Orlando: Five places to visit off the well-known trails

When thinking about Orlando and the top places to visit, Disneyland and Universal Islands of Adventure are likely the first tourist spots that come to mind.

Yes, amusement parks are inherently linked to this city, but while there are about 12 high-intensity amusement parks, there's more to this Florida destination than that. From charming cities to tranquil lake adventures, here are a few of this destination's hidden gems to take you off the beaten path.

1. Take a ride around Lake Osceola, Winter Park

A boat ride on Winter Park. You'll be led past majestic cypress trees, across lily-covered water, and past riveting ferns. A boat ride on Lake Osceola will immerse you in the wilderness in the cozy town of Winter Park. Consisting of seven lakes connected by narrow canals, the boat ride will take you around three of the lakes, the captain will tell you about the Anhingers, or snake birds, which dive underwater and stick their heads out like snakes, as well as the flapping wasps everywhere. As you glide through the water, you'll notice verdant banana trees growing on the banks, colorful azaleas thriving in Kraft Azelia Park by the lake, and century-old oaks covered in moss.

Lake Osceola is teeming with plants and animals.Also on the shores of the lake is Rollins College, a prestigious private liberal arts college that is often recognized as having the most beautiful campus in the entire United States. It was founded in 1885 by New England Congregationalists who wanted to bring their style of free arts education to Florida. For those who want to stay nearby, head to the Alfond Inn, owned by the college and home to a $10 million dollar art collection.

2. Visit the Tiffany glass collection at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park

The Tiffany Glass Collection on display at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art houses the most extensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933), including a selection of his famous Tiffany lamps. In addition to stained glass windows, jewelry and paintings, there is an incredibly restored interior of the Byzantine-Romanesque chapel that Tiffany designed for the 1893 Columbian Peace Exposition in Chicago. The museum also features a nearly 6,000 square foot permanent exhibition of surviving art and architectural objects from his famous Laurelton Hall estate on Long Island.

3. Explore the historic center of Winter Garden

Winter Garden exudes old-fashioned charm.Winter Garden is a small town located in the west central neighborhood of Orlando, on the shores of Lake Apopka.

4. Dine at Plant Street Market, Winter Garden

Plant Street Market is the place for foodies.For breakfast, lunch or dinner, Winter Garden also has Plant Street Market, a hub of artisan food markets centered around local brewery Crooked Can Brewing Company. Whether it's sushi at Norigami; handmade chocolates at David Ramirez; Ecuadorian empanadas at Empanada & Co. or alpine roclette cheese at Morthan Cheese, you'll find something for everyone thanks to the more than 20 vendors represented at the indoor market.

5. Take a ride through the Kissimmee wetlands.

A ride with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures will take you through the pristine wetlands of the Central ... [+] Florida Everglades.When you arrive at Lake Tohopekaliga, you may notice a sign that says "Don't Feed the Alligators," but don't let that deter you. A ride with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures will take you through the pristine wetlands of the Central Florida Everglades. As you move quickly through the water - the airboat creates the sensation of flight - you'll slow down to spot alligators hiding among the thickets (from a safe distance) or watch bald eagles fly. Away from the water, you can explore a butterfly garden, a fossil and gem mine where you can find gems and fossil fragments, and a replica of a Native American village. It's all led by Little Big Mountain, a fourth-generation Native American who tells visitors more about his culture and how his ancestors inhabited the land.

For more information, visit: visitorlando.com