An Insider's Guide to Orlando's Locally-loved Hotspots

ORLANDO, Fla. -- While most visitors are familiar with Orlando's theme parks, many are unaware of the personality, character and charm Orlando has to offer. Unassuming eateries and stylish nighttime spots showcase the “real” Orlando, including local favorites and hidden gems in the theme park capital of the world. From upbeat and energetic to urban and tranquil, Orlando has a surprising variety of unique neighborhoods to explore.

DOWNTOWN ORLANDO

Downtown Orlando is a collection of different neighborhoods, all with a unique look and feel. Larger areas include Church Street District, Thornton Park, and Wall Street Plaza, but even single streets stand out with their own personalities. Orange Avenue is central to downtown Orlando and offers unique restaurants and cocktail bars, such as Artisan's Table and The Courtesy. Another highlight downtown is the Dr. Phillip's Center for the Performing Arts. The 2016 schedule is bursting with big name musicians, comedians and touring Broadway shows.  

CHURCH STREET

The Church Street District, located in the heart of downtown Orlando, offers a view of the past with all the excitement of modern venues, trendy restaurants and nightclubs. Visitors can explore Historic Church Street with a downtown Orlando walking tour or catch a game at the Amway Center, where the NBA Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears play. This dynamic district offers numerous nightlife options and swanky restaurants, including Kres Chophouse, The Rusty Spoon, Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant and The Boheme, located within the boutique Grand Bohemian Hotel. The area is also home to several performing arts venues like Mad Cow Theatre, specializing in both classic and contemporary plays and musicals. New to this historic street is Ferg's Depot, comprised of five buildings that were once part of the old Church Street Station built in 1889. The venue features an upscale restaurant and bar, main dining room, outdoor oyster bar, two separate additional bar rooms and outdoor seating.

THORNTON PARK

One of downtown Orlando's most charming neighborhoods is Thornton Park, the city's center of new urbanism, eateries and nearby Lake Eola Park. Restaurants in Thornton Park appease a multitude of cravings, with options ranging from brunch to BBQ and burgers to tacos. Mucho Tequila and Tacos and Relax Grill are just two of the alfresco options available. Wildside Bar and Grill and Graffiti Junktion offer sports fans a fun atmosphere to watch a game. Thornton Park is also home to Eola Wine Company and World of Beer. Both have their obvious spirit specialties but also offer great food.

MILLS 50

Just northeast of downtown Orlando, Mills 50 is an expanding enclave of authentic Asian restaurants, shops and markets and is home to one of the largest Vietnamese-American communities in Florida. Visitors can enjoy delicious and diverse Asian cuisine at restaurants like Hawkers Asian Street Fare, Pho 88 and Shin Jung. Mills 50 offers a variety of other cuisines, including modern American at The Strand, BBQ at Pig Floyd's, and vegetarian at Dandelion Communitea Cafe, The Sanctum and Market on South. Local markets like Dong A Supermarket and 1st Oriental Supermarket are also worth a stop. Florida's only sustainable winery, Quantum Leap can be found in this dynamic neighborhood.    

THE MILK DISTRICT

An up-and-coming neighborhood just over a mile from Downtown Orlando, The Milk District is named for its location near T.G. Lee Dairy, is a thriving area known for its funky shops and weekly food truck gathering. Local favorites include Pom Pom's Tea House and Sandwicheria, Beefy King, Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar and Bull & Bush. Vintage shopping can be found at Etoile Boutique, and The Plaza Live is a venue for music, comedians and cultural events.     

IVANHOE VILLAGE

Ivanhoe Village, a cultural destination, is just two miles from Downtown Orlando. Arts and culture are abundant in this area, featuring Orlando Repertory Theatre, Orlando Shakespeare Theater and one of Orlando's most noticeable and popular parks, Gaston Edwards Park. The area also features a number of vintage-inspired shops, including Rock & Roll Heaven and Elephant Walk Antiques. The Imperial is a local favorite with an extensive beer and wine menu, located inside a unique shop, Washburn Imports. Locals flock to White Wolf Café for a causal bite to eat as well as Santiago's Bodega. Newcomer, Better Than Sex, is a scintillating experience focused on decadent desserts, fine wines and specially created drinks.

COLLEGE PARK

Located northwest of downtown Orlando is the distinct neighborhood of College Park, with streets named for famous Ivy League universities such as Harvard, Yale and Dartmouth. The neighborhood is home to various colorful shops and businesses, including Metal Works Gallery, The Beauty Spot Spa & Boutique and Truffles and Trifles Cooking School. The Jack Kerouac House is where the writer penned his famous “On the Road” and is the current home of a “writer in residence” program. A College Park staple is K Restaurant, nationally recognized for its eclectic American cuisine with an Italian influence. Newer to the neighborhood is Outpost Neighborhood Kitchen, serving southern comfort food with farm-to-table ingredients.

AUDUBON PARK

Audubon Park, The Garden District, is a hip, diverse area just north of downtown Orlando.  East End Market is a must-visit cultural hub and marketplace home to 10 local, independently owned food enterprises, offering everything from fresh baked goods to artisan cheeses. Redlight Redlight Beer Parlour offers seemingly endless beer options with more than 200 bottles, including a vast selection of vintage and sour beers. Other notable eateries and hang-outs include Blue Bird Bake Shop, Bikes, Beans & Bordeaux, P is for Pie, and Smiling Bison. An eclectic mix of shopping venues, such as Dear Prudence, offers everything from designer fashion to DYI jewelry and more. True to its name, Audubon Park is home to Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical oasis with various gardens featuring local flora as well as a beautiful rose garden.            

WINTER PARK

A short drive north of downtown Orlando, Winter Park was originally created as a retreat for wealthy northerners. More than 130 years later, Winter Park is the place to be. Popular spots include Central Park and Park Avenue, where 10 tree-lined blocks of more than 140 shops offer everything from high-end footwear and designer lingerie to fine wines and pooch-friendly pastries. Noteworthy restaurants such as Cask & Larder and its sister restaurant The Ravenous Pig, as well as Luma on Park and Prato, help contribute to Winter Park's reputation as a foodie hub in Orlando. Winter Park is also home to local-favorite 4 Rivers Smokehouse and THE COOP, its sister restaurant focusing on southern comfort food, both owned by John Rivers.

The Orlando Destination

Home to seven of the world's top theme parks, Orlando is the No. 1 family vacation destination, theme park capital of the world, and most visited destination in the United States.  An unparalleled mix of unique experiences create cherished memories for visitors, including legendary theme parks from Disney, Universal and SeaWorld, an array of world-class water parks, entertainment venues, an award-winning food scene, shopping, sports and nightlife. And, with 450 hotels, Orlando offers more lodging options than nearly any other destination in the world, from expansive resorts to uniquely themed hotels. 

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