Lyndsay Fogarty
Summer is here and that can only mean one thing: It’s time to staycation! Here are some ideas for getting out of town without going too far.
Explore the World of Optical Illusions on International Drive
Looking for something different to do this summer? Museum of Illusions is bringing an all-new adventure to the heart of International Drive.
Shrink or grow to new heights in the cleverly distorted Ames Room, see a mirror image of yourself times five at the Clone Table, and test your balance in The Vortex Tunnel. Grab a photo for the ‘gram in the Symmetry Room, where you can utilize the mirror to capture playful poses, or the Reverse Room, where a 90-degree flip will completely change your photo in the most fun way possible.
Not only does the Museum of Illusions provide an exciting environment that is incredibly Instagrammable but it’s also educational. Throughout each exhibit, you will find information explaining the illusion you’re about to experience (and team members are always on hand to line you and your camera up so you can get just the right shot). Getting the perfect photo while learning something new – now that’s a win-win.
At Museum of Illusions, you can explore the world of the unexplainable and experience the impossible. Just don’t forget your camera!
Florida Resident Rate!
$21.95*
*Available Monday through Friday. Must have valid Florida ID.
Reservations are required. Book now at MOIOrlando.com/tickets
New Property Joins Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels are known for beautiful accommodations and luxurious amenities that allow guests to relax and forget about the real world for a little while. Later this summer, a brand new addition, called the Swan Reserve, is set to welcome guests for an upscale, boutique staycation experience.
The 14-story hotel will feature 349 guest rooms, 149 family suites and two presidential suites as well as a pool with elevated deck and fire pit, a state-of-the-art fitness center and dining options that include a grab-n-go cafe and a new signature Mediterranean restaurant. Vue, an exclusive rooftop space offers views of the Walt Disney World Resort for weddings and other events. Its proximity to the parks means that guests can take advantage of complimentary transportation services and other Disney benefits.
Guests will also have full access to the amenities at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, including the Mandara Spa, five pools, preferred tee times at Disney’s championship golf courses and dining at signature restaurants, Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo, Il Mulino and Kimonos. Reservations for the Swan Reserve can currently be made for Sept. 1 and beyond.
Central Florida Golf Guide
Our community is full of award-winning golf courses, so it can be tough to decide where to play a round. In addition to members-only courses, such as Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Bella Collina and Lake Nona Country Club to name a few, there are many incredible public courses to choose from as well.
Dubsdread Golf Course
549 W. Par St., Orlando, FL 32804
407.246.2551
HistoricalDubsdread.com
Holes: 18
Par: 70
Eagle Creek Golf Club
10350 Emerson Lake Blvd., Orlando, FL 32832
407.273.4653
EagleCreekOrlando.com
Holes: 18
Par: 73
Falcon’s Fire Golf Club Resort
3200 Seralago Blvd., Kissimmee, FL 34746
407.239.5445
FalconsFire.com
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Grand Cypress Golf Club
1 N. Jacaranda St., Orlando, FL 32836
407.239.1909
GolfGrandCypress.com
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Grande Vista Golf Club & Marriott Golf Academy
12001 Avenida Verde, Orlando, FL 32821
407.238.7677
GrandeVistaGolf.com
Holes: 9
Par: 32
MetroWest Golf Club
2100 S. Hiawassee Rd, Orlando, FL 32811
407.299.1099
MetroWestGolf.com
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Orange County National Golf Center
16301 Phil Ritson Way, Winter Garden, FL 34786
407.656.2626
OCNGolf.com
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Shingle Creek Golf Club
9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
407.996.1559
ShingleCreekGolf.com
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Winter Pines Golf Club
950 S. Range Blvd., Winter Park, FL 32792
407.671.3172
WinterPinesGC.com
Holes: 18
Par: 67
Worth the Drive: TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach
On a 415-acre tract of swampland in northeast Florida, the history of golf would be altered forever. On that site, in February of 1979, ground was broken for what would become THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in 1980 – and the new home of the PGA TOUR. Brainchild of Commissioner Deane Beman, and designed by Pete Dye, it left players wide-eyed with wonder. They found contoured fairways, confounding angles, and a par-3 island green that would arguably become the signature hole for the entire sport.
Just a short drive away and ideal “near-cation” with accommodations provided by the on-site Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, the course includes a stunning clubhouse, restaurant + bar, museum-quality examples of golf history adorning nearly every wall. With local amenities that include some of the best dining, shopping and beaches in North Florida, it’s no wonder TPC Sawgrass is a dream for nearly anyone who’s ever picked up a club.
While the property is known for its rich history, the TPC Network is focused on the future – specifically “growing the game,” which is why it opened the PGA TOUR’s Performance Center almost exactly four years ago this past May. Located at the expansive practice grounds adjacent to Pete Dye’s renowned Stadium Course, it offers a variety of individual programs integrating instruction, fitness, club fitting and playing strategy to improve performance and lower scores.
For more information, visit www.tpc.com/sawgrass.
Relaxation and Renewal at Cypress Cove
When planning a staycation, you’re often looking for a relaxing resort, complete with a selection of amenities, fun things to do on property and comfortable accommodations, that is close to nearby attractions, shopping, golf and more. Cypress Cove, a 300-acre, family-owned resort in Kissimmee, has all of this and more. Complete with 84 luxurious villa hotel rooms and apartments, a modern RV park and campsites, this clothing-optional resort has something for everyone.
While the resort is just a short drive from the area’s theme parks, making it easy to include local attractions as part of a staycation itinerary, there are plenty of on-site activities to explore as well. The property’s 50-acre lake, with its white, sandy beach, is perfect for a scenic boat ride or lounging on the shore. Two sparkling pools offer a relaxing area to soak up some sunshine, and the tennis and pickleball courts are a place for some friendly competition. There are also weekly entertainment, themed weekends and annual special events scheduled for additional fun things to do.
This summer, Cypress Cove is offering several special offers for locals looking to plan a staycation. First time visitors can take a complimentary tour plus receive half off a day visit or get a third night free when booking a two-night stay in a villa. Looking for a longer stay? Villa guests who book a six-night stay will receive a seventh night for free. For more information, visit www.CypressCoveResort.com.
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