These cultural attractions range from gardens to fine art museums, with a few historic attractions added to the mix. They are ideal for days when the theme park crowds are something you wish to avoid, take a slower pace - or grab a spot on what may be the best ride Orlando has to offer on a vintage warplane! The choice is yours and as varied as your whims and wishes.

A World of Orchids - An indoor rain forest garden houses some of the most beautiful orchids species in the world. There is also a nature walk, exotic birds, tropical plants and Koi fish in this relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. / Tues. to Sun. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm / 2501 Old Lake Wilson Rd. / Kissimmee / 407-396-1887

Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden - Three acres of gardens and a museum featuring the works of painter and sculptor Albin Polasek. A chapel on the grounds houses his more famous "Fourteen Stations of the Cross". / Tues. through Sat. 10 am - 4 pm; Sun. 1 to 4 pm (Admission free on Sundays) / 633 Osceola Ave. / Winter Park / 407-647-6294

Bok Tower Gardens - An hour south of downtown Orlando is the 128 acre Bok Tower Gardens, home of Florida's famous Passion Play held in the Amphitheater during season of Lent. The Bok Tower, a registered historic landmark, provides daily carillon recitals throughout the year that waft over the lush gardens and wildlife sanctuary. / 1151 Tower Blvd. / Lake Wales / 863-676-1408 ext. 56

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art - Featuring three galleries that house the world's largest comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the Morse Museum also hosts paintings, illustrations and American art forms from hundreds of 19th and early 20th-century artists. / Tues. through Sat. 9:30 am to 4 pm; Fri. 9:30 am to 8 pm; Sun. 1 to 4 pm / 445 Park Ave. N. / Winter Park / 407-645-5311

Cornell Fine Arts Museum - This gallery focuses on western world art of the 20th century and includes sculpture, paintings, drawings and other artworks from America and Europe. / Tues. - Fri. 10 am to 5 pm; Sat. and Sun. 1 to 5 pm / (Admission free) / Rollins College / 1000 Holt Ave. / Winter Park / 407-646-2526

Fantasy of Flight - Fantasy of Flight is an aviation park with more than 20 vintage aircraft displays, flight simulators and an aircraft restoration area. / Polk City / 9 am to 5 pm daily / 863--984-3500

Florida's Citrus Tower - Providing panoramic views of the heart of Florida's citrus growing region, Citrus Tower soars to a glass-enclosed observation deck at 226 feet. With additional antenna above the deck, the towers maximum height tops off at almost 500 feet. Built in 1956, the structure can withstand wind velocities of 190 mph, has been a popular viewing spot since...elevator up! / 141 N. Highway 27 / Clermont / 352-394-4061

Flying Tigers Warbird Restoration Museum - Share the excitement and bravery from another generation, World War II and Korean warplanes are displayed and restored in this amazing facility. Next door you can sign up and reserve a seat to take a real ride in one of these vintage wonders at Warbird Adventures. / 231 N. Hoagland Blvd. / Kissimmee / Open 9 am to 5:30 pm, daily / 407-933-1942

Fort Christmas Historical Park - Located in Christmas, about 30 miles east of Orlando is a replica of a piece of Florida's ancient history, a Seminole war fort. Situated on a 25 acre county park site, Fort Christmas reveals another aspect of America's diverse past. / 1300 N. Fort Christmas Rd. / Christmas / 407-568-4149

Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens - An 1888 restored farmhouse, the Leu House Museum is the centerpiece of the 50 acre botanical collection exhibited along the shores of Lake Rowena in northeastern Orlando. Roses, palms and camellias are featured along with an orchid house, the collection is considered one of the nation’s best. Guided tours are offered on the hour and half hour, call for opening times. / 1920 N. Forest Ave. / 407-246-2620

Orlando Museum of Art - The museum houses several changing art exhibits on loan from around the world as well as their own extensive permanent collection of works. Mediums displayed include paintings, prints, photography, sculpture and mixed media. / Tues. - Sat. 10 am to 5 pm; Sun. Noon to 5 pm / Loch Haven Park / 2416 Mills Ave. / 407-896-4231

Orlando Science Center - A day full of fun for the whole family without the high price tags of the parks. Ten themed exhibit halls await with lots of interactive activities for children and adults. A CineDome Planetarium that also shows large format films and an Adventure Theater as well as five Discovery Laboratories can keep everyone in your party busy for hours. Separate tickets required for large format films and planetariums shows. / Mon. - Thurs. 9 am to 5 pm; Fri. - Sat. 9 am to 9 pm; Sun. Noon to 5 pm / Loch Haven Park / 777 E, Princeton St. / 407-514-2000

Titanic, The Exhibition - See artifacts recovered from the the ocean floor resting place of this famous 1912 shipwreck which sits over two and 1/2 miles below the waves. Look for detailed life-sized reconstructions of the Grand Staircase and other parts of the ill-fated ship. Exhibits cover all aspects of the Titanic story as derived from the dramatic testimonials of her passengers and crew. / Open 10 am to 10 pm daily / The Mercado / 8445 International Dr. / 407-248-1166

Winter Park Historical Museum - An interesting museum that looks at various historic time periods, interchanging exhibits and rotating displays highlight some of the changes that have occurred in central Florida. / Thurs. - Fri. 11 am to 3 pm; Sat. 9 am to 1 pm; Sun. special tours available by appointment / 200 New England Ave. / Winter Park / 407-647-8180

Reserve Early ...while your preferred accommodations are still available.