Orlando is a tourist trap; Orlando is only theme parks; Orlando is too crowded for a good vacation. These myths detract from everything amazing about Orlando (Not that I have anything against theme parks - I actually love them - but too often people get hung up on the idea that it's all Orlando has to offer, and it's just not true).

Let's focus on the excellent dining and drinking options available while on vacation in Orlando, because if Orlando were a tourist trap, you'd only expect chain restaurants and bland bars, right? I'll only hit a few on here, because I could go on forever.

First Up: The Food

The Ravenous Pig

Probably Orlando's best-loved foodie paradise, the Ravenous Pig offers a rich variety of food - locally sourced seafood, meat, and veggies are the specialty, prepared with culinary artistry that would blow away even the most refined palate. With desserts like "Plant City Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp," you can get a feel for the local ingredient sourcing used to create classic flavors. Also, look out for their special food pairing nights, where they serve a dinner paired specially with local and guest wines, beers and spirits.

Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant

Ceviche's traditional Spanish fare and inviting atmosphere make it a great experience and wonderful date night. Offering over 100 share-able tapas, including ceviches, paellas, piquillos rellenos, and more, you can order a variety of dishes and not feel like you've missed out - it's all delicious. With wine from Spain and Portugal and live Flamenco dance shows, you might forget that you're in Florida.

The Smiling Bison

Newer on the scene (established in 2014) but no less tasty for its youth, the Smiling Bison does indeed serve bison, although it probably won't be smiling. It will mostly just be delicious. Similar to the Ravenous Pig in its focus on quality, locally-sourced ingredients, the Smiling Bison's menu includes mouth-watering dishes like the bison burger with apple slaw, bacon chocolate chip cookies, and duck pizza.

Next Up: The Drink

Redlight Redlight

Recognized as one of America's top beer bars, Redlight Redlight recently relocated from its humble suburban home to a much larger location near downtown Orlando. Featuring a long, long list of draught beers that rotates frequently and includes rare offerings from some of the nation's most sought after craft breweries, you won't want to miss this one.

Oblivion Taproom

This is a "best of both worlds" sort of deal, since Oblivion Taproom offers both amazing food and delicious beer. The food has some baffling names - I recommend the "From Dusk Till Dawn" and "The Zohan." As far as beer goes, you won't see the selection that Redlight Redlight offers, but you certainly won't be disappointed.

The Courtesy Bar

Craft cocktails have taken off nationwide, and Orlando's no exception. The Courtesy Bar is the best example of an Orlando craft cocktail bar, offering classics and signature house cocktails like the "Zona Rosa" - an intriguing combination of herbal, vegetal, floral, and citric ingredients that will make you feel like you're drinking a garden.

Last Up: The Digs

I would opt for a centrally-located, affordable and comfortable hotel. You want something that's close to all of the action without breaking the bank. The good news is that if you're a Florida resident (like me) many hotels will give a Florida resident discount. You'd be foolish to pass that up.

If you're looking to do theme parks as well, you'd probably want to do a hotel close to Disney or near Universal. But, if you're not concerned with visiting Disney, Universal, or something else, you have a bit more freedom and may want to go with something closer to downtown.