Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre historic estate and botanical garden in downtown Orlando, is a kaleidoscope of colors throughout the year. Stroll the walkways that wind through butterfly, herb and rose gardens, past dozens of species of azalea, bamboo and banana plants, showcasing a prized Camellia collection that has more than 2,000 plants and is considered one of the best in the U.S. The gardens also include a number of whimsical sculptures, a native wetlands garden and nearly 400 species of palms.
Parking at Leu Gardens
Ample free parking is available.
Best and worst time to go to Leu Gardens
Although the park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., visit in early morning to avoid Florida's afternoon heat and thunderstorms, especially from spring to early fall. The gardens have free admission on the first Monday of each month, with added bonuses on those days including a sidewalk cafe on the patio and a popsicle stand in the gardens. The gardens are closed only on Christmas Day, although the Leu House Museum is typically closed each July for restorations.
Admission to Leu Gardens
Park admission is $10-$12, with students in grades K-12 admitted for a nominal fee and children 4 and under free. Discounted rates are available for larger groups.
Must see/do at Leu Gardens
Don't miss the guided tours of the Leu House Museum, a restored 19th-century home overlooking Lake Rowena that shows what life was like in Central Florida at the turn of the century. The tours, which start on the hour and half hour beginning at 10 a.m., last about 25 minutes and are complimentary with admission. The last tour starts at 3:30 p.m. On your walk through the gardens, make sure to visit the Citrus Grove, which showcases Central Florida's roots with more than 50 types of citrus trees. Numerous other varieties of tropical and subtropical fruit trees dot the gardens, including avocado, guava, mango, papaya, pear, pineapple and star fruit.
Other places to visit near Leu Gardens
For a romantic dining experience after your visit to the gardens, try Santiago's Bodega, a laid-back tapas-style restaurant and bar with soups, salads, desserts and more than 30 small plates, or the Funky Monkey Wine Company on North Mills Avenue, where you can enjoy an extensive wine list, sushi and American cuisine with an Asian flair. Both are within 1.5 miles of Leu Gardens.
Insider tip for visitors to Leu Gardens
For a romantic night out, surprise your significant other with Date Night at Leu Gardens. Held on the first Friday of each month from February to December, the event includes discounted admission to the garden at 6 p.m., followed by a free movie for which you can bring a lawn chair or blanket. Popcorn and other food items are available for purchase, or pack your own picnic basket with wine, cheese and fruit.
Author's bio: Kevin Adams is a freelance writer who has lived in Orlando for more than a decade and has had travel articles appear on USAToday.com and in Golfweek magazine.
As the center of Silicon Valley geographically, it makes sense that San Jose would host a museum entirely devoted to technology and innovation. The Tech Museum of Innovation, lovingly referred to by locals as "The Tech," lives up to it's name with a frequently rotating roster of technology themed installations that always offers something new and interesting for tech savvy locals and tech curious out-of town visitors alike.
Best and worst time to go to the Tech
Locals crowd to the Tech on the first full weekend of every month, when Bank of America sponsors free admission to all card holders, and the venue gets packed. If you are looking for a quieter museum experience, go during summer, between June and August, when local schools aren't in session and you won't run into the otherwise frequent field trip groups.
Must see/do at the Tech
The Tech's IMAX theater is a must visit, as the IMAX experience translates brilliantly to the science and nature films often shown here. The "Earthquake Simulator" found on the first floor is a perennial favorite for Californians especially. And don't miss the "Social Robots" installation, where you can build a real robot for free.
Admission to the Tech
Admission for the museum runs in the $20 range, with an extra fee for IMAX entry. Small discounts are offered for youth and seniors, as well as AAA members and military affiliates. The Tech is a supporter of the "Open Access" policy, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds if entry fees are prohibitive. Check-in at the front desk for discount details.
Parking and public transportation to the Tech
Parking at the Tech usually isn't too hard, with the nearby San Jose Convention Center offering all day parking for $5 with validation. Another lot, located at the corner of Second and San Carlos, has the same rates. VTA lightrail also provides easy access, with the 900 and 902 trains stopping at the McEnery Convention Center less than two blocks away.
Food at the Tech
The Tech Cafe presented by Lunch with Tony, located on the ground floor level of the Tech, has a full menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast themed a la carte items. Expect to pay around 10 dollars for an entree, with some discounted kids options. And don't miss the "made from scratch" soups if you are looking for a very impressive bowl of local goodness.
Insider tips for visitors to the Tech
The second Thursday of every month offers a 21+ "After Hours at the Tech Event" where the museum tweaks exhibits to cater to an older audience and serves cocktails. And you get into this event for free if it's the month of your birthday.
Author's bio: Cassidy Kakin is a local cyclist, writer, and entrepreneur. He is passionate about two things: exploring his city and sharing his findings with the world.
The 5,800 acres park has natural and developed areas and more than 40 miles of trails and camping at Kumeyaay Lake. Other points of interest include a Visitors and Interpretive Center and amphitheater. It is also the site of the Old Mission Dam, which was built to supply water for Mission San Diego de Alcala.
For generations, Ted Drewes has been the destination for tasty frozen custard. The first Ted Drewes ice cream store opened in Florida in 1929, followed in 1930 by the first St. Louis location on Natural Bridge. The South Grand store welcomed its first business in 1931 and a decade later the stand in Chippewa opened.
According to TedDrewes.com, the success of the frozen custard stands has brough the company nationwide attention - especially offers to franchise the stands, something Ted Drewes Jr. says will never happen.
Meanwhile, the holiday season brings another St. Louis tradition to Ted Drewes in the form of Christmas trees. Every year Canadian Balsam Fir Christmas trees are shipped from Nova Scotia to St. Louis.
Other Locations: 4224 S Grand Blvd, St Louis
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is often found at the top of lists as one of the best zoos in America, and with attractions like the biggest indoor rainforest in the world, it's easy to see why. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, the Henry Doorly Zoo includes all the major exhibits you expect from a major zoo and then some, including the Lozier Imax Theater, Hubbard Gorilla Valley, Desert Dome, and Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium among others. Additionally, the zoo is well-known for their significant conservation efforts. Whether or not zoos are a major interest of yours, the Henry Doorly Zoo is worth checking out for the simple fact that it's considered one of the best in the world.
Parking and public transportation at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Parking is plentiful and free at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha.
Best and worst time to go to Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Hours are seasonal at the Henry Doorly Zoo. From March to October, the zoo opens at 9 and closes at 5 in the evening. For complete information on the zoo's hours of operation, click here to visit their official site for details.
Admission to Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Like the hours, the prices of admission are also seasonal, and can be found at this website. Currently, the prices range from $9.95-15.95 depending on age and military status.
Must see and do at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquaruim
- Get a map and explore at your own pace to ensure that you don't miss anything.
- Take a break from walking with a 3-D Imax show. Click here for showtimes.
- See the largest indoor rainforest in the world only at this zoo in Omaha.
Other places to visit near Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Omaha Steaks Grill & Patio
Of the several food options available in the zoo itself, Omaha Steaks Grill & Patio is easily among the most appealing. They feature steak and burger fare in a 240 seat outdoor patio.
Aksarben Village
Located near the University of Nebraska Omaha campus, Aksarben Village features some of Omaha's most trendy and popular restaurants, cafes, cupcake shops, and more.
Durham Museum
With a staggering array of exhibits ranging from restored train cars to a working malt fountain, Durham Museum is located near Omaha's Union Station and is definitely worth a visit.
Insider tip for visitors to Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquaruim
For the true animal lover in your life, the Henry Doorly Zoo offers not only backstage passes that let you see animals from behind the scenes perspectives, but also keeper experience passes that allow visitors to interact with animals under the supervision of professionals. Prices for the backstage and keeper passes are $50-125 respectively.
Author's bio: After a seven year career in the US Navy, Nicholas Napier completed his MBA and settled in California. He's published over 40 articles as the San Diego Fitness Trends Examiner, and regularly contributes as a freelance writer to various companies.
