Rob Bartlett, Brian Costello, Camila Escobar, Chloe Greenberg, Seth Kubersky, Juno Le, Jim Leatherman, Matt Keller Lehman, David Loyola, Pedro Macias, Matthew Moyer, McKenna Schueler, Jessica Bryce Young
Florida Group Publisher Graham Jarrett
Editor in Chief Jessica Bryce Young
Editorial
Managing Editor Matthew Moyer
Staff Writer McKenna Schueler
Digital Managing Editor Chloe Greenberg
Calendar Coordinator Hannah Miller
Interns Camila Escobar, Juno Le
Contributors J.D. Casto, Brian Costello, Houda Eletr, Ida V. Eskamani, Faiyaz Kara, Grayson Keglovic, Seth Kubersky, Bao Le-Huu, Jim Leatherman, Matt Keller Lehman, Gabby Macogay, Kyle Nardine, Gustavo Ponce, Kurt Ramos
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Downtown Orlando
Downtown Orlando has long been the city’s cultural and commercial core, where history and innovation intersect. Once citrus groves and cattle trails, it became a railroad hub, then a banking district, and now a skyline of glass towers and historic buildings.
At night, bars and venues pulse with everything from jazz trios to rooftop DJs, and by morning, office workers and students fill the sidewalks, coffee in hand. But downtown is in flux — recent nightlife restrictions, earlier last calls, and a string of bar and club closures are reshaping what the district looks and feels like after dark. It remains to be seen what kind of nightlife will define the next chapter of downtown. The booming Dr. Phillips Center, with plush and pricey new venue Judson’s Live, points in the most probable direction.
Still, the core remains resilient — always shifting, never quite finished, and always buzzing with something new.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
The Beacham 46 N. Orange Ave. theblockorlando.com
Wall Street Plaza 25 Wall St. wallstreetorlando.com
Orlando Public Library 101 E. Central Blvd. ocls.org
Sak Comedy Lab 55 W. Church St. sakcomedylab.com
SOLID STANDBYS
Kres Chophouse 17 W. Church St. kresrestaurant.com
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
445 S. Magnolia Ave. drphillipscenter.org
The Social
54 N. Orange Ave. foundation-presents.com
The Wellborn
211 N. Lucerne Circle E. thewellbornorlando.com
The Drake Kitchen + Bar
46 N. Orange Ave. thedrakeorl.com
Bonkerz
70 N. Orange Ave. bonkerzcomedyproductions.com
The Bellhop
37 N. Orange Ave. bellhopbar.com
Cocktails and Screams
39 W. Pine St. barnonecreationsfl.com/ cocktails-screams
CityArts
39 S. Magnolia Ave. downtownartsdistrict.com
NEW AND BUZZY
Nuri’s Tavern
63 E. Pine St. nuristavern.com
Talay + Noir Bar
861 N. Orange Ave. talayorlando.com
Leiah
409 N. Magnolia Ave. leiahrestaurant.com
Stemma Craft Coffee
328 N. Orange Ave. stemmacraftcoffee.com
COMING SOON
Eola Food Hall
150 E. Central Blvd. eolafoodhall.com
Parliament House
29 S. Orange Ave. instagram.com/parliament_house
The historic Kress Building | photo by Jim Leatherman
Thornton Park
On the outskirts of downtown Orlando, one of our most organic walkable neighborhoods, Thornton Park, offers a cozier atmosphere than the nightclub and bar scene of downtown. Granted, you’ll still find a delightful selection of eateries and neighborhood bars that make its residential streets an appealing place to live — if you want to catch an Orlando Magic game at Burton’s, for instance, without having to worry about driving yourself home any number of drinks later (cheap and strong) or finding parking (another hassle on its quaint streets). While you’re there, you can also take in the radiant mural on the side of the bar’s building featuring our former columnist Billy Manes, a personality just as radiant who passed away in 2017 and is remembered by staff and readers fondly.
There’s also plenty else to take in around the neighborhood by way of a casual stroll, when the heat allows. Lake Eola Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike — just be nice to the swans and ducks, leave them be (we beg) and they’ll respond in kind. Roaming the residential streets during the holidays — Halloween and Christmas — is also a delight, with many of the area’s residents only too happy to set up lights and family-friendly haunts.
If you’re feeling frisky — or need a mid-week reprieve alone, with friends, or a special someone — keep an eye out for Thornton Park’s monthly Wine Walks each second Thursday. Oh, and if you don’t stop by the Falcon to say hi to Thornton Park’s very official (unofficial) mayor LuLu the cat, yes it is a crime.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
Lake Eola Park 512 E. Washington St. orlando.gov
The Veranda at Thornton Park 111 N. Summerlin Ave. verandaevents.com
Burton’s Thornton Park 801 E. Washington St. instagram.com/burtonsthorntonpark
SOLID STANDBYS
Maxine’s on Shine 337 Shine Ave. maxinesonshine.com
TPD Night Market 431 E. Central Blvd. instagram.com/tpdnightmarket
The Falcon Bar & Gallery 819 E. Washington St. linktr.ee/thefalconbar
Bynx Orlando 420 E. Church St. bynx.co
The Abbey 100 S. Eola Drive abbeyorlando.com
NEW AND BUZZY
Orlando Pop-up Room 808 E. Washington St. instagram.com/ theorlandopopuproom
Kaleidoscope Bar 712 E. Washington St. instagram.com/ kaleidoscopethorntonpark
Alien Treats Dessert Shop 101 S. Eola Drive, Suite 105 alientreatsfl.com
COMING SOON
June Restaurant 700 E. Washington St.
Outpost Neighborhood Tavern
227 N. Eola Drive instagram.com/outpostorl
Voyage Wine Shop
898 E. Washington St.
The Falcon Bar & Gallery | Photo by Matt Keller Lehman
Ivanhoe Village
Ivanhoe Village is a charming and eclectic neighborhood known for its mix of historic charm, artistic vibe and walkability. It sits just north of downtown Orlando, making it an ideal spot for those who want proximity to the city’s vibrant core without being right in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
The addition of relatively huge apartment developments in recent years has made a mostly horizontal neighborhood into a much more vertical one, but the influx of new residents has enabled new restaurants, bars and shops to open up to a steadier stream of foot traffic, not to mention strengthening the existing businesses (many of whom were struggling due to the yearslong construction and a seemingly eternal road and sewer improvement job).
One of the standout features of Ivanhoe Village is its focus on the arts and local culture. Art walks, wine walks and other creative initiatives showcase the community, from the Loch Haven Cultural Corridor (Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, Mennello Museum, Lowndes Shakespeare Center) to picturesque Lake Ivanhoe, where residents enjoy outdoor activities like biking and paddleboarding.
In addition, Ivanhoe Village is home to an unusual-for-this-town concentration of independent shops, some with vintage or retro flair. Quaint Ivanhoe Row hosts women’s boutique Jarboe, La Jetée perfumery and Oxford Eyes frame shop. Farther down Orange Avenue are a cluster of bars and antique stores, while Virginia Drive is dotted with gift galleries, yoga and massage spots, and restaurants. Overall, Ivanhoe Village offers a laidback atmosphere with a blend of historic charm and modern appeal — perfect for anyone looking to experience a more relaxed side of Orlando while staying close to the action of downtown.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
Annual Jingle Eve late November/early December ivanhoevillage.org
Ivanhoe Row 1211-1231 N. Orange Ave.
Gaston Edwards Park 1236 N. Orange Ave.
Rock & Roll Heaven 1814 N. Orange Ave. rock-n-rollheaven.com
White Wolf Café 1829 N. Orange Ave. whitewolfcafe.com
Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Ave. omart.org
SOLID STANDBYS
Lucky Lure 1427 N. Orange Ave. instagram.com/luckylureorlando
Gnarly Barley 1407 N. Orange Ave. thegnarlybarley.com
Renaissance Theatre Co. 415 E. Princeton St. rentheatre.com
Kiwi Camera Service 542 Virginia Drive kiwicameraservice.com
Rare Earth Gift
1909 N. Orange Ave. rareearthgift.com
Santiago’s Bodega 802 Virginia Drive santiagosbodega.com
Nora’s Sugar Shack 636 Virginia Drive instagram.com/norassugarshack
Soshin Orlando 623 Virginia Drive soshinorlando.com
NEW AND BUZZY
The Rev 728 Virginia Drive therevorlando.com
Barkhaven 724 Brookhaven Drive barkhaven.com
Arden 1420 Alden Road instagram.com/drinkarden
Chez Les Copains 1412 Alden Road clcrestaurant.com
Golden Bee Fleurs 1826 N. Orange Ave. thegoldenbeefleurs.com
The Golden Bee Fleurs | Courtesy photo
Mills 50
Named for the central intersection of Mills Avenue and Colonial Drive (aka State Road 50), Mills 50 is part of the larger overlaying region called Colonialtown, presenting a realm of the city marked by culture, commerce, great food and art.
Much of the neighborhood’s identity was born from those who immigrated here from Vietnam in the late 1970s. A growing community blossomed into the assembly of shops, markets and eateries representing Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean and Vietnamese cultures we see today, making Mills 50 a neighborhood (tea) steeped in history and (Sichuan) peppered with unique nightspots, with just the right amount of edge.
And the diversity translates. There’s something for everyone here: Music fanatics (of both the classic and more obscure varieties) can take in a show, night owls can top off their drinks and gastronomes can eat — a lot. It’s inviting, it’s bustling, it’s home to local landmarks and there’s always change on the horizon.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
Colonial Photo and Hobby 634 N. Mills Ave. 407-841-1485 cphfun.com
Wally’s Bar & Liquors 1001 N. Mills Ave 407-440-2800 wallysbarandliquors.com
The Center Orlando 946 N. Mills Ave. 407-228-8272 thecenterorlando.org
SOLID STANDBYS
Will’s Pub 1042 N. Mills Ave. willspub.org
Black Rooster Taqueria 1323 N. Mills Ave. blackroostertaqueria.com
The Strand & d.b.a. 807 N. Mills Ave. 407-920-7744 strandorlando.com instagram.com/d.b.a.orlando
Sam Flax Orlando 1800 E. Colonial Drive samflaxorlando.com
Kaya 618 N. Thornton Ave. kayaorlando.com
Deli Desires 715 N. Fern Creek Ave. 407-250-5333 delidesires.com
Out of the Closet 1349 N. Mills Ave. 407-583-4916 outofthecloset.org
Framework Craft Coffee House 1201 N. Mills Ave. frameworkcoffeehouse.com
Orlando Urban Trail orlando.gov
Zebra Coalition 911 N. Mills Ave. zebrayouth.org
NEW AND BUZZY
Zymarium Meadery 1121 N. Mills Ave. zymarium.com
Gold Dust Home 1309 Lang Ave. golddusthome.com
Zaru Udon 1114 E. Colonial Drive zarufl.com
Mills Market 1110 E. Colonial Drive mills-market.com
COMING SOON
Lorelei Wine Bar 737 N. Thornton Ave. instagram.com/loreleionthornton
A Gourmet Chinese Cuisine (formerly Chuan Lu Garden) 1101 E. Colonial Drive
Eastwood 1024 N. Mills Ave. instagram.com/eastwoodorlando
Zymarium Meadery | courtesy photo
Audubon Park & Baldwin Park
If ever you find yourself wondering just how different two neighboring residential-slash-retail-filled districts in the same city could possibly be, we might gently suggest you take a trip to the eclectic cultural arenas that are Audubon and Baldwin parks.
Side-by-side Orlando neighborhoods Audubon Park and Baldwin Park are in many ways like a set of twins that couldn’t be more different, but whose residents and visitors know to be ideal complements of each other. Audubon’s small-town, local-business-centered feel seamlessly bleeds into Baldwin’s more modernly manicured, lake-side-shopping ambience. And together, the two offer a wealth of things to do, food to eat and nightspots to soak up — all whose variance gives the area its very only-inOrlando charm.
There’s a mix of culinary efforts ranging from a high-concept Japanese tasting restaurant to beer parlour small bites to a Michelin-star sushi counter to a pizza shop to an ever-rotating yet consistently impressive food hall. Steps away from Audubon’s vintage shopping and karaoke dive bar is a former indie video store turned coffee shop turned music venue. And that’s all just down the road from Baldwin’s glitzy luxury apartments, bustling Lake Baldwin loop trail, high-end dining, wine bars and weekend arts markets. They’re each small and somewhat walkable, and invite a broad range of patrons and personalities across both those who frequent and those who reside there. The two areas’ dualities really just prove that one thing we all have in common: our differences.
SOLID STANDBYS
Park Ave CDs 2916 Corrine Drive parkavecds.com
Taste of Chengdu 4856 New Broad St. taste-of-chengdu.restaurants-world. com
Sparrow Boutique 4875 New Broad St. shopsparrowboutique.com
Ô Bon Chocolatier 3201 Corrine Drive instagram.com/obonchocolatier
Park Ave CDs | Photo by Jim Leatherman
College Park
Cozy, suburban and tucked away from the noise of downtown, College Park is a place steeped in history. It’s got a smalltown feel without losing the perks of urban living.
The neighborhood is largely walkable (by Florida standards). A stroll down Edgewater Drive will net you excellent ice cream from the Soda Fountain, records courtesy of Foundation or even a sublime pasta at Turci’s. Though not a particularly nightlife-heavy area, there are plenty of after-hours diversions to be had at the Castle, Ollie’s Public House or the Good Pour (or George’s Hideaway if you need something a bit stronger).
If you’re feeling a little artsy, amble over to the Kerouac House and maybe you can catch a reading from the current writer-in-residence or just reflect on Kerouac … maybe not having the best time here as he had moved back in with his mom. (But hey, this is where he wrote The Dharma Bums , one of his best novels!)
Thinking of sharing mementos of your College Park odyssey with loved ones? Stop by Good Crowd for a fun-but-foulmouthed coffee mug or Freehand Goods for locally made giftable goods.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
Dubsdread 549 W. Par St. historicaldubsdread.com
Jack Kerouac House 1418 Clouser Ave. kerouacproject.org
SOLID STANDBYS
Ollie’s Public House 3400 Edgewater Drive orlandopublichouses.com
The Castle Irish Pub 2625 Edgewater Drive thecastleirishpub.com
College Park Café 2304 Edgewater Drive collegeparkcafe.com
Current Seafood Counter 2425 Edgewater Drive instagram.com/ thecurrentseafoodcounterorl
NEW AND BUZZY
The Gnarly Cuban La Ventanita 2545 Coolidge Ave. thegnarlycuban.com
The Good Pour College Park 2201 Edgewater Drive goodpour.com
Salvatore’s Prime Sandwiches 1520 Edgewater Drive instagram.com/salvatoressandwiches
Yeastie Boys Bakehouse 1307 Edgewater Drive instagram.com/ yeastieboysbakehouse
COMING SOON
Tamale Co. Modern Mexican Kitchen and Bar 2401 Edgewater Drive tamaleco.com
The Castle Irish Pub | photo by Matt Keller Lehman
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Curry Ford West & Conway
The Curry Ford West/Conway neighborhood is a study in harmonious contrasts, with quiet neighborhoods full of charming and modest Floridian architecture giving way to the much faster-paced Curry Ford Road highway — one of the first paved highways in the Orange County area.
And the businesses in the area embody DNA from each. Within a block, you’ve got both a bar steeped in the history and aesthetics of 1990s hip-hop and an old-timey Irish pub that’s been around for over two decades — that’s bragging rights right there.
Good eats are definitely on offer, with Charlie’s Bakery and Creamery, Tamale Co., Leguminati, Mecatos Bakery, Zaza Cuban Comfort Food and the wonderfully frozen-in-time Daybreak Diner all beckoning. On the other (healthier) hand, neighborhood staple Clemons Produce is positively begging you to cook at home by tempting you with shiny, colorful piles of fresh fruits and veggies.
The family-friendly neighborhood gathers for idiosyncratic, homegrown seasonal shindigs like a “little entrepreneurs” fair, the Way Out West Night Market and an annual Dress Like a Dad pub crawl. The traffic might get bad at the usual times, but otherwise the mood is pleasingly unpretentious and easygoing in this neighborhood.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
Hourglass Park 1800 Carlton Drive orangecountyfl.net
Charlie’s Bakery and Creamery 3213 Curry Ford Road charliesbakery.com
Hourglass Social House 2401 Curry Ford Road instagram.com/hourglasssocialhouse
Pizza Bruno 3990 Curry Ford Road pizzabrunofl.com
Living Dead Comics 3227 Curry Ford Road facebook.com/livingdeadcomics
Bad As’s Burgers 4205 Curry Ford Road badassburgersfl.com
Papa Llama 2840 Curry Ford Road papallamaorl.com
Commission Beer Chamber 2230 Curry Ford Road facebook.com/ thecommissionbeerchamber
SOLID STANDBYS
Hourglass Brewing 2500 Curry Ford Road hourglassbrewing.com
Claddagh Cottage Irish Pub 2421 Curry Ford Road claddaghcottagepub.com
Clemons Produce 3325 Curry Ford Road facebook.com/ clemonsproduceorlando
NEW AND BUZZY
El Coqui Ninja Restaurant 3097 Curry Ford Road elcoquininjarestaurant.com
Crispy Cones 2415 Curry Ford Road thecrispycones.com
Mecatos Bakery & Café 2904 Curry Ford Road mecatoscafe.com
Smokemade Meats 1400 S. Crystal Lake Drive smokemade.com
COMING SOON
88 Donuts 3334 Curry Ford Road instagram.com/88donutsbakery
Commission Beer Chamber | photo by Matt Keller Lehman
Maitland & Eatonville
Just north of Orlando, locals can explore the oldest Black-owned municipality in the United States (Eatonville) and immerse themselves in the vibrant arts & culture scene of both Eatonville and neighboring Maitland. From the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum, named after the famed Black writer who moved to Eatonville at a young age, to the Art and History Museums of Maitland, all of the history buffs and arts enthusiasts will feel well at home in these parts. And of course one can’t forget area cinephiles’ beloved Enzian Theater, Maitland’s nonprofit alternative arthouse, also known for hosting the Florida Film Festival and showcasing independent films that may not make it to your standard movie theater chains.
Eatonville, first established in the late 19th century, is an experience in and of itself, as a historic community first incorporated by 27 Black freedmen. If you’ve read Hurston’s works, you’ll be able to explore the Eatonville haunts described in her writings. Plus, each year, the city hosts the annual ZORA! Festival, a blend of culture, art and music. The small city, hosting a population of just over 2,000, is also home to a number of Black-owned restaurants known for their soul food offerings and cozy corners.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
Zora Neale Hurston National Museum
344 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville zoranealehurstonmuseum.com
Art & History Museums — Maitland
231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland artandhistory.org
Enzian Theater & Eden Bar
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland enzian.org
Kappy’s Subs
501 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland kappyssubsfl.com
SOLID STANDBYS
Blackbird Comics & Coffeehouse
500 E. Horatio Ave., Maitland theblackbirdroost.com
400 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland facebook.com/cowandcheese
Kook’n With Kim
307 W. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville kooknwithkim.e-tab.com NEW AND BUZZY
Lim Ros
933 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland limrosthairestaurant.com Maitland Social
360 E. Horatio Ave., Maitland instagram.com/maitlandsocial
Brewlando
160 Independence Lane, Maitland brewlando.com
Wave Asian Bistro
360 E. Horatio Ave., Maitland waveasianbistro.com
Parea Greek Taverna
111 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland pareagreektaverna.com
After surviving the never-ending construction in 2024 that ate up a huge swath of main thoroughfare Robinson Street and depressed several local businesses, the Milk District is on the comeback trail.
Centered around, and named after, the longstanding T.G. Lee Dairy — turning 100 this year — with its watchful bovine looming overhead, the Milk District is both a bustling residential neighborhood and a Main Street District.
Quiet back streets and bungalows give way to a (once again) busy Robinson Street area with nightlife destinations like the Plaza Live, Whiskey Lou’s, the Nook on Robinson and Iron Cow drawing in the crowds. The area is a hotbed of local cuisine too, with Otto’s High Dive, Black Magic Pizza, Stasio’s Deli and Bad As’s Sandwiches consistently impressing. And cute boutiques and salons like Etoile and Alchemy are can’t-miss spots for a glow-up.
This particular Main Street District works hard to bring the community and local businesses together with makers markets and events like Milk Mart, Tasty Tuesday, the Spilled Milk music showcases and even seasonal affairs like the Krampusfest.
So follow that cow to good times.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
The Plaza Live 425 N. Bumby Ave. plazaliveorlando.com
Orlando Skate Park 400 Festival Way
SOLID STANDBYS
Stasio’s Italian Deli 2320 E. Robinson St. instagram.com/stasiositaliandeli
Orlando Beer Festival 2911 E. Robinson St. orlandobeerfestival.com
Easy Luck Coffee & Bodega 2425 E. South St. easyluckorlando.com
Alchemy Hair Salon 600 N. Bumby Ave. alchemyorlando.com
Gringos Locos
2406 E. Robinson St. gringoslocos.com
The Nook on Robinson 2432 E. Robinson St. facebook.com/thenookonrobinson
Etoile Boutique
2424 E. Robinson St. etoileboutique.com
Iron Cow 2438 E. Robinson St. facebook.com/ironcowsushilounge
Otto’s High Dive
2304 E. Robinson St. ottoshd.com
Sideward Brewing Co. 210 N. Bumby Ave. sidewardbrewing.com
Whiskey Lou’s + Black Magic Pizza 121 N. Bumby Ave. blackmagicpizza.com
Se7en Bites 617 N. Primrose Drive se7enbites.com
NEW AND BUZZY
Veer Collective 600 N. Bumby Ave. veer-collective.com
Bellows Film Lab 2426 E. Robinson St. bellowsfilmlaborl.com
Not Another Film Lab 2436 E. Robinson St. notanotherfilmlaborl.com
COMING SOON
Unnamed new concept from Pom Moongauklang 67 N. Bumby Ave.
The Nook on Robinson | photo by Jim Leatherman
Parramore
Parramore, a historic Black neighborhood just west of downtown Orlando, is a diverse neighborhood with a rich history and heritage. According to the Parramore Main Street District, officially established in 2022 after separating from the City District (which covers downtown Orlando), Parramore “formed the heart of the city’s Black community in segregated Orlando” following its establishment in the late 19th century. Named after Orlando’s 14th mayor, James B. Parramore, the area was originally intended by him to “house the Blacks employed in the households of white Orlandoans,” according to authors of the 2009 book Historic Orange County: the Story of Orlando and Orange County The neighborhood housed entertainment venues visited by Black artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and Duke Ellington, and served as the backdrop of civil rights battles. The Wells’Built Hotel, now a museum, served as one of the few safe havens for Black people in the early to mid-1900s who were traveling and in need of lodging. It was listed in what was known as the “Green Book,” a bulletin of safe restaurants and hotels for Black people during the segregation era.
Today, Parramore and its adjacent district West Lakes are being eyed as areas for community growth and redevelopment. Historically neglected, with Parramore’s poverty rate reaching above 70 percent in the early 2000s, city leaders now are looking for ways to draw retailers and restaurateurs into the area. Whispers of gentrification have been caught in these convos, naturally, particularly with the development of the city’s ongoing “urban hub” project, Creative Village, and the city’s soccer stadium in 2017.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
Wells’ Built Museum of African American History 511 W. South St. wellsbuilt.org
Lake Lorna Doone Park 1519 W. Church St.
Camping World Stadium
1 Citrus Bowl Place campingworldstadium.com
Nikki’s Place Southern Cuisine 742 Carter St. nikkisplace.net
NEW AND BUZZY
Art’s Sandwich Shop Since 1972 1018 S. Orange Blossom Trail artssandwichshop.com
Palmer’s Feed & Seed 912 W. Church St. palmersfeedandseed.com
SOLID STANDBYS
Inter & Co Stadium
655 W. Church St. interco-stadium.com
Kia Center
400 W. Church St. kiacenter.com
The Monroe 448 N. Terry Ave. themonroeorlando.com
Bulgogi House
705 W. Colonial Drive bulgogihouseorlando.kwickmenu. com
Blue Swan Boulders 400 Pittman St. blueswanboulders.com
ArtCube Gallery 814 W. Church St. interstructinc.com/parramore-arts
Sushi Saint 400 Pittman St. sushisaint.com
Sister Soul Food
436 S. Parramore Ave. facebook.com/sistersoulfoods
Ivanhoe Park Lager House 23 N. Orange Blossom Trail ivanhoeparkbrewing.com
Creative Village
600 W. Amelia St. creativevillageorlando.com
COMING SOON
Heatwave 741 W. Church St. heatwaveorl.com
Three Odd Guys Brewing
601 W. Livingston St. threeoddguysbrewing.com
The ArtCube | Photo by Jim Leatherman
SoDo
SoDo, as the name implies, is that growing neighborhood just south of downtown Orlando. It is comparatively quieter and walkable (depending if you’re on Orange Avenue or not), featuring scenic lakes and parks.
The aforementioned Orange Avenue and Michigan Street have become booming thoroughfares for new and growing businesses. For instance, the SoDo outpost of À La Cart is bursting with flavors of all kinds, including the recently introduced Brick & Butter, a mouthwatering stop for artisan sandwiches. And Palm Beach Meats is making carnivores’ mouths water within a mile radius. (Just watch out for all that road construction!)
SoDo is a charmingly Frankensteinesque combo, both the bustling home of Orlando Health and an Amtrak station, but also friendly brick streets lined with local businesses, quiet homes and even some swans.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
Pulse Nightclub memorial site 1600 S. Orange Ave. pulseorlando.org
Amtrak Station 1400 Sligh Blvd. amtrak.com/stations/orl
Cypress Grove Park 290 Holden Ave. orangecountyfl.net
SOLID STANDBYS
Rockpit Brewing 10 W. Illiana St. rockpitbrewing.com
903 Mills Market
903 S. Mills Ave. 903millsmarketcafe.com
Delaney’s Tavern
1315 S. Orange Ave. eatdt.com
Brick and Fire Pizza 1621 S. Orange Ave. brickandfire.com
Talkin’ Tacos 3123 S. Orange Ave. talkintacos.net
À La Cart SoDo District 2207 E. Michigan St. alacartorlando.com
SoDough Square 419 E. Michigan St. sodoughsquare.com
Numero Uno Cuban Restaurant 2499 S. Orange Ave.
Timucua Arts Foundation 2000 S. Summerlin Ave. timucua.com
NEW AND BUZZY
Palm Beach Meats 3421 S. Orange Ave. palmbeachmeats.com
Children’s Planet 4401 S. Orange Ave. instagram.com/ childrensplanet.fl
Cloudhop Bakeshop 1737 S. Orange Ave. cloudhopbakeshop.com
Space Station 315 W. Grant St. instagram.com/ spacestationstudio
COMING SOON
Naz’s Halal Food 2435 S. Orange Ave. nazshalal.com
Hamlin House 231 W. Grant St. hamlinhouse.com
SoDough Square | photo by Rob Bartlett
International Drive
International Drive, or I-Drive, is Orlando’s ever-evolving tourist playground, where neon lights, towering attractions, maximal retail and global flavors collide. Once a quiet stretch of highway, it has transformed into a mecca for tourists and — increasingly — locals alike, lined with attractions, resorts and nightlife hotspots within a stone’s throw of the theme parks.
The towering Orlando Eye at Icon Park offers panoramic views, while the rest of Icon Park hums with activity below in the form of restaurants, bars and family-friendly entertainment. And soon the Blue Man Group will call this area their new Orlando home.
Further down the strip, Pointe Orlando’s open-air complex mixes upscale dining with comedy clubs and immersive experiences.
Convention-goers flood the Orange County Convention Center by day either in business attire or cosplay, while thrill-seekers try indoor skydiving, gokarts at Dezerland and escape rooms.
From bustling outlet malls to hidden speakeasies, I-Drive is Orlando’s dynamic corridor, always expanding and always buzzing with something new.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
Orlando International Premium Outlets
4951 International Drive premiumoutlets.com
Café Tu Tu Tango 8625 International Drive cafetututango.com
Pointe Orlando 9101 International Drive pointeorlando.com
Nile Orlando 7048 International Drive nileorlando.com
Icebar 8967 International Drive icebarorlando.com
Funny Bone Comedy Club 9101 International Drive orlando.funnybone.com
Icon Park 8375 International Drive iconparkorlando.com
Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips 8391 International Drive gordonramsayrestaurants.com
SOLID STANDBYS
Gods and Monsters Vault 5421
5421 International Drive godmonsters.com
Mango’s Tropical Cafe 8126 International Drive mangos.com
Dezerland Park 5250 International Drive dezerlandfun.com
NEW AND BUZZY
Palm Tree Club 9101 International Drive liveatthepointeorlando.com
Stadium Club 8101 World Center Drive stadiumclub.com
Suplex Vintage Wrestling Shop 5250 International Drive shopsvw.com
COMING SOON
Blue Man Group 8375 International Drive facebook.com/bluemangroup
Dick’s Last Resort 9101 International Drive dickslastresort.com
The Blue Man Group | courtesy photo
Sanford
Tucked away in what may appear to be a sleepier part of Central Florida is a city rich in cultured nightlife, history and an Old Florida ambience as recognizably nostalgic to locals as it is enticing to those only visiting.
Sanford isn’t technically an Orlando neighborhood, but it has grown to become the place to be for Central Floridians looking for affordable housing, a small-town atmosphere and things to do for all ages or interests. There’s a tight-knit nightlife and local music scene (Tuffy’s Music Box and Lounge, Celery City Craft Beer Garden), decades-old classic eateries (Hollerbach’s German Restaurant) and daytime activities fit for all ages (Central Florida Zoo, The Ritz Theater). It’s all wrapped around the city’s core Historic Downtown Sanford District, as buzzing with new additions as it is steeped in historical significance.
The city’s residents pride themselves on supporting small businesses, preserving history and celebrating year-round community-centered engagement. Its visitors, meanwhile, indulge in all the artistic, cultural and gastronomic escapades available under the city’s streets lined by twinkly lights and old-fashioned building facades.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
Hollerbach’s German Restaurant 201-205 E. First St., Sanford hollerbachs.com
Jeanine Taylor Folk Art 211 E. First St., Sanford jtfolkart.com
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford centralfloridazoo.org
The Ritz Theater 201 Magnolia Ave., Sanford ritztheatersanford.com
West End Trading Co.
202 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford drinkatwestend.com
SOLID STANDBYS
Celery City Craft Beer Garden
114 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford facebook.com/celerycitycraft
115 N. Laurel Ave., Sanford instagram.com/acecafesanford
The Current Seafood Bar
116 E. First St., Sanford thecurrentseafoodcounter.com
Historic Downtown Sanford | Photo via Shutterstock
Winter Park
Truly its very own world within Central Florida, the city of Winter Park has long been adopted by locals as a subsection of the greater Orlando bubble. It’s glamorous and it’s naturally scenic. It’s traditional and it’s modern. It’s a wellmanicured city as much as it is home to a tight-knit, deeply rooted community.
At the city’s core is its Park Avenue district, an ever-bustling strip of both locally owned and major retail shops, restaurants often sporting lines out the door, arts hubs and other things to do.
The shopping district is neighbors with Central Park, a scenic green space that regularly is host to the Saturday Winter Park Farmers’ Market, outdoor movies and a wealth of community-centered activities throughout the year. And don’t overlook the ample charms of the nearby Hannibal Square. The historically Black neighborhood offers up tasty eats, great shopping and more.
As you pan out, Winter Park reveals itself to be an arts- and culture-leaning hub with no shortage of unique local museums (the Morse Museum, the Rollins Museum of Art), sizable parks and outdoor entertainment, homegrown music and theater, and culinary excellence both high-end and homey. Whether you’re in the market to see some antiquity or modern glam; natural space or high-end shopping; elevated eats or laid-back sports bars — Winter Park probably has it.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLASSICS
WPRK 91.5-FM Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park wprk.org
Siegel’s Clothing Co. 330 S. Park Ave., Winter Park siegelclothing.com
SOLID STANDBYS
M’ama Napoli Italian Bakery & Deli 965 S. Orlando Ave. instagram.com/ mamanapoliwinterpark
Winter Park Playhouse
711 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park winterparkplayhouse.org
The Briarpatch
252 N. Park Ave., Winter Park thebriarpatchrestaurant.com
Prato
124 N. Park Ave., Winter Park prato-wp.com
The Courtesy 1288 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park thecourtesybar.com
New General Café & Coffee Bar
155 E New England Ave, Winter Park newgeneral.us
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park morsemuseum.org
Writer’s Block Bookstore
316 N Park Ave, Winter Park writersblockbookstore.com
The Ravenous Pig
565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park theravenouspig.com
Austin’s Coffee
929 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park austinscoffee.com
NEW AND BUZZY
The Chapman
500 S. Park Ave., Winter Park thechapman.com
Black Coffee/Cafe Negro Bistro
761 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park instagram.com/blackcoffeecafenegro
The Imperial on Park
136 S. Park Ave., Winter Park imperialwinebar.com
Perla’s Pizza
959 W. Fairbanks Ave. Winter Park instagram.com/perlaspizza
COMING SOON
Seven Oaks Park
corner of Denning Drive and Orange Avenue, Winter Park cityofwinterpark.org
Glass Knife
212 N. Park Ave., Winter Park theglassknife.com
Oak and Stone
310 S. Park Ave., Winter Park oakandstone.com
Hannibal Square | photo by Matt Keller Lehman
Elsewhere ...
There are some beautiful spots just a little farther away from home, if you’re willing to make the drive. Here are a few suggestions for getting out of your neighborhood for a few hours.
Bok Tower Gardens
A botanical and historical masterpiece designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., crowned with an ornate, 205-foot-tall bell tower. Open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with singing carillon concerts at 1 and 3 p.m. 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, boktowergardens.org
Wallaby Ranch
Even in flat Central Florida, you can hang-glide — no mountain required. Wallaby Ranch’s aerotow system will
launch your glider into the air, or for newbies, your tandem flight with an instructor. Prices vary widely based on experience level and equipment rental.
1805 Deen Still Road, Davenport, wallaby.com
Modernism Museum of Mount Dora
A huge collection of whimsical furniture by the wigged-out Italian design group Memphis once owned by David Bowie is on display where? Why, in quaint little old Mount Dora. 145 E. Fourth Ave., Mount Dora, modernismmuseum.org
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp
Less than an hour outside Orlando, tiny Cassadaga is known as the
Psychic Capital of the World. Consult cassadaga.org for a listing of the mediums, tarot readers and aura photographers that make up the association to book your own reading. 1112 Stevens St., Cassadaga, cassadaga.org
Cá d’Zan
As part of Sarasota’s Ringling Museum, don’t miss the spectacular Cá d’Zan. It’s a bit more of a commitment, distance-wise, than the rest of this list, but this palatial 56-room Venetian-style villa has to be seen to be believed.
5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, ringling.org
Bok Tower | photo via Shutterstock
Live Music in Orlando
Orlando has (again) become a prime destination in Florida for touring acts, all across the spectrum from DIY to stadium-level bands. Here are the spots to keep an eye on, large and small, no matter your musical taste or whether you prefer a good mosh or a comfy seat. Seeing live music is a singular joy, make sure you get your fill.
The Abbey
This mid-size room comes complete with its own fireplace (!) and full liquor bar in the back. The Abbey hosts a diverse range of touring acts, from Nitzer Ebb to Fred Armisen, as well as uniquely Orlando events like the Singhaus Scholarship Fund Oscar Party and local theater.
100 S. Eola Drive, 407-704-6103, abbeyorlando.com
Addition Financial Arena
UCF-area arena packs ’em in regularly for all manner of big time music — Fantasia — and comedy — Katt Williams — as well as UCF Knights games and sundry student events. 12777 N. Gemini Blvd., 407-823-3070, additionfiarena.com
The Beacham
This venue has been a downtown fixture going back decades. Even with the slow clampdown on downtown nightlife, the Beacham still does what it does best: Host bigger touring bands of the indie, hip-hop, punk and metal ends of the spectrum, from Bright Eyes to Santigold in a big general-admission room.
46 N. Orange Ave., 407-648-8363, foundation-presents.com
Camping World Stadium
This stadium right on the edge of downtown hosts rock icons, Monster Jam, EDC and more. Upcoming big tickets include Shakira and the resurgent Warped Tour.
Winter Park venue has been going strong straight out the gate, hosting
everything from horror trivia to goth nights to Brujeria to Cold Cave to dungeon synth in a intimate room with excellent sound and lighting. 6700 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, conduitfl.com
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
The performing arts complex downtown has four separate stages used for live music: the Pugh Theater, the Walt Disney Theater, Steinmetz Hall and the newest, Judson’s Live cabaret space. Something for every size of act. Has the eternal bragging rights of hosting Kraftwerk twice now!
445 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-358-6603, drphillipscenter.org
The Falcon Intimate Thornton Park beerand-wine bar hosts distinctly and
enjoyable left-of-center shows, as well as comedy and burlesque and drag events on the regular. 819 E. Washington St., 407-986-0755, facebook.com/thefalconbar
Framework Craft Coffee House
Coffeeshop and arts gallery by day, DIY venue by night. After hours, this Mills 50 spot regularly provides a stage (well, floor) for Orlando’s next-wavers.
1201 N. Mills Ave., facebook.com/ frameworkcoffeehouse
Grumpy’s Underground Lounge
The next-door neighbor to Uncle Lou’s. Both of these bars play a vital role in keeping Mills 50 a little adventurous and rough around the edges. (That’s a compliment these days.)
1018 N. Mills Ave., 407-678-1122, facebook.com/grumpysunderground
Rocking at The Beacham | photo by Matt Keller Lehman
Live Music in Orlando
Hard Rock Live
Venture deep into the heart of Universal’s CityWalk entertainment complex for entertainment that straddles big-time, nostalgic and comedy all-stars. Come out for shows ranging from Andy Grammer to Alice Cooper.
This big Disney Springs room giveth and taketh in equal measure. It’s an enjoyably wide-open space that puts on shows by everyone from Dropkick Murphys to Role Model, but since it’s at Disney, shows start so early. Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista, 407-934-2583, houseofblues.com
Kia Center
The Kia Center has been going hard for the last couple of years since shaking off its old Amway moniker. The arena has hosted big names like Depeche Mode, Weezer and Deftones
alongside the usual schedule of Magic and Solar Bears games.
400 W. Church St., 407-440-7900, kiacenter.com
Orlando Amphitheater
Keep an eye on this venue, situated in the Central Florida Fairgrounds complex. The Amphitheater regularly attracts big names like Knocked Loose and Willie Nelson, as well as festival events like Florida Groves, Lionheart Music Festival and WJRR’s annual metal bash Earth Day Birthday.
4603 W. Colonial Drive, 407-295-3247, orlandoamphitheater.com
The Plaza Live
The freshly retooled Milk District venue is back to business as usual with a busy calendar of classic rock legends, alt-rock, comedy and (gasp) do we spy a drag event or two?
425 N. Bumby Ave., 407-228-1220, plazaliveorlando.org
The Social This downtown Orlando live music landmark first gained infamy in a previous life as the Sapphire Supper Club. This small club still hews (mostly) to the same mission, putting on sweaty and intimate shows for touring acts as diverse as Laura Jane Grace, Shannon and the Clams, and Bob Mould..
54 N. Orange Ave., 407-839-1847, foundation-presents.com
The S.P.O.T.
This newish venue tucked away in an industrial complex on Colonial Drive is DIY the right way. It’s become a haven for young and feral metal, hardcore, punk and noise. Frills are few, but they’d just be distractions from the young, next-wave energy being screamed into your ear from every direction.
6633 E. Colonial Drive, instagram.com/ the.s.p.o.t.orl
Rolling at Tuffy’s Music Box | photo by Jim Leatherman
Live Music in Orlando
Stardust Video & Coffee
This local oddball haven has been keeping it delightfully weird for over 25 years, and that includes the in live music arena. Stardust’s calendar is a mix of touring acts across genre and locals on the outer edges.
1842 E. Winter Park Road, 407-6233393, stardustvideoandcoffee. wordpress.com
Timucua Arts Foundation
If you’re hankering for an elevated take on the house show, buddy, have we got the venue for you. Timucua is tucked away in a quiet residential street but all the better to house a veritable feast of adventurous jazz, theater and classical music.
2000 S. Summerlin Ave., 321-234-3985, timucua.com
Tin Roof
This I-Drive spot hosts music and performances of all kinds in their
Green Room space. Sounds-wise, expect a mix of tribute acts and crowd-pleasing locals.
8371 International Drive, 407-270-7926, tinrooforlando.com
Tuffy’s Music Box
Tuffy’s has become a live-music hotbed for a community that’s always down for a night on the town. It’s an attractive space with a calendar that leans toward the rootsy and raucous, including You Blew It! and John Moreland. Make sure to get there while you can.
200 Myrtle Ave., Sanford, tuffysmusicbox.com
Uncle Lou’s Entertainment Hall
Maybe they won’t turn off the television while the bands are playing (that’s rock & roll, punk), but the stage is open for almost any band or musician — regardless of genre, age or location. Raucous post-show karaoke
sessions are now a staple. 1016 N. Mills Ave., 407-898-0009
The Vanguard
The historic former Firestone space is stocked almost every night with EDM events — up to and including a night headlined by Shaq as DJ Diesel — but the calendar is opening up a bit with gigs from the likes of Death Grips and Black Tiger Sex Machine.
578 N. Orange Ave., thevanguard.live
Will’s Pub
It’s a triumvirate of venues situated on one property — Will’s Pub, Lil Indie’s and Dirty Laundry. Indie’s hosts singer-songwriter and DJ action and gets crowded pretty quick, so get there early. Will’s lends its storied stage to touring acts across genre and hungry locals of all sonic inclination for memorable nights.
1042 N. Mills Ave., willspub.org
Sold-out night at Will’s Pub | photo by Jim Leatherman
In Good Spirits
There’s no limit to the walks of life, personalities and cultures that call Orlando home, so it only makes sense that the city’s diverse community is mirrored by its endless nightlife options. Decades-old spots handing out cheap beers and karaoke mics aren’t hard to come by around town, but neither are the spaces serving up a bit more of an elevated ambience and highend libations. Orlandoans in the market for a fancier bar where they can get a little dressed up for an intimate date night, special celebration or just a trendy night out have plenty of choices.
Death in the Afternoon
This “friendly neighborhood absinthe house” launched in late 2023 and was named for the Ernest Hemingwaycreated cocktail made with champagne and absinthe. Expect a moody, speakeasy feel and, as you can probably imagine, strong drinks. 930 N. Mills Ave., instagram.com/ death.in.the.afternoon
The Moderne
The Moderne is a contemporary cocktail bar serving up a rotating menu of both classic and reinvented beverages, plus tasty Asian-inspired tapas. 1241 E. Colonial Drive, themodernebar.com
Quicksand
Open seven days a week, this new spot specializes in natural wine and European-inspired fare in a dimly lit, intimate Colonial Drive space. 1903 E. Colonial Drive, quicksand.wine
Guesthouse/Sunroom
These homey, chill next-doorneighbor bars each offer a creative menu, ample bar and table seating, and good vibes. Out back, there’s a
worth-the-wait patio seating area that connects the two. 1319 and 1321 N. Mills Ave., instagram.com/the_guesthouse, sunroomcocktails.com
Alfie’s HiFi
A vinyl listening bar with a ’70s-inspired retro vibe, Alfie’s HiFi is a venture opened earlier this year by Team Market Group. Guests can order disco-era cocktails like Midori sours and Pink Ladies every day of the week (except Monday).
1300 N. Mills Ave., alfieshifi.com
Proper
Another vinyl listening bar in town, Proper offers a space for analog music listening, well-made drinks and a proper good time.
112 S. Orange Ave., properorlando.com
The Phoenix Jazz Club
One floor down from Mathers Social
Gathering in a building almost as old as the city (140 years!), the Phoenix offers live jazz Wednesday-Saturday in a moody, dimly lit room full of velvet, stained glass, candles and craft cocktails.
69 E. Pine St., thephoenixjazzclub.com
Otto’s High Dive
This Milk District-born “neighborhood rum bar” offers a lush, design-forward ambience and plenty of (of course) rum-based libations and tasty Cuban fare.
2304 E. Robinson St., ottoshd.com
The Courtesy Bar
An influential part of Orlando’s craftcocktail scene, the Courtesy offers delicious (and ambitious) drinks and small plates wrapped up in a sophisticated setting full of vintage furnishings and good vibes.
1288 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, thecourtesybar.com
The Moderne | Photo by Rob Bartlett
A Deep Dive on Watering Holes
So the economy is crashing, the price of everything is increasing, and the minimum wage hasn’t gone up since 2008. And yet, bars are still enamored with craft-cocktail culture, holding firm to the notion that the 2025 drinker wants nothing more than to throw down $18 (before tip) on a fanciful concoction. Why, oh why, doesn’t Gen Z drink as much as their elders? Maybe, just maybe, they can’t afford it.
Bold proposition: It’s long past time to lose the shaky-shaky pretentiousness and return to the good ol’ tried-and-true beer and shot bar, a true neighborhood gathering point. Fortunately, the dive bar still exists in this town, despite gentrification and Orlando’s unfortunate knack for getting rid of anything that remotely smacks of “local character.” Here are 10 unprepossessing neighborhood bars, a small sample of watering holes that are affordable and homey gathering points for these depressingly belt-tightening times.
Uncle Lou’s Entertainment Hall
Best place to talk basketball, with Lou and/or any of the early evening regulars. Best place to karaoke anything from The Eagles to Suburban Lawns. Best place to expect Barfly-era Mickey Rourke to stumble in and raise a toast to “allll my friennnnnnds!”
1016 N. Mills Ave., instagram.com/louslmga
Wally’s Bar and Liquors
It’s not as good as it was back in the day, but right now it’s better than it recently was. And despite being a haven for the golf aficionados and collegiates overrunning Mills 50 now that downtown is “scary,” it’s one of the best returns on investment in terms of strong drinks for less money in the city.
1001 N. Mills Ave., wallysbarandliquors.com
Casey’s on Central
Despite Casey’s being a Packers bar, this die-hard Bears fan (is there any other kind by this point?) finds it to be a great place to stop after hitting up the library across the street,
especially in the wake of the closing of Lizzy McCormack’s.
50 E. Central Blvd., caseysoncentral.com
Whiskey Lou’s
This is a great spot for those “Flo-grown” types who are nostalgic for pre-Disney Orlando, the smell of orange blossoms in the breeze and not nearly as much traffic. It’s cash-only, one of the true signs of a proper dive bar.
121 N. Bumby Ave.
Burton’s Thornton Park
Another true dive bar sign is when they open in the morning, and this Thornton Park institution is thusly a terrific place to turn Saturday night into the Sabbath Day, opening at 9 a.m. Burton’s is a de facto Cheers for Thornton Park, gathering crowds of locals eager to drink, gab and play some darts.
801 E. Washington St., instagram.com/burtonsthorntonpark
Hideaway Bar
Sadly, it has gotten a bit more clubby since moving across the street into a new building that looks destined to be a Panera Bread. But, all the regulars and staff moved with the building, and the Hideaway still brings in faithful crowds and pours ’em strong.
523 Virginia Drive, hideawaybar.net
The Falcon
In a town filled with overrated crap, the Falcon is a true underrated gem of an establishment. Is it a neighborhood bar? Is it an art gallery? Is it a music venue? These questions are debatable, but you
can solve the quandaries while enjoying the free sake shots with your libation of choice.
819 E. Washington St., instagram.com/thefalconbar
St. Andrew’s Tavern
St. Andrew’s has been around since the mid-1980s, which, in Orlando terms is the equivalent of a New England bed & breakfast that opened way back in 1765. Welcoming atmosphere and fantastic British pub grub fit for the whole family make this place positively Syd Zed-approved.
1119 W. State Road 436
George’s Hideaway
One of the area’s truest dives and watering holes, George’s is a spry 54 years young. Decor borne not out of market research, but out of the people who drank there over these many years. Great bartenders because they’re good at what they do without having to put on the big Broadway production of mixology.
5507 Edgewater Drive
Spatz
Nestled in on a busy stretch of Fairbanks right on the tony edge of Winter Park, Spatz is a guaranteed good time. First, beyond the modest storefront entrance — top neon signage, though — the snakelike bar seems to be approximately one mile long, taking in pool tables, hallways, seating areas and even a patio out back. Prices are right and the pours are strong, making for a lively intersection between college kids and locals.
1025 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, spatzwinterpark.com
Burton’s Thornton Park | Photo by Matt Keller Lehman
Where to See Future Stars of Orlando Drag
Despite a surfeit of dedicated queer spaces and venues in the City Beautiful, local drag is having a real moment with a veritable explosion of new faces and bold talent. Here is a rundown of just some of the places to check out the glittering new stars of now … and tomorrow.
Black Haus Creature Feature
Don’t call it a comeback! This spring sees the return of the OG (original ghoul) alt-drag showcase after a hiatus. Led by the twin forces that are Dragula winner Victoria Elizabeth Black and host Opulence Black, this is a spooky spectacle not to be missed. instagram.com/blackhaus_ creaturefeature
Boots
The Renaissance Theatre is now also the host to wildly popular new Saturday drag night Boots, a raucous and down-home combination of Austin City Limits meets Flaming Saddles and Drag Race. Saddle up and make your way over to this saloon. instagram.com/therentheatre
Communion
Monthly alt-drag showcase
Communion is a uniquely Floridian phenomenon, rooted in the aftereffects of being raised in and around Southern Christianity, punk rebellion and the fatalistic sense of “us against the world” that can only come from living in a Republican-dominated state. Co-created by DJ Pup Rocky and Anesthesia, the Sunday event at The Dust is a freewheeling tour through subterranean glamour-asperformance with a dark-pop kick. instagram.com/hellhoundent
Gala of Ghouls
Gala of Ghouls is a hybrid bimonthly pop-up market–slash–drag showcase featuring young and on-the-rise queer drag performers. Curated by trans drag mover Kissa Death, it happens at Thornton Park’s Veranda with innovative drag, burlesque, fire
performances, local artisans and food vendors offering their varied wares and photo ops! instagram.com/galaofghouls
iScream Sundays
The newer weekly Sunday drag showcase iScream Sundays at Savoy — curated and hosted by punk-drag legend Axel Andrews — pairs creative locals with visiting royalty, including Drag Race and Dragula stars. Even though it’s on a Sunday night, Savoy surely swings with a lively crowd for these soirees. instagram.com/theiscreamparty
Kandi Krave
Combining the two symbiotically interlinked expressions that are dancing and drag, Kandi Krave consistently delivers a stellar lineup of adventurous DJs and drag performers. The events are riots of vivid colors and pumping beats, with crowds dancing far into the night and, gratifyingly, not heading out as soon as the drag is done. instagram.com/kandikr4ve
Off the Record
When you go out for the night do you want to hear those club classics? Do you want to immerse yourself
in a local drag show? Or are you looking to have a messily fun night out with friends? Three things can be true at once, and the answer to all questions might just be Off the Record on Wednesday nights at the Ren. The wildly popular midweek drag showcase is all glamour, all the time, to a soundtrack of nouveau pop hits. instagram.com/otrwednesdays
Treehouse
Mystree Hugga hosts a weekly drag showcase Thursdays at Sanford’s Manikins — a venue never averse to a wild happening — and it’s a great place to get up to speed on new faces in Central Florida drag. instagram.com/treehouseatmanikins
Volume
Bimonthly drag/music/art hybrid showcase Volume gathers diverse subcultures together under one roof — Will’s Pub — for a rollicking celebration of queer community and culture. Curated by Davi Oddity, the events feature boundarypushing drag performers, live bands and vendors. Each installment is themed and has open-stage slots for new faces. (Shoutout to sister event Showghouls.) instagram.com/volume.orl
Victoria Elizabeth Black of Black Haus | Photo by Matthew Moyer
Pride and Joy
The recent wave of legislation affecting LGBTQ+ communities in Florida has been a thunderous rain on everyone’s parade. But rain or shine, the party continues and Orlando is ready to celebrate Pride and our local gay, lesbian, trans and queer communities. From organized theme park excursions to the iconic 20-year-old Come Out With Pride parade downtown, here is a rundown of events you can’t miss.
One Magical Weekend
May 29-June 2 onemagicalweekend.com
Held at Walt Disney World Resorts, this high-energy weekend includes dance parties, poolside events and club nights, bringing LGBTQ+ guests from around the world to celebrate with pride and magic.
Bear Jamboree
May 29-June 2 bear-jamboree.webflow.io
This fur-filled companion to One Magical Weekend is geared toward bears and their admirers, with a lineup of themed parties and pool hangs all weekend long.
Gay Days
June 5-9
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld gaydays.com
An iconic LGBTQ+ tradition, Gay Days turns Orlando red with park days, expos and nightly parties at SeaWorld and other local venues.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ representation in the world of tabletop gaming with Magic: The Gathering, casual tournaments and community connection.
Come Out With Pride Parade Saturday, Oct. 18
Lake Eola Park comeoutwithpride.org
Orlando’s signature Pride celebration fills downtown with floats, live performances, a marketplace, fireworks and revelers aplenty. It’s an unmissable event for the whole community.
Come Out With Pride | Photo by Matt Keller Lehman
Arts & Culture in Orlando
Despite recent challenges, Central Florida still flourishes as a booming hub for the arts. Look beyond the theme parks for entertainment and you’ll find more than a few innovative, and often unconventional, stage productions and art shows. From touring Broadway productions and art exhibits to the creativity of our locals across medium and genre, consider seeing some of the productions these local companies and stages have to offer, as well as the visual delights on gallery walls.
Theater & Performing Arts
Annie Russell Theatre
The home of Rollins College theater has hosted decades of original student-directed productions of both classic and modern theater and dance. rollins.edu/annie-russell-theatre
Athens Theatre
A historic DeLand gem complete with Italian Renaissance architecture. Despite its intimate size, the Athens houses both adult and youth theater companies with a variety of programs throughout the year. athensdeland.com
Breakthrough Theatre Co.
An intimate, family-owned community theater with shows for all ages, from murder mysteries to Broadway faves, they recently moved into new digs on Aloma Avenue. breakthroughtheatre.com
Central Florida Community Arts
An organization that encourages people of all ages and all cultural backgrounds to take the stage and be involved in the performing arts. cfcarts.com
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
One of Orlando’s largest performing arts venues, this culture facility has four different rooms that host touring
Broadway shows, local theater productions, live music and dance. The venue is also home to the annual UCF Celebrates the Arts. drphillipscenter.org
Imagine Performing Arts Center Operating inside the Oviedo Mall, Imagine features both original locally grown productions as well as a host of performing arts and dance classes for all ages. imagineperformingartscenter.org
Magic Curtain Productions
A community theater that’s a familyfriendly stop for all ages to enjoy a show. Magic Curtain features three performance troupes showcasing actors of all ages. magiccurtainproductions.com
New Generation Theatrical
An innovative theater company that regularly stages alternative, edgier fare steeped in today’s pop culture. newgentheatrical.org
Orange Rose Performances
Central Florida community theater that invites passionate performers of all backgrounds, no prior performing arts experience necessary. orangeroseperformances.com
Orlando Ballet
Orlando’s professional ballet company produces both main stage productions at the Dr. Phillips Center and at their administrative complex and at their school, Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre. orlandoballet.org
Orlando Family Stage
A professional family theater that hosts shows and musicals geared toward youth. This one’s for fans of classic children’s stories and some next-gen productions. orlandofamilystage.com
Orlando Shakes at Lowndes
Shakespeare Center
Back in action at last, the Shakes rolls out a regular season on top of PlayFest, its two-week-long annual festival that provides a storytelling space for theater professionals and writers. (Not to mention hosting Orlando Fringe.) orlandoshakes.org
Osceola Arts
Osceola’s countywide arts and culture facility in Kissimmee produces live performances of both Broadway classics to new works and stories, as well as the visual arts exhibitions. osceolaarts.org
Phantasmagoria
A traveling Victorian steampunk circus troupe bringing the enchanting and macabre to the stage in a blend of whimsical storytelling, aerial work, fire performance, puppetry and more. phantasmagoriaorlando.com
Renaissance Theater Co.
Original, fringey and oft-immersive productions are the order of the day in this vibrant warehouse space. (Not to mention those drag shows.) rentheatre.com
Steinmetz Hall | photo by Bryan Soderlind, courtesy Dr. Phillips Center
Arts & Culture in Orlando
Ritz Theater at the Wayne Densch
Performing Arts Center
A restored historic community theater that hosts plays, films, concerts, special events and educational youth programs. ritztheatersanford.com
Sak Comedy Lab
This troupe is infamous for crafting edgy humor on the fly, specializing in improvisation enjoyable to audiences both young and old in their spiffy new home on Church Street. sakcomedylab.com
Theater on the Edge
A host of vulnerable and intimate productions full of riveting storytelling and immersive sets. Productions bridge the imagination of cinema with the accessibility of live performance. theaterontheedge.org
Theater West End
A performing arts venue located in historic downtown Sanford that hosts a colorful array of productions of pop-culture favorites and noteworthy plays. theaterwestend.com
Theatre South Playhouse
A professional community theater in the Dr. Phillips area producing shows geared toward youth while crafting a safe space to nurture artists of all ages. theatresouthplayhouse.org
Theatre UCF
From the young talents at UCF’s College of Arts and Humanities, this college program produces a regular season of both classic and contemporary musicals and plays. cah.ucf.edu
Valencia College Theatre
Valencia’s program mounts four major productions every academic year, and, in collaboration with the Florida Playwright Competition, produces original, student-directed one-act plays. valenciacollege.edu
Winter Park Playhouse
This professional theater seeks to uplift local performers and inspire the community. The 2025-2026 performance series moves to the Mandell Theater at Orlando Shakes during renovations to the original theater. winterparkplayhouse.org
Galleries & Museums
Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens
Dedicated to preserving the works of Czech sculptor Albin Polasek, this Winter Park museum offers tours of his home, galleries and serene sculpture gardens. polasek.org
Art and History Museums — Maitland
A National Historic Landmark offering a combination of art and history exhibits across multiple museums, including the Maitland Art Center and the Waterhouse Residence Museum. artandhistory.org
Casselberry Arts Center
A community hub for contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events, fostering local artistic talent, sharing serene park environs with the Casselberry Art House and Sculpture House. casselberry.org
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
The Winter Park home of the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including jewelry, pottery, paintings and art glass. morsemuseum.org
CityArts
Historic downtown space with multiple galleries within that hosts rotating exhibits from both local and international artists. downtownartsdistrict.com/cityarts
Crealdé School of Art
A community-based art organization offering hands-on visual arts education and featuring galleries with works from emerging and established artists. crealde.org
The Mennello Museum of American Art
A small gem of a museum featuring a select few galleries, including a permanent collection of paintings
by Earl Cunningham and an outdoor sculpture garden. mennellomuseum.org
Orange County Regional History Center
Housed in a renovated 1927 historic courthouse, this museum features four floors that tell the tale of Central Florida’s history through exhibitions and programming for visitors of all ages. thehistorycenter.org
Orlando Museum of Art
The museum in picturesque Loch Haven hosts touring exhibitions by renowned artists and showcases area talent. omart.org
Orlando Science Center
A hands-on museum that showcases the world of science and technology for curious minds of all ages. osc.org
Rollins Museum of Art
This gallery features programs and exhibitions highlighting a variety of both classic and contemporary art right, on the Rollins College campus. cfam.rollins.edu
Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture
Parramore home to a trove of historic memorabilia and records of Black history in Central Florida, Orlando’s civil rights movement and the arts. wellsbuilt.org
Women’s History & Cultural Center
Founded by the Girl Scouts of Citrus, this place is home to both permanent and rotating exhibits that highlight women’s history and impacts. womenshistoryandculturalcenter.org
Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Arts
A museum dedicated to Eatonville’s most celebrated writer that displays an array of paintings, photography, film, sculpture and works encompassing the fine arts. zoranealehurstonmuseum.com
Crealdé School of Art | photo by Laurie Hasan, courtesy Crealdé
Market Research
Orlando’s pop-up market scene is booming, and there’s something for everyone — from vintage collectors to goblin-core lovers. Whether you’re looking for local art, haunted oddities or freshbaked sourdough bread, these pop-up and recurring market events have you covered. Here’s your go-to list of some of the can’t-miss markets happening all year long.
Grandma Party Bazaar
Held annually in December at Stardust Video, this whimsical Audubon Park holiday market features eclectic vendors, music and quirky gems — a local tradition that feels like an art party with your most free-spirited relatives. instagram.com/grandma_party
Goblin Market
Happening monthly and currently headquartered at the anything-goes Oviedo Mall, this fantasy-meetscosplay market offers art, crystals, spell jars and cosplay-worthy ’fits in a setting that feels straight out of a storybook. And goblins will indeed wander among you. goblinmarketfl.com
Milk Mart
Quarterly and massive, this streetclosing bash is packed with artists, food vendors, vintage finds and live entertainment — one of Orlando’s best-known markets.
Milk District (Robinson Street & Bumby Avenue), milkmartorlando.com
Mellow Market
A quarterly, relaxed, communityfocused outdoor market happening in Audubon Park on Corrine Drive, featuring locals selling handmade goods, plants, along with a relaxed, earth-toned aesthetic. instagram.com/mellow.market
Faire of the Dog
Very popular bimonthly punk and vintage makers market with a love for pets and music — think tattoo flash, alt fashion, vintage collectibles, food trucks and craft beer in the heart of Orlando’s Mills 50 on, yes, Mills Avenue.
instagram.com/faireofthedog
Oddities Market
Several times a year, this macabre market courtesy of Prometheus Esoterica brings skulls, taxidermy, haunted dolls and spooky antiques to venues all around Orlando and Kissimmee. instagram.com/prometheusesoterica
Market of the Beast
New and popular horror-themed market based out of Conduit in Winter Park with alternative artists, horror merch, jewelry, music and
diabolical kitsch happening every few months.
instagram.com/marketofthebeastfl
Monster Mart
New market happening in the parking lot of retro boutique Atomic Horror on Colonial Drive featuring spooky collectibles, toys, food and drink, and sundry campy goodness. This one has something for all for tastes, as long as that taste is rotted zombie flesh.
instagram.com/atomic.horror
Moon Market Mercado
Biweekly market taking place at either Kaya or the Veranda in Thornton Park to coincide with phases of the moon. A culturally rich and engaging night market with Latinx artists, herbalists and handmade goods.
instagram.com/themoonmercado
Goblin Market | Photo by Matthew Moyer
Happy Trails to You
While Orlando may not be within a stone’s throw of any of Florida’s beautiful beaches, Orlandoans do have the benefit of being close to a number of hiking and biking trails — from the Orlando Urban Trail, snaking through the city and surrounding areas, to the 7-mile beaut of a trail at Black Bear Wilderness Area in Sanford, just a short drive away.
Orlando, and its surrounding areas in the Central Florida region, feature both short and long trails. Trails that are paved, and those that aren’t, and some trails that are more remote and can therefore offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Many of the various lakes throughout the region, for instance, also offer paved sidewalks, not to mention one hell of a view for sunrise and sunset. Who you enjoy these sights and fresh air with — or if you want to enjoy the outdoors on your own — is your decision. Bring the fam, friends, a date, or maybe even a pet, if pets are permitted. (Check park/trail rules: There are some that specifically prohibit horses, for instance.)
Suffice it to say, there are a number of ways to enjoy the outdoors — when the heat isn’t stifling, that is. Some of the area’s trails can also be found near local springs, so when it gets too hot to take another step on a trail, you can hop into the water instead.
Here are some of our favorite trails in the area for local cyclists and those trekking on foot:
For the bikers:
Orlando Urban Trail
Length: 3 miles (or up to 5.5 miles, according to BikeOrlando)
Location: Runs from Lake Highland through Loch Haven Park to Mead Garden
Lake Apopka Loop Trail
Length: 14.6 to 18 miles
Location: Trail starts at Magnolia Park (2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka)
Cady Way Trail
Length: 7.2 miles
Location: 821 Herndon Ave.
Lake Baldwin Park Loop
Length: 2.5 miles
Location: 2000 S. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park
West Orange Trail
Length: 22 miles
Location: 501 Crown Point Cross Road, Winter Garden
Little Econ Greenway
Length: 7.5 miles
Location: 2451 N. Dean Road, Orlando
For hiking:
Black Bear Wilderness Area
Length: 7.1 miles
Location: 5298 Michigan Ave., Sanford
Wekiwa Springs Hiking Trail
Length: Approximately 10 miles
Location: 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka
Orlando Wetlands Park
Length: Nearly 20 miles of trails with 3.7-mile loop, 2-mile loop and 5-mile loop options
Location: 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas
Lake Louisa State Park
Length: 4 miles
Location: U.S. 27 Highway 27, Clermont
Disney Wilderness Preserve
Length: Trails ranging from 0.5 miles to 5.3 miles long
Location: 2700 Scrub Jay Trail, Poinciana
Black Hammock Wilderness Area
Length: 4.5 miles
Location: 3276 Howard Ave., Oviedo
Lake Apopka Loop Trail | Photo via Shutterstock
Know It All?
Question: Where can you find an evening filled with brain-teasing questions, laughter, fine beverages and friendly competition?
Answer (duh): At one of Orlando’s many trivia nights. Here’s a sampling to get you started, but it’s easy to find trivia for any taste. Not so easy is getting the right answer before the other team, though, so go easy on the beers until the quiz is over.
Fritz’s Funhouse Trivia
Jeff Ilgenfritz, aka Fritz from Real Radio 104.1-FM, hosts this two-hour-long competition of general knowledge trivia. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., free.
Cavo’s Bar and Kitchen, 900 E. Washington St.
Horror Trivia with Scream Queen Podcast
Themed to a different horror movie every time, 18 and up only. Check site for dates and times.
Conduit, 6700 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, conduitfl.com
Thinking and Drinking Trivia Night
Hosted by Earth Trivia, free to play with drink purchase. Prizes awarded. Third Friday of every month, 8:30 p.m., free.
The Falcon, 819 E. Washington St.
Feisty Trivia at Whippoorwill Beer House
Hosted by Orlando’s only woman-owned trivia presenter. Five rounds of everchanging general knowledge trivia topics, plus on-site rotating food truck and a vast selection of adult beverages. Thursdays, 7 p.m., free.
Whippoorwill Beer House and Package Store, 2425 E. South St.
Fiddler’s Green Trivia Night
Hosted by Trivia Nation every Wednesday night. First, second, and third placers win Fiddler’s Green gift cards. Come early to get a table! Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m., free.
Fiddler’s Green, 544 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
Wanzie’s Happy Hour Trivia TV Gayme Show
A fun and friendly TV game show-style general trivia happy hour competition with lots of free jello shots along the way. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., free.
Savoy Orlando, 1913 N. Orange Ave.
Rockpit Game Night
Brain-teasing fun where the brightest minds collide, and the hoppiest brews flow freely at Singo (musical Bingo) and Family Feud. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., free.
Rockpit Brewing, 10 W. Illiana St.
Tacos and Trivia Tuesday
Test your knowledge against other trivia enthusiasts while enjoying cold drinks, great company and God’s perfect bar food: tacos. Tuesdays, 8 p.m., free.
Muldoon’s Saloon, 7439 Aloma Ave., Winter Park
Five Minute Professor Early Bird Trivia
General knowledge trivia, plus half-priced pizza and drink specials until 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 6 p.m., free.
Post Time Lounge, 2500 S. Highway 17-92, Longwood
Fritz of Fritz’s Funhouse | Courtesy photo
Books for Every Brain
No matter your preferred reading material, there’s probably a bookstore catering just to you. A new wave of little indies in this town is bravely beating on, bookshops against the current, borne ceaselessly into the toughest economy we’ve seen in decades for small businesses — and damn, we love them for it. Here are some local bookstores that will put what you want and need into your brain and soul; put your dollars into their hands, won’t you?
The New Romantics
They sell romance novels only, but of every sort, from dark & spicy to extraterrestrial to Hallmark-approved meetcutes. The age-old genre is currently having a cultural moment, and owner Jane Rodriguez (preferred trope: enemies-to-lovers) seized the moment to make her longtime bookstore dream a reality in this tiny Audubon Park space. 3018 Corrine Drive, thenewromanticsbooks.com
Authentic Books
This is the store for fans of down-to-the-detail personalization: Authentic will not only put the exactly right novel in your hands, they’ll pair it with a few goodies inspired by the story — chocolate, tea, candles, a scarf — and even a Spotify playlist curated to match. The store also hosts a mind-boggling array of book exchanges, workshops and literary dinners, from a Crybaby Saddies book swap to a Cookbook Club dinner where every guest brings a dish from the chosen book of recipes to
a candle-pouring and cosplay event themed around the megasmash ACOTAR series.
1815 N. Orange Ave., authenticbooks.com
White Rose Books and More
Opened by two former school librarians in mid-October of 2023, White Rose is a direct response to and resistance of Florida’s harmful school book bans. Queer and Latina-owned, this bookstore is a safe and welcoming space for all. 113 Broadway, Kissimmee, whiterosebooksandmore.com
Spiral Circle Bookstore & More
Long-lived (perhaps many times reincarnated?)
metaphysical bookstore for all your spiritual reading needs — plus readings, tarot decks, crystals, protective jewelry and various elixirs for health.
750 N. Thornton Ave., spiralcircle. com
Spellbound Bookstore
Fantasy fans, get lost here among infinite stacks of volumes leading to other realms. Spellbound stocks all your favorite series and genres and hosts author events aplenty.
105 N. Oak Ave., Sanford, instagram.com/ spellboundbookstorefl
The New Romantics | Photo by Jim Leatherman
The Cool Teen’s Guide to Orlando
Welcome to the third edition of the artist formerly known as the Cool Kid’s Guide to Orlando. This year we’ve changed the name and age cohort to teens, but consulted once again with our favorite rock photographer and rock dad, Jim Leatherman. With his son and daughter both well into their teenage years, we were curious what this impeccably hip family do for quality bonding time — when kids aren’t quite “kids” anymore. Read on …
Semoran Skateway
This place is a big teen hangout still — lots of kids from Winter Park High go there on a Friday night. Surreally, this place was very popular as a teen hangout back when I was in high school … 2670 Cassel Creek Blvd., Casselberry semoranskateway.com
Oviedo Bowling Center
It’s worth the longer car drive to head over to this bowling alley in Oviedo. The big draw is the Pinball Lounge, a vast collection of current and some vintage pinball machines. 376 E. Broadway St., Oviedo oviedobowlingcenter.com
Dutch Bros. Coffee
With apologies to Easy Luck and Drunken Monkey, my daughter loves this place. Their Golden Eagle is a favorite. Also the strawberry lemonade is a hit. dutchbros.com
Le Macaron French Pastries
This Winter Park desert shop, tucked away on Park Avenue, is a favorite of my daughter, who loves their mille-feuille Napoleon pastry. 216 N. Park Ave., Winter Park lemacaron-us.com
Boba tea
My kids still love boba tea. We often
go to Möge Tea and Bin Bông, both at Mills and Colonial, and Frosty Fox on New Broad Street. mogeteeusa.com binbongorlando.com frostyfoxusa.com
Sporting life
My son loves Orlando City Lions, so we’ll go to matches at Inter&Co/ Orlando City Stadium. Just as fun — but a little more under the radar — is catching a Tars baseball game at Alfond Stadium at Rollins College. orlandocitysc.com rollinssports.com
Bibliomania
Both my son and daughter still love going to the downtown Orlando Public Library, especially the Melrose technology center. My daughter also loves the Winter Park Library for their used book shop, New Leaf Bookstore. 101 E. Central Blvd., ocls.org 1052 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, winterparklibrary.org
The great outdoors
To get out of the house and spend some quality time outdoors, we enjoy walking around Park Avenue in Winter Park, trekking around Lake Eola and going to Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, strolling through Dickson Azalea Park or Blue Jacket Park and taking the dog to Lake Baldwin Dog Park. To cool down in the water, we’ll head to Wekiva Island and rent a canoe to drift down the river.
Staying in the neighborhood
Right in our neighborhood of Audubon Park, we go shopping for records and CDs at Park Ave CDs. A lot of my daughter’s friends are in love with the vintage photo booth at Stardust Video and Coffee. We enjoy shopping at Owl’s Attic, East End Market, grabbing a treat at Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream or browsing the Lovely Boutique Market and Hellcats USA. helloapgd.com
Melrose Center at Orlando Public Library | photo by Jim Leatherman
A Walk in the Park(s)
Locals — and really everyone else in the world — know that Orlando maintains the title of theme park royalty, and for good reason. Tourists flock here by the thousands each year, and even the city’s most jaded residents recognize the once-in-awhile fun to be found in a themed roller coaster and a mouse faceshaped ice cream bar. Big changes and additions are constantly churned out at our largest theme parks (including this spring’s opening of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe), but that never takes away from the city’s affinity for thrills exemplified by several other local parks and attractions. Encounter marine life, building-block characters, celebrity alligators and more at these Orlando destinations.
Gatorland
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve located right along South Orange Blossom Trail. The spot was founded 73 years ago by Owen Godwin on former cattle land and has since been a wildlife and adventure park. Guests can catch a gator feeding show, hold baby gators or hang out in the petting zoo with plenty of other exotic and native-toFlorida critters.
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, gatorland.com
SeaWorld
Central Florida’s aquatic-themed park, SeaWorld Orlando offers sea life encounters, rides, live shows and more. Open just in the past year is family-friendly ride Penguin Trek and coming up soon is the muchanticipated fully immersive “Arctic Flying Theater.”
7007 Sea World Drive, seaworld.com/orlando
Universal Orlando Resort
The biggest news in the theme park world this year is coming out of Universal Orlando with the park’s majorly anticipated and ambitious
new Epic Universe: a five-world immersive experience that brings guests to Super Nintendo World, Ministries of Magic in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Dark Universe, an island of dragons inspired by How to Train Your Dragon, and the futuristic Celestial Park. 6000 Universal Blvd., universalorlando.com
Walt Disney World
You can’t really call yourself a local until you’ve succumbed to this dominating force in Orlando’s tourism scene. Between Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, there’s a little something for nearly everyone at one of the several parks. Hop on a ride, grab some Mickey-shaped ice cream bars and dive into the magic. disneyworld.disney.go.com
Icon Park
Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium and Museum of Illusions are just some of the attractions included at this 20-acre International Drive entertainment park. Take a ride in the observation wheel and take in the 400-foot-high Central Florida views.
8375 International Drive, iconparkorlando.com
Legoland Florida
Legoland offers 150 acres of interactive theme park activities and shows geared for families with young kids, although it truly is a blast for block enthusiasts of all ages. There
are more than 50 rides, lots of shows, and all the Legos you can hold at the Winter Haven park.
This massive indoor amusement center offers plenty to do for the whole family, including a bowling alley, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, go-karts, a movie theater and more. Dezerland is also home to the Orlando Auto Museum, showcasing thousands of vehicles, all valued at more than $200 million.
5250 International Drive, dezerlandpark.com
Wonderworks
This all-around entertaining attraction offers an “amusement park for the mind.” Visit the I-Drive emporium for a glimpse into more than 100 exhibits and attractions that will make you scratch your head in confusion or widen your eyes in surprise. There’s also laser tag, a ropes course and a 6D motion ride.
9067 International Drive, wonderworksonline.com/orlando
Safari Wilderness Ranch
Lakeland’s Safari Wilderness offers its guests a first-hand drive-through experience featuring plenty of exotic wildlife. Safari Wilderness prides itself on being totally different from a zoo or theme park; its emphasis is on immersing guests in nature.
10850 Moore Road, Lakeland, safariwilderness.com
Epic Universe | Photo by Seth Kubersky
Annual Events
There are fun events happening in the Orlando area all year round — so many, in fact, that it’s easy to let one slip past you. To make sure that doesn’t happen, here’s a quick guide so you can mark your calendars. Check the web to get this year’s dates.
JANUARY
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
Start the year with a junk-food sports fix as the Citrus Bowl plays host to one of the BCS games. cheezitcitrusbowl.com
Central Florida Scottish Highland Games
Annual weekend of caber tossing, axe throwing, sheep-herding, drinking, eating and dancing. flascot.com
Zora! Festival
Eatonville’s most famous writer gets a festival in her honor every year featuring live music, arts and educational activities. zorafestival.org
FEBRUARY
Immerse
Ten city blocks of downtown Orlando are filled with epic live performances, immersive art installations, and unexpected creative moments. immersefest.com
Lunar New Year Dragon Parade
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a festive Dragon Parade on the streets of Mills 50. centralfloridadragonparade.org
Sanford Porchfest
Free music festival that takes place on the fourth Saturday of February every year, taking over various residential porches in the historic downtown. sanfordporchfest.org
Whippersnap Music and Arts Festival
A three-day music, camping and arts festival. floridasandmusicranch.com
Winter Park Arts Weekend
A four-day arts extravaganza featuring community events and performances at Central Park’s Main Stage and 20-plus cultural venues throughout the city. wpinspires.org
MARCH
Central Florida Fair
Showcasing the best in midway rides, live entertainment, livestock and fried fair fare. centralfloridafair.com
Florida Strawberry Festival
One of the biggest agricultural fairs in the state routinely brings in big names for concerts, along with all the rides and fruity fair food you can handle.
flstrawberryfestival.com
Leu Gardens Plant Sale
Growers sell a massive variety of plants and flowers at this decadesold annual tradition. leugardens.org
MegaCon
Central Florida’s largest comic and media convention brings in big names from the worlds of television, film, comics and more for a huge celebration of pop culture. fanexpohq.com/megaconorlando
Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Every year Raglan Road Irish Pub imports Irish bands and dancers to rock the fun leading up to the mother of all Irish holidays. raglanroad.com.
Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts
A fun, two-day, open-air event celebrating the arrival of springtime. mountdoraspringfest.com
Pints n’ Paws Craft Beer Festival
Historic Downtown Sanford hosts an annual craft beer festival fundraiser that you can bring your dog to. pintsandpaws.com.
Thundering Spirit Pow Wow
Traditional Native American culture including drumming, dancing, crafts and food. thunderingspiritfamily.com
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival
Browse through booths from tons of artists and vendors at one of the country’s oldest, largest and most prestigious juried art festivals. wpsaf.org
APRIL
407 Day
Every year on April 7, residents of the City Beautiful take time to support their favorite bars and restaurants. As you might have noticed, we have a lot and we love ’em to death.
Art in Bloom
Orlando Museum of Art celebrates the art of floral arrangements, tablescapes and the finer things in life. councilof101.org
Earth Day Birthday
Local station WJRR 101-FM hosts Florida’s longest-running rock festival and it’s a loud, lively party with big names playing all day and night at the fairgrounds. wjrr.iheart.com
Electric Daisy Carnival | Photo by Matt Keller Lehman
Annual Events
Florida Film Festival
Whether you’re a fan of dramas, comedies, documentaries or shorts, the Florida Film Festival has it all. floridafilmfestival.com
Hannibal Square Heritage Center
Folk and Urban Art Festival
A celebration of Central Florida’s richly diverse culture through art, music, food and more. hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org
Spring Fiesta in the Park
This biannual block party brings vendors, entertainment, food and more to downtown’s Lake Eola Park. fiestainthepark.com
UCF Celebrates the Arts
An immersive and dynamic cultural extravaganza that fuses creativity, innovation and community engagement. arts.cah.ucf.edu/celebrates
United We Brunch: Brunch in the Park
Orlando’s top brunch destinations unite for one day in picturesque Lake Eola Park to throw the ultimate brunch extravaganza. orlandoweeklytickets.com
Winter Park Paint Out
Professionally acclaimed plein air artists paint throughout Winter Park and Orlando. winterparkpaintout.org
MAY
Beer ’Merica
More than 100 American craft brews and innovative brands to sample in a beautiful lakeside park, along with live music, games and giveaways. beermericaorlando.com
GayDays
One Magical Weekend
Girls in Wonderland
Three of the biggest LGBTQ+ gatherings in the country convene to enjoy the theme parks and each other’s company on the first weekend in June, with gatherings, pool parties and more. gaydays.com, girlsinwonderland.com, onemagicalweekend.com
Orlando Fringe
Thespians from all over the world descend on the theater complex at Loch Haven for two weeks of performances.
orlandofringe.org
Orlando International Film Festival Attracts film enthusiasts, industry professionals and talented filmmakers for panels, screenings and workshops. orlandointernationalfilmfestival.org
Spooky Empire
Vendors, a film and tattoo festival, music, celebrity speakers, and more to satiate diehard aficionados of the spooky season. spookyempire.com
JUNE
Bite30
A six-week celebration of the best food Central Florida has to offer, with special prix fixe menus at each participating restaurant. bite30.com
Juneteenth
An annual commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, celebrated at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in historically Black West Winter Park. hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org
Silver Spurs Rodeo
Bull riding, bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and barrel racing — they’ve been doing it since 1941. silverspursrodeo.com
JULY
Fireworks at the Fountain
Nothing says patriotism like the “oohs” and “ahhs” elicited by the spectacular firework and light show at Lake Eola each year. orlando.gov/events
Tacos & Tequila
Try dozens of takes on everyone’s favorite Tex-Mex one-handed treat, washed down with the sublime nectar of the agave plant. tacosandtequilaorlando.com
SEPTEMBER
Global Peace Film Festival
Using the power of the moving image to further the cause of peace on earth. peacefilmfest.org
Halloween Horror Nights
The big daddy fright fest of them all. No matter what they’re cooking up, it will scare the crap out of you. halloweenhorrornights.com
Howl-O-Scream
SeaWorld’s answer to the spooky season is an event full of scary sirens and terrors of the deep. seaworld.com.
Whiskey Business
Discover the best in scotches, bourbons, and whiskeys at Orlando’s largest whiskey and cocktail event. whiskeybusinessorlando.com
OCTOBER
13 Films of Halloween
Every October, Enzian Theater showcases a series of scary movies ranging from kids’ stuff to serious horror. enzian.org
Autumn Art Festival
Taking over Winter Park’s Central Park, this massive juried art festival presents the best and brightest in local artists and artisans. autumnartfestival.org
Come Out With Pride
We know, most of the world does Pride in June. Our favorite downtown parade and party celebrates the LGBTQ community in a month when it’s not too blazingly hot to be outside. comeoutwithpride.com
Día de los Muertos and Monster Party
Annual exhibition of Day of the Dead and Halloween-inspired art at CityArts plus an outdoors block party with live
Beer ’Merica | Photo by Jake Molina
Annual Events
performances, vendors, and more. facebook.com/cityartsorlando
Happy Frights and Haunting Nights
Leu Gardens offers two Halloween experiences: one a fun trick-ortreating experience for the entire family; the other more of an adult affair. leugardens.org.
Howl-O-Ween Dog Walk-A-Thon and Canine Costume Contest
A dog parade and canine costume contest, plus pet-friendly vendors and raffles at Cranes Roost Park. franklinsfriends.info
Mount Dora Bicycle Festival
Several hundred cyclists of varying skills celebrate at Florida’s oldest and largest bike festival. cyclemountdora.com
The Night Market at Zombietoberfest
Audubon Park Garden District throws the largest local outdoor night market with DJs, live music, multiple craft beer gardens, free costume contests for hoomans and pups, and outdoor movie screenings. facebook.com/hello.apgd
Orlando Film Festival
The Orlando Film Festival brings hundreds of independent films and filmmakers downtown for several days of screenings, panels and parties. orlandofilmfest.com
TPD Halloween Block Party
Go ham at the Thornton Park District’s annual blowout: full liquor, outside bars, costume contests with prizes, and photo ops galore. facebook.com/thorntonparkdistrict
Zoo Boo Bash
The perfect way for children and families to safely show off those Halloween costumes and trick-ortreat while enjoying the fun of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. centralfloridazoo.org
NOVEMBER
Downtown Orlando Field Day
A nostalgic afternoon of throwback competitions, food and fun. citydistrictorlando.com
Electric Daisy Carnival
The premier EDM festival makes a stop
at historic Tinker Field every year to showcase the best in contemporary dance music, otherworldly scenery and psychedelic lightshows. orlando.electricdaisycarnival.com
Fall Festival of the Arts
Almost 200 nationally known artists converge on downtown DeLand to showcase and sell their stunning masterpieces, just in time for the holiday season. facebook.com/delandfallfestival
Fall Fiesta in the Park
The autumn iteration of the biannual block party brings vendors, entertainment, food and more to downtown’s Lake Eola Park. fiestainthepark.com
Florida Blue Florida Classic
Annual football game between Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M, plus associated Classic Weekend parties and concerts. floridaclassic.org
Food and Wine Classic
A weekend of electable delights prepared by award-winning chefs, plus culinary demos and workshops, all within the environs of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com
FusionFest
Multicultural celebration in downtown Orlando that features an array of aromas, sights, sounds, tastes, textures and films that represent the diverse origins and ethnicities of our community. fusionfest.org
Maker Faire
Experience a world-renowned celebration of invention, creativity and curiosity at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. facebook.com/makerfaireorlando
Orlando Beer Festival
Orlando’s only large-scale legitimate craft beer festival attracts brewers and enthusiasts from all around Florida. orlandobeerfestival.com
DECEMBER
Christmas in the Park
The Morse Museum decorates Central Park with a stunning display of Tiffany stained glass windows and the Bach Festival Choir performs a Christmas concert. morsemuseum.org
Festival of Lights
Central Park hosts a 16-foot menorah for eight nights, which is lighted at a family-friendly party on the first night of Hanukkah. chabadorlando.org
Grandma Party Bazaar
Handmade crafts from local artisans and live music from local bands make this our favorite quirky stop for holiday shopping. instagram.com/grandma_party
Hometown Christmas Parade
The event has been held each December for more than 70 years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida. events.cityofwinterpark.org
Orlando Renaissance Festival
Annual labor of love goes medieval at Southport Community Park every December, when chainmail and velvet have less of a chance of suffocating you. orlandorenaissancefestival.com
Pop-Tarts Bowl
Close out the year the way you started it, with junk food and football, as the Citrus Bowl hosts an NCAA matchup. poptartsbowl.com
Orlando Ballet at Immerse Fest | Photo by Charles Schuett
