Orlando

Welcome to The Orlando MetroGuide service, your source for information on the Greater Orlando area. The Orlando MetroGuide is a member of the MetroGuide Network, a collection of information sites, all using a similar interface, for major metropolitan areas worldwide.

Greater Orlando -- a town around a lake surrounded by orange groves evolving into a tropical kingdom of world-class amusement parks and resorts -- offers a treasury of arts and cultural events, attractions and dining adventure as well as central access to the allure of both Florida coasts. The land of the Mouse often provides unexpected treats at unique museums, a spectrum of performing arts stages and other serene settings.

Musically known as the birthplace of boy bands like Backstreet Boys and N'Sync, Orlando is actually a diversified hotbed of local indie music talent from jazz to alternative sounds. Family oriented Orlando also is a place for romance, with downtown's Lake Eola Park a rendezvous favorite for couples picnicking on grassy banks, strolling the walkway, or snuggling as they paddle their swan boat past native birds and a sparkling fountain. Cultural possibilities range from Loch Haven Park for taking in plays by the Bard at the Orlando - University of Central Florida Shakespeare Festival to exhibitions at the Orlando Museum of Art or displays at Mennello Museum of American Folk Art. The Orlando Science Center provides stargazing from the world's largest Digistar Planetarium. Orlando days are filled with fun, yet action notches up even more with the setting sun, when nightclubs, lounges, pubs, bars, concert venues and other nocturnal "happenings" rule.

If you are planning to travel to Florida's east coast, MetroGuide Network also offers informative guides to the Palm Beaches, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.