If the winter temperatures are making your teeth chatter, head to Orlando to shake off the chill. This warm weekend getaway destination is just a 1.5-hour flight from Atlanta and has so much more to offer than its famous theme parks.
Home Base Hot Spot: The AC Hotel Orlando Downtown
Your accommodations always set the tone for your vacation, so look no further than the newly opened (January 2021) AC Hotel Orlando Downtown. Located just 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport, this chic 180-room hotel offers an authentic high-rise experience. Its 18th-floor reception space features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the city, and sleek, European-inspired guest rooms feature a natural color palette of soft gray tones, wood floors, and local art. Guests will enjoy the thoughtfully selected traveler-centered amenities and gadgets, including free Wi-Fi, multiple USB ports, smart ambient temperature and lighting controls, streaming-equipped HDTVs, and white noise machines. On-site dining options allow you to start the day with freshly sliced prosciutto, savory egg tarts, and signature butter croissants imported from France at the AC Kitchen and enjoy flatbreads, small plates, and sandwiches throughout the rest of the day and evening.
Experience Amazing Adventures and Attractions
Perfectly situated in the heart of the city, your hotel offers endless options for adventure right outside the front door. Exploria Stadium, Amway Center, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and the CityArts arts gallery are all within walking distance. If you're ready to get onto one of the over 100 lakes in Florida, rent a pedal-powered swan boat on historic Lake Eola or sign up for an amazing after-dark outdoor adventure with Epic Paddle Adventures. Their Night Glow tours allow paddle boarders and kayakers to view the gorgeous underwater ecosystem of Lake Ivanhoe in a unique way, with powerful multi-color LED lights reflecting their brilliant colors below as you paddle through the clear water of this local paradise.
Fall in Love with the Wine and Food Scene
Wine lovers should take a tour or soak in the ambiance of the Tasting Room at Quantum Leap Winery, a local winery committed to sustainability practices and their quality, environmentally friendly wines. Foodies absolutely must treat themselves to the most beautiful charcuterie boards, decadent lobster pizza, and a full caviar menu at Bites & Bubbles in the Heart of the Mills 50 District at Mills Park. For a wider variety of fare from local chefs, check out one of Orlando's several food markets, such as Church Street Market, East End Market, and Bumby Arcade Food Hall.
End Each Day High in the Sky
After a full day of exploration and adventure, experience 360° city views at your hotel's SkyBar Rooftop Terrace, where both guests and locals flock to enjoy artful cocktails, local craft beers, and tapas-sized bites along with unparalleled views of "the City Beautiful."