A Few Inexpensive Things to Do around Orlando

It may shock you to learn that there are things to see and do in Orlando beyond Mickey, Shamu, and Shrek. Here are some hidden gems, where you can dodge the enormous crowds of Disney World and the other big parks. You'll even save a few dollars and still have a great time.

Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

This bird sanctuary — one of the largest rehabilitation centers in the Southeast — has treated more than 8,000 raptors and released more than 3,500 of them back into the wild since opening in 1979. It flies under the radar of most tourists, making it a great place to get to know the eagles, owls, hawks, and other raptors that earn their keep by entertaining those who visit.

Central Florida Zoo

The animal collection at the Central Florida Zoo includes a number of endangered species, including beautiful clouded leopards and cheetahs. In addition to a lovable hippopotamus named Geraldine, you can also meet black howler monkeys, siamangs, American crocodiles, a Gila monster, hyacinth macaws, bald eagles, and dozens of other species. The latest additions to the park include a puma enclosure, a rare king vulture exhibit, and an Australian exhibit featuring kangaroos and emus.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Louis Comfort Tiffany is in the spotlight at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, and if you're a fan of the artist, a stop here is a must. This museum, founded in 1942, has 40 vibrantly colored windows and 21 paintings by the master artist. In addition, there are non-Tiffany windows ranging from creations by Frank Lloyd Wright to the works of 15th-century German masters. Also, look for leaded lamps by Tiffany and Emile Gallè; paintings by John Singer Sargent and Maxfield Parrish; jewelry designed by Tiffany, Lalique, and Fabergé; and Art Nouveau furnishings.

Cornell Fine Arts Museum

This showplace has 6,000 works on display (European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative art), making it one of Florida's most distinguished and comprehensive art collections. The Cornell Fine Arts Museum also conducts lectures and gallery-talk walks.

Eatonville and the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts

America's oldest black municipality is located just north of Orlando. Eatonville is the birthplace of Zora Neale Hurston — a too-little heralded African-American author. The best time to visit is in January during the city's annual festival honoring her and her work. A small gallery on the site displays periodically changing exhibits of art and other work, and you can grab a map for a walking tour of the community, established in 1887.

Lake Eola Park

This quiet hideaway in downtown Orlando offers the city's skyline as a backdrop. The 43-acre park has a walking and jogging path, a playground, and swan-shaped paddleboats for rent if you want to take a quiet ride across the 23-acre lake. You can relax and feed the swans, birds, and fish (in certain areas only). There's also a small cafe. A variety of performances happen throughout the year, most of which are free. The Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Apr to early May) costs $10 to $30 nightly.

The Peabody Ducks

One of the best shows in town is short, but sweet — and free. The posh Peabody Orlando hotel's five mallards march into the lobby each morning, accompanied by John Philip Sousa's "King Cotton March" and their own red-coated duck master. They get to spend the day splashing in a marble fountain. Then, in the afternoon, they march back to the elevator and up to their fourth-floor "penthouse." The ducks march daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

This peaceful water voyage has been operating since 1938. The narrated, one-hour cruises showcase the area's beautiful lakes and canals, Rollins College, Kraft Azalea Gardens, and a number of historic mansions. Native wildlife, including cranes and alligators, may also make an appearance.