Things to Do in Four Corners

Florida from a Kayak's experienced staff helps launch paddlers from the Jones Cypress Cove Marina shore on aquatic expeditions through Lake Minnehaha and the seven surrounding bodies of water of the Clermont Chain of lakes. Seasoned staff members stand by to offer counsel on appropriate safety measures and warnings against fraternizing with fishhooks as customers prepare to mount their watery steeds. They also help single or tandem kayak pairs tour the natural wildlife and scenery of the enchanting sequence of lakes and channels.

Florida from a Kayak's eco tours showcase the rugged beauty of the Lake County Blueways, inviting guests to dip oars into the glowing, moonlit waters during the Bioluminescent Night tour, or glide past the snaking roots and low-hanging terraces during the Mangrove Meandering tour. Instructors teach pupils to spiff up their paddling know-how in lessons, or customers can opt to cast off in a rented kayak or pontoon boat for leisurely, unguided meanderings along the teeming wilderness.

As part of the national Experienced Based Learning network of outdoor tours and ziplines, Zip Orlando safely sends its visitors zooming 65 feet in the air over the treetops and fields of a 2,700-acre Kissimmee cattle ranch. Through extensive training and membership in the Professional Ropes Course Association, guides strictly adhere not only to safety guidelines, but also to green course construction and tour practices. The company’s regular operations include minimum-impact trail paths; eco-friendly tree trimming; and carbon-neutral, human-powered zipline transportation.

Daily zipline tours traverse 300 feet of midair suspension bridges and hurtle down eight ziplines that range up to 950 feet in length. Moonlit and sunset tours might give visitors a sky-high glimpse of fireworks at the distant Disney resort. At ground level, ATV expeditions ferry passengers in the cabin of a Polaris Ranger past up-close views of the verdant Florida backcountry.

Bare bisque perches on black bookshelves at The Clayhouse, awaiting creative inspiration. From mugs and vases to dragons and ice-cream cones, each piece comes to life with the help of paints, stencils, project ideas, and staffers who turn artwork into useful dinnerware by firing it with food-safe glaze. Kids' story time tasks tots with creating a piece based on the stories they've just heard, while adult art time allows friends to catch up over their own wine and takeout treats.

Blast Off Adventures outfits otherwise flightless humans with the JetLev R200 marine jetpack in order to send them soaring. The JetLev pack produces more than 420 pounds of thrust by pumping 1,000 gallons of water per minute out of two rocket-engine-like shoulder nozzles. Flight experiences first teach novices how to handle the device in as few as six minutes, covering skills such as deep-water take-offs, taxiing, turning, and landing. Participants then spend the rest of their time cruising at top speeds of 25 miles an hour and elevating up to a 30-foot flight ceiling. All the while, a certified flight instructor keeps a close watch, making sure the JetLev is properly operated and scaring off amorous herons during mating season.

Florida Magical Tours & Transportation's professional drivers chauffeur clients all over Central Florida in stylish vehicles. The fleet consists of Lincoln Town Cars, Cadillac Escalade ESVs, Lincoln Limousines, and Ford Vans—the largest of the fleet—which carry up to 10 passengers. Each vehicle has plenty of luggage space and complimentary booster and car seats for babies, children, or fragile dolls. The drivers' most popular routes are to local airports, Disney World, and Universal Studios, as well as to events, including weddings and proms.

Certified by the NRA and the Florida CJSTC, the bilingual instructors and senior advisors at Black 56 Tacticals craft custom firearm training programs to suit each guest’s needs. Beginner tactical pistol and shotgun courses begin with a safety briefing and an instruction session, after which safety-gear-clad students practice their aim at the range before enjoying lunch, drinks, and an appetizer of deep-fried clay pigeons. At group and private classes each Monday and Tuesday, visitors can study more advanced pistol techniques and learn about Florida firearm laws in greater depth.