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12 ways to get away from the crowds in Orlando area

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Had too much of a good thing? The crowds, the lines and the prices at the theme parks got you down? Get away from it all for a day. The Orlando area has many quiet, natural places where you can stop and smell the roses and experience a bit of the “natural Florida.”

Here are 12 choices to head out to:

1. The Harry P. Leu Gardens at 1920 N. Forest Ave. in downtown Orlando has 50 areas of landscaped grounds with trails, pathways, a homestead museum and the largest camellia collection and rose garden in the South. Admission is $4. Phone 407-246-2620.

2. You can jog, pedal or roller blade on the many public greenway trails in the Orlando area including the 3.5-mile Cady Way Trail in Winter Park, the Little Econ Greenway Trail east or Orlando and the five-mile West Orange Trail. Phone the Orange County Parks and Recreation Department at 407-836-6200.

3. At Wekiva River Landing just north of downtown Orlando, you can rent canoes or kayaks for an afternoon trip down the scenic river. Phone 407-628-1482.

4. Jungle Adventures in Christmas, just east of Orlando on State Road 50, offers cruises through alligator habitat and walking tours to see exotic animals and plants. Phone 877-4-A-GATOR.

5. The 220-square-mile Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge surrounds Kennedy Space Center at Titusville. There is a six-mile driving tour and shaded boardwalks for walking tours. It is home to more federally endangered species than any other refuge in the country. Phone 321-861-0667.

6. Lake Eola Park in the center of downtown Orlando has a large lake fountain, paddle boats and playground. Phone 407-246-2827.

7. A World of Orchids on Old Lake Wilson Road in Kissimmee has thousands of orchids in an enclosed tropical rainforest setting plus many indoor and outdoor gardens. Admission is $4.50. Phone 407-396-1887.

8. Florida Audubon Society’s Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland is a rehabilitation center for injured birds. You can see many species of threatened or endangered birds in a jungle-like setting. Admission is $5 and $4 for children. Phone 407-644-0190.

9. St. Johns River Cruises in Sanford, north of Orlando, offers 2-hour narrated nature trips on the river. Tickets are $8-14. Phone 407-330-1612.

10. Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales features a 205-foot Singing Tower with 57 bronze bells in the center of the sanctuary set between reflecting pools and winding pathways. Admission is $4. Phone 863-676-1408.

11. Is it a rainy day? The Orlando Museum of Art offers collections of American art, African art and pre-Columbian artifacts. Changing exhibits are also featured. Phone 407-896-4231.

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