There's so much to do in the Sunshine State

Florida might be most known as the home of Walt Disney World — or maybe as the ultimate escape from harsh winters, according to Northerners — but there is so much more than just theme parks, from world-class museums and shopping to top-notch restaurants and golf courses.

Visit Florida Research estimates that the entire state hosted more than 116 million visitors in 2017. Visit Orlando, the official tourism association for the city, reported 68 million visitors in 2016, more than the 60.5 million visitors reported by New York's tourism promotion agency for the Big Apple. The final visitation number for 2017 will not be announced until May 2018, but Visit Orlando expects it to exceed 2017's number and set a new record.

The Orlando Sentinel reported Jan. 19 that the Orange County Convention Center, where NPE 2018 will be held May 7-11, will hold 50 events in the first quarter of the year, compared to 42 events for the first quarter of 2017. So, there are a lot of people to be entertained.

Fun attractions near NPE

Several museums and other entertainment spots are located less than 2 miles away — or less than a 10-minute drive — from the Orange County Convention Center, such as Skeletons: Museum of Osteology, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Skeletons: Museum of Osteology

A family-owned museum, Skeletons: Museum of Osteology on International Drive is one of only two skeleton museums of its kind in the country and features hundreds of skeletons from animals all around the world. General admission for adults is $19.99, not including tax, and group rates are available. Skeletons: Museum of Osteology is open seven days a week, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Call 407-203-6999 or visit www.skeletonmuseum.com for more information. (8441 International Drive, Ste. 250, Orlando, FL, 32819; miles from NPE: 1.5 miles)

Sea Life Orlando Aquarium

See sharks, stingrays, fish and turtles at the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, a five-minute walk from Skeletons: Museum of Osteology. The attraction offers scheduled times for animal feedings and informational talks, so visit the website for more details. Tickets are $25 each for adults and can be purchased online at www.visitsealife.com/orlando. (8449 International Drive, Ste. 250, Orlando, FL, 32819; miles from NPE: 1.5 miles)

Madame Tussauds

While you might not ever have the chance to meet your favorite celebrity, historical figure or sports star, you can take pictures with wax lookalikes at Madame Tussauds. Take a selfie with the likes of actors Ryan Gosling and Will Smith, physicist Albert Einstein, professional golfer Tiger Woods, singer Justin Bieber, media personality Oprah Winfrey, filmmaker Steven Spielberg and countless others.

The attraction is open Sundays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Tickets are $27.50 each for adults, but visitors can save 10 percent by purchasing them online in advance at www.madametussauds.com/orlando. A group rate is available for 15 or more adults at $17.50 per ticket online. (8387 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819; miles from NPE: 1.5 miles)

Coca-Cola Orlando Eye

See Orlando from above in a 400-foot-tall observation wheel with fully enclosed air-conditioned cabins known as the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye. Adult tickets are $27.50 on the date of purchase or $25 online in advance. Tickets for children aged 3-12 are $22.50 on the date of purchase or $20 online in advance. The experience lasts around 23 minutes, and a second flight can be purchased for $10 per person.

Enjoy a glass of champagne or soft drink and priority boarding when you purchase the Champagne Experience ticket for $39 in person or $34 online. The bar opens at 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Alcohol sales cease 30 minutes prior to closing. Hours for the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye are Sundays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to midnight. More information: www.officialorlandoeye.com.

NPE attendees can visit three major Orlando attractions — the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and Coca-Cola Orlando Eye Ferris wheel — for $49 per adult, an $82.50 value, by going to www.visitsealife.com/orlando/tickets. (8401 International Drive, Ste. 100, Orlando, FL, 32819; miles from NPE: 1.5 miles)

Ripley's Believe It or Not

Less than a 5-minute walk from the Orange County Convention Center is Ripley's Believe It or Not, a 10,000-square-foot location that looks like it's falling into a sinkhole. You'll find 16 themed galleries with 600 exhibits and artifacts, including shrunken heads, an authentic vampire killing kit, shooting gallery, spinning vortex tunnel and statue of the world's tallest man.

The "Odditorium" is open 365 days a year, 9 a.m. to midnight, with last entry at 11 p.m. Tickets are $19.99 for adults, $13.99 are children 3 to 11 and free for children under 2. Buy discounted tickets online ahead of time at www.ripleys.com/orlando for $3 off for adults and $2 off for children. Special rates for groups 20 people and more are available. (8201 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819; miles from NPE: 1.6 miles)

Amusing museums

Head 30 minutes northeast of the convention center and you'll find the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Fire Museum, Mennello Museum of American Art and Orlando Museum of Art.

Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center is open Thursdays until Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed Wednesdays, except the first Wednesday of the month. Adult admission is $20.95; tickets for students with ID and seniors 55 and older are $18.95. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more. If you purchase a general admission ticket in advance online now until May 30, you will receive a free parking voucher for the day of your visit; otherwise, parking is $5.

If you take the I-4 E, then the Orlando Science Center is roughly 30 minutes from the Orange County Convention Center. More information: www.osc.org. (777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL, 32803; miles from NPE: 16 miles)

Orlando Fire Museum

Built in 1926, the two-story firehouse that houses the Orlando Fire Museum is open Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for free, thanks to donations and volunteers. The Orlando Fire Museum is also available by appointment, which can be scheduled by calling 407-246-3468. The Orlando Fire Museum is a five-minute walk from the Orlando Science Center. For more information: www.orlandofiremuseum.org. (814 E. Rollins St., Orlando, FL, 32803; miles from NPE: 16 miles)

Mennello Museum of American Art

Established in November 1998, the Mennello Museum of American Art preserves and exhibits Earl Cunningham paintings and offers special exhibitions and programs that celebrate other American artists. The museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 12-4:30 p.m. The Marilyn L. Mennello Sculpture Garden is always open to the public.

Adult tickets are $5, seniors 60 and older are $4, and students with valid ID are $1. Active and retired military members and veterans and their families are free with valid ID. Guided tours can be arranged in advance for no additional charge; they are typically conducted Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sundays, 1-3:30 p.m. More information: www.mennellomuseum.org. (900 E. Princeton St., Orlando, FL, 32803; miles from NPE: 15 miles)

Orlando Art Museum

Located a half-mile from the Mennello Museum of American Art is the Orlando Art Museum, which is closed Mondays and major holidays but open Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Exhibitions on display during NPE include "Enduring Beauty: Seminole Art and Culture," "People and Places," "State of Excellence: Treasures From Florida Private Collections" and "A Trek From North to South."

Admission is $15 for adults, $13 per person for groups of 10 or more, $8 for seniors 65 and older and $5 for college students with valid ID. Veterans and active duty military members are free with valid ID. On May 5-6, Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can receive free admission when they present their debit or credit card and photo ID at the museum front desk. More information: www.omart.org. (2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL, 32803; miles from NPE: 15 miles)

Tupperware Brands Confidence Center

If you haven't had enough of plastics at NPE, then head 25 minutes southeast of the convention center to the headquarters of Tupperware Brands Corp. Located behind the main lobby is the Tupperware Brands Confidence Center, a very colorful, interactive museum that looks at the history and future of the iconic company. You can shop at the on-site company store, too.

The Confidence Center is open to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 407-826-8755 for more information. (14901 South Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FL, 32837; miles from NPE: 10 miles)

Kennedy Space Center

Venture less than an hour east for a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Cape Canaveral, which is organized into Mission Zones in chronological order. Regular admission includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, Rocket Garden, bus tour, exhibitions, mission artifacts, astronaut training simulators, memorials, a close-up view of Space Shuttle Atlantis, Hubble Space Telescope Theater, Lunar Theater to recreate the Apollo 11 moon-landing mission, astronaut encounter live presentation at Universe Theater, IMAX Theater and much more. Meet astronauts Nicole Stott on May 1-4, Jon McBride on May 5-6, Tom Jones on May 7-11 and Brian Duffey on May 12-13.

Daily admission for the Kennedy Space Center is $50 for adults and $40 for children 3-11. Seniors 55 and older are $46, and U.S. active duty military members receive $4 off regular admission with valid military photo ID. Add-on enhancements include extra tours and experiences. Multiday entry and group passes are also available.

The Kennedy Space Center is open during NPE from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call 855-433-4210 or visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com. (Miles from NPE: 60 miles)

Disney Springs

If you don't have time to make it to any of the Walt Disney World parks while you're in town for NPE — or if you have extra time before or after you spend your time at the parks — then stop by the retail, dining and entertainment center called Disney Springs.

Pick up a souvenir or some new threads at Alex and Ani, the Boathouse Boatique, the Lego Store, Lefty's — The Left Hand Store, Pandora Jewelry, two Star Wars stores and plenty of other Disney keepsake shops. Make reservations at the Boathouse, Chef Art Smith's Homecomin', Frontera Cocina or STK Orlando.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Amorette's Patisserie, Disney's Candy Cauldron, Goofy's Candy Company, Mickey's Pantry or the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop.

Catch a movie at the AMC movie theater, watch some live entertainment at the House of Blues or show off your bowling skills at Splitsville Luxury Lanes.

Disney Springs is open 10 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week. Select venues have late-night hours Thursdays through Saturdays until 2 a.m., but hours are subject to change.

Complimentary self-parking is available on surface lots and in parking structures. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can travel to and from all four Disney theme parks, two water parks and the Disney Springs area by courtesy air-conditioned bus. More information: www.disneysprings.com. (1486 Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL, 32830; miles from NPE: 8 miles)

Universal CityWalk

Another all-in-one destination is Universal CityWalk, which bills itself as "the epicenter of awesome." Visitors have to pass the covered moving sidewalks over Universal Boulevard and walk through CityWalk in order to get to the Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure theme parks.

There are dozens of express eateries and sit-down restaurants to fit your needs, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Vivo Italian Kitchen, Hot Dog Hall of Fame, NBC Sports Grill and Brew, the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville and Hard Rock Café.

Spend some time at The Groove, a multilevel nightclub; Red Coconut Club, a dance club and lounge with Cuban flair and 50s glamour; Pat O'Brien's, a bayou bar with dueling piano players; Hard Rock Live; Hollywood Drive-in Golf; and AMC Universal Cineplex 20 with IMAX. Blue Man Group is there, too.

Universal CityWalk is open until 2 a.m. every day. Regular parking is $22 and prime parking is $35 per vehicle. Free self-parking is offered after 6 p.m. Valet parking is also available. More information: www.universalorlando.com/citywalk. (6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL, 32819; miles from NPE: 5 miles)

Live entertainment

The Orlando Ballet presents "Contemporary Wonders," a choreographed performance based on the Alice in Wonderland story as seen through the eyes of the Mad Hatter, May 4-6 at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts. Patti LaBelle will be singing there May 11. (445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, FL, 32801; miles from NPE: 13 miles)

Want to check out a concert when you're in town? James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt are performing May 9 at the Amway Center. If you want to extend your stay in Orlando, Justin Timberlake will be there May 14. (400 W. Church St., Orlando, FL, 32801; miles from NPE: 12 miles)

Standup comedian Nick Swardson ("Blades of Glory," "Reno 911") is at the Plaza Live on May 10, and comedian Mike Birbiglia will follow on May 12. (425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando, FL, 32803; miles from NPE: 15 miles)

Attend one of six performances of "Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream" at the Amway Center, May 11-13. (400 W. Church St., Orlando, FL, 32801; miles from NPE: 12 miles)

Sporting events

Major League Soccer team Orlando City Soccer Club will play Real Salt Lake of Utah on May 6 and Atlanta United FC of Georgia on May 13 at the Orlando City Stadium in downtown Orlando. More information: www.orlandocitysc.com. (655 W. Church St., Orlando, FL, 32805; miles from NPE: 12 miles)

Mystery dinner show

Attend a Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show for an evening of food and fun. Shows vary, so visit www.sleuths.com to see a schedule with show descriptions. Ticket prices start at less than $60 per person. (8267 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819; miles from NPE: 1.5 miles)

Walking food tour

Visiting foodies can check out a three-hour guided walking food tour in downtown Winter Park, just outside of Orlando, May 5-6 at 11:15 a.m. The walking tour lasts up to 1.5 miles and up to three hours. Adult tickets are $47, children 6-12 years old are $35, and children under age 6 are $12 each. Discounts are available for groups of five or more.

Tickets are required and can be purchased ahead of time at www.orlandofoodtours.com. Exact address is provided on the event ticket. (Winter Park, FL; miles from NPE: 20 miles)

Shopping

If you want to pick up some new threads while you're visiting, Orlando has plenty of shopping malls and outlet centers around for every different taste.

Upscale outlet center Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets is a 15-minute drive from the Orange County Convention Center. More than 160 outlet designer and name-brand stores at Vineland include Burberry, Kate Spade New York, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo and Tory Burch. More information: www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/orlando-vineland. (8200 Vineland Ave., Orlando, FL, 32821; miles from NPE: 5 miles)

Another outlet center is the Orlando International Premium Outlets, near Universal Orlando Resort and Islands of Adventure. Such outlet stores include Brooks Brothers, Coach, Lacoste, New Balance, Nike and Puma. More information: www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/orlando-international. (4951 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819; miles from NPE: 5 miles)

Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, an outlet center on the other side of Interstate 4 from Walt Disney World, offers Eddie Bauer, Levi's, Reebok, Under Armour, Wilsons Leather and more. More information: www.lbvfs.com. (15657 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL, 32821; miles from NPE: 8 miles)

The Mall at Millenia is an upscale, indoor shopping mall with such stores as Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Henri Bendel, Lacoste, Montblanc, Neiman Marcus, Saint Laurent and Vineyard Vaines. More information: www.mallatmillenia.com. (4200 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL, 32839; miles from NPE: 7 miles)

An open-air mall, The Florida Mall, offers Apple, Banana Republic, Clarks, Dick's Sporting Goods, Macy's, Microsoft and Rolex. More information: www.simon.com/mall/the-florida-mall. (8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL, 32809; miles from NPE: 7 miles)