You've got a 14-day vacation in Orlando and you've spent 10 of those days pacing the pavement at the theme parks.  You've had it with long lines, expensive food, and milling crowds.  What will you do next?

The experts at Mini Vacation rentals would like to suggest a few ways to complete your vacation that are off the beaten track, but still unique enough to satisfy the seasoned traveler.  Here’s our guide to the best places to taste Orlando!

THE SPACE PLACE:

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex is just a 30 minute drive from Orlando, and offers a great variety of visitor experiences. From live interactive performances to their "Lunch With An Astronaut" program, the directors and staff at the Kennedy Space Center strive to create a diverse and informative environment that encourages learning and imagination in both young and old.  There are IMAX movie presentations, a "Rocket Garden" with retired Atlas and Titan rockets, flight simulators, and space-themed exhibits.  Although only about 500 men & women have ever flown in space, every day there is a meet-and-greet for visitors at the complex to mingle with members of NASA's Astronaut Corps.  Ask them questions, get photos, and inspire YOUR family's future astronaut - it's an amazing day trip!

TIFFANY ART GLASS:

Get Cultured!  Visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Florida - just 15 minutes from the attractions area. The Morse Museum's variety of permanent and traveling exhibitions focus on works by the Tiffany Studios and exhibits featuring Florida artists and subjects. Step into the recently conserved and re-assembled 1893 Chapel by Louis Comfort Tiffany and see for yourself why Tiffany Art Glass is so collectible and treasured.  The beautiful furnishings, ornate mosaics, and glorious window-scenes, are the results of Tiffany's efforts to prove that American artisans could produce masterpieces to rival any of Old Europe's treasures.

ENJOY NATURAL FLORIDA:

EcoTourism is a great way to experience Florida's extensive and varied natural beauty.  There is no other place in America that has such an abundance and variety of wildlife and environments - extensive coastlines, wetlands, swamps, rivers, lakes, forests, prairies, and natural springs can all be found within a few hours’ drive of Orlando.  Enjoy Florida's natural beauty while observing the endless variety of wildlife by contacting one of Orlando's many EcoTour companies.  Many day trips are under $100 per person and will depart from the attractions area for your convenience.  Just type "EcoTourism Florida" into any search engine for a list of EcoTour providers to contact - or ask your concierge about local airboat, helicopter, or canoeing tours.

(Don't forget - If you found any part of this guide helpful...please click on the YES below!  The more YES we get the easier it is for other people to find and benefit from this guide!!!)