6 Reasons Why Orlando is a ‘Must Play’

Golf, Mickey and So Much More

Chris Duthie

With the Super Bowl nearly here and that game-ending “I’m going to Disney World!” catchphrase virtually guaranteed, it’s high time to spotlight the serendipitous surrounds of Orlando.

Boasting more than 170 golf courses, 20 golf academies and a plethora of sensational resort properties, this Florida destination should be on every avid player’s “must play” list. But magical Orlando is so much more. Here is a proven sampling of all there is to see and do:

1. Great Golf: Boasting top course designers like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Reese Jones, Joe Lee, Arnold Palmer and others, there’s ample reason to bring the clubs and feast on this dynamic golf destination. Among our favorites: the Grand Cypress Golf Club’s 36-hole complex (crafted by Nicklaus); Osprey Ridge (Fazio), one of four courses at Walt Disney World; Bay Hill Club & Lodge (Palmer); the Waldorf Astoria Club (Jones, pictured at top); and Reunion Resort’s 54-hole complex (Tom Watson, Nicklaus and Palmer).

2. Enchanting Entertainment: Orlando is a veritable Theme Park City. The easily accessed region is anchored by legendary Walt Disney World, followed by Universal Orlando, Epcot, Universal’s Island of Adventure, Universal Studio, SeaWorld Orlando, and one of the South’s newest resort properties, LEGOLAND Florida.

3. Rollicking Romance: With Valentine’s Day on the horizon (Saturday, Feb. 14^th), skip the roses and boxed chocolates and pamper your sweetheart with an unforgettable live concert by the incomparable Harry Connick Jr. at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Follow that by taking your besty to the DRIP Orlando Valentine’s Day Experience, where event goers voluntarily get wet and messy via a jaw-dropping encounter of live music, raw emotion, chocolate, adult beverages… and raining paint.

4. Sumptuous Delicacies: Unexpectedly, Orlando is so highly regarded as a gourmand’s favorite that it was just rated by Wine Enthusiast magazine as one of the world’s 10 best wine travel destinations. Driving the prestigious call-out is a robust mix of fine-dining restaurants including The Ravenous Pig, Capa, Vietnam Cuisine, Hawkers Asian Street Fare and the opulent Victoria & Albert’s. For a sensational from-the-keg wine experience, find your way to Highball & Harvest (inside the Ritz-Carlton Orlando).

5. Symphonic Sensations: Orlando’s 80^th Annual Bach Festival promises to deliver “a journey inspired by the greatest music talents of all time.” The three-week event kicks off Feb. 7 with a “Bach and Beer” festival, plus a free concert at Winter Park’s Central Park hosted and performed by the Bach Festival Society.

6. Fabulous Fests: The celebrated Mount Dora Arts Festival celebrates its 40^th anniversary Feb. 1-2 with more than 300 juried artists, live entertainment, children’s activities and tasty fare and libations, all amongst the charming hillside town of Mount Dora.

RELATED LINKS

Innovative Golf Meetings Revealed

Solid Gold Golf in Florida

Escape to Turnberry Isle

Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.