Central Florida: Beyond the Theme Parks

Lawrence E Gray

Apr 2021 · LGP Publishing

About this ebook

What do the locals do? That question is the focus of the book Central Florida – Beyond the Theme Parks. Central Florida and Orlando, conveniently located between the two coasts, is known for world-class theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Legoland. The book explores over 120 locations with over 300 photographs in what the locals may describe as the "real" Florida. Written by a 4th generation native Floridian, the book describes alternative activities that the locals enjoy and gives insight into Florida's rich history. The book is organized geographically, as three chapters focus on Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties, that comprise the Orlando metropolitan area. Using downtown Orlando as the starting point, the "Local to 30 miles" chapter includes the overlap with adjoining counties. Each location discussed ranges from free to $20 admission. As the name implies, "Daytrip" identifies locations up to 100 miles from downtown Orlando. Additional chapters provide information on membership programs that give access to member locations locally and reciprocally throughout the nation. While there over 300 photographs illustrating the book, as a bonus, there is a website providing higher resolution than could be published, and additional photos intentionally excluded to keep the book a realistic size and cost.

This book is for the permanent resident, the newly arriving resident, business traveler, tourist, and the part-time resident enjoying the mild winters. In short, this book is for everyone.

About the author

Larry Gray is an author, and landscape, wildlife, and travel photographer located in Orlando, Florida. He is a native Floridian with ancestral roots in Florida back to the mid-1700s. The love of travel developed during adolescence. Not distracted by computers that didn't exist at the time, he had a car, and with the gas wars of the 1960s encouraged to explore. In 1969 he bought his first camera, a Mamiya/Sekor, and the photography experience grew from there, selling and teaching photograph techniques during college. Military service further enhanced both the travel and photography experience with PCS, permanent change of station, every three years creating new locations to explore, including International.

This book was a natural expansion. Sharing Florida's experiences as they continue to evolve, ever-changing while other areas preserved, including the pristine beaches like existed decades ago. It is little wonder that when he hears tourists say they have seen Florida after their Disney visit, he is thinking, "No, they haven't. Beyond tourists, so many people relocate to Florida. Welcome. He hopes this book helps you explore your new home.