If you've never been to the Orlando area, you might find yourself overwhelmed with all our fair region has to offer. While you might be tempted to stick with visits to our many local theme parks during your stay at our Orlando vacation homes, central Floridians have a few tips that will help you truly enjoy our area the way the locals do.

1. Take A Trip To The Milk District

Even if you are lactose-intolerant, the Milk District is worth a visit. Actually, this neighborhood was named in honor of the dairy that was established there in the 1920s, so if milk isn't your thing, there's nothing to worry about. What you will find are funky shops and cool boutiques, cafes, restaurants and live music.

2. Hit The Beach

A 90-minute drive will take you from our Orlando vacation home to either beaches along our Atlantic coast or beaches along the gulf coast. This might seem like quite a trek, but our beaches are awesome and definitely worth the drive. Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach are popular options, or you could opt for less touristy options such as New Smyrna Beach or consider enjoy the amazing white sand beaches in Clearwater.

3. Enjoy Some Local Brews

While we might not be Portland or Seattle, our local brewers definitely can hold their own when it comes to craft brews. In our town of Clermont, you could try Suncreek Brewery or Clermont Brewing Company, both of which are close to our Orlando vacation homes. For organic options, consider a trip to Orlando Brewing. Other solid options include Crooked Can Brewing Company, Ten 10 Brewing Company, Broken Cauldron Taproom & Brewery or perhaps Dead Lizard Brewing Company. If you're here in November, consider attending the Orlando Beer Festival which includes beers from local breweries as well as international beers.

4. Explore Our Local Lakes

While a few of our Orlando vacation homes provides lakefront access, if you want to check out a few of our many other local lakes, there are several just minutes away. In fact, Clermont is known for its chain of lakes, which includes Lake Minnehaha, Lake Minneola and Lake Louisa as well as several other smaller lakes. At Lake Louisa State Park, one can kayak & canoe, horseback ride, swim and fish. There are more than 17 miles of trails for walkers, hikers and bikers to enjoy, as well.

5. Visit The Mills 50 District

In the Orlando area, there are 11 special districts, known as Mainstreet Districts. Each district has a special vibe or historic interest, and Mills 50 is no exception. Crammed with amazing restaurants, we highly recommend that you check out some of the city's Vietnamese eateries, such as Anh Hong Restaurant or Banh Mi Nha Trang, which boasts more than 20 varieties of the famous Vietnamese-style banh mi sandwich. Of course, you also find Cuban eateries, barbecue, Cajun food, Mexican cuisine and great spots for brunch.

6. Airboat Rides Are Amazing

If you are looking for a true Florida thrill ride, consider booking an airboat ride. There are several companies that offer these treks, and it can be fun to take one at night when the algae is all aglow. Cruise across lakes, speed over swamps and learn about our local flora and fauna while having a blast.

7. International Drive: Should You Avoid It?

International Drive is crammed with attractions, restaurants and shops, and during some hours of the day, you can be stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic akin to the Las Vegas Strip. Still there are plenty of fun activities, from the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum to Sea Life Aquarium and the Orlando Eye, which shows off spectacular views of Orlando and beyond. Generally, though, if you don't specifically have a reason to drive up and down this busy street, we recommend avoiding it. It's crowded and there are plenty of alternative routes to get you where you need to go in Orlando.

8. Consider A Trip To Wekiva Island

While Clermont offers plenty of watersport options, Wekiva Island can be a fun day trip and it's quite popular with locals. This tropical oasis is about 45 minutes from Clermont and you can rent paddleboards, kayaks and canoes. There are trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding and there's a funky indoor/outdoor bar where you can enjoy craft beer and wine. Of course, some of these activities can be enjoyed at our Orlando vacation homes. If you are staying at the Great Escape Lakeside, you can enjoy your own private lake and we have kayaks, canoes, fishing gear and a paddleboat for guest use.

Of course, you might find so much to do at our Orlando vacation homes that you don't want to venture much farther than Clermont. Our homes include dozens of fantastic indoor and outdoor amenities, and each home can sleep 40+ guests comfortably.

Our Orlando vacation homes are perfect for families traveling together, corporate and church groups, family reunions and wedding parties. You and all of your guests can relax, unwind and enjoy each other's company is luxurious, unique setting. To learn about each of our unique properties head to our homepage where you'll find links to each of our four mansion vacation rentals.

.... that The Ever After Estate was featured on HGTV's "Most Outrageous Homes In America," The Sweet Escape was called "..more fun than Disney" by Travel & Leisure Magazine, Great Escape Parkside nearly sold out a year in advance before it even opened, and The Great Escape Lakeside even made it into the Guinness Book of World Records?!!