• There is more to Orlando, Florida, than its theme parks.Seagull image by Michael Wuelfrath from Fotolia.com
  
  The city of Orlando became the county seat of Orange County, Florida, in 1856 and was incorporated in 1875. The fourth-largest metropolis in the southeastern United States, Orlando has a lot to offer. Not only does Walt Disney World call Orlando home, but so does Universal Studios and Sea World. However, if you are looking for something to do outside of the well-known tourist areas, there are many opportunities away from the parks.
  
  

Park Ave CDs

• Park Ave CDs is a good destination for music lovers. The music store, which has been around for about 25 years, sells new and used CDs, DVDs and LPs. The store will special order material for you, as long as it is still in print. The employees of Park Ave CDs can help you find that rare, one-of-a-kind vinyl you are looking for, or they will find you the latest Gaslight Anthem CD. Artists also hold in-store preformances at Park Ave CDs. Check its facebook page, www.facebook.com/parkavecds, to see if your favorite artists might be around when you are in Orlando.
  
  

Bob's Hot Air Balloon Rides

• Bob's Hot Air Balloon Rides has more than 100 takeoff and landing sites in central Florida, including Orlando. If you live there, and have a suitable amount of land, they might even take off and land at your home. Balloon rides are often taken to mark special occasions such as birthdays, engagements and anniversaries. Or maybe you are just looking for a different way to take in the Orlando-area theme parks. Once you land, Bob's provides champagne and mementos of your flight so you can remember your trip above Orlando.
  
  

Audubon Park Community Market

• The Audubon Park Community Market offers local Orlando food that is grown, raised, caught or handmade in Florida. Growers, ranchers, fishermen, chefs and artists gather ever Monday from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Stardust parking lot in the Audubon Park Garden District. If it is raining, the market meets inside. There is ample parking nearby.