Non-Tourist Things to Do in Orlando, Florida

Most people head to Orlando, Fla., for the tourist traps like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando or Sea World. Next trip, hit up these non-tourist spots that are sure to make your vacation memorable.

1. Enzian Theater, 1300 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland

The Enzian Theater has been open since 1985, and is Central Florida's "only full-time, non-for-profit alternative cinema. Enzian exists to entertain, inspire, educate and connect the community through film." The theater features an outstanding menu and outside Eden Bar, where you can enjoy drinks prior to your movie. The theater itself features tables and chairs, where you can relax during your movie and order dinner and drinks. The Enzian shows many independent films, and also hosts special events for holidays like New Year's Eve and Halloween.

2. Central Florida Zoo, 3755 U.S. 17, Sanford

The Central Florida Zoo began in 1923 as the Sanford Zoo and has operated in its present location since 1975. Besides seeing the more than 400 animals at the zoo (and that's not including all the insects in the Massey Services Insect Zoo), you can participate in educational programs, keeper chats or even meet an elephant behind-the-scenes on Saturdays!

3. J.B.'s Fish Camp & Restaurant, 859 Pompano Avenue, New Smyrna Beach

When locals in Central Florida want great seafood, many of them head to J.B.'s in New Smyrna Beach. It's about an hour to an hour-and-a-half drive from Orlando, but well worth it. During the summer, weather permitting, of course, they feature live music outdoors. It's located right on the river, and at times you might even see a manatee swim by as you wait for your meal. The restaurant also features kayak rentals. The oysters are awesome, but last time I was there, you shucked your own, which can be a challenge for novices.

4. Orlando Science Center, 777 East Princeton Street, Orlando

This place is amazing for children and adults! The Orlando Science Center has been around in some form since 1955, but this new building, opened in 1997, features four floors of amazing educational fun! Kids always get a kick out of the Cypress Swamp exhibit, complete with live alligators. They also vary exhibits and host special events. Check out their online events calendar to find out what special events are going on during your visit. Also, the Dr. Phillips CineDome is an 8,000-square-foot theater that extends well beyond your peripheral vision, so you feel as though you're surrounded by the movie.

5. Park Avenue, Winter Park

For a day of just strolling through little out-of-the-way shops, enjoying great food & wine and some cultural stops, spend a day on Park Avenue in Winter Park. Beginning at the intersection of Fairbanks Avenue by Rollins College and extending up to Webster Avenue, you can visit all kinds of little unexpected shops, grab a bite to eat and then visit some spectacular cultural museums. My favorite stops are Dexter's Winter Park for lunch and The Wine Room for drinks. Great shops include The Doggie Door (pet products and baked goods) and Ten Thousand Villages, which features the work of artisan groups around the world. Also, don't miss the fantastic Farmer's Market on Saturdays!