Orlando, FL t

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by Erin Shaw StrEEt ~ photographs by a MY MiKLEr

STay

Splurge: Grand Bohemian

Hotel From zebra-patterned fabric chairs to crushed velvet curtains on ice machines, everything is bright and big here. splurge for a Jacuzzi suite (from $329), with a whirlpool tub and dining area. grandbohemianhotel.com

the high-low guide

YOu visit OrLandO for one thing—The Mouse.

Right? There’s nothing wrong with that. But there’s

an entire other world outside the roller coasters and

character breakfasts, one with a rich, emerging food

culture, boutique shopping, and natural beauty. Central

Florida is a cultural hot spot (yes, you read that correctly)—

you just need to know where to look. So on that next trip,

why not pull off International Drive and skip the chain

restaurants? The new Orlando has much more to offer.

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Cask & Larder: $10 specials after 10 p.m.

Prato: upscale italian, communal dining

The Grand Bohemian: live jazz in the Bösendorfer lounge

Lake Eola: a classic downtown orlando destination

Traveler southeast insider

Save: EO Inn and Spa this 17-room boutique hotel (from $139) in a restored 1930s building is perfect for the budget traveler. similar to a european hotel in its simplicity and clean lines, it’s a quiet getaway in the heart of the city. eoinn.com

Look beyond the theme parks for tropical gardens, a beer parlor, and hammocks at the Ritz. Here’s a plan to discover Central Florida’s cultural side on any budget

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Traveler southeast insider

shoshanna, and Joie, as well as emerging lines by annie griffin and leona. think colorful party dresses (starting at $98) mixed in with silk tanks (starting at $48). violetclover.com

Save: East End Market this new year-round market is an ideal place to stop for a picnic lunch. pick up $4 charcuterie bites from Cuts & Craft artisan Meats, hazelnut-and-chocolate cookies ($11/half-pound) from Fatto in Casa; and Kombucha from skyebird Juice Bar ($2.50, 8 oz.). eastendmkt.com

Play

Splurge: Ritz Carlton

Eco-Hammock

Experience recline in a specially designed hammock atop the spa roof. (don’t worry, the spot is secluded and you’ll be clothed.) the

therapist uses a combination of massage techniques such as shiatsu and reflexology. at $230, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime indulgence. ritzcarlton.com

Save: Lake Eola Park

located in the heart of downtown, this 43-acre park features sidewalks and is a popular place for a stroll. Watch the families of swans that call the park home, or rent a paddleboat to explore the lake ($15/half hour). at night, catch the free iconic, colorful fountain show at 8 and 9:30 p.m. cityoforlando.net

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Splurge: Prato the younger, hipper sister to fine-dining restaurant luma on park, prato features a long bar and patio that foster communal dining. start off with the meatballs, ($13), then add in duck and lardo terrina ($21), and enjoy a main course of veal scaloppine ($28) with capers, Meyer lemon, and polenta. prato-wp.com

Save: Cask & Larder Counterpart to the ravenous pig, this southern public house features such dishes as potted pimiento cheese with ham jam and collard greens bread ($10) and roasted Chioggia beets ($11). the 10 p.m. late night menu includes selections like braised pork shoulder sandwich ($11) and fried oyster hoagie with collards ($10). caskandlarder.com

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DrINK

Splurge: The Courtesy try the Martinez ($11), made with smooth ambler barrel-aged gin, Carpano antica sweet vermouth, orange bitters, and luxardo maraschino liqueur. if you’re feeling daring, try an absinthe, like the Vieux pontarlier ($15). thecourtesybar.com

Save: Redlight

Redlight Beer Parlour located in a former air-conditioner repair shop, this local haunt features 26 drafts and more than 300 bottles of craft beer at $4 to $6 per pint. We recommend one of the sour beers, such as the grodsiskie ($6), a polish smoked sour wheat. redlight

redlightbeerparlour.com

SHOP

Splurge: Violet Clover

this light-filled boutique carries designers such as rebecca taylor,

the Courtesy: craft cocktails

For Where To Buy Go To

Made in the USA

Most

Trusted

Name

in Silver Care

Since 1895

LOCKS OUT

TARNISH

TEN TIMES

LONGER

Available at

and All Fine Jewelry Stores

TARGET

Follow Summerville’s

Sweet TeaTrailSummerville, South Carolina

is the birthplace of Sweet Tea! Enjoy our

Sweet Tea (and our Southern hospitality) by

following our “Sweet Tea Trail” of shops,

restaurants, and other attractions.

Pick up a “Sweet Tea Trail” map at

the Visitor Center — and enjoy all

that our charming town has to offer.

You’ll soon fi nd yourself feeling

relaxed, rejuvenated and thinking

this is exactly how life should be.

Summerville Visitor Center

402 N. Main St. • Summerville, SCJust 24 miles from Charleston

843-873-8535Open: M-F 9-5 • Sat 10-3 • Sun 1-4

VisitSummerville.com

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$2.25

savory Cheddar, chives,

and black pepper scones

from Blue Bird Bake shop;

bluebirdbakeshop.com

$4.25

Cards by l2 design

Collective;

L2designcollective.com

$6-$10

assorted orlando eats at

thedailyCity.com Food

truck Bazaar; check the

dailycity.com for events

$40

Vintage black-and-white

polka-dot sundress at

lollipops & pistols

Vintage Boutique;

lollipopsandpistols.com

$125

Chef’s table at Bar J Me;

407/975-8763

$309

Madison Marcus Silk

Tunic from Zou Zou

Boutique;

zouzouboutique.com

gOOD Deal

gOOD grIef!