UCF Student Union is a sprawling building in the campus of the University of Central Florida, serving as a popular campus hangout. Equipped with several meeting rooms that are rented out, student offices and a computer lab, it offers a variety of services and facilities. The Union houses restaurants that dish out every possible cuisine as well as several retail outlets and banking facilities. Recently, the Union building has been a part of the University's 'green' experiments with a part of its roof being converted into a garden which contributes to the beauty of the campus as also reduces energy costs.

The National Vietnam War Museum is a non-profit museum built as an ode to those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Educating the people about the strategies involved and the brutality that follows through various mementos and memorabilia remains the primary objective of the museum. Built in 2000, the museum aims to keep the memories of the most brutal post-World War battles fresh in the minds of one and all while sending a strong underlined message of peace. Due to current renovations, museum hours vary. Hence, calling before scheduling a visit is strongly advised. Entry is free.

Winter Park Farmer's Market is located in the town's old train depot, which is a historical landmark. Plan a short trip north from Orlando on Saturday mornings to experience the friendly nearby community of Winter Park. The air is filled with a mixture of smoked barbeque, aromatic flowers and tasty kettle corn, but there are also plenty of other options at this popular local gathering spot. Some of the standouts among the large array of friendly vendors include fresh-squeezed lemonade, local honey, breads, jellies and cheeses as well as sweet cheesecake cupcakes, homemade pasta and plenty of locally grown veggies, plants and fruits. Most vendors only accept cash. -Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Cornell Fine Arts Museum, located north of Orlando in the friendly town of Winter Park on the grounds of Rollins College, ranks as one of the country's best college art museums. The American Association of Museums has accredited the museum, and the museum includes more than 6000 artifacts and works of art ranging from Antiquity up to the 21st Century. Cornell Fine Arts Museum features permanent collections as well as various temporary traveling exhibitions that rotate throughout the year. Other features of the museum include workshops, films, lectures and interpretive sessions. -Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Scenic Boat Tour, located north of Orlando in the friendly old-style Florida town of Winter Park, provides guests a chance to discover and witness firsthand the fascinating history of the region aboard an excursion boat. Travel through 12 miles of the area's canals and lakes that pass by grand mansions, Rollins College, Isle of Sicily, Kraft Azalea Gardens and more. The tours are narrated, last for an hour and provide amazing glimpses of the natural flora and fauna of the Sunshine State. Scenic Boat Tour has been offering the visiting adventurers, historians and naturalists an alternate Orlando attraction. These world-famous tours have been running for half a century. -Diane Dilov-Schultheis

Lake Jesup Park is located near Winter Springs, a little northeast of Orlando. This 6-acre park provides visitors a chance to experience a more natural Florida environment. The massive lake encompasses 10,011 acres, making it one of the biggest in Central Florida. Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings that are filled with old oak trees along with an abundance of native wildlife, including plenty of gators. Activities at the park and lake include fishing, boating, picnicking, airboat rides, hiking, camping, biking and wildlife viewing. Those looking for something more relaxing will find what they're looking for at Lake Jesup Park. -Diane Dilov-Schultheis

This lovely 50-acre botanical garden situated on Lake Rowena offers visitors a chance to escape into Old Florida. Wander miles of paved paths through forests of giant camphors, oaks and palms. The formal Rose Garden is the largest in the South, but don't pass up the opportunity to visit the herb, butterfly, palm and bamboo gardens as well. Towering over all this natural wonder is the Leu House. Built in 1888, it now serves as a decorative-arts museum.

Orlando Science Center is a glistening structure that looks like the product of a meeting between Greco-Roman architects and Star Trek engineers. The analogy applies to inside activities as well. The museum strives to teach kids (and adults) about classical science using modern, hands-on, sometimes high-tech activities. The museum houses themed exhibit halls where patrons can explore the human body, modern technology, the solar system and other topics. The exhibits often change, so you can always learn something new. Its eight-story CineDome is billed as the world's largest movie theater. It shows large-format nature/technology films.

With numerous events and exhibitions across the year, the Met at Orlando has many people flocking in. Prominent amongst those events are the Friday Jazz shows. Ongoing workshops and live commentaries from experts helps not only educate but also tap the art bone amongst amateurs and art enthusiast alike. A separate children's section houses works of budding artists sure to have coveted works in years to come. Call for museum and event hours before planning a visit.

Fantasy Surf, an indoor water complex located inside the Fantasy World Resort in Kissimmee, is minutes away from Orlando and all of the local attractions. The facilities provide a surfing and wakeboarding experience for those who might not be able to go out and do the real thing. Water enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels can experience the thrill of riding the waves in this safe and controlled environment. The three-inch sheet of water provides the right conditions for surfing and the padded walls, floors and beach areas keep you safe. All you need to bring is a bathing suit. Fantasy Surf also features an on-site cafe and surf shop. -Diane Dilov-Schultheis