The Braves are headed to Florida to prepare for the 2018 season, and there will likely be plenty of fans following.
Many are likely familiar with the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, the Braves’ spring training home since 1998. But there are several other means of enjoyment while you’re in the Orlando-Kissimmee area, aside from the theme parks.
Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney, boasts several options for shopping, dining and entertainment. The restaurants are plentiful, with places such as Planet Hollywood and the Rainforest Cafe. It’s also home to the Splitsville bowling alley.
Springs is divided into four sections: The Marketplace, The Landing, West Side and Town Center. Each offers something unique and the area in its entirety is worth a day or evening of exploring.
Universal City Walk is in the same realm. It also contains themed restaurants, an IMAX theatre, mini-golf and no shortage of night clubs.
Florida is known as a hot bed for golf, but the Orlando area is especially renowned, as you may have noticed by its frequent appearances on the PGA Tour. Reunion Resort, Grand Cypress Resort, Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Waldorf Astoria Club and Disney's own course rank among the best, according to Golf.com.
If you're not much for the real courses, Pirate's Cove is the most well-known mini-golf course in Orlando. Further information can be found at their website.
The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is a nice break away from the hectic tourist attractions. The small reserve offers a taste of Florida’s natural environment, without all the people and gadgets that crowd Orlando today. It contains six trails ranging from ½ mile to a few miles.
Roughly 20 minutes north of the Braves' complex is Amway Center, home of the NBA's Orlando Magic. Basketball fans can see a variety of teams visit Central Florida during the Braves' stay, including the Raptors, Pistons, Grizzlies, Bucks and Celtics. The schedule can be found on the NBA's website.
Going into the city, Orlando has a few of Florida’s premier malls. The Florida Mall, The Mall at Millenia and Orlando International Premium Outlets. They’re good for visiting on rainy days and, it’s Florida, there will be rainy days.
If you’re into scenery, nearby Winter Park offers a daily one-hour boat tour. Winter Park is also home to several museums, stores, coffee shops and outdoor activities. Like the Tibet-Butler Preserve, it’s a good way to get away from the rush.
No trip to Florida is complete without visiting the beach. The beaches in Clearwater are must-see, as are all in the Tampa Bay area. The gulf coast beaches are just under two hours west of Disney.
More details on the Braves' stadium, from directions to parking to seating, can be found here.
