An Orlando local shares 10 adventures and outdoorsy things to do in the city outside of its famous theme parks

The Enzian — a nonprofit, single-screen movie theater — is a true Central Florida treasure and a top date-night destination for Orlando locals. It has the whimsical outdoor Eden Bar, which is open for lunch and dinner, with daily food and drink specials, and an indoor theater furnished with couches and armchairs. Plus, it's one of those spots where you never quite know what'll happen. Once while seated at the bar, my husband and I were served tequila shots by none other than the actor Cloris Leachman.

Tickets are usually available at the door, but because there's just one screen with showings that sometimes sell out, I always buy my tickets online a day or two in advance. I also recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before showtime so you can be among the first in line to choose your seating inside the theater.

This 50-acre property just north of downtown features multiple gardens, a historic home/museum, and rotating family-friendly events and art exhibits. A visit to Leu Gardens is delightful any time of day or year, weather permitting.

I love to stroll through the Palms, Cycads & Bamboo section of the grounds, which is also known as the "dinosaur garden" because many of its plants date back to the prehistoric ages. I highly recommend attending their monthly Movie Nights, where couples and families pack picnics and spread out on the lawn to watch movies under the stars.

Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., vendors set up along downtown's picturesque Lake Eola to sell produce, plants, specialty foods, and a variety of artisan and handcrafted items.

This popular weekly Farmers Market is dog- and kid-friendly, so come prepared to mingle with families and lots of adorable pups. The market is free to enter, but be aware that you'll likely need to pay for parking in a nearby garage, which accepts cards; or parking lot, which only accepts cash. When I go with my husband or friends, we usually bring a blanket for a picnic by the lake to enjoy live entertainment and watch Eola's resident swans and other urban wildlife.

This walkable brick street near Rollins College is lined with an array of upscale shopping and dining options on one side, and a park and train station on the other. I think Park Avenue is great to spend a lazy afternoon or evening. I like to come here when I'm in the mood for solo meandering or a romantic stroll with my partner.

The street is full of window shopping delights, but some of my favorite businesses I recommend checking out are Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Writer's Block Bookstore, and The Ancient Olive, an artisanal-food shop. For a break from walking, I usually grab lunch at one of the many delicious bistros. Briarpatch Restaurant and Financier Bistro & Bar are my favorites.

The charming East End Market and food hall is located on Corrine Drive, a street known for its quirky, hipster-esque shops and diners.

The market itself features an outdoor garden with patio seating, a vegan fast-casual restaurant, a bakery, a charcuterie-focused deli, and an award-winning ramen restaurant. There's also a small selection of artisan home-goods shops, which I think are great for picking up unique, locally-made souvenirs. Be sure to check out Freehand Goods, one of my favorite shops in town, where you'll find a variety of Florida-themed handmade gifts and local artwork.

The name of Loch Haven Cultural Park is, albeit, a little deceiving, in my opinion. Yes, it's a sprawling urban park situated between three lakes, but it's also home to a collection of family-friendly museums and theaters, including the Orlando Science Center, the Orlando Museum of Art, the Orlando Fire Museum, and the Orlando Repertory Theater.

Because the museums offer rotating exhibits and events, I'm up for a visit any time relatives and friends are in town. The Science Center is a must-see for family members traveling with kids, and I always enjoy taking my mom to see the latest exhibit at the art museum.

If you plan to make a day of it (and if the weather looks favorable), bring along a blanket and munchies so you can enjoy a picnic overlooking Loch Haven's 45 acres of gorgeous lush greenery.

When I moved to Orlando from South Carolina, one of the things I missed most was tailgating with friends during college-football season. However, I was overjoyed when I realized how much the city rallies around the Orlando City Soccer Club, home to the Orlando City Lions, the men's team, and the Orlando Pride, the women's team.

If you're planning to be in town during a game, snag yourself a ticket and head to Exploria Stadium, or simply venture downtown to mingle with fans and share the excitement of the day. On game days I love hanging out on Church Street, which is a historic train-depot-turned-nightlife-hub, where the sidewalks and bars become awash in purple-clad pre-gaming fans. There's a spirited energy in the air that you won't want to miss.

Orlando offers a dynamic local-nightlife scene, with clusters of bars and food trucks and a robust network of Ubers and Lyfts that I think make it easy and safe to visit multiple watering holes in one go.

Each cluster, or "district," has its own vibe, but one unifying characteristic is the feeling of diversity and inclusivity you'll feel nearly everywhere you go, in my experience. As a cultural melting pot and a famously LGBTQ-friendly city, Orlando prides itself in fostering a welcoming environment to all. If you choose to venture out among the locals, here are my top recommendations.

• The Milk District: Named after the T.G. Lee Dairy facility, this evening hot spot is lined with unassuming bars, breweries, and satisfying late-night eats. Some of my favorite spots include Sportstown, a bar and billiards hall; Southern Nights, an LGBTQ dance club; and Pom Pom's Teahouse & Sandwicheria, a funky tea-and-sandwich shop.
• Mills 50: This mural-filled hub of art and culture is the best bet, in my opinion, for spotting and mingling with local and, sometimes, touring music acts. Notable spots include Will's Pub and Lil Indies, side-by-side live music venues, and staples of the Orlando music scene, Wally's Bar & Liquors, a dive loved by locals like me, and Tako Cheena, a late-night taco spot.
• Ivanhoe Village: Situated along Lake Ivanhoe, in my experience this ever-evolving district has a laid-back vibe and an eclectic mix of establishments. Notable spots include Nora's Sugar Shack, a quirky beer, wine, and cigar lounge; Lucky Lure, an island-inspired open-air bar; the Hall on the Yard, a food hall serving up international cuisines; and the Hideaway Bar, a popular dive with pool tables and a patio.
• Downtown: Orlando's downtown bar and club scene is mostly confined to a few walkable streets which include Orange Avenue, Church Street, and Wall Street. Notable establishments include Independent Bar, which I think is a must-visit dance spot for club-goers; The Social and The Beacham, side-by-side live-music venues that host touring acts; and Tanqueray's Bar & Grille, a literal underground dive bar featuring live bands.

There are many rivers and lakes throughout Orlando and the surrounding areas that are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding, with multiple options for rentals and guided tours. I live in the Conway area, which means the Conway Chain of Lakes is my go-to for weekend water sports.

For a unique urban-paddle experience, I recommend visitors book a Night Glow paddle tour through Epic Paddle Adventures, located at Lake Ivanhoe. It's a group outing on lit-up kayaks or paddleboards with nighttime views of the downtown skyline. I've taken the tour with a group of friends and can attest that it's a fun, one-of-a-kind experience.

When most people hear "Orlando" and "park," they typically — and understandably — picture roller coasters and mouse ears. When I moved here, though, I was pleasantly surprised to discover many beautiful natural parks within a 30-minute drive of the city.

One of my favorite weekend activities is to go hiking with my husband and, when pets are allowed, our dogs. Our go-to spot is Lake Runnymede Conservation Area, which is located a short drive south of the city and situated near East Lake Tohopekaliga. This humble 43-acre preserve features easy hiking trails that wind through a canopy of stunning live oaks.

On the opposite side of town, about a half hour northeast of Orlando, sits Little Big Econ State Forest. Don't let the name fool you — this one is much bigger than Lake Runnymede, featuring more than 10,000 acres of primitive Florida wilderness. Here, we like to set up camp chairs and enjoy a peaceful day along the Econlockhatchee River, or start early and traverse the 10-mile Florida Trail, which winds through lush vegetation and cypress swamps.

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