Orlando Great Values

With a whopping 20,000 square feet devoted to wellness, beauty and fitness in the form of the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, Gaylord Palms is home to one of the South’s most indulgent spa experiences. The property also manages across the board appeal for couples, families, and business travelers, with amenities ranging from WiFi and cordless phones to golf putting courts, volleyball courts, and a water park. Just outside of the lobby is a giant atrium with various themed areas complete with waterways and gardens that transport visitors to the Everglades, Key West, and other famous Floridian locales. Disney’s gates are less than two miles away.

A former youth hostel, EO Inn underwent a serious facelift in 1999 to create 16 fashionable, minimalist rooms - most with lake or skyline views. There’s a day spa and a rooftop hot tub, and it’s a short stroll to restaurants, bars and boutiques in the trendy neighborhood of Thornton Park. The theme parks, should you wish to visit, are less than half an hour away.

Inventive salads, fresh fish, and white spinach lasagna combined with a casual, art-lined space...more

A trendy spin on a sandwich shop, Press 101 takes things up a notch with an accompanying wine...more

Bargain-hunt for designer duds at Ralph Lauren, Barneys New York, Diesel, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, and over 140 other discounted designer shops.

A favorite Thornton Park brunch spot, this artsy eatery, all done up in pinks and purples, does...more

Acres of live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, rose and butterfly gardens, and sweet smelling Magnolia groves centered on a pretty lake make this park one of downtown Orlando’s hidden jewels. Live concerts and outdoor movie screenings are staged here throughout the year (check the website for dates and times). A springtime stroll will show you Orlando at its natural best. Open daily 9am-5pm (last admission at 4pm).