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This place stands out in the city’s thriving Vietnamese area for its huge bowls of pho , fragrant soup brimming with meat, seafood, noodles, and spices.

With its neon signs and country jukebox, the vibe here is 1940s, honky-tonk, roadside grill. Try the mesquite-grilled steaks or honey sweet rolls.

Tampa’s first zoo has 1,500 creatures, including Sumatran tigers, Persian leopards, and Komodo dragons. It also serves as a rehabilitation center for injured manatees (see SeaWorld’s Rescue & Rehabilitation Program) and as a sanctuary for Florida panthers and red wolves. A free-flight aviary and petting zoo provide a chance to touch some tamer species.

A favorite among local actors, this burgeoning theatrical group has developed a reputation for small, high-quality shows. With a passion for both classic and contemporary productions, the theater represents the best from American and World literature. Past plays have ranged from Chekhov to Neil Simon.

Who’s the leader of the theme-park pack? Disney’s first Florida park is the most popular in the US. (see The Magic Kingdom® Park).

This seriously upscale place wins kudos and a loyal following for elegant service, a breathtaking wine list, and classic European fare.

Artifacts, textiles, and photos from Maitland’s pioneer days through to the heydays of the citrus and lumber industries are the focus here. In the same building, the Telephone Museum has vintage phones and memorabilia.

On the eastern edge of Kissimmee, this center offers three pools – one for laps, one for kids, and another for the water slide. It’s perfect for families with toddlers or youngsters for whom a major water park could be a bit overwhelming (and admission is far cheaper).