stay with friends who race horses in Florida. A 45 minute drive from the theme parks takes you to countryside very similar to the UK with rolling hills and oak trees. This is the horse breeding country.

I know that one day must be spent in the south. My son would never forgive me unless he took an airboat ride across the Everglades. Of course, I could take a quick drive to the city and you can take advantage of some of the best shopping opportunities in the USA.

I am not done researching Orlando - but, it looks like we are going to have the best vacation of our lives.