Next time you’re planning some couple time, consider taking a short road trip. There are some pretty cool experiences within a 90-minute trip from Orlando. Here are three of my favorites:
1
Safari Wildness, Lakeland
Daily safari tours at 10 am and 1 pm take small groups across this animal reserve’s 260 aces of uplands and wetlands where everything from eland and zebra to water buffalo and ostriches wander freely in the warm Florida sun. Besides the opportunity to feed several of these animals, many of which approach the safari vehicle without inhibition, Safari Wilderness also offers the opportunity to hand-feed lemurs, who gently pluck grapes from the hands of guests gathered within their enclosure.
Cost: $70 per adult
2
Segway Tour, Mount Dora
Traverse this entire town in just over an hour on this no sweat 7-mile tour past Lake Dora and through the charming downtown district. Tours are Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 am, noon and 2:00 pm. While in town, grab some grub at one of many great local eateries, including The Goblin Market, a local favorite hidden down a bricked side street. Cody’s on 4th, a chic little sandwich shop, is a great option for a casual lunch.
Cost: $49 + tax
3
Comb Jelly Bioluminescent Tour
Launching from the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Day Away Kayak Tours takes adventurists on a short kayak paddle out onto the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon in search of the bioluminescent comb jelly that makes its home here beginning each October. When the water is disturbed, the comb jelly emit a light that looks like an underwater fireworks show. Tours depart select weeknights starting at 5:30 pm.
Cost: $34 per person