It’s officially our (weird, made up) holiday, a celebration of all things Orlando (Chamber of Commerce): 407 Day.
Just because the holiday is about as traditional as Pig Floyd’s planned pizzeria, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. We’ve pulled together a few essentially Orlando ideas on how to celebrate.
Visit the West Art District
Murals are on offer all throughout this industrial area. Credit: photo courtesy West Art District, via FacebookGo to the Florida Film Festival
In this house, we love and respect the Enzian. Credit: Photo courtesy Florida Film Fstival/FacebookTrack down some night-blooming cactuses
The locally beloved night-blooming cereus are hard to find but impossible to miss. Credit: Photo by Cicely ScheinerGo on a bioluminescent kayak tour
Have you ever experienced the awesomeness of bioluminescent organisms on weed? Doubt it.
adayawaykayaktours.com
Photo via RedditEat some late-night Kimchi Fries at Tako Cheena
948 N. Mills Ave Credit: Photo by Aldrin CapulongCredit: Photo by Jeremy ReperGo digging at Park Ave CDs
2916 Corrine Drive Credit: Photo via Park Ave CDs/FacebookFind a new favorite band on Rollins College’s WPRK Credit: Photo via WPRKSee a reading at Kerouac House Credit: courtesy image of the Kerouac House, College ParkTake in a ton of art and a few drinks at the Alfond Inn
300 E New England Ave, Winter ParkStroll Leu GardensSwan Boats at Lake Eola
Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St.
Take a nice — uh, paddle around the beautiful fountain at Lake Eola Park. Try to get there a little early, because they don’t take reservations.
Photo via Joe Shlabotnik/FlickrCassadagaCast as Florida’s most spirited settlement, this quaint town is quite normal … if you don’t count all the mediums that live here, the haunted hotel and the creepy cemeteries. If you’re in the mood to talk to a dead relative, you might want to consider taking a trip to old spirit land. Get your future read and take a seat (if you dare!) in the Devil’s Chair.Related: Another world in our backyard: 18 spirited photos from CassadagaImage via WikipediaCreep yourself out at the Orange County Regional History Center
Gaze upon Ted Bundy’s name carved into a desk, supposedly by Bundy himself as he was tried in the Orange County Courthouse for the murder of Kimberly Leach. (The History Center says he didn’t do the carving, but you gotta admit, it’s still spooky to think of him sitting there.)Hit up the Mt. Dora Flea Market
20651 US-441, Mt Dora Credit: Google MapsTake in the Orlando Wetlands Park
Orlando’s breathtaking wildlife preserve is one of Central Florida’s most picturesque parks. Credit: Photo via City of OrlandoRide an airboat at Black Hammock
Riding airboats is a quintessentially Central Floridian activity, as is slugging a few beers after your experience. Credit: Photo via Black Hammock/FacebookEat a Pub Sub Credit: Image courtesy PublixGo wild at the Central Florida Zoo
No one turns down an invitation to feed a giraffe. Or pet a rhino. Or gawk at a 40-year-old gopher tortoise. Credit: Photo via Central Florida Zoo & Botanical GardensTake in a show at Orlando Shakes
812 E. Rollins St Credit: Photo by Tony FirrioloDo a mini food crawl at East End Market3201 Corrine Drive Credit: East End MarketTake in the Morse Museum
445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park Credit: Image via The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art/FacebookNha Trang Subs
1216 E. Colonial Drive, 407-346-4549
Some of the best and cheapest banh mi in Mills 50 are found here – super crisp baguettes make the difference, but the $3.50 to $4.50 price range doesn’t hurt, either. Traditionalists won’t go wrong with the dac biet, but step out and try the fried fish paste if you’re adventurous. Cash only.
Photo via Nhatrang Subs/FacebookDo a train shot at the Hammered Lamb
1235 N. Orange Ave.
The bar offers free shots when the train rolls by. Christen yourself a local. Credit: Jessica Bryce YoungCatch a show at Timucua
2000 S. Summerlin Ave. Credit: Photo via creativecityproject.comWekiwa Springs State Park
Estimated driving distance: 30 minutes
Get there early because this popular clear water spring with origins in the Wekiva River fills up fast with tourists and residents. Canoe and kayak rentals are available.
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka
Photo via meenbean_/Instagram
