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Florida Group Publisher Graham Jarrett Editor in Chief Jessica Bryce Young EDITORIAL Managing Editor Matthew Moyer Digital Editor Alex Galbraith Interns Melissa Perez-Carrillo, Sierra Williams Photographers Rob Bartlett, Jen Cray ADVERTISING Director of Sales Jeff Kruse Multimedia Account Exec Dan Winkler Classified and Legal Rep Jerrica Schwartz Sales Department Administrator Rachel Gold
ORLANDO WEEKLY CITY GUIDE 2021
CREATIVE SERVICES Production Manager Daniel Rodriguez
8: Letter from the Editor 9: Neighborhoods map
BUSINESS Director of Operations Hollie Mahadeo
NEIGHBORHOODS
EVENTS AND MARKETING Events and Promo Manager Miranda Hodge CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Collin Modeste EUCLID MEDIA GROUP Chief Executive Officer Andrew Zelman Chief Operating Officers Chris Keating, Michael Wagner VP of Digital Services Stacy Volhein Director of Digital Strategy Colin Wolf Senior Marketing and Events Director Cassandra Yardeni Digital Operations Coordinator Jaime Monzon Controller Kristy Dotson euclidmediagroup.com National Advertising: Voice Media Group 1-888-278-9866, vmgadvertising.com Orlando Weekly Inc. 16 W. Pine St. Orlando, Florida 32801 orlandoweekly.com Phone 407-377-0400 Fax 407-377-0420 Orlando Weekly is published every week by Euclid Media Group Orlando Distribution Orlando Weekly is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Copyright notice: The entire contents of Orlando Weekly are copyright 2021 by Euclid Media Group LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher does not assume any liability for unsolicited manuscripts, materials, or other content. Any submission must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All editorial, advertising, and business correspondence should be mailed to the address listed above. Subscriptions: Sixmonth domestic subscriptions may be purchased for $150; one-year subscriptions for $240. Periodical Postage Pending at Orlando, FL POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Orlando Weekly, 16 W. Pine St., Orlando, FL 32801.
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13: Audubon Park 15: College Park 17: Colonialtown 19: Curry Ford 21: Downtown 25: Eatonville 27: Eola Heights & South Eola 29: Florida Mall & South OBT 31: I-Drive 33: Ivanhoe Village 35: Maitland 37: Milk District 39: Mills 50 41: Parramore 43: SoDo 45: Thornton Park 47: UCF 51: Winter Park COMMUTER COMMUNITIES 59: Kissimmee 59: Lake Nona 61: Sanford RESOURCES & LISTINGS 65: Day trips 67: Outdoors: beaches, parks, hikes 71: Music & Nightlife 73: Attractions 75: Arts & Culture 77: Getting around town 77: City & County Resources
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
ROSEMONT NORTH
SIGNAL HILL
One thing about Orlando residents: For the most part, they’re pretty happy to be here. And that city spirit carries over into neighborhood pride in a big way. The concept of Orlando as a city of neighborhoods really took off in 2008, when Mayor Buddy Dyer and the City Council created the Orlando Main Street Districts, in coordination with the federal Main Street America project. Today, in addition to yeoman newspapers like the West Orange Observer and College Park’s Community Paper, there are new hyper-local online publications like the Bungalower and the 32789, devoted to covering their ’hoods only. But of course, the city was separated into neighborhoods long before the Main Streets — between the realtors, the developers, the public works and the residents themselves, there was already a patchwork of nicknames, some more official than others. As you can see from the map on the opposing page, the City of Orlando is keeping track of Rowena Gardens, Wedgewood Groves and Coytown, even if you’ve never used or even heard those names. As we watched over the years, Little Vietnam morphed into the Vimi, referring to the area around Virginia Drive and Mills Avenue. Then (around the time the old Mills-Nebraska lumber yard was sold to be developed as Mills Park) it started being called Mills 50. When the Ivanhoe Village and Mills 50 Main Street Districts popped up, their business memberships could feel counterintuitive — a brewery in Ivanhoe Village could be closer to Mills Avenue than Ivanhoe Row. Meanwhile, if you looked at an official city of Orlando map, you’d see these areas marked Colonialtown and “Park Lake/Highland”; on a National Historic Districts map, parts would be claimed in the Lake Ivanhoe Historic District. Huh? Understandably, all of this overlap and multiple naming gave rise to a lot of confusion, and since we write primarily about what’s happening in all of these neighborhoods, the letters started flowing into our inboxes. While everyone loves to celebrate Orlando’s neighborhoods, no one can quite seem to agree on what they’re called. Here’s a recent example: I received an email March 10 saying, “I’ve noticed that the city has recently started putting up signs in various neighborhoods including ‘Curry Ford West.’ I’m curious what the resistance is from the city to recognize the area as it’s known by residents and businesses: the Hourglass District. Even your publication refers to it as Curry Ford West. Has this been investigated before? … Curry Ford West is so boring and no one actually refers to it as such.” The director of Orlando’s Curry Ford West Main Street District might take issue with that last statement. In the meantime, it’s worth noting that what used to be just a commuter pass-through corridor has indeed flourished into an amazing neighborhood — but the Hourglass moniker is a bit of fairy dust sprinkled by developers Giovanni and Elise Fernandez as they developed the Hourglass Social House, now a focal point of the area. “The owner of Orlando-based developer National Real Estate LLC wanted to transform a building northeast of Bumby Avenue and Curry Ford Road to revitalize an older neighborhood near downtown,” reported the Orlando Business Journal in January 2020. “He and project architect Ryan Young of Orlando-based design/builder Interstruct Inc., looked at a map and noticed a nearby lake with two vertically stacked ovals. So, as a placeholder, Fernandez called the area the Hourglass District.” We have to add at this point that the “lake with two vertically stacked ovals” had a well-established name — Lake Hourglass. All of this is to say: It’s not an exact science; just roll with it and relish the opportunities Orlando throws your way to eat, drink and play. We’ve been publishing our annual City Guide since 2012, and it’s been a blast watching the city grow and evolve. So what do you think about Orlando’s neighborhoods? What do you enjoy most about your neighborhood? I want to hear from you on this topic, and any other you care to discuss. All my best, Jessica Bryce Young
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THE WILLOWS
ROSEMONT
LAKE FAIRVIEW
LAKE SHORE VILLAGE
PRINCETON /SILVER STAR
NORTH ORANGE
PALOMAR
SEABOARD INDUSTRIAL
COLLEGE PARK
ORWIN MANOR ROSE ISLE LAKE FORMOSA
MERCY DRIVE
ROWENA GARDENS
BALDWIN PARK
LAKE DOT
COLONIAL DRIVE
CALLAHAN
LAKE MANN ESTATE
LAKE SUNSET
PARRAMORE
WESTFIELD
LORNA DOONE
LAKE EOLA HEIGHTS SOUTH EOLA
LAKE CHEROKEE
HOLDEN HEIGHTS
CATALINA ESTATES INTERSTATE
4
SOUTH DIVISION
RIO GRANDE PARK PARK RIO GRANDE
LAKE HOLDEN
DELANEY PARK
LAKE COPELAND
CLEAR LAKE
SODO
WASHINGTON SHORES
JOHNSON VILLAGE
COYTOWN
COLONIALTOWN NORTH
MILLS 50
COLONIALTOWN CENTER HIBISCUS
COLONIALTOWN SOUTH
THORNTON PARK
ROCK LAKE
HARALSON ESTATES
DOWNTOWN
WEST COLONIAL
PARK LAKE HIGHLAND
NORTH QUARTER
UCF
AUDUBON PARK
IVANHOE VILLAGE
SPRING LAKE
PARK
WINTER PARK & MAITLAND
THE THE MILK DISTRICT LAWSONA FERN CREEK
LAKE DAVIS GREENWOOD
LAKE WELDONA BEL AIR
EAST CENTRAL PARK
LAKE COMO
ORLANDO EXECUTIVE AIRPORT
LAKE UNDERHILL
DOVER SHORE WEST
LANCASTER PARK
WADEVIEW PARK
DOVER SHORES
CONWAY
WEDGEWOOD GROVES
DOVER ESTATES
MARINERS VILLAGE
AZALEA PARK
MONTEREY
ENGELW PA
DIXIE BELLE
N
LAKE FREDRICA
BRYN MAWR
PARK RIO GRANDE SOUTH SEMORAN
COUNTRYSIDE
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neighbor hoods
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A
udubon Park manages, better than many parts of Orlando, to maintain a distinctly “neighborhood” vibe, and you can tell that the residents of this area bring the civic pride big-time (the neighborhood has won a Great American Main Street Award, after all). There is a distinct lack of big chains, and mainstays like Stardust and Park Ave CDs anchor the area, while destinations like East End Market, Kadence and Redlight Redlight have settled in just fine. Notable recent developments include the arrival of decadent donut spot Salty Donut, uber-popular Winter Park Biscuit Co. and a new coffee roastery knocking out an old corner gas station. When you’re tired of shopping, eating and imbibing, Audubon Park offers up plenty of green space and peaceful nooks.
REDLIGHT REDLIGHT | PHOTO BY JEN CRAY
Audubon Park
E AT Domu 3201 Corrine Drive domufl.com
Kadence 1809 Winter Park Road kadenceorlando.com
East End Market 3201 Corrine Drive eastendmkt.com This local food hub houses a cheesemonger, butchery, bakery, coffee roaster and several micro-restaurants and shops, as well as an upstairs event space.
P Is for Pie Bake Shop 2806 Corrine Drive crazyforpies.com The Salty Donut 3025 Corrine Drive saltydonut.com DOMU | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
DRINK
SHOP
Redlight Redlight 2810 Corrine Drive redlightredlightbeerparlour. com Lobos Coffee Roasters 3000 Corrine Drive loboscoffeeroasters.com Stardust Video & Coffee 1842 E. Winter Park Road stardustvideoandcoffee. wordpress.com
GO Zombietoberfest Oct. 16, 2021 audubonparkgardens.com Audubon Park’s Main Street District presents this Halloween extravaganza every year.
Freehand Goods 3201 Corrine Drive freehandgoods.com The Lovely Boutique Market 2906 Corrine Drive thelovelyboutiquemarket.com The Owl’s Attic 3106 Corrine Drive theowlsattic.com Park Ave CDs 2916 Corrine Drive parkavecds.com
PL AY Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 N. Forest Ave. leugardens.org Blue Jacket Park 2501 General Rees Ave. orlando.gov
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College Park
C
ollege Park is a neighborhood awash in its history, from the retro Publix to the living museum-cum-writers’ retreat that is the Kerouac House to the landmarked home of astronaut John Young (ninth man to walk on the moon). But there’s plenty to enjoy for old and young alike on a leisurely stroll down the main drag of Edgewater Drive: solid eateries, top-shelf spirits and great independent local shopping with unique wares aplenty. If you find yourself down there in the near future, say howdy to the Cups and Pups Coffee folks currently setting up in the (nooooo) recently closed Gratitude Coffee space.
E AT
SHOP
PL AY
Good Crowd Shop 2812 Edgewater Drive goodcrowdshop.com
Henao Contemporary Center 5601 Edgewater Drive henaocenter.com
Foundation College Park 2529 Edgewater Drive facebook.com/ foundationcollegepark Warehaus Orlando 1529 Vassar St. shopwarehaus.com
GO Dubsdread Golf Course 549 W. Par St. historicaldubsdread.com Kerouac House 1418 Clouser Ave. kerouacproject.org DIGRESS WINE | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
DRINK
RusTeak 2625 Edgewater Drive rusteakwinebar.com
Digress Wine 1215 Edgewater Drive facebook.com/digresswine
Trevi Pasta 2120 Edgewater Drive trevipastarestaurant.com
The Local Bar 3231 Edgewater Drive facebook.com/localbarorlando
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Colonialtown
C
olonialtown is like a little oasis of peace and quiet betwixt some of the most bustling areas of the city. Adjacent to the buzzy Milk District and Mills 50 neighborhoods, Colonialtown is old Florida to the max, aesthetically speaking. Tree-lined streets and bungalows and other gorgeously retro architecture abound, a welcome relief from McMansion-style homogeneity. It’s a great walking neighborhood, particularly if you’re strolling to one of the plethora of eateries, but if you’re in errand-running mode, Colonialtown also encompasses the Colonial Plaza shopping center as well as the hey-we’re-stillhere spirit of Fashion Square Mall. DELI DESIRES | BY ROB BARTLETT
E AT Bikkuri Sushi Noodle & Grill 1919 E. Colonial Drive facebook.com/bikkurisushi Black Bean Deli 1835 E. Colonial Drive blackbeandeli.com Chicken Fire 2425 E. Colonial Drive facebook.com/eatchickenfire Deli Desires 715 N. Fern Creek Ave. delidesires.com Sticky Rice Laotian Street Food 1919 E. Colonial Drive facebook.com/stickyricestreetfood
DRINK Maxine’s on Shine 337 Shine Ave. maxinesonshine.com
SHOP Avalon 1211 Hillcrest St. avalonbeyond.com Sam Flax 1800 E. Colonial Drive samflaxorlando.com
GO Bronze Kingdom African Art Fashion Square Mall 3201 E. Colonial Drive
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C
all it the Hourglass District if you like, but we think this neighborhood is hotter than vindaloo these days. The stellar quality of the restaurants, breweries and independent establishments along Curry Ford Road’s newly bustling strip never ceases to surprise, from the high-quality vittles and caffeine you can acquire from the Hourglass Social House — a veritable buffet without icky sneeze-guard considerations — to the perfect pies from Pizza Bruno. Growth in the Conway and Curry Ford area is deliberate but on a steady upward rise (along with property values), which is fitting given that Conway was one of the first paved highways in Orlando. All things in their time, you’ll no doubt think to yourself, as you reflect on it all while staring into the placid waters of Lake Hourglass.
UNCOMMON CATERING | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
Curry Ford / Hourglass
E AT F&D Woodfired Italian Kitchen 2420 Curry Ford Road fdwoodfireditaliankitchen.com
Pizza Bruno 3990 Curry Ford Road pizzabrunofl.com
Kathi Rolls 4205 Curry Ford Road kathirollsorlando.com
Tamale Co. 2411 Curry Ford Road tamaleco.com
La Fiesta Mexican Grill 3000 Curry Ford Road facebook.com/ lafiestagrillandcatering
Uncommon Catering & Eatery 2942 Curry Ford Road uncommoncatering.com
DRINK LE KY PATISSERIE | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
SHOP
Claddagh Cottage 2421 Curry Ford Road claddaghcottagepub.com
Clemons Produce 325 Curry Ford Road 407-897-1413
The Commission Beer Chamber 2230 Curry Ford Road facebook.com/ thecommissionbeerchamber
Le Ky Patisserie 2411 Curry Ford Road instagram.com/le_ky_patisserie
Hourglass Brewing 2500 Curry Ford Road hourglassbrewing.com
GO Barber Park 3701 Gatlin Ave. orangecountyfl.net
Roque Pub 3076 Curry Ford Road roquepuborlando.com
Hourglass Park 1800 Carlton Drive orangecountyfl.net
PL AY Peaceful Peacock Yoga 2500 Curry Ford Road peacefulpeacockorlando.com
Fort Gatlin Recreation Complex 2009 Lake Margaret Drive orangecountyfl.net
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T
he only thing constant in downtown Orlando is change. (Well, that and us noting said change in our annual manuals.) Who knew back in 2019 that the hottest concert venue in the downtown sector would be the front lawn of the Dr. Phillips Center, a 24-hour Taco Bell serving liquor would be open where a dance megaclub used to stand, and the Orlando Sentinel would permanently vacate its downtown building after almost 75 years? Things look indelibly different due to the pandemic’s repercussions on daytime foot traffic (keeping our lips sealed about all y’all out at night, though). The eternal downtown pivot continues with ghost kitchens opening, food halls on the way, and the following selections, just a few of the many downtown spots worth your time and dollars.
THE ROBINSON | PHOTO BY DANIELAMIKHEAL
Downtown
E AT Artisan’s Table 55 W. Church St. artisanstableorlando.com
Nifty’s Korean BBQ & Ramen 145 S. Orange Ave. facebook.com/niftyskoreanbbq
Kres Chophouse 17 W. Church St. kresrestaurant.com
Olives 165 S. Orange Ave. olivesfl.com
Neon Beach 131 N. Orange Ave. neonbeachfl.com
Tin & Taco 40 W. Washington St. tinandtaco.com NEON BEACH | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
GO Orange County Regional History Center 65 E. Central Blvd. thehistorycenter.org
DRINK Ann Teague’s 22 S. Magnolia Ave. annteagues.com
Orlando Public Library 101 E. Central Blvd. ocls.info
Craft & Common 47 E. Robinson St. craftandcommon.com Deeply Coffee 111 N. Magnolia Ave. deeplycoffee.square.site Motorworks Brewing 131 N. Orange Ave. motorworksbrewing.com The Robinson Café & Cocktail Lounge 63 E. Pine St. therobinsonroom.com
PL AY CityArts 39 S. Magnolia Ave. orlandoslice.com Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 S. Magnolia Ave. drphillipscenter.org HÄOS on Church 123 W. Church St. haosonchurch.com
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Eatonville
I
n previous years, we’ve grouped Eatonville in with Winter Park, but it’s time for this vibrant historic neighborhood to get a spotlight all its own. Eatonville, the first Black incorporated municipality in Florida, has both a rich history and a bright future. That Janus-faced past/future outlook is best exemplified by the annual Zora! Festival that celebrates the Harlem Renaissance titan who hailed from Eatonville, looking back at Zora Neale Hurston’s legacy and body of work while showcasing new artists, writers and musicians. There’s a number of notable newer businesses open in the neighborhood too, including Jenn Ross moving her DaJen Eats vegan food empire there. Eatonville’s bustling main street is a great place to while away the day. ZORA NEALE HURSTON
E AT DaJen Eats 323 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville dajeneats.com Mad Crab Seafood and Wings 25 W. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville madcrabseafoodandwings.com Soul Food Fantasy 521 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville soulfoodfantasy.us
GO Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Arts 344 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville zoranealehurstonmuseum.com
The Moseley House 11 Taylor St., Eatonville themoseleyhouse.org The Mustard Seed of Central Florida 12 Mustard Seed Lane mustardseedfla.org Volunteer at one of Orlando’s most compassionate charitable foundations.
PL AY Catalina Park 201 Campus View Drive, Eatonville townofeatonville.org Zora! Festival January 2022 zorafestival.org orlandoweekly.com ● City Guide 2021
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Eola Heights & South Eola
V
isitors to the South Eola and Eola Heights micro-neighborhoods get the best of both worlds — historic Craftsman bungalows galore, some dating back to the late 19th century, plus hip nightspots and walkable restaurants — with downtown Orlando just a handy hop, skip and/or jump away. Strolling is mandatory, especially on weekend days with the Orlando Farmers Market in full effect. This area has both the distinction of being immortalized and satirized by local playwright Michael Wanzie in his “Ladies of Eola Heights” series, and being centered around one of the most iconic parks in Orlando that doesn’t have “theme” immediately preceding it: lovely Lake Eola Park. LAKE EOLA PARK | PHOTO BY OZAN
South Eola E AT
DRINK
Greenery Creamery 420 E. Church St. thegreenerycreamery.com
Stubborn Mule 100 S. Eola Drive thestubbornmuleorlando.com
Menagerie Eatery & Bar 101 S. Eola Drive menagerieorlando.com
The Tea Room Experience 420 E. Church St. thetearoomexperience.com
Oudom Thai & Sushi 100 S. Eola Drive oudomorlando.com
PL AY The Abbey 100 S. Eola Drive 407-704-6103 abbeyorlando.com
SHOP Bynx 420 E. Church St. facebook.com/bynxorlando Snap! Orlando 420 E. Church St. snaporlando.com
MENAGERIE EATERY & BAR | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
Eola Heights E AT Eola General 522 E. Amelia St. eolageneral.com
DRINK Aku Aku Tiki Bar 431 E. Central Blvd. akuakutiki.com Eola Wine Company 430 E. Central Blvd. eolawinecompany.com World of Beer 431 E. Central Blvd. worldofbeer.com
GO Come Out With Pride Oct. 9, 2021 Annual parade for LGBTQ Pride.
SHOP Orlando Farmers Market 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday Lake Eola Park
PL AY Constitution Green 300 S. Summerlin Ave. orlando.gov Lake Eola Park 512 E. Washington St. orlando.gov
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Florida Mall / South OBT
F
lorida Mall is known primarily as a place for tourists to soak in the AC when they’re all theme-parked out and ready for some retail therapy. Sadly, South OBT is known primarily as the place to visit a strip club, a biker bar or an impromptu Fridaynight pageant of rims, custom paint and hydraulics — but it’s also the place Orlando’s trendy gourmets must trek to when they need powdered hing or fresh curry leaves or a specific type of legume, because this very busy area of Orlando has become a magnet for cuisine from around the world, with particularly adventurous options for Indian dining and groceries. Spend some time exploring this neighborhood. The traffic might be a headache, but your stomach will surely thank you.
Lucciano’s Gelato 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail facebook.com/luccianos.us
SHOP House of Spices 1137 Doss Ave.
Woodlands 6040 S. Orange Blossom Trail woodlandsusa.com
Mike’s Comics 8110 Orange Blossom Trail mikes-comics.com
DRINK KTV Orlando Karaoke/Norebang 7130 S. Orange Blossom Trail ktvorlando.com
Premier Couples Superstore 5009 S. Orange Blossom Trail premiercouples.net
FLORIDA MALL | PHOTO BY JADE MIOSOTIS
E AT Bombay Street Kitchen 6215 S. Orange Blossom Trail bombaykitchenorlando.com
Chewy Boba Co. 8098 S. Orange Blossom Trail chewyboba.com
Chaat House 9472 Orange Blossom Trail chaathouseusa.com
Honest 1718 Sand Lake Road honestrestaurantsusa.com
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I-Drive A
n area of the city largely revolving around eager foot traffic from tourists and visitors, I-Drive has had a bit of a rough patch of late, but it seems to be rebounding just fine. In particular, Icon Park — home of the giant observation wheel — is downright thriving, in between the Mooby’s pop-up, the Tin Roof’s live music offerings, the selfie mecca that is the Museum of Illusions and the promise of a Gordon Ramsay restaurant concept, it’s got enough diversions to lure as many locals as outof-towners. To say nothing of the prospect of the world’s largest White Castle set to open in the neighborhood soon …
DRINK
SHOP
Café Tu Tu Tango 8625 International Drive cafetututango.com
Gods & Monsters 5421 International Drive godmonsters.com
Icebar Orlando 8967 International Drive icebarorlando.com
Orlando International Premium Outlets 4951 International Drive premiumoutlets.com
Tin Roof 8371 International Drive tinrooforlando.com Vault 5421 5421 International Drive godmonsters.com
PL AY Shingle Creek Trail Trailhead: 5165 MetroWest Blvd. orlando.gov
SUSURU | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
E AT Bawarchi Biryanis 6315 International Drive bawarchiorlando.com
Susuru 8548 Palm Parkway susuruorl.com
Nile Ethiopian Restaurant 7048 International Drive nile07.com
Tapa Toro 8481 International Drive tapatoro.restaurant
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T
he opening of the Yard, the massive apartment complex that ate Alden Road, was the start of a major new phase of growth for quietly quirky Ivanhoe Village, but the neighborhood has so far managed to retain much of its eccentric homegrown charm. There’s much more on the way, though, for the bucolic streets around Lake Ivanhoe: the food hall and event space the Hall on the Yard, Gnarly Barley moving on up from south Orlando to the corner of Orange and Virginia, and more. Who knows what will be next for the historic area that was once a pineapple farm and a water park? For now, though, enjoy the walkable delights of this Orange Avenue strip, with all manner of small business and eatery.
E AT
DRINK
The Greek Corner 1600 N. Orange Ave. thegreekcorner.net
GB’s Bottle Shop and Tasting Bar 531 Virginia Drive gbbottleshop.com
Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe 1414 N. Orange Ave. russellsorlando.com
Hideaway Bar 516 Virginia Drive thehideawaybar.net
Santiago’s Bodega 802 Virginia Drive santiagosbodega.com
The Imperial Wine Bar 1800 N. Orange Ave. imperialwinebar.com
White Wolf Cafe 1829 N. Orange Ave. whitewolfcafe.com
Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. 1300 Alden Road ivanhoeparkbrewing.com The Lucky Lure 1427 N. Orange Ave. facebook.com/theluckylureorlando
GB’S BOTTLE SHOP | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART | PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER KEITH GARCIA
Ivanhoe Village
SHOP
PL AY
Living Morocco 1804 N. Orange Ave. living-morocco-online.com
Factur Makerspace 520 Virginia Drive factur.org
Miscellaneous Market 1903 N. Orange Ave. facebook.com/miscellaneousmarket
Gaston Edwards Park 1236 N. Orange Ave. orlando.gov
Retro City Cycles 1810 N. Orange Ave. retrocitycycles.com Rock & Roll Heaven 1814 N. Orange Ave. rock-n-rollheaven.com Tim’s Wine Market 1223 N Orange Ave. timswine.com Yay! Tiny Shop 1211 N. Orange Ave. yaytinyshop.com
GO Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre 600 N. Lake Formosa Drive orlandoballet.org Mennello Museum of American Art 900 E. Princeton St. mennellomuseum.org Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Ave. omart.org Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival May 18-31, 2021
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Maitland
M
aitland has garnered a reputation as a foodie and filmbuff destination over the last few years, without that aesthete reputation going to neighborhood residents’ heads. Enzian Theater, a hotspot for adventurous cinema both local and national, just wrapped its 30th annual Florida Film Festival. And the new behemoth multi-use Maitland City Centre offers a plethora of gastronomic delights. Maitland’s museum game is no slouch either: The Maitland Art Center is a crucial incubator for boundary-pushing local talent as well as a National Historic Landmark, and the Holocaust Memorial Resource Center is fearlessly educating the city as a whole. LUKE’S KITCHEN + BAR | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
E AT Luke’s Kitchen & Bar 640 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland eatatlukes.com Midici: The Neapolitan Pizza Company 171 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland mymidici.com Outpost Kitchen, Bar & Provisions 111 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland outpostkbp.com Teak Neighborhood Grill 901 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland teakorlando.com
DRINK Copper Rocket 106 Lake Ave., Maitland thecopperrocket.com Eden Bar 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland enzian.org
SHOP BAMF Comics 500 E. Horatio Ave., Maitland bamfcomicstore.com
GO Art & History Museums - Maitland 231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland artandhistory.org Audubon Center for Birds of Prey 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland cbop.audubon.org Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center 851 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland holocaustedu.org
PL AY Enzian Theater 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland enzian.org orlandoweekly.com ● City Guide 2021
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G
uarded over by the watchful spotted cow perched heroically atop the T.G. Lee building from whence the District gained its name, the strip of scrappy businesses along Bumby and Robinson have, thankfully, come through the worst (?) of the pandemic largely unscathed. Most pivoted to a takeout/delivery-heavy model, but now doors are open again and people are returning to their favorite haunts. Lately the District as a collective has been making big moves to promote plant-based diets with the “Almond Milk District” promotion. And venerable sandwich spot Pom Pom’s — golly, we remember when it was brand-new! — even got their own official day, as decreed by Mayor Dyer.
STASIO’S | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
Milk District
E AT À La Cart 609 Irvington Ave. alacartorlando.com
Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria 67 N. Bumby Ave. pompomsteahouse.com
Bad As’s Sandwiches 207 Primrose Drive badasssandwiches.com
Se7en Bites 617 Primrose Drive se7enbites.com
Beefy King 424 N. Bumby Ave. beefyking.com
Stasio’s Italian Deli and Market 2320 E. Robinson St. instagram.com/stasiositaliandeli
DRINK
SHOP
The Bull & Bush 2408 E. Robinson St. bullandbushorlando.com
Market on South 2603 E. South St. marketonsouth.com WHIPPOORWILL BEER HOUSE | COURTESY PHOTO
Etoile Boutique 2424 E. Robinson St. etoileboutique.com
The Nook on Robinson 2432 E. Robinson St. facebook.com/thenookonrobinson
Orlando Power Yoga 2415 E. South St. facebook.com/orlandopoweryoga
Sideward Brewing 210 N. Bumby Ave. sidewardbrewing.com Southern Nights 375 S. Bumby Ave. facebook.com/southernnightsorlando Whippoorwill Beer House & Package Store/Easy Luck Coffee & Bodega 2425 E. South St. whippoorwillbeerhouse.com easyluckorlando.com Whisky Lou’s Lounge 121 N. Bumby Ave. facebook.com/whiskeylous
GO
Plaza Live 425 N. Bumby Ave. plazaliveorlando.org
PL AY Orlando Festival Park 2911 E. Robinson St. cityoforlando.net Orlando Skate Park 400 Festival Way cityoforlando.net
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ake a picture; it will last longer than the current status quo of Mills 50. You might want to devote a few afternoons and evenings to take in the sights, sounds, tastes and wares of Mills 50 — when you’re comfortable again heading out and about, that is — because this neighborhood is changing fast. The Vietnamese restaurants and businesses and the scruffy bars and music venues that gave this neighborhood its unique character and red-hot social (and otherwise) capital are for the most part standing strong, and hopefully they’ll be here long after the money men are gone. In the meantime, take in the old favorites and some welcome new additions like Matcha Café Maiko, Chi-Kin, the rebooted Wally’s and new outdoors venue Carlotta’s Culture Park.
E AT Chi-Kin 813 N Mills Ave. chi-kin.com King Bao 710 N. Mills Ave. king-bao.com Lazy Moon 1011 E. Colonial Drive lazymoonpizza.com Matcha Café Maiko 639 N. Mills Ave. cafemaikoorl.com The Strand 807 N. Mills Ave. strandorlando.com
THE STRAND | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
MATCH CAFE MAIKO | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
Mills 50
Tako Cheena 932 N. Mills Ave. mytakocheena.com Too Much Sauce 1430 N. Mills Ave. sauceorlando.com
DRINK Guesthouse/Sunroom 1321 N. Mills Ave. sunroomcocktails.com Lineage Coffee 1011 E. Colonial Drive lineageroasting.com
Tori Tori 720 N. Mills Ave. toritoripub.com
Ten10 Brewing Co. 1010 Virginia Drive ten10brewingcompany.com
Uncle Lou’s Entertainment Hall 1016 N. Mills Ave.
Dong-A Imports 706 N. Mills Ave.
Will’s Pub 1042 N. Mills Ave. willspub.org
Remix Record Shop 1213 N. Mills Ave. remixrecordshop.com
ViVi Bubble Tea 1111 E. Colonial Drive vivibubbletea.com
Out of the Closet 1349 N. Mills Ave. outofthecloset.org
SHOP
Wally’s Mills Avenue Liquors 1001 N. Mills Ave. wallysonmills.com
GO LGBT+ Center Orlando 946 N. Mills Ave. thecenterorlando.org
PL AY Orlando Urban Trail Near the intersection of Virginia Drive and Brookhaven Drive cityoforlando.net
Mills Gallery 1650 N. Mills Ave. facebook.com/millsgallery.orlando
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ith Orlando City and Orlando Pride games on pause for much of the past year, things have been a little quieter in the historical Black neighborhood of Parramore — and we suspect the residents have been OK with that. The erstwhile Church Street District moved last year to join forces with Parramore, forming up like Voltron to become the mammoth City District, which might give Parramore a boost of business and events. Until then, Parramore’s offerings speak for themselves, from the Wells’ Built Museum to Nikki’s Place, from 534 Scratch Kitchen to Re-Runz Records — and the quality is some of the highest in Orlando.
E AT 534 Scratch Kitchen 534 W. Church St. 534scratchkitchen.com Goff’s Drive In 212 S. Orange Blossom Trail Le House 595 W. Church St. facebook.com/ lehouserestaurant
RE RUNZ RECORDS | PHOTO BY JEN CRAY
Parramore
Nikki’s Place Southern Cuisine 742 Carter St. nikkisplace.net Unidos Restaurant 1325 W. Washington St. facebook.com/ unidosrestaurantorlando
DRINK Stonewall Bar 741 W. Church St. 407-373-0888 stonewallorlando.com WELLS’BUILT HOTEL | PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF ORLANDO
Yard Bar 617 W. Central Blvd. 407-849-0471 wallstplaza.net/venues/ yardbar
GO Wells’ Built Museum of African-American History & Culture 511 W. South St. wellsbuiltmuseum.org
SHOP Palmer Feed Store 912 W. Church St. palmerfeedstore.com
PL AY
Re-Runz Records 310 S. Orange Blossom Trail rerunzrecords.com
Orlando City Stadium 655 W. Church St. orlandocitysc.com
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hile it may lack the pedestrian-friendly main thoroughfares of a College Park, you’d be wise to pay heed to the offerings of the SoDo (or “South of Downtown”) neighborhood. Centered around a lengthy stretch of Orange Avenue from the 408 to just past Michigan, SoDo is undoubtedly a business district with an Orlando Health anchor looming large, but there’s much more to SoDo than just Target and Chipotle. The memorial at the former site of the Pulse nightclub has become a national site of mourning and reflection. Elsewhere, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, the Timucua Arts Foundation makes an adventurous noise by spotlighting bold new artists of all genres. And any neighborhood with a 24-hour spot to stuff our faces with bao is more than okay with us.
E AT Bao’s Castle 5 W. Crystal Lake St. baoscastle.com Gringos Locos 517 E. Michigan St. gringoslocos.com Hungry Pants 3421 S. Orange Ave. eathungrypants.com
ROCKPIT BREWING | COURTESY PHOTO
SoDo
Johnny’s Fillin’ Station 2631 S. Ferncreek Ave. johnnysfillinstation.com Shaka Donuts 225 E. Michigan St. shakadonutsorlando.com Taqueria Ameca 3558 S. Orange Ave. taqueriaameca.com
DRINK HUNGRY PANTS | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
Delaney’s Tavern 1315 S. Orange Ave. eatdt.com
Gypsy Apothecary Herb & Metaphysical Shop 3540 S. Orange Ave. gypsyherbshop.com
Rockpit Brewing 10 W. Illiana St. rockpitbrewing.com
GO
Vanbarry’s Public House 4120 S. Orange Ave. orlandopublichouses.com The Waterfront 4201 S. Orange Ave. thewaterfrontorlando.com
SHOP East West Music & More 4895 S. Orange Ave. facebook.com/ eastwestrecordsusa
Pulse Memorial 1912 S. Orange Ave. onepulsefoundation.org
PL AY Cypress Grove Park 290 Holden Ave. orangecountyfl.net Timucua Arts Foundation 2000 S. Summerlin Ave. timucua.com
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lucky neighborhood cat Lulu was recently immortalized in a photo calendar put together by area business owners to benefit a local animal rescue. And that right there is the Thornton-est of Thornton Park anecdotes. But beyond feline mascots, Thornton Park stands out as a more human-scale nightlife area than neighboring downtown Orlando. There’s been some shuffling lately of businesses — we’ll miss you, Shari Sushi and Big Time Street Food — but the Falcon and Burton’s and Soco stand tall. (And we can’t wait to see what Wendy Connor, Todd Ulmer and Daniel Weber bring to the 808, which will open in the venerable space once housing Dexter’s.) Where else can you go to find a mural of RBG and one of our much-missed writer, activist and nightlife icon Billy Manes, on the same building? Not to mention that the City of Orlando chose Thornton Park to test out their innovative new “parklet” permitting: The neighborhood is full of outdoor seating and ’scaping that have replaced parking spots. E AT Benjamin French Bakery & Café 716 E. Washington St. benjaminfrenchbakery.com
BILLY MANES MURAL | PHOTO BY MELISSA MCHENRY
Thornton Park
Jinya Ramen Bar 8 N. Summerlin Ave. jinyaramenbar.com Mason Jar Provisions 805 E. Washington St. masonjarprovisionsorlando. com MASON JAR | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
Soco 629 E. Central Blvd. socothorntonpark.com
DRINK
Sperry Deli & Creamery 707 E. Washington St. sperrydeli.com
Burton’s Bar 801 E. Washington St. The Falcon 819 E. Washington St. thefalconbar.com
SHOP Artifact Candle Foundry 2 N. Summerlin Ave. artifactcandlefoundry.com
Island Time 712 E. Washington St. islandtimeorlando.com
Lauren Nicole 426 E. Central Blvd. laurennicole.com
Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. EO Inn 227 N. Eola Drive eoinn.com
PL AY Lake Lawsona Park 1019 E. Jackson St. orlando.gov
Raw Juice Bar 898 E. Washington St. rawjuicebarorlando.com
Thornton Park Garage murals 120 N. Eola Drive
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e can’t really pretend that the UCF area is a neighborhood per se, but then again, the esprit de corps felt by UCF students probably outpaces even the ample enthusiasm of Audubon Park’s community. It’s a shifting constellation of businesses, restaurants and bars that cater to an ever-shifting student population. Undoubtedly, the area experienced a pause in its usually bustling activity last year, but now it appears that they are back in business. Besides the Knights and the college emerging from the pandemic unscathed, denizens of the area can take pride in a UCF student’s pet frog becoming the new Cadbury Bunny this Easter, and Waterford Lakes soon gaining a putt-putt course designed by the golfing prodigy himself, Tiger Woods.
E AT Domu Chibi Ramen 869 N. Alafaya Trail domufl.com Marlow’s Waterford Lakes 547 N. Alafaya Trail marlowstavern.com Taco Bell Cantina 12101 University Blvd. tacobell.com
VESPR COFFEEBAR | PHOTO BY JEN CRAY
University of Central Florida
Valkyrie Doughnuts 12226 Corporate Blvd. valkyriedoughnuts.com
DRINK The Keg Social 12850 Waterford Lakes Parkway thekegsocial.com Oviedo Brewing Co. 1280 Oviedo Mall Blvd., Oviedo oviedobrewingco.com
PHOTO COURTESY UCF
Vespr Coffeebar 626 N. Alafaya Trail thevespr.com
PL AY
SHOP Smartpunk Record Shop 12078 Collegiate Way smartpunk.com Waterford Lakes Town Center 413 N. Alafaya Trail waterfordlakestowncenter. com
Little Big Econ State Forest 1350 Snow Hill Road, Geneva
GO Parkhaus15 13001 Lake Cypress Circle parkhaus15.art Robinson Observatory 74 Neptune Drive planets.ucf.edu
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h, Winter Park. Never has the clash between your twin faces as a ritzy haven for the upper, and upwardly mobile, crusts and your scruffy backbone of small bohemian business and gathering spots been laid out more starkly than with the recent scuffle over the City of Winter Park’s plans to buy up an array of neighborhood favorites, including Austin’s Coffee, to make way for road expansion. In the meantime, avail yourself of the delights of this area that range from the ritzy Park Avenue District to the aforementioned Austin’s artsy underground allure. For the outdoorsy, we can’t say enough about getting your kicks from Mead Botanical Garden or the frozen-in-time Central Park. And don’t forget to tune into Rollins College’s student-run station WPRK 91.5-FM for a truly unique sonic experience.
E AT The Briarpatch 252 N. Park Ave., Winter Park thebriarpatchrestaurant.com Buttermilk Bakery 1198 Orange Ave., Winter Park buttermilk-bakery.com The Glass Knife 276 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park theglassknife.com
FINANCIER BAR À VIN | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
Winter Park
Jimmy Hula’s 2522 Aloma Ave., Winter Park jimmyhulas.com Krungthep Tea Time 1051 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park krungthepteatime.com Light on the Sugar 4270 Aloma Ave., Winter Park lightonthesugar.com Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen 2005 Mizell Ave., Winter Park nourishchwb.com MORSE MUSEUM | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM
Orlando Meats 1035 Orlando Ave., Winter Park orlandomeats.com Tabla Winter Park 216 N. Park Ave., Winter Park tablawinterpark.com Vines & Forks 959 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park vinesandforks.com
Financier Bar à Vin 212 N. Park Ave., Winter Park instagram.com/financier_ winterpark Foxtail’s Farmhouse 1282 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park foxtailcoffee.com The Hangry Bison 480 Orlando Ave., Winter Park thehangrybison.com
DRINK Austin’s Coffee 29 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park austinscoffee.com The Bear & Peacock Brewing Co. 1288 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park thebearandpeacock.com
The Imperial Wine Bar 170 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park imperialwinebar.com Ravenous Pig Beer Garden 565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park theravenouspig.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 55
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Winter Park CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51
SHOP Frank 119 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park frankshopwp.com The Heavy 1152 Harmon Ave., Winter Park theheavywp.com New General 155 E. New England Ave., Winter Park newgeneral.us
GO Cornell Fine Arts Museum 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park cfam.rollins.edu Morse Museum 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park morsemuseum.org
PL AY Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park bluebambooartcenter.com
THE GLASS KNIFE | PHOTO BY JESSICA YOUNG
Rifle Paper Co. 558 W. New England Ave., Winter Park riflepaperco.com
Central Park North Park Avenue and West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park cityofwinterpark.org
Tuni 301 S. Park Ave., Winter Park shoptuni.com
Dinky Dock 410 Ollie Ave., Winter Park cityofwinterpark.org
Winter Park Village 510 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park shopwinterparkvillage.net
Mead Botanical Garden 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park meadgarden.org
Writers Block 316 N. Park Ave., Winter Park writersblockbookstore.com
The New Standard 1035 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park newstandardwp.com
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commuter communities
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K
issimmee has come a long way from its rustic origins as a ranching town, and in recent years has shaken off an unfair generalization as just a gateway to the theme parks, with plenty of unique things to do, see and eat. Kissimmee’s downtown is a harmonious convergence of past and present, with well-preserved architecture housing new businesses. And the 192 strip combines vintage Florida kitsch with all sorts of new and now sights, including the Sunset Walk entertainment complex. Don’t fret, though — no matter how much changes, the Silver Spurs Rodeo is still a big annual event and Old Town will still spin you right round, baby.
E AT Buchito Café 131 Broadway, Kissimmee facebook.com/buchitorestaurant Pistang Pilipino 4149 W. Vine St., Kissimmee pistangpilipino.com
Taqueria Casas 4384 W. Vine St., Kissimmee Tortilla Rica Cantina & Grille 5150 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee tortillarica.com
OLD TOWN | COURTESY PHOTO
Kissimmee
DRINK
PL AY
3 Sisters Speakeasy 226 Broadway, Kissimmee 3sisters-speakeasy.com Twisted Vine Winery 4467 W. Vine St., Kissimmee facebook.com/ twistedvinewinerykissimmee
SHOP Tainos Bakery 4150 W. Vine St., Kissimmee tainosbakery.com
Osceola Arts Center 2411 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee osceolaarts.org
GO Ram NCFR Downtown Cattle Drive First week of April Downtown Kissimmee rncfr.com Night of a Million Lights Every December Give Kids the World Village 210 South Bass Road, Kissimmee
Lake Nona
O
ff, off and away to the southeast outside the city center, the “smart community” that is Lake Nona seems to point the way toward one of many possible futures for greater Orlando. Not only does the area already host Medical City and the USTA National Campus, but bold new concepts are given a try here first, from a clutch of shipping containers made into food stalls to driverless neighborhood shuttles to the first U.S. air taxi hub, set to land in Lake Nona by 2025. Some of the classics still work in this tony area: murals and public art enchant, Nona Adventure Park brings the thrills, and solid restaurants like Chroma keep ’em coming back for more.
BOXI PARK | PHOTO BY SCOTT COOK
Park Pizza & Brewing Co. 6941 Lake Nona Blvd. parkpizzalakenona.com
DRINK
E AT Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. bosphorousrestaurant.com
Durian Durian Fusion Thai Cuisine 10743 Narcoossee Road duriandurian.com
Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen 6967 Lake Nona Blvd. chromalakenona.com
Boxi Park 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. boxiparklakenona.com
Island Fin Poke Company 7004 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. facebook.com/ifpcnona
Nona Blue Modern Tavern 9685 Lake Nona Village Place nonablue.com
SHOP Canvas Restaurant & Market 13615 Sachs Ave. canvaslakenona.com
PL AY Nona Adventure Park 14086 Centerline Drive nonaadventurepark.com
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anford’s on the move, there’s no denying. It’s become a destination for those seeking a bit of a more manageable cost of living along with a close-knit neighborhood feel. And the amenities and perks of living in the city limits are leveling up continuously. Centered around a welcoming, buzzing Historic Downtown Sanford area, with a cluster of restaurants, bars, theaters and venues (that at their peak, can sometimes lure touring bands away from Orlando), there’s always something to do or see. The recent Sanford Porchfest is a prime example of how Sanford can accommodate that balance of buzz and neighborly bustle. E AT
Fuel BBQ 120 S. Park Ave., Sanford fuelbbq.com Henry’s Depot 212 W. First St., Sanford henrysdepot.com Multiple restaurants nestle together in this repurposed, historic rail station. The Original Christo’s 107 W. First St., Sanford theoriginalchristos.com
HENRY’S DEPOT | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
Sanford
The Tennessee Truffle 125 W. First St., Sanford thetennesseetruffle.com El Zocalo Mexican Restaurant 406 Sanford Ave., Sanford elzocalosanford.com
DRINK Celery City Craft Beer Garden 114 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford celerycitycraft.com Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café 205 E. First St., Sanford willowtreecafe.com
HENRY’S DEPOT | PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT
Sanford Brewing Co. 400 Sanford Ave., Sanford sanfordbrewing.com Suffering Bastard Tiki Bar 200 Myrtle Ave., Sanford (inside Tuffy’s Bottle Shop & Lounge) instagram.com/ sufferingbastardtiki The Sullivan, a Public House 116 E. First St., Sanford facebook.com/ thesullivanpublichouse Throwbacks Sanford 418 Sanford Ave., Sanford throwbackssanford.business. site West End Trading Co. 202 Sanford Ave., Sanford drinkatwestend.com
SHOP Maya Books & Music 204 E. First St., Sanford
Wondermade 214 E. First St., Sanford wondermade.com
PL AY Sanford Riverwalk East Seminole Blvd., Sanford Black Bear Wilderness Area 5301 Michigan Ave., Sanford seminolecountyfl.gov Katie’s Landing at Wekiva River 262 Wekiva Park Drive, Sanford katieslanding.com
GO Goldsboro Museum 1211 W. 13th St., Sanford goldsboromuseum.com Sanford Porchfest February 2022 (date TBA) sanfordporchfest.org
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Resources & Listings
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What's the fastest way to get around town? Where's the best place to see a play? How do I register to vote? Where can I look at modern art? Where do I renew my driver's license? How far away is a relaxing beach? Where can I touch an alligator? Will Lyft pick me up at the airport? What's a fun, quick road trip? Help, police! — or sheriff?
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Day Trips T
ravel … we hardly knew ye? The concept of a spontaneous weekend getaway got stomped by the pandemic; now it feels like the equivalent of moving house, what with the herculean level of pre-planning and reservation-wrangling. And yet, we in Central Florida are blessed by our, well, centrality in the nation’s most tourist-centric state, and thus we have access to a number of charming yet low-impact destinations. Here are 10 prime spots that require only you gas up the flivver.
DEL AND DeLand is just so damn charming, and it makes you feel like you’ve ventured “a ways up north,” while only requiring a quick burst eastward on I-4. The handful of gently rolling hills never cease to soothe, and the downtown area is the golden mean of “fetching” and “happening.” Plenty of great shops to hop in and out of; dining/drinking stops like Cress (103 W. Indiana Ave.), Cafe DaVinci (112 W. Georgia Ave.) and Persimmon Hollow Brewing (111 W. Georgia Ave.); and a surprisingly good art museum to boot.
GAINESVILLE Head up I-75 and take in the delights of the home of the Florida Gators. Rest assured, there’s way more to this town than just predictable college trappings. The main street downtown houses fantastic food spots like Flaco’s (200 W. University Ave.), bars like the Dime (4 E. University Ave.), or hybrids of both like the Top (30 N. Main St.). Thusly sated, you should perhaps head over to the Florida Museum of Natural History (3215 Hull Road), or if you want to get truly wild there’s the truly amazing Paynes Prairie (100 Savannah Blvd.) nearby, where you may hobnob with actual, literal American bison and wild horses.
MOUNT DORA Despite a reputation as a quieter burg (as if that’s a bad thing these days, sayeth our blood pressure), a quick trip up 441 to Mount Dora could land you a packed itinerary. You must visit the Mount Dora Flea Market and Renninger’s Antique Center (20651 U.S. Highway 441), no question — the sprawling markets will yield a unique
treasure or three. After that, hit the quaint downtown for an old-timey stroll. You’ll no doubt be hungry and thirsty after this expedition, so hit up Backhaus German Bakery (2355 W. Old U.S. Highway 441), 1921 Mount Dora (142 E. Fourth Ave.) or Pisces Rising (239 W. Fourth Ave.). Annual events like the Festival of Arts & Crafts and the Blueberry Fest make a trip even more mandatory.
TA M P A / S T. P E T E OK, so maybe the trek to Tampa Bay can be a little stressful if you time it wrong, but it’s more than worth it. This is an area on a roll: Super Bowl champs, Stanley Cup champs, St. Pete Beach was even named the Best Beach in America by TripAdvisor. Downtown St. Pete, Ybor City and Seminole Heights in Tampa are each worth individual trips in their own right, with a wealth of small businesses and delicious vittles and potables. The historic Tampa Theatre (711 N. Franklin St.) just started showing films again, Armature Works (1910 N. Ola Ave.) is cleaning up, and for our money you’d be hard-pressed to find a better record store in Florida than Steelworker (708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.).
JACKSONVILLE Jacksonville has come a long way from the overpowering smell of paper mills by the St. Johns River. “The bold new city of the South” now has a solid backbone of independent spots that make the somewhat harrowing trek up I-95 worth it. No stop in Jax is complete without a visit to either location (or both!) of Chamblin’s Book Mine. The overstuffed used-book empire is an absolute treasure of the state, and the downtown location (215 N. Laura St.)
includes a cafe with great coffee and vegetarian options. If you’re already downtown, stop by the Museum of Contemporary Art (333 N. Laura St.) or the nearby Cummer Museum in Riverside (829 Riverside Ave.). From there you can either check out the laidback Jax Beach area, or settle into the more hip neighborhoods of Riverside, Avondale and San Marco.
S T. A U G U S T I N E Possibly hot (or at least above roomtemp) take: St. Augustine beats out Daytona in the Central/North Florida beach stakes. A little closer on the I-95 run northward than Jacksonville, St. Augustine mixes the beach experience with a deep sense of history that is hard to match. Mandatory non-sandy sites include the Castillo de San Marcos (1 S. Castillo Drive) and the Fountain of Youth (11 Magnolia Ave.). Make sure to spend some time downtown, either taking it all in with a trolley ride or hoofing it. Don’t miss Tonevendor Records (81 King St.), the Ice Plant (110 Riberia St.) or — we promise — the delightful oddity of Potter’s Wax Museum (31 Orange St.).
WINTER GARDEN Tucked away in the western side of Orange County, just a mere 14 miles from downtown Orlando, is Winter Garden, offering a throwback oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of the City Beautiful. The historic downtown strip is abuzz with activity and unique vendors and restaurants, and on Saturdays there’s the added attraction of the very good Winter Garden Farmers Market. To get your cultural fix, take in a show at the Garden Theatre (160 W. Plant St.), which is going full steam ahead with a season heavy on classic productions. Make sure you stop at the French Café (16412 New Independence Parkway) for some truly magnificent pastries.
NEW SMYRNA TripAdvisor aside, the winner of the “Best Beach” in our 2020 Best of Orlando readers’ poll, New Smyrna, offers sandy thrills aplenty without the sometimes over-exuberant revelry of Daytona Beach. And it’s just a quick hop
up I-4 and then over to the east coast. Not only can you have a “beach day” with a better-than-average chance of peace and quiet, you can flip the script completely and check out the boundarypushing gem that is the Atlantic Center for the Arts (1414 Art Center Ave.). The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (4931 S. Peninsula Drive) is also a great outing if you want to keep your trip more exclusively “beachy” and maritime. Of course, make sure to pop in to JB’s Fish Camp & Restaurant (859 Pompano Ave.) for a delicious taste of Old Florida.
WEEKI WACHEE You have to do this. No question. If you want — and you should — to take a trip back in time to the days before Disney dominated the Florida landscape, Weeki Wachee offers timeless and time-tested thrills. The Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (131 Commercial Way) has finally reopened after a prudent period of closed doors during the pandemic. This park is steeped in Old-Florida gimmickry, and it holds up! Mermaid shows throughout the day are much the same as they were in the 1940s, with some freshening-up of the music and costumes, but the focus is still on the classic underwater choreography. Other than that, you can while away the day walking the grounds, availing yourself of the small water park, and taking a glass-bottom boat ride. You could also take in a meal at some of the local seafood emporia, but this is very much a mermaid-focused excursion.
S A R A SOTA This Gulf Coast city just beyond Tampa Bay is a fabulous road-trip destination if you want a completely unique vibe, but one weekend day is all you can manage. Sarasota is home to a busy local arts scene, and how could it not, given that the Ringling College of Art and Design (2700 N. Tamiami Trail) is also in the city limits? Speaking of Ringling, please don’t miss the chance to scope out the Ringling Circus Museum (5401 Bay Shore Road). Sarasota has your choices of beaches to soak up some Vitamin D, and after that, patronize some local restaurants like C’est La Vie (1553 Main St.) for French cuisine or Five-O Donut Co. (2241 Ringling Blvd.) for “arrestingly good donuts.” Happy driving!
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Outdoors PARKS Barnett Park 4801 W. Colonial Drive orangecountyfl.net The crown jewel of Orange County’s parks department can be overlooked because it can’t be seen from Colonial Drive. But it boasts two disc golf courses, a BMX track, a fitness center, a dog park, golf areas, softball fields and more, making it an essential location for any outdoors enthusiasts. Bill Frederick Park 3401 S. Hiawassee Road, orlando.gov The biggest park in Metrowest covers 183 acres situated around Turkey Lake, one of the most popular fishing lakes in the area. The park offers canoeing, kayaking, nature trails, volleyball courts and other amenities and diversions. Blue Jacket Park 2501 General Rees Ave., orlando.gov Blue Jacket Park was once the Orlando Naval Training Center, the home of service personnel known as “Blue Jackets.” Today, its 75 acres have been designated as a historic site that’s popular for hosting baseball, soccer and softball and events like weddings. Central Park 251 S. Park Ave., Winter Park cityofwinterpark.org You’re smack-dab in the middle of Winter Park’s downtown shopping district and you want to experience a little greenery and nature, so you cross the street and are immediately surrounded by fountains, landscaped plants and the oak tree canopies of Central Park’s 11 acres. Dickson Azalea Park 100 Rosearden Drive, orlando.gov Along with neighboring Langford Park, Dickson Azalea provides a shaded oasis just outside of downtown. WPA-era bridges, pavilions and walkways crawl around and over the stream that trickles through the leafy park. Greenwood Urban Wetlands 1411 Greenwood St., orlando.gov Surrounded by beautiful cypress trees, with leaves that blend lively shades of orange and yellow during Florida’s short-lived autumn, Greenwood Urban Wetlands’ 19 acres is a sight to be seen any time of the year. And these wetlands
adjoin Greenwood Cemetery, a can’tmiss piece of old Orlando. Lake Eola Park 512 E. Washington St., orlando.gov The center of downtown Orlando life, Lake Eola Park hosts farmers markets, cultural fairs, entertainment, foot races, white swans, black swans and more, along with a .9-mile walkway that orbits the signature fountain in the middle of the lake. Lake Lily Park 701 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland maitland.recdesk.com Popular among dog walkers and birders, this picturesque, pocket-size park is located in the heart of Maitland, surrounded by some of the city’s gorgeous historical buildings. Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 N. Forest Ave., leugardens.org These historic gardens nestled in Audubon Park boast a spectacular collection of native and exotic flora, including a rose garden, a butterfly garden and the largest documented camellia collection in Eastern North America. Mead Botanical Garden 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park meadgarden.org A garden oasis with bike paths and a picnic area bursting with natural fauna and wildlife. Take a hike near forested wetlands, and if you’re quiet enough, hear the hawks and wading birds. Orlando Wetlands Park 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas orlando.gov With more than 20 miles of roads and trails threading through mostly undeveloped marshes, Orlando Wetlands Park is the place to go if you’re in the mood to get in touch with nature. Wildlife sightings — including alligators and bears — aren’t uncommon, to say nothing of the prime birdwatching. Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area 3365 Taylor Creek Road, Christmas myfwc.com Head east on Colonial Drive until the road forks, then steer right to take State Road 520 until you see the small brown sign beckoning you to turn left and discover Tosohatchee WMA. It’s off the beaten path, but its 60 miles of trails
offer a rare solitude. Once inside, enjoy hiking the rugged Florida landscapes — quaint ponds, open fields of wildflowers, canopies of hanging moss — populated in the early morning hours by wild turkeys, boar, deer and more birds than Audubon Park documents on its street signs.
BIKING AND HIKING Cady Way Trail Entrance is 1/4 mile north of State Route 50 on Herndon Avenue This 7.2-mile paved path, popular with bicyclists and stroller-pushing moms alike, connects Orlando and Winter Park and the Cross Seminole Trail in Seminole County. The trail features water fountains, rest stops and mile markers, as well as a cool 685-footlong suspension bridge that crosses Semoran Boulevard. Little Econ Greenway Dean Road just north of State Road 50 This ever-expanding trail in East Orlando begins at Jay Blanchard Park and extends all the way to Alafaya Trail. It runs alongside the Little Econlockhatchee River, which offers pretty views and plenty of good spots to fish, canoe or just sit in the grass and enjoy a riverside picnic. Orlando Urban Trail orlando.gov The nearly 3-mile long trail near downtown Orlando is a hidden pocket of peace and scenic quiet cutting through the heart of town. This trail runs from Lake Highland through Loch Haven Park, all the way to Mead Gardens in Winter Park.
SPRINGS Blue Spring State Park 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, floridastateparks.org Volusia County’s Blue Spring, the largest spring on the St. Johns River, is notable both for the gorgeous spring run, but also the chance to have a close encounter with a manatee. The park is a designated manatee refuge (they’re drawn to the temperate 70-degree waters) in the winter. Canoeing, camping, snorkeling and hiking are also favorite activities.
Juniper Springs State Park Ocala National Forest, Florida 40, Silver Springs, fs.usda.gov Juniper Springs is a bit of a drive — OK, it’s an hour and a half away — but oh, so worth it. From hundreds of tiny bubbling springs to massive springs gushing out of crevices in the earth, you will get your fill of water — all of it under a dense canopy of palms and oaks. The swimming area, campground and trails were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, part of the Depression-era New Deal that put millions to work (sounds like a good idea whose time has come again). Wekiwa Springs State Park 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, floridastateparks.org You can canoe or kayak here (rentals are available), but this park also has 13 miles of pristine, wooded hiking, biking and horseback-riding trails. This park is very popular, particularly in summer when visitors like to swim in the clear blue spring, and when the parking lot fills, the park entrance closes. So get there early.
BEACHES Daytona Beach 1 hour away Enjoy a crowd-free vacation at Daytona Beach. With 23 miles of white beaches to relax on, there’s plenty of space to take a break from reality. New Smyrna Beach 1 hour away New Smyrna is known for its surfing and 17-mile white beaches, but if you happen to bring any four-legged friends, there’s a dog beach not too far away. Canaveral National Seashore 212 S. Washington Ave., Titusville 1 hour, 30 minutes away This undeveloped shoreline is home to thousands of plants and animals. Keep in mind there’s a $20 vehicle entrance fee. Cocoa Beach 1300 N Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach 1 hour away Cocoa Beach is home to four parks which all have a beach access point. The parks have plenty of picnic tables and showers to help enjoy a beach day.
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Music & Nightlife
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rlando’s vibrant local music scene — bands, venues, and touring acts — has been mostly on pause since spring of last year. Local venues were among the first businesses to be shuttered during the pandemic, and they are only now beginning to reopen. Local musicians have doing the best they can to keep some momentum going with virtual shows and sporadic, socially distanced events, and the Frontyard Festival took a strong lead in presenting national acts in a controlled, outdoor setting. But we’re now at a point where Orlando’s promoters and venues are starting to book shows for the summer and fall, and big-name acts will be touring and — can it be? — playing Orlando later this year. Everything still seems a bit touch-and-go as of this writing, but here are the places that you may very well be checking out some great live music in 2021.
Ace Cafe 100 W. Livingston St. facebook.com/acecafeusa The former Edge space in downtown Orlando is hosting shows again, both within those storied walls and a more safety-conscious lawn space (Backyard at the Ace) which has seen all manner of local and national concerts and DJs. Addition Financial Arena 12777 N. Gemini Blvd. additionfiarena.com The former CFE Arena on the UCF campus is more than just a student venue: It seats roughly 10,000 and hosts pop, rock and hip-hop, as well as comedy and other events. Amway Center 400 W. Church St., amwaycenter.com Countless national acts have made the Amway a tour stop — not to mention a red-hot selection of young Latin music superstars and comedians — and this big-league arena is also home to the Magic and the Solar Bears, only a few steps from downtown. The Beacham 46 N. Orange Ave., thebeacham.com The downtown concert venue provides a much-needed home for larger-scale shows and DJ nights in the center of the city. The open floor provides multiple pathways to edge your way up to the front, though good luck navigating the tightly packed crowds. Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park,
bluebambooartcenter.com Triple-threat performance space/art gallery/recording studio hosts the full sonic spectrum of jazz, classical and world music, as well as theater and literary events. Celine 22 S. Magnolia Ave., celineorlando.com Downtown Orlando nightspot is a great destination for dancing and hosts a red-hot swath of touring hip-hop, EDM, drum & bass and techno heavy hitters. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Frontyard Festival 445 S. Magnolia Ave. frontyardfestival.org First of its kind anywhere in the world, this pod-centric outdoor arts festival has been going since late last year on a specially built stage on the lawn in front of downtown’s Dr. Phil. FF features music, film, theater, touring acts, brunch events and even group exercise in the fresh air. Gilt Nightclub 740 Bennett Road giltconcertvenue.com The lushly renovated, 10-bar, dualdancefloor nightclub Gilt is a significant upgrade from a previous incarnation as the Roxy, so put on your essential attire and check out DJs, hip-hop royalty and EDM. Hard Rock Live 6050 Universal Blvd. hardrock.com/live Venture deep into the heart of
Universal’s CityWalk entertainment complex for entertainment that straddles big-time, nostalgic and nextbig-thing all at once. House of Blues 1490 E. Buena Vista Drive houseofblues.com Shows may start on the early side, but that’s the only overt sign that this concert venue and restaurant is nestled into family-friendly Disney Springs. The sightlines and sound system are recommended. Independent Bar 70 N. Orange Ave., facebook.com/ independentbarorlando Downtown’s I-Bar is the destination of choice for those who want a little something more indie from their nightclub adventures. The dancefloor is spacious and multiple bars will melt away hesitations to dance on said floors. Iron Cow 2438 E. Robinson St. facebook.com/ironcowcafe Milk District space steered by the people behind Sandwich Bar is an expanded space for live music and deep-cut club and DJ nights, further enticing the curious with a food and drinks menu. The Plaza Live 425 N. Bumby Ave. plazaliveorlando.org This Milk District mainstay is run in partnership with the Orlando Philharmonic, hosting shows by the Phil’s smaller ensembles plus a wide-ranging slate of ’80s icons, guitar legends and comics. The Social 54 N. Orange Ave., thesocial.org Mainstay downtown venue is the very definition of “intimate”; most nights this small room is packed to the gills with the devoted, straining to get as close as possible to their favorite touring artist. Soundbar 37 W. Pine St. facebook.com/soundbar.orl The rebranded and restructured former Backbooth pulls off the deft balancing act of hosting all-ages shows across all genres, from hip-hop to deathcore to EDM to no-holds-barred wrestling.
Southern Nights 375 S. Bumby Ave., facebook.com/ southernnightsorlando Longstanding LGBTQ+ dance Shangri-la has been holding it down for years with a strong calendar of drag shows and dance nights. And the crowds keep pouring in. Tier Nightclub 20 E. Central Blvd., tiernightclub.com Two-story, five-bar megaclub downtown gives you glamorous license to dress up and get wild on any number of DJ/dance nights. Timucua Arts Foundation 2000 S. Summerlin Ave., timucua.com A truly unique live music experience nestled in an unassuming South Orlando neighborhood. The big white house (which is in fact a home) offers incredible acoustics, a near cathedrallike setting and an adventurous event slate. Universal CityWalk 6000 Universal Blvd. universalorlando.com The bars and clubs tucked away within the Universal Studios sprawl offer plenty of opportunity for a little more grownup-oriented fun outside the province of Harry Potter and the Incredible Hulk. The Vanguard 578 N. Orange Ave., thevanguard.live The storied former Firestone space is once again pulsing to the beat of live music, mostly of the EDM variety. Wall Street Plaza 25 Wall St., wallstplaza.net Seven clubs congregate on one entire block of prime downtown real estate given over to the Wall Street complex, a nightly magnet for anybody ready for some drinking and mingling. Weekends are delightful madness. Will’s Pub 1042 N. Mills Ave., willspub.org The Will’s/Lil Indies compound is an essential component of local scenebuilding as well as providing a stage to touring acts of all adventurous stripes. The booking calendar often reads like a genre collage, and that’s a very good thing.
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Attractions Astro Skate 866 Goldenrod Road, astroskatingcenter.com Why mess with the formula? Astro Skate provides you with the skates, environs, visuals and soundtrack for peak retro rollerskating satisfaction. Bok Tower Gardens 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, boktowergardens.org On the outskirts of Orlando, Bok Tower Gardens is bursting with botanical gardens designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. Take in the natural wonders of Florida as you listen to the song coming from the iconic Singing Tower and its carillon bells. Citrus Tower 141 North Highway 27, Clermont, citrustower.com This attraction from a simpler time — 1956, to be exact — is 22 stories tall, allowing an unobstructed view of Central Florida for miles in every direction. New owners Scott and Heather Homan are modernizing the experience, and have thus far added a fancy coffee bar, a vintage pinball and games arcade, and wifi throughout, making it more than worth the $10 price of admission. Dinosaur World 5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, dinosaurworld.com Life-size dinosaur models reign over this attraction visible from Interstate 4. Walk amongst the dinosaurs, dig for fossils, or visit the museum and Skeleton Garden. Gatorland 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, gatorland.com Known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” this eco-preserve is home to thousands of flesh-eating reptiles — and the trainers brave enough to wrestle them. Get close enough (not too close!) to see them eat and sleep, or zipline safely above their marsh. Say hi to the Social Distancing Skunk Ape while you’re there. Icon Park 8375 International Drive, iconparkorlando.com
Right in the middle of Orlando’s tourist district, Icon Park features the Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel, marine animals at the Sea Life Aquarium, the popular new Museum of Illusions, your favorite (and not-favorite) celebrities at Madame Tussauds wax museum, and the Orlando Starflyer. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex State Road 405, east of Titusville, kennedyspacecenter.com Take a tour of the 363-foot Saturn V that took Americans to the moon and see the lunar particles that still dust astronaut Alan Shepard’s space suit. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Entrance: 2850 Lust Road, Apopka This 11-mile drive is free and maintained by the St. Johns River Water Management District. Download a map, reading guide and audio guide at sjrwmd.com and get ready to catch sight of jumping fish, strolling alligators and 300 different bird species. Legoland 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, legoland.com/florida What’s not to love about a 150-acre attraction dedicated to the tiny plastic building blocks and miniature humans that have been entertaining kids of all ages for decades?
can explore KidsTown to their hearts’ content, which includes a climbing area and pickable “orange grove.” Orlando Speed World Dragway 19164 E. Colonial Drive, raceosw.com/dragway Local drag racing finds a home at Orlando Speed World. Check out racing and stunt events here every week. Putting Edge 5250 International Drive, puttingedge.com This 18-hole putt putt minigolf course has an edge over the rest with its indoors location. That makes for the perfect spot for glow-in the dark effects aplenty and a pumping soundtrack of the best of the 1990s. SeaWorld Orlando 7007 Sea World Drive, seaworld.com/orlando Outdated marine animal shows aren’t the only thing SeaWorld has to offer. There’s Sesame Street land, thrilling roller coasters and exciting water adventures at Aquatica, and even a food festival that make this theme park a must-visit.
Universal Orlando Resort 6000 Universal Blvd., universalorlando.com From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Marvel’s Adventure Island, Volcano Bay water park and the Bourne Stuntacular, there’s never a dull moment at Universal Orlando. Walt Disney World Resort disneyworld.disney.go.com The most magical place on Earth is still going strong. The newer Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land at Disney’s Hollywood studios is proving to be a park favorite up there with perennials like Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion. Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park 3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, wildfloridairboats.com Even by Central Florida’s high bar of attraction novelty, this one rates pretty far up there. Get up close (though not too close!) and personal with over 100 native and exotic animals from the comfort of your automobile.
GATORLAND | PHOTO BY NICK FOX
Lukas Nursery Butterfly Encounter 1909 Slavia Road, Oviedo, lukasnursery.com Stand amid a cloud of winged beings at this year-round conservatory, where you can mingle with cheerfully chirping exotic birds and even feed butterflies from your fingertips. Old Town 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, myoldtownusa.com This perennial Osceola County attraction offers “classic American fun,” and we don’t doubt it a bit. There’s shopping, restaurants, thrill rides, a carousel and even a haunt! Orlando Science Center 777 E. Princeton St., osc.org Home to Florida’s largest refractor telescope, the Orlando Science Center has a place for everyone. Children
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Arts & Culture
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ith internationally renowned theme parks based right here, it’s no surprise that Orlando is a city with active visual and performing arts communities — it takes a lot of creative work to make all that magic, and our theaters and galleries showcase this homegrown talent. Proving the maxim that it’s the people, not the spaces, that make up a scene, local performers spent most of 2020 practicing their craft online with Zoom and Facebook readings, plays, comedy shows and even some classical music events, but they are ramping slowly back up into live presentations.
GALLERIES & MUSEUMS Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park polasek.org The Czech artist’s former residence is now a gallery, surrounded by gorgeous lakeside gardens full of his bronze sculptures. Art and History Museums — Maitland 231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland artandhistory.org The cultural complex includes the Maitland Art Center (a National Historic Landmark), the Germaine Marvel multi-use space, the Maitland Historical Museum, the Victorian-era Waterhouse Residence and the Telephone Museum. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park morsemuseum.org This museum features an astounding collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including a wing dedicated to recreating the essence of Laurelton Hall, Tiffany’s Long Island estate. CityArts 39 S. Magnolia Ave. downtownartsdistrict.com/cityarts The Downtown Arts District is centered in the venerable Rogers-Kiene Building. The historic building recalls Orlando’s past; the rotating exhibits within feature local, national and international artists. Cornell Fine Arts Museum 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park cfam.rollins.edu Tucked away on the campus of Rollins College, this museum continues to acquire cutting edge works of contemporary art for its Alfond Collection, originally donated by a pair of alumni.
Faith Arts Village Orlando 221 E. Colonial Drive faithartsvillage.com This ministry housed in an old motel provides individual artists’ studios and hosts a monthly art market. Hannibal Square Heritage Center 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org Exhibitions and displays of archival photos and historical documents related to the Black experience in evolving west Winter Park. The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida 851 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland holocaustedu.org The tiny gallery within the Jewish Community Center hosts rotating exhibits that challenge the viewer. The Mennello Museum of American Art 900 E. Princeton St. mennellomuseum.org The space is small, but it packs a lot of punch. It’s a showcase for works by folk artist Earl Cunningham and an eclectic mix of traveling exhibitions. Orange County Regional History Center 65 E. Central Blvd., thehistorycenter.org This storehouse of archived wonders fills its exhibition spaces with traveling exhibitions as well as homegrown collections and pieces. Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Ave., omart.org Nestled into Loch Haven Park, the reinvigorated OMA shows work by major artists as well as homegrown talent. Snap Downtown 420 E. Church St., snaporlando.com Slick photography-centric gallery hosts some of the best art parties in town.
Well’s Built Museum 511 W. South St., wellsbuilt.org Housed in 1920s hotel, Well’s Built is a trove of local African American history and artifacts. Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Arts 344 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville, zoranealehurstonmuseum.com Featuring the work of contemporary artists of African diasporic descent.
THE ATERS & PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS Athens Theatre 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand athensdeland.com DeLand’s restored historic theater hosts a resident community theater group. Bach Festival Society of Winter Park 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park bachfestivalflorida.org BFS presents an annual season of classical music, performed by more than 100 volunteer members as well as visiting artists. Bob Carr Theater 401 W. Livingston St., drphillipscenter.org Operated by the Dr. Phillips Center, this old standby still hosts the Orlando Phil, as well as concerts and comedians. Central Florida Community Arts 250 SW Ivanhoe Blvd., cfcarts.com This very inclusive musical arts organization believes every artist of every age should have a cultural platform to connect and perform. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 445 S. Magnolia Ave.,drphillipscenter.org The airy glass-and-steel cultural facility offers multi-use spaces and theaters hosting touring Broadway productions, dance, live music and local theater. Garden Theatre 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, gardentheatre.org The lovingly restored historic theater in quaint downtown Winter Garden hosts theater, film and family shows. The Improv 9101 International Drive, theimprovorlando.com Touring and local stand-ups perform while patrons enjoy dinner and drinks.
Mad Cow Theatre 54 W. Church St., madcowtheatre.com The established and well-regarded professional Mad Cow Theatre features regular stage productions as well as classes, workshops and socials. Opera Orlando operaorlando.org This rigorous but always fun company stages aeventurous chamber operas and recitals. Orlando Ballet orlandoballet.org Orlando’s professional ballet company performs at the Dr. Phillips Center, as well as in the auditorium space of their administrative and school complex, Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre. Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra orlandophil.org Wider fare than just classical music keeps Orlando’s only professional orchestra in action, both at the Dr. Phillips Center and at the O.Phil-owned Plaza Live: pops, film scores, opera and distinguished guest artists. Orlando Repertory Theatre 1001 E. Princeton St., orlandorep.com Professional family theater productions are the specialty of Orlando Rep. Orlando Shakes Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St., orlandoshakes.org The Shakes produces a regular season in addition to PlayFest, which showcases new works. Lowndes is also host to the Orlando Fringe Festival. Phantasmagoria phantasmagoriaorlando.com A Victorian steampunk circus troupe offering “macabre and delicious Halloween treats and tricks.” SAK Comedy Lab 29 S. Orange Ave., sak.com Good, clean fun is the hallmark of the troupe that specializes in improvisational comedy shows. Theater on the Edge 5542 Hansel Ave., theaterontheedge.org Repertory theater company makes edgy choices of material and dives deep into the human condition. Theater West End 115 W. First St., Sanford, theaterwestend.com Professional theater in Sanford’s historic downtown stages musicals and repertory plays.
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Getting around town Scooters + ebikes There’s a myriad of ways to get around Orlando’s core neighborhoods, thanks to various bike and scooter share programs. Download the Lime, HOPR, Bird, Wheels, Spin or Razor apps to rent a scooter or ebike, but be aware that the scooters are geofenced — if you try to ride one past the service area, it will stop abruptly. The scooters can get up to 10 mph, and the bikes — well, we’ll leave that up to you. Keep an eye out for designated parking areas for both scooters and ebikes and follow safety guidelines when riding. Car shares Due to COVID-19, Uber Pool is temporarily suspended. If you’re catching an Uber or Lyft from the Orlando Airport (MCO), make sure to exit on Level Two of arrivals; for Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), exit the terminal B door and cross Red Cleveland Boulevard. Keep in mind there’s an airport fee tacked on of $5.80 for MCO and $1 for SFB for both ride shares. If you need to rent a car for a few days or hours, Zipcar is a quick and affordable car rental; no more long lines at Enterprise. All you need to do is sign up on their website or mobile app. Gas, insurance, and 180-miles a day are included with each rental. Lynx and Lymmo buses The Lynx bus system (golynx.com) isn’t great, but it’s what we’ve got, and it provided
17,832,104 rides in 2020. The fare is $2 or $4.50 for an all-day pass. Lynx’s downtown circulator, Lymmo, is free and very useful if you work and play in the CBD, especially on a rainy day. Disability access pickups are available upon completion of an application with Access Lynx. For more information, call 407-841-5969. SunRail Sunrail’s train lines connect commuters from Volusia County all the way down to Osceola County. The Department of Transportation is reviewing options to add an additional 12-mile track to connect DeBary, currently the farthest north point, to DeLand. Each station has a vending machine dispensing tickets, which are priced in zone chunks and can range from $2 to $9.50. Some (but not all) stations have ample parking; the “last mile” is a problem the system hasn’t quite solved yet. Future expansion of the SunRail line will deliver visitors to the convention center and tourist corridor. Coming soon to the Orlando International Airport In 2022 the Orlando International Airport will add a Brightline train station, which would become the most direct connection from an intercity trail line in the U.S. — quite a notch on SunRail’s belt, if/when it comes off. The $4 billion expansion project will ultimately connect Orlando to Miami, though trips to Miami would likely cost about $100 one way, which isn’t much cheaper than a flight.
A handy guide to some local resources Help! Police! If you’re in the city of Orlando and it’s not an emergency, dial 321-235-5300 for the OPD. Outside city limits (but still in Orange County), call the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at 407-254-7000. Of course, if it’s an emergency, the old 911 will do no matter where you are. I need an attorney, but I can’t afford one. Check in with the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, legalaidocba.org or 407-841-8310. My dog ran away! Call Orange County Animal Services at 407-836-3111 while you’re making your posters.
your driver’s license, but for a direct route — and a guaranteed early voting site — head over to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office, ocfelections.com. I need a new driver’s license/ID. You have a couple of options, but both require a wait in line. You can find your closest full-service Department of Motor Vehicles office by going to flhsmv.gov/offices/ orange.html (things have recently been consolidated), or you can just go to the local county tag agency, listed on the same website, or call 850-617-2000.
Wait, when do they pick up the garbage? I always forget. You can find the regulations and the scheduled weekly pickup times within city limits at cityoforlando. net, or call the solid waste division at 407-246-2314. In Orange County, not Orlando? Check ocfl.net or call 407-836-6601.
I need medical attention, but I don’t have insurance. Theoretically, the emergency room of any local hospital should see you. But there are several free clinics operated by Shepherd’s Hope (shepherdshope.org) around town, serving the ill on a first-come-first-served basis. The downtown medical volunteer health center sees patients from 6-8 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (101 S. Westmoreland Drive). Other locations: The clinic at 9833 E. Colonial Drive is open on Mondays 5-7 p.m. and the West Orange Health Center at 4555 Ninth St., Winter Garden, is open on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. At all locations, arrive by 4 p.m. to secure a spot.
I want to vote! You can update your voter registration when you update
I think I got an STD / I think maybe I’m pregnant. The LGBT+ Center, at 946 N. Mills Ave., offers free HIV
There’s a tree leaning against my power line. Call the Orlando Utilities Commission at 407-423-9018.
testing seven days a week (407-228-8272). The new Out of the Closet thrift store also offers testing at 1349 N. Mills Ave.; you can give them a call at 407-583-4916. For other reproductive concerns (both male and female), Planned Parenthood has two offices in the area. Call 407-246-1788 for information. My kids are hungry and so am I. There are several food banks in town – some religious, some not — but Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is the most prominent. It’s at 411 Mercy Drive, 407-295-1066. Another option is the community fridge at East End market, which is stocked and maintained by the community. Check out their Instagram @everybdy. eats for updates. Can you refer me to some resources for the unhoused? Best to start at the Coalition for the Homeless downtown, 18 N. Terry Ave., 407-426-1250. Also helpful is IDignity, 407-792-1374, SALT Outrach, 866-2372589, and Orlando Food Not Bombs, facebook.com/ orlandofoodnotbombs. Just: Help! If someone is hurting you or you think you might hurt yourself, pick up your phone and call the Crisis Hotline of Central Florida at 407-425-2624.
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