Orlando Weekly - City Guide 2023

Florida Group Publisher Graham Jarrett

Editor in Chief Jessica Bryce Young

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ORLANDO WEEKLY CITY GUIDE 2023

Rob Bartlett, Ida V. Eskamani, Rachel Gold, Chloe Greenberg, Faiyaz Kara, Sarah Kinbar, Bao Le-Huu, Matt Keller Lehman, Michael Lothrop, Gabby Macogay, Matthew Moyer, Reina Nieves, Daniel Rodriguez, McKenna Schueler, Nicolette Shurba, Eric Tegethoff, Ginger Wolfe-Suarez, Jessica Bryce Young

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

WHAT TO DO IF …

You need to get/update your driver’s license or get ID

You’re gonna have to head to your closest DMV — find a location at flhsmv.gov/ locations/orange — and prepare to wait in line. (We know, it sucks.) You can also make an appointment with the Orange County Tax Collector at octaxol.com. Or, if you need to review or replace a driver’s license, you can also do that online (with a $2 “convenience fee” attached) at mydmvportal.flhsmv.gov.

You need to set up utilities

If you’re in or around Orlando, you have a few options. The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is the public utility in the city. Your other main utility options in the area are Duke Energy, Orange County Utilities and Florida Power & Light. Winter Park, as always, has to be special, so they privatized — some residents will be customers of the City of Winter Park for power and water, and RIP your microwave clock, because that sh*t

goes out at least once a week during the summer rains. (Though, frankly, that’s just an Orlando thing.)

You need to set up internet Internet provider options vary depending on where you live, sometimes down to the ZIP code. Some of the more reliable bets (we’re being very generous with our use of the word “reliable”) are Spectrum, Comcast/Xfinity and AT&T. Not all are available for everyone, though, so you’ll have to check! Other options, based on location, might include Verizon, CenturyLink, EarthLink, T-Mobile and Summit Broadband.

You want to get around town

Cool, so you’ve got several options. There’s ride-hailing, like Uber or Lyft of course. Our public transportation system (i.e. the bus) is called Lynx, and it runs in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Fares range from $2 for a single ride to $4.50 for an all-day pass, or $50 for a 30-day pass. Seven-day passes, as well as discount fares, are also available for

folks who are eligible (check golynx. com for details). Moreover, Orlando also has several bike and scooter programs, including Lime, Bird, Wheels, Spin and Razor. Download the apps and save yourself some time if you plan to use one. Be responsible with this public good, and behave kindly while riding. Lastly, there’s also Sunrail, the local public train system, with 16 stops running north to south on a single line (sunrail.com).

You have a mean, bad landlord

There’s a whole laundry list of situations this could be referring to. But the good news is, if you live in Orange County, there’s a new Office of Tenant Services to help assist tenants who have bad landlords, or vice versa (we know which one is probably more common). What the office can help with: when a landlord (prospective or current) has violated your rights as a tenant (including discrimination, failing to give you enough notice for major rent hikes, etc.). What they can’t help with: direct financial

Breaking the Stigma: The Truth About Medical Marijuana

Medical Marijuana: Green Revolution or Taboo?

Imagine 20 years ago someone raving about a self-driving automobile that can be operated solely by a rechargeable battery while eating a burger made entirely of plants that would satisfy even a carnivore. Would you be skeptical?

“Going green” in today’s world is a normality and trend in our everyday consumerism, nutrition, work environment, etc. Medicine is no different.

As humans, we seek the most effective relief for our pain whether it be mental, physical, or emotional. Medical cannabis has evolved (along with society) to do just that by subsidizing the world-class pharmaceutical medications we’re familiar with; without the long-term side effects such as kidney, liver, and dependency complications caused by those highly effective trusted prescription drugs.

Not so long ago, pot was made out to be a taboo “gateway drug” that would tar your lungs and damage your brain forever. But pot isn’t taboo anymore. Eighteen states and Washington, D.C., have legalized it, and more American adults are using the drug than any time since Ronald Reagan was president.  And just as the legality and culture around pot has changed, so has some of the science.

Epidemiologists are still alarmed at just how many Americans are smoking pot, but they admit that pot isn’t the health menace we were once told it was — and there’s some evidence that a little bit of this herb could be a good thing for adults.

Yes, smoking is the ‘least healthy’ way to consume cannabis. This is where the notable evolution of cannabis comes to play. The medical marijuana state programs have enabled the on-going development of introducing innovative products with a variety of alternative consumption options including but not limited to chocolate, candy, sublingual drops, topical creams/gel, cooking oil, and flavored powder for your drink.

Cannabis has been the subject of numerous studies over the years, and its medicinal properties have been found to be useful in treating various conditions. The use of cannabis for medical purposes is legal in Florida, and the medical marijuana program has evolved since it was first introduced in 2014. This article will cite some of the clinical studies that have been conducted on the benefits of cannabis and examine how the Florida medical marijuana program has evolved.

The Benefits of Cannabis

Cannabis has been found to be useful in treating a variety of medical conditions. Some of the benefits of cannabis are listed below.

1 Pain Management

One of the most common uses of cannabis is for pain management. Several clinical studies have found that cannabis can reduce pain levels in patients suffering from chronic pain conditions. For example, a study published in the Journal of Pain found that cannabis was effective in reducing pain levels in patients with chronic neuropathic pain.

2 Anxiety and Depression

Cannabis has also been found to be useful in treating anxiety and depression. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that cannabis use was associated with a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

3 Nausea and Vomiting

After a thorough review of all medical marijuana clinical studies by the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the panel concluded there was conclusive evidence that cannabis-based medicines are effective for the treatment of chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and symptoms of spasticity symptoms in MS patients Cannabis has been found to be effective in treating nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that cannabis was more effective in reducing nausea and vomiting than placebo.

4 Sleep Disorders

Cannabis has also been found to be useful in treating sleep disorders such as insomnia. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that cannabis improved sleep quality in patients with chronic pain conditions. The Florida Medical Marijuana Program

The Florida medical marijuana program was first introduced in 2014, but it has evolved since then. In 2016, Florida voters approved Amendment 2, which expanded the medical marijuana program to include patients with a wider range of medical conditions.

Today, patients in Florida can obtain medical marijuana for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In addition, the program allows for the use of different forms of cannabis, including oils, tinctures, and edibles. However, the program is not without its challenges. For example, the high cost of medical marijuana in Florida has been a barrier for many patients. In addition, the program has faced legal challenges, with some lawmakers arguing that it violates federal law.

Conclusion

Cannabis has been found to be useful in treating a variety of medical conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. The Florida medical marijuana program has evolved since it was first introduced in 2014, and today, patients in Florida can obtain medical marijuana for a wide range of conditions. While the program is not without its challenges, it has provided many patients with access to medications that can improve their quality of life.

-CC TEAM

Cannabis Consultants

1214 East Robinson St. Orlando, FL 32801

Office: (407)434-9866

assistance to pay rent, or legal advice. Call 407-836-7368 or visit ocfl.net/tenantservices to learn more.

You’re facing eviction

If you think your landlord is trying to illegally evict you — or even if it’s a legal eviction, and you just don’t know where to turn next — there are a couple of local organizations that might be able to help. If you live in Orange County, the Office of Tenant Services (see above) may be able to offer a referral. You might also find help through the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida (hsncfl.org), Heart of Florida United Way (hfuw.org) or the Legal Aid Society (legalaidocba.org).

You (and/or your family) are hungry

If you’re going through a difficult time and need to find free/low-cost food for yourself and/or your family ASAP, there are options. One of the main resources in our area is the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida at 411 Mercy Drive. You can also call 211 for assistance, visit a community fridge (e.g. the Orlando Neighborhood Fridge at 5065 Edgewater Drive) or find a longer database of resources at foodpantries.org.

You need to re-up your birth control, or something feels wrong down there

It’s not just the A-word at Planned Parenthood, though there are often some real A-holes protesting outside. Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando (ppgo.org) provides respectful and reasonably priced reproductive health care for men, women and teens (cis and trans) including birth control, STI testing, HIV testing, annual well-woman exams, cancer screenings and treatment, vasectomies, and medical and surgical abortions.

… or, something feels wrong higher up

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Orlando (namigo.org) can get you the support you need, if you are over the

age of 18 and living with mental illness. They can also provide help and hope to families with a loved one going through it. Support groups meet regularly in Maitland, Winter Park and downtown Orlando (en Español as well), and all services are free.

You need emergency assistance

Catch-all option for emergencies: Call 911 for immediate assistance, or 211 for other community services, such as help finding food, shelter or paying your bills. Need the cops? Reach Orlando Police Department at 321-235-5300 if you’re within city limits. Contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at 407-2547000 if you’re not.

You need emergency assistance of a different, longer-term kind Harbor House of Central Florida (harborhousefl.com) provides emergency safe shelter at a confidential address, a 24-hour crisis hotline, and counseling and legal services for domestic violence survivors and their families. If you think you may need their help in the future, please program this number into your phone right now: 407886-2856.

You are powerless over alcohol, drugs, gambling or sex, and ready to stop

The 12-Step groups aren’t for everyone, but they are easiest, cheapest, and best-known option, and they have helped millions upon millions of people over the decades. Reach out to the Central Florida Intergroup (407-260-5408 or cflintergroup.org) to find a meeting of people who want what you want: to know peace.

You want to vote someone out of (or into) office

You have the option to update your voter registration when/ if you update your driver’s license, but you can also register or update your information through your county’s supervisor of elections office! For Orange County, that’s at ocfelections.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

There are fun events happening in the Orlando area all year round — so many, in fact, that it’s easy to let one slip past you. To make sure that doesn’t happen, here’s a quick guide to some that happen around the same time every year.

JANUARY Citrus Bowl

citrusbowlorlando.com

The Citrus Bowl plays host to one of the BCS games to kick off the year right.

Central Florida Scottish Highland Games

flascot.com

Annual weekend of caber tossing, axe throwing, sheep-herding, kilt-wearing, drinking, eating and dancing.

Zora! Festival

zorafestival.org

Zora Neale Hurston, Eatonville’s most famous writer, gets a festival in her honor every year featuring live music, arts and educational activities.

FEBRUARY

Lunar New Year Dragon Parade

centralfloridadragonparade.org

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a festive Dragon Parade on the streets of Mills 50.

Sanford Porchfest

sanfordporchfest.org

Free music festival that takes place on the fourth Saturday of February every year, taking over various residential porches in the historic downtown.

MARCH

Central Florida Fair

centralfloridafair.com

Showcasing the best in midway rides, live entertainment, livestock and fried fair fare.

Florida Strawberry Festival

flstrawberryfestival.com

One of the biggest agricultural fairs in the state routinely brings in big names for concerts, along with all the rides and fair food you can handle.

MegaCon

fanexpohq.com/megaconorlando

Central Florida’s largest comic and media convention brings in big names from the worlds of television, film, comics and more for a huge celebration of pop culture.

Okeechobee Arts and Music Festival

okeechobeefest.com

Massive art and music campout gathering is the Coachella of Florida.

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival wpsaf.org

Browse through booths from tons of artists and vendors at one of the country’s oldest, largest and most prestigious juried art festivals.

APRIL

407 Day

Every year on April 7, residents of the City Beautiful take time to support their favorite bars and restaurants. As you might have noticed, we have a lot and we love ’em to death.

Florida Film Festival

floridafilmfestival.com

Whether you’re a fan of dramas, comedies, documentaries or shorts, the Florida Film Festival has it all.

Orlando Burger Week

orlandoburgerweek.com

From gourmet blends to off-menu specialties, Burger Week pays tribute to America’s sweetheart sandwich with

ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL (PHOTO BY MATT KELLER LEHMAN)

dozens of chefs and restaurants striving to outdo each other.

Spring Fiesta in the Park

fiestainthepark.com

This biannual block party brings vendors, entertainment, food and more to downtown’s Lake Eola Park.

MAY

Orlando Fringe

May 16-29, 2023

orlandofringe.org

Thespians from all over the world descend on the theater complex at Loch Haven for two weeks of performances.

Beer ’Merica

May 20, 2023

beermericaorlando.com

An outdoors, daylong beer festival spotlighting more than 100 varieties of American craft brews, along with live music, games and giveaways.

JUNE

Bite30

June-July 2023

bite30.com

A six-week celebration of the best food Central Florida has to offer, with prix fixe menus at each participating restaurant.

DirtyBird CampInn

June 8-11, 2023

homebass.com

This all-inclusive festival for lovers of EDM, house, bass and dance music of all sorts takes over the whole resort. Expect shenanigans and hijinks.

GayDays

One Magical Weekend Girls in Wonderland

June 1-5, 2023

gaydays.com, girlsinwonderland.com, onemagicalweekend.com

Three of the biggest LGBTQ+ gatherings in the country convene to enjoy the theme parks and each other’s company with gatherings, pool parties and more.

Silver Spurs Rodeo

June 2-3, 2023

Bull riding, bronc riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, and barrel racing — and they’ve been doing it since 1941.

JULY

Fireworks at the Fountain

July 4, 2023

orlando.gov

Nothing says patriotism like the “oohs” and “ahhs” elicited by the spectacular, choreographed firework and light show at Lake Eola each year.

Tacos & Tequila

July 29, 2023

tacosandtequilaorlando.com

Try dozens of takes on everyone’s favorite Tex-Mex one-handed treat, washed down with gigglewater.

SEPTEMBER

Halloween Horror Nights

Sept. 1-Oct. 31, 2023

halloweenhorrornights.com

The big daddy fright fest of them all. No matter what they’re cooking up, it will scare the crap out of you.

Orlando Taco Week

Sept. 13-27, 2023

orlandotacoweek.com

Restaurants across the area offer special takes on their favorite taco recipes at reduced prices, and you need to try them all!

OCTOBER

Autumn Art Festival

Oct. 7-8, 2023 autumnartfestival.org

Taking over Winter Park’s Central Park, this massive juried art festival presents the best and brightest in local artists and artisans.

Come Out With Pride

Oct. 21, 2023

comeoutwithpride.com

We know, most of the world does Pride in June. Our favorite downtown parade and party celebrates the LGBTQ community in a month when it’s not too blazingly hot to be outside.

Orlando Film Festival

Oct. 26-Nov. 2, 2023

orlandofilmfest.com

The Orlando Film Festival brings hundreds of independent films and filmmakers downtown for several days of screenings, panels and parties.

NOVEMBER

Fall Fiesta in the Park

Nov. 4-5, 2023 fiestainthepark.com

This biannual block party brings vendors, entertainment, food and more to downtown’s Lake Eola Park.

Electric Daisy Carnival

Nov. 10-12, 2023

orlando.electricdaisycarnival.com

The premier EDM festival makes a stop at historic Tinker Field every year to showcase the best in contemporary dance music, otherworldly scenery and psychedelic light shows.

Orlando Beer Festival

Nov. 4, 2023 orlandobeerfestival.com

Orlando’s only large-scale legitimate craft beer festival attracts brewers and guests from all over Florida.

Florida Blue Florida Classic

Nov. 18, 2023 floridaclassic.org

Annual football game between BethuneCookman University and Florida A&M, plus associated Classic Weekend parties and concerts.

FusionFest

Nov. 24-26, 2023 fusionfest.org

Multicultural celebration in downtown Orlando that features an array of aromas, sights, sounds, tastes, textures and films that represent the diverse origins and ethnicities of our community.

DECEMBER

Christmas in the Park morsemuseum.org

The Morse Museum decorates Central Park with stained glass windows and the Bach Festival Choir performs a Christmas concert.

Festival of Lights chabadorlando.org

Central Park hosts a 16-foot menorah for eight nights, which is lighted at a family-friendly party on the first night of Hanukkah.

Grandma Party Bazaar facebook.com/stardustie

Handmade crafts from local artisans and live music from local bands make this our favorite quirky stop for holiday shopping.

Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade winterpark.org

The event has been held each December for more than 70 years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida.

DOWNTOWN

Downtown Orlando is a scene of lofty lobsters, larger than life Lynxes, bacchanalian concrete jungle crawls, and art admirers. An approachable and easily navigated downtown sometimes called the Central Business District, this neighborhood of Orlando is the heartbeat of the city and is appreciated for its commitment to art, food, social justice movements, and live concerts and club music experiences. From galleries to the Fringe ArtSpace to live music venues of all stripes, there is something for every lover of the performing arts. And for the sports lovers: You can support the Orlando Magic or the Solar Bears at Amway Center, or Orlando City and Orlando Pride at Exploria Stadium.

HIGHLIGHTS

Gringos Locos, 20 E. Washington St., 407-841-5626, gringoslocos.com

A favorite and dependable taco spot that’s appreciated for its late-night hours, quick and friendly service, and variety of options including street tacos, fish tacos, burritos, sangria and beer.

Kres Chophouse, 17 W. Church St., 407-447-7950, kreschophouse.com

Ideal for date night, Kres Chophouse serves stellar steaks and offers a nice wine selection.

Papi’s Smash Burger, 66 E. Pine St., no phone, instagram.com/ papismashburger

Papi’s Smash Burger, new from Orlando’s Chris Hernandez, is serving up unique atmosphere and burger creations made from 100% Florida grass-fed beef — plus a bar stocked with boozy shakes.

Taco Kat, 11 S. Court Ave., 407745-0730, tacokattacokat.com

Taco Kat is a new Sonoranstyle taco shop that doubles as a neon speakeasy (can you find the secret entrance?).

Bauhaus, 27 E. Pine St., 407649-0000, thehansonbuilding. com

A dark and cozy brick-lined bar known for its elegant cocktails.

Game Room Social Club, 55 N. Orange Ave., no phone, gameroomorlando.com

Billed as “Orlando’s newest sports and craft cocktail bar,” Game Room Social Club is going big in the old Lizzy McCormack’s space.

Hanson’s Shoe Repair, 27 E. Pine St., 407-476-9446, thehansonbuilding.com

A speakeasy located in one of the oldest buildings in downtown. Your entrance depends on discovering the daily password.

The Robinson Room, 63 E. Pine St., 321-299-0904, therobinsonroom.com

A trendy and sleek coffee and cocktail bar where the people are as pretty as the decor.

Sly Fox, 63 N. Orange Ave., no phone, facebook.com/ slyfoxorlando

Orlandoans love this bar for its photobooth and early-aughts throwback vibes.

Tanqueray’s Bar, 100 S. Orange Ave., 407-649-8540, facebook. com/tanqueraysbar

Patrons can’t get enough of this (actual) underground bar with a constant array of live local bands.

Craft & Common, 47 E. Robinson St., 407-723-8078

Craft & Common serves (variably) breakfast, coffee, wine and beer.

Zeppelin Books, 885 N. Orange Ave., 386-212-8570, zeppelinbookstore.com

Newer destination (in downtown’s North Quarter) for local bibliophiles that includes a well-curated selection of books and chapbooks, and it’s a regular spot for readings.

CityArts, 9 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-648-7060, downtownartsdistrict.com

The oldest building in downtown Orlando, this Queen Anne-style structure is now the home of Downtown Arts District, an organization focused on highlighting Orlando as a center for art. People love the CityArts building for its rotating exhibitions and In-Between Series, a monthly creativemusic event.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., 844-513-2014, drphillipscenter.org

Catch a Broadway musical, rock show or participate in an interactive pop-up art installation at the Dr. Phil. Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd., Heritage Square, 407836-8500, thehistorycenter. org

The History Center has permanent exhibits on history and nature, hosts Lunch and Learn events with local luminaries, and houses a vast collection of oral histories, archives and photographs.

TACO KAT (PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT)

ROBINSON ROOM (PHOTO BY DANIELA MIKHEAL) ROBINSON ROOM (PHOTO BY DANIELA MIKHEAL)

PARRAMORE

Yes, sports fans come to Parramore for football, basketball, soccer and ice hockey. Yet the historic downtown neighborhood of Parramore has a lot more to offer, especially if you are drawn to good food, good people and good times. Many restaurants in the area derive their menus from authentic global cuisines, often with an innovative twist that sets them apart. Many shops, venues, and restaurants here are owned by neighborhood residents, so being in their spaces comes with the warm embrace of a neighborly welcome. This area of Orlando is rich in history — encompassing both Orlando’s past, with a less-than-stellar record of segregation and racism, and its future, with the very intentional siting of a UCF satellite campus and the tech-nirvana Creative Village.

HIGHLIGHTS

District Gastro Bar, 532 W. Church St., 407-237-0366, thedistrictgastrobar.com

American-style cuisine along with a full bar, all on offer near Exploria Stadium.

Deadwords Brewing, 23 N. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-930-3300, deadwords.com

Craft brewpub with award-winning spirits and a full kitchen serving up wood-fired pizzas, poutine and pretzels.

Nightshade Lounge, 536 W. Church St., 407-317-5211, nightshadelounge.com

If it’s nightlife you’re after, Nightshade Lounge on Church Street is the go-to spot in the neighborhood for hookah, cocktails, music, conversation and stand-up comedy.

Le House, 595 W. Church St., 407-530-7024, facebook.com/ lehouserestaurant

Vietnamese restaurant with a focused menu of traditional fare — phos, noodles, fried rice and rolls, along with stir-fried veggie options.

The Monroe, 448 N. Terry Ave., 407-734-2102, themonroeorlando. com

Elegantly designed coffee shop and supper spot offering fresh pastries, cold brews, espresso and tea — as well as a well-considered, Southern-inflected menu.

Nikki’s Place, 742 Carter St., 407425-5301, nikkisplace.net/menus

Nikki’s Place has served meatand-threes to the Parramore community for nearly 75 years, persevering through social and economic upheaval.

Exploria Stadium, 655 W. Church St., 855-675-2489, exploriastadium.com

Check out Orlando City Soccer and Orlando Pride at their homebase of Exploria Stadium.

Orlando City Deli, 330 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-776-3249, orlando-city-deli.business.site

You’ll find Rap Snacks, Blue Bell Creameries ice cream, and

handmade empanadas at Orlando City Deli on Orange Blossom Trail. The sandwich to try immediately is the NY Chopped Cheese, which keeps neighborhood workers and tourists coming back for more.

Out of Many Street + Sol Kitchen, 202 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 321236-4638, outofmanykitchens.com

Out of Many Street + Sol Kitchen on Orange Blossom Trail specializes in spicy chicken and fish dishes, but don’t overlook the salads. The yucca croutons are unforgettable.

South Street Farms, 626 W. South St., 404-969-5351, infinitezionfarms.org

Urban farm project operated by Infinite Zion Farms that aims to provide the community with access to fresh produce.

Palmer Feed Store, 912 W. Church St., 407-841-8924, palmerfeedstore.com

Third-generation, family-owned feed store where you can buy live chicks and ducklings, animal feed, seeds and hay.

3TWO8, 328 S. Orange Blossom Trail, no phone, instagram.com/ shop328south

Sneakerheads should flock to 3TWO8 on Orange Blossom Trail, where Sebastian Castro sells hype shoes, vintage T-shirts and skateboard decks.

CityView Apartments mural, 101 S. Terry Ave.

On the back side of CityView Apartments at Church and Terry, you’ll discover a seven-story mural that celebrates trailblazers from Parramore. A mural depicting the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. can be found on Central and Westmoreland.

Wells’ Built Museum of AfricanAmerican History & Culture, 511 W. South St., 407-245-7535, wellsbuilt.org

During segregation, Black people were not allowed to stay at many local hotels, so Dr. William Wells created this hotel on South Street to host the entertainers who came through — people like Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles and Jackie Robinson. Now it’s a museum of Black history and culture, and a testament to change, slow as it is.

CITYVIEW MURAL (PHOTO BY SARAH KINBAR)

THORNTON PARK EOLA HEIGHTS SOUTH EOLA

This neighborhood, located just far enough away from the high-rises of the Central Business District to escape the noise and stringent regulations on liquor sales after midnight (oops, too soon?), offers a cozy, eclectic neighborhood feel. A bit upscale, like Baldwin Park, but with less homogeneity and claustrophobia. The tree-lined Historic Lake Eola Heights district, just north of downtown with its aged brick roads (fear not, you probably didn’t run over a cat — it’s just a bit bumpy!) represents a neighborhood that’s so far managed to fend off a complete coup d’etat by private equity investors. Don’t skip: Taking advantage of living mere steps away from Lake Eola (be kind and courteous to the swans; they’re your neighbors now). South Eola, a mixed urban area that bleeds into downtown, offers a slightly swankier, more opulent vibe: condos, cocktail bars, restaurants that hit the right balance of cozy and classy. Thornton Park, also old and eclectic with a name straight out of a Jane Austen novel, is chill and laid-back. It’s whatever you need it to be: a place to stop and grab a bite; neighborhood bars where you can grab something a little stronger as you contemplate the best plan for getting legislators to address poverty, not pronouns; or even an audience with Thornton Park’s true mayor, a cat named Lulu. To keep things fun, check out Island Time’s drag brunch on Sundays.

HIGHLIGHTS

Anthony’s Thornton Park, 100 N. Summerlin Ave., 407-648-0009, anthonyspizza.com

A comfy neighborhood pizzeria with food, wine and beer that always has a game on the screen inside, and plenty of outdoor seating for nights that are less than scorching.

The 808, 808 E. Washington St., 407-4404079, the808orlando.com

A great Washington Street location for people-watching, with a lively menu of sandwiches, light bites and tiki-inspired drinks that make this a required weekend destination.

Jinya Ramen Bar, 8 N. Summerlin Ave., 407-704-1825, jinyaramenbar.com

One of the best ramen spots in O-town that’s worth your buck(s). Good luck finding a table, though. (If you do, maybe give us a buzz?)

The Stubborn Mule 100 S. Eola Drive, 407-730-3400, thestubbornmuleorlando.com

Contemporary American food, popular brunch spot in the South Eola/Thornton Park area.

Aku Aku Tiki Bar, 431 E. Central Blvd., 407-839-0080, akuakutiki.com

A tiki-themed bar (no duh) just steps from Lake Eola, featuring a creative menu of cocktails.

Burton’s Thornton Park, 801 E. Washington St.. 407-425-3720, instagram.com/burtonsthorntonpark Neighborhood mainstay with divey vibes, a jukebox inside, and outdoor seating. Drinks are cheap and strong. Also stop for a moment at the mural of Billy Manes and pay your respects.

Eola Wine Company, 430 E. Central Blvd., 407-481-9100, eolawinecompany.com

A neat, chic spot on East Central, mere steps from Lake Eola (ish), that serves beer in addition to wine. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

The Falcon Bar, 819 E. Washington St., 407-423-3060, linktr.ee/thefalconbar

A casual, alternative bar in Thornton Park with wine, craft beer and beer cocktails that hosts art shows, live music, DJs and a popular comedy open mic.

Bynx Coffee, 420 E. Church St., 407-4403030, bynx.co

Hip little coffee spot in South Eola/ Thornton Park that also serves beer and light eats. Grab a seat to study,

read or hit up one of their music, open-mic or comedy nights. Artistfriendly.

Eola General, 522 E. Amelia St., 407-7238496, eolageneral.com

Smack dab in the center of the Historic Lake Eola Heights district neighborhood (literally between homes), this cute general store offers small goods, light eats, coffee, wine and indoor/outdoor seating.

Orlando Farmers Market, Lake Eola park, East Central Boulevard and North Eola Drive, orlandofarmersmarket.com

Check out the Lake Eola Farmers Market, held every Sunday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., featuring food, vintage goods and local art — all within view of the waters of Lake Eola.

The Veranda at Thornton Park, 707 E. Washington St., 336-491-8489, verandaevents.com

A cute event venue tucked within four courtyards that hosts a plethora of night markets, live music, food trucks and more. Step in, step out, but don’t just walk by every time!

Lake Eola Park, North Rosalind Avenue and East Washington Street, orlando.gov Lake Eola Park offers a 1-mile loop, surrounded by downtown Orlando’s high-rises, with plenty of green space for events or to kick around a soccer ball, have a picnic, read a book or write a letter near the water (and be kind to our swan and duck neighbors).

Drag Bingo/Trivia at Persimmon Hollow, 227 N. Eola Drive, 407-337-6011, persimmonhollowbrewing.com

Just across the street from Lake Eola, Persimmon Hollow Brewing holds Drag Bingo Tuesday nights at 7 p.m., and trivia Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.

The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, 407-7046103, abbeyorlando.com

Beautiful lounge/theater/event venue hosts everything from live music to dance parties to theater, plus monthly markets featuring art and other goods from local creatives.

Lake Eola Swan Boat Rentals

Swallow your pride and get in the bird-shaped boat, dammit. If you want an intimate view of Lake Eola (rather than sitting on the edge), pedal-powered Swan Boat rentals are available to reserve TuesdaySunday.

MAYOR LULU (PHOTO BY MATT KELLER LEHMAN)

IVANHOE VILLAGE

For several years we were worried about the effect of all the recent construction on the character of the vibrant Ivanhoe Village neighborhood. Well, a lot of that is done now, yet thankfully the quietly quirky flavor of Ivanhoe seems intact. (You even got a big ol’ food hall in the bargain.) Ivanhoe has long been a cultural incubator and that continues with the Ren, Orlando Ballet, and the museums and theater spaces around OMA. Area businesses from Rock & Roll Heaven to Kiwi Camera are still defiantly independent. And the bars and restaurants here offer a dazzling array of tastes for all palates and wallets. This is a great, actually walkable neighborhood — rare in Orlando — for whiling away a weekend day and just seeing where your feet take you, with no plans in mind, unless it’s one of the annual events, markets and shindigs that keep the place hopping.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Gnarly Barley, 1407 N. Orange Ave., 407-730-9566, thegnarlybarley.com

The home of hot sammies and all kinds of craft beer has a fantastic patio, perfect for getting a light buzz on while watching folks put in their boats on the lake.

The Hall on the Yard, 1412 Alden Road, 407-887-4255, explorethehall.com

Massive two-story upscale destination brings the looks, and plenty of substance in the various menus, both food and bev, to the competitive world of food halls.

The Pinery, 295 NE Ivanhoe Blvd., 407-377-7576, thepineryorlando. com

Playing up Ivanhoe Village’s history as a pineapple farm, the Pinery serves up elegant spins on “Florida fresh cuisine.”

Santiago’s Bodega, 802 Virginia Drive, 407-412-6979, santiagosbodega.com

The creative and delicious tapas menu and full bar make this restaurant a buzzing hotspot.

White Wolf Cafe, 1829 N. Orange Ave., whitewolfcafe.com

Neighborhood staple packs them in on the weekend with hearty breakfast fare and strong Bloody Marys.

Bandbox, 1817 N. Orange Ave., 407-618-0434, bandboxorlando. com

Art Deco-inspired, spirit-free speakeasy applies some serious flair to its non-alcoholic cocktails.

The Hideaway Bar, 516 Virginia Drive, 407-898-5892, thehideawaybar.net

Even a car smashing into this venerable local dive didn’t deter the staff from opening the next day to continue slinging top-level bar grub and strong drinks.

Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co., 1300 Alden Road, 407-270-6749, ivanhoeparkbrewing.com

Popular local craft brewery brings the crowds with both their wellcurated beer menus and a packed slate of events.

Savoy, 1913 N. Orange Ave., 407270-4685, savoyorlando.com Venerable yet spry multi-roomed

LGBTQ+ bar and nightspot has been a nightlife destination for years.

Gold Dust Home, 1309 Lang Ave., 407-701-6491, golddusthome.com

An exquisite selection of the Instagram-hottest in candles, whimsical glassware, puzzles, table linens, planters and more awaits.

Kiwi Camera, 542 Virginia Drive, 407-286-4073, kiwicameraservice. com

Let’s face it, film photography is all the rage again (thank god) and Kiwi will get shutterbugs of all skill levels sorted out.

Oh Eco, 1215 N. Orange Ave., 321209-0427, oh-eco.com

Community-based sustainable store selling all manner of goods for health, beauty and home.

Gaston Edwards Park, 1236 N. Orange Ave., orlando.gov

Waterfront location with grilling area, playground, fitness stations and linkage to the Orlando Urban Trail.

Lake Ivanhoe Park, 6 N. Ivanhoe Blvd. East, orlando.gov

If you need a little respite from the bustle of the main Ivanhoe drag, head over to this park where there’s plenty of space to stretch out and stare at the sun glinting off the water.

Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, 600 N. Lake Formosa Drive, 407426-1733, orlandoballet.org

The home base of the Ballet is a beauty, and a great spot to catch them doing their thing on a more intimate scale.

Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St., 407-2464278, mennellomuseum.org

Smaller museum that still packs a punch with an eclectic permanent collection and a gorgeous sculpture garden outside.

Renaissance Theatre Co., 415 E. Princeton St., no phone, rentheatre.com

New upstart theater company and space that’s putting on some great original works, soon-to-beseasonal traditions and providing a home to the Black Haüs drag troupe.

MILK DISTRICT

The Milk District is an underdog neighborhood. Underestimated and yet always rising to the occasion. It’s got industrial energy, no doubt rooted in its namesake: the T.G. Lee Milk Factory, found at its core. That gritty spirit lends itself to an inclusive “come as you are” mentality, alongside a utility few neighborhoods in the city can match. Everything you need is within the boundaries of this neighborhood: coffee, cocktails, an oil change, dry cleaning, groceries, the Philharmonic Orchestra, a skate park, drag shows and even an (executive) airport. It’s compact, but packs a punch. The Milk District is a neighborhood that picks up the night shift, and says they’ll sleep when they’re dead.

HIGHLIGHTS

Black Magic Pizza, 121 N. Bumby Ave., facebook.com/ blackmagicpizza

Popular upstart pizza pop-up now runs (in soft opening as of this writing) a takeout window helpfully carved out of neighborhood dive institution Whiskey Lou’s. A match made in heaven.

Milkhouse, 203 N. Bumby Ave., 407237-0575, milkhousesocial.com

Food hall destination in the heart of the action offers up coffee, ice cream, Italian bar food and spirits.

Pho Hoa, 649 N. Primrose Drive, 407-895-6098, phohoa.com

Pho Hoa offers delicious Vietnamese fare, as well as revolving art murals and graffiti walls for all to enjoy.

Whiskey Lou’s Lounge, 121 N. Bumby Ave., 407-896-2593, no website

The neon-red Whiskey Lou’s banner sign is a beacon — signaling heavy pours, killer jukebox selections and a giant Blues Brothers sculpture. The bar is cash-only, so be prepared.

Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria, 67 N. Bumby Ave., 407-894-0865, pompomsteahouse. com

A Milk District staple with creative sandwich options. We will never stop recommending the Mama Ling Ling’s Thanksgiving.

Se7enbites, 617 N. Primrose Drive, 407-203-0727, se7enbites.com

Decadent brunch spot (also a great place for a custom cake). Don’t let the line turn you away, it’s absolutely worth the wait.

Stasio’s Italian Deli & Market, 2320 E. Robinson St., 407-277-7755. instagram.com/stasiositaliandeli Subs worthy of obsessing over plus imported Italian groceries you won’t find elsewhere.

Iron Cow Sushi Lounge, 2438 E. Robinson St., no phone, facebook. com/ironcowsushilounge

Cocktail lounge-cum-sushi bar hosts a mix of DJ events and concerts.

Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., 407228-1220, plazaliveorlando.org

One of our city’s oldest theaters — first cinema, then theater, and now live music and events — since the 1960s the Plaza Live has served our town. The theater facade

takes you back in time, while the performances take you to exactly where you need to be.

Orlando Skate Park, 400 Festival Way, 407-246-2800, orlando.gov

You can finally land that ollie you’ve been working on for years. Or you can fall on your ass in front of a bunch of teenagers, whatever.

The Nook on Robinson, 2432 E. Robinson St., 407-906-6675, facebook.com/thenookonrobinson Cozy neighborhood bar and art/ music venue, specializing in a creative slate of local beers.

Otto’s High Dive, 2304 E. Robinson St., 321-231-7902, ottoshd.com

Bustling new rum bar with delicious dinner options. You might have to wait a little bit to get in.

Etoile Boutique, 2424 E. Robinson St., 407-895-6363, etoileboutique. com

Vintage, handmade & locallydesigned clothing and housewares.

Kick Bright Shop and Buttons, 2436 E. Robinson St., 407-900-3120

Tiny but mighty shop specializing in vintage clothing as well as manufacturing bulk order buttons.

Retro Records, 59 N. Bumby Ave., 407-898-2484, no website

A neighborhood institution with a wide selection of vinyl, video, CDs and comics waiting for you.

Dickson Azalea Park, 100 Rosearden Drive, no phone, orlando.gov Lush secret garden walk in the heart of the neighborhood.

Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar, 444 N. Bumby Ave., 407-893-4994, drunkenmonkeycoffee.com

Cozy homestyle coffeehouse with drive-through for your on-the-go neighborhood java run.

Easy Luck Coffee and Bodega, 2425 E. South St., no phone, easyluckorlando.com

Sunny coffee shop with specialty lattes where everyone knows your name. Also check out the attached Whippoorwill Beer House & Package Store for creative spirits.

Southern Nights, 375 S. Bumby Ave., 407-412-5039, facebook.com/ southernnightsorlando

LGBTQ+ club complex provides a welcoming haven — and nonstop party. Includes Southern Nights, District Dive and Southern Craft.

MILKHOUSE (PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT)

FOLLOW THE MILK TO T.G. LEE (PHOTO BY ZAC ALFSON)

MILLS 50 & COLONIALTOWN

The Mills 50 and Colonialtown neighborhoods are hip, culturally diverse, bustling commercial districts, prominently featuring a strong Asian community as a cultural cornerstone. You’ll find Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Korean markets along Colonial Drive — but down on Mills is where you’ll really find the fun. Simultaneously a strip where you could meet the love of your life — over drinks, or between sets at a show — and/or just have a blast running into old punk rockers who were anarchists before it was cool (or commodified). The neighborhood is welcoming to meat-eaters (Pig Floyd’s), veggie darlings (Plantee’s) and serial boba consumers (multiple options) alike. Don’t skip: Checking out a show at Uncle Lou’s, Will’s Pub or its adjoining Lil Indie’s and Dirty Laundry. Prepare to search for street parking or Uber, scooter, bike — you get the gist. Hell, get someone to give you a piggyback ride as they do the Naruto run from a neighboring district if it’ll get you to your destination in a timely fashion.

HIGHLIGHTS

King Bao Mills, 710 N. Mills Ave., 407-237-0013, king-bao.com

A fast casual spot along Mills Avenue with budget-friendly baos (and other eats) to die for.

Pig Floyd’s, 1326 N Mills Ave., 407203-0866, pigfloyds.com

Mills’ BBQ mainstay, the rustic, locally owned Urban Barbakoa is an essential stop for BBQ enthusiasts. Also serves cold craft beer on the patio.

Plantees, 1030 N. Mills Ave., 321206-4271, planteesburgers.com Need vegan-friendly late-night eats after a show? Or just craving meatfree Mickey-D’s? A little (ahem) pricier, but Plantee’s will hit the spot. Grab their vegan take on animal fries, too (drools).

The Strand, 807 N. Mills Ave., 407920 7744, strandorlando.com

A more upscale option. For date night, perhaps? A date with yourself, or someone else(s) — hey, we don’t judge.

Tako Cheena, 948 N. Mills Ave., 407757-0626, takocheena.net

A charming food truck-inspired spot along Mills that serves up inspired Latin-Asian eats.

The Moderne, 1241 E. Colonial Drive, no phone, themodernebar.com “Flamboyant,” “devious” and “spiritforward” are categories of cocktails served at The Moderne, but could easily describe the vibe inside this upscale social lounge as well. Asianinspired small plates are also on offer.

Tori Tori, 720 N. Mills Ave., no phone, toritoripub.com

A trendy Japanese cocktail bar (yes, it is a BAR, not just a restaurant) that nonetheless also serves up some impeccably made eats. Has datenight vibes. Also a nice spot to catch up with a friend — or make new ones.

Wally’s Bar & Liquors, 1001 N. Mills Ave., 407-440-2800, wallysbarandliquors.com

A landmark dive bar around these parts with long hours and heavy pours. Cash only.

Will’s Pub + Lil Indie’s, 1042 N. Mills Ave., no phone, willspub.org

One of the best nightlife spots along Mills to grab a drink and see/hear live music. Tip your bartenders and rock on.

Framework Craft Coffee House, 1050 N. Mills Ave., 321-270-7410, facebook.com/ frameworkcoffeehouse

Framework now has a permanent home for its “coffee camper” on Mills 50 and is serving up quality creative caffeine on a pay-what-you-can basis. Also fast becoming a hub for art shows and DIY concerts.

Colonial Photo & Hobby, 634 N. Mills Ave., 407-841-1485, cphfun.com

Great place to pop into if you are a photographer (by trade or for fun) and want to geek out a bit.

Out of the Closet, 1349 N. Mills Ave., 407-583-4916, outofthecloset.org

A great opportunity to thrift for a good cause, OOTC is a LGBT-centric thrift chain, where 96 cents of every dollar spent goes toward providing HIV/AIDS care to those in need.

Remix Record Shop, 1213 N. Mills Ave., 407-801-5300, remixrecordshop.com

An independent record shop on Mills that helps keep the area’s eclectic record store culture alive. And don’t forget to check out their new “South” annex of dance-music vinyl just down the street.

Downtown Orlando YMCA, 433 N. Mills Ave., 407-896-6901, ymcacf. org

A community hub and activity center located along Mills where you can explore everything from Zumba classes to various youth sports and aquatics.

Orlando Urban Trail, orlando.gov

Beyond wandering along Mills, urbanists in the City Beautiful also have other options for staying active. The Orlando Urban trail, stretching from Lake Highland to Winter Park, is a local gem for walkers and cyclists.

The Center Orlando, 946 N. Mills Ave., 407-228-8272, thecenterorlando.org

A LGBTQ+ support center that offers a plethora of support services and resources — and is especially treasured during this politically turbulent time.

“The Mayor,” Loch Haven Park, 900 E. Princeton St., orlando.gov

No, not Buddy Dyer or Jerry Demings — although they’re probably (or should be) open to constituent meetand-greets as well. “The Mayor” is a 200-year-old live oak at Loch Haven Park, one of the oldest trees around, and an awe-inspiring sight to behold.

OUT OF THE CLOSET (PHOTO BY MATTHEW MOYER)

COLLEGE PARK

College Park may be a little quieter these days, but don’t you dare make the mistake of overlooking the many charms and diversions available in this historic neighborhood. You owe it to yourself to take a stroll down Edgewater Drive and acquaint yourself with the new businesses and restaurants dotted amongst the mainstays. And while this is a neighborhood awash in history — check out the architecture on both the main streets and the residential ones — in no way does it feel like a relic. In fact, you might even say that College Park is entering a new chapter.

HIGHLIGHTS

Honolulu Harry’s, 2305 Edgewater Drive, 407-493-1973, facebook. com/honoluluharryscp

Honolulu Harry’s fresh and modern Hawaiian fusion brings a taste of the islands to the neighborhood.

Jeff’s Bagel Run, 4339 Edgewater Drive, no phone, jeffsbagelrun. com

New York-style bagel shop Jeff’s Bagel Run has their solo Orlando outpost in the neighborhood, and it delivers the goods.

Mediterranean Deli, 981 W. Fairbanks Ave., 407-539-2650, mediterraneandeliorlando.com

Lunchtime favorite among locals. This is your place if you’re looking for cheap Middle Eastern fare that doesn’t taste cheap.

Quesa Loco, 971 W. Fairbanks Ave., 321-972-4503, quesaloco. com

This relaxed eatery is an outpost of the popular local food truck of the same name, bringing birria tacos and Mexican street food to the area.

Digress Wine, 1215 Edgewater Drive, 407-426-7510, facebook. com/digresswine

This wine bar combines cozy hangouts with an extensive and well-curated wine list, and a willingness to educate customers.

Ollie’s Public House, 3400 Edgewater Drive, 407-999-8934, orlandopublichouses.com

Low-key and comfy spot that’s perfect for tipping a few back with friends after work.

PR’s Taco Palace and Margarita Bar, 717 W. Smith St., 407-4402803, prstacobar.com College Park Tex-Mex mainstay slings margaritas and more like nobody’s business.

Foundation Records, 2529 Edgewater Drive, 407-502-8627,

foundationrecordsfl.com

Small but extremely well-curated neighborhood destination for serious vinyl fiends, now with a bustling side business in vintage T-shirts from Iron Maiden to Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Good Crowd, 2812 Edgewater Drive, 407-988-3630, goodcrowdshop.com

A modern gift shop and gathering place with plenty of personality in the heart of College Park.

Freehand Goods, 3201 Corrine Drive, no phone, freehandgoods. com

Handmade candles, leather goods, grooming supplies, Floridathemed apparel and more.

Warehaus, 1529 Vassar St., no phone, shopwarehaus.com

Eclectic and well-curated furniture and furnishings shop that keeps the price point within reach.

Albert Park, 400 Edgewater Drive, orlando.gov

Park nestled right in the middle of the action gives you a chance to get some nature time with a walking trail, gazebo and an array of flora and fauna.

Cups and Pups Coffee, 1307 Edgewater Drive, 407-350-7917, cupsandpupscoffee.com

This dog-friendly coffee destination is a favorite with twoand four-legged locals, serving up craft coffee and baked goods.

College Park JazzFest, collegeparkmainstreet.com

For two decades, this music festival has been taking over the streets of College Park with a bounty of jazz music.

Kerouac House, 1418 Clouser Ave., no phone, kerouacproject.org

From 1957-1958, Beat writer Jack Kerouac resided and worked at this bungalow in College Park, living with his mother. The house is now a literary hub and writer’s retreat.

QUESA LOCO (PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT)

HONOLULU HARRY’S (PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT)

AUDUBON PARK

In many ways, Orlando is the biggest-ever small town and the Audubon Park Garden District embodies that spirit. Sometimes gritty, always grand, Audubon Park is a midcentury-built neighborhood and retail main street that showcases an eclectic mix of culinary talents and artistic flair, all nestled between Leu Gardens, Baldwin Park and old Winter Park. Foodies flock to East End Market for Gideon’s Bakehouse, La Femme du Fromage, Winter Park Biscuit Co. and Domu, to name just a few. A karaoke dive bar lives next door to a pizza shop and a Michelin-star sushi restaurant. A former independent video store has slowly morphed over 24 years into a café, bakery, bar, occasional concert venue and home for a Monday night farmers market. Small but mighty and fiercely independent, the neighborhood has a bit of everything: beauty salons, a bookstore, a brewpub, vintage shopping, cocktails, yoga, doughnuts, fly fishing and a record store.

HIGHLIGHTS

Bem Bom on Corrine, 3101 Corrine Drive, 407-960-5101, bembomfood.com

A Portuguese expression meaning “Good Good,” Bem Bom boasts a unique combination of Mexican and Portuguese dishes that are exactly that.

Domu, 3201 Corrine Drive, 407960-1228, domufl.squarespace. com

Domu is slang for “a dream come true” and this Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized ramen spot truly is.

Foreigner Restaurant, 2816 Corrine Drive, 321-517-6985, foreignerrestaurant.com

Chef Bruno Fonseca’s celebrated multi-course chef’s table experience just opened its very first brick-and-mortar in the APGD.

Kadence, 1809 E. Winter Park Road, no phone, kadenceorlando. com

Michelin Star multi-course chef’s tasting menu for sushi and sake, by prepaid reservation only.

The Salty Donut, 3025 Corrine Drive, 407-960-6378, saltydonut. com

The family-owned shop always has new flavors to try, but you can’t beat their mainstays like brown butter & salt or maple-bacon.

The Neighbors Orlando, 3201 Corrine Drive, no phone, theneighborsorl.com

Featuring local artisans’ wares, Instagrammable cocktails, and an experimental food kitchen.

Redlight Redlight Brewpub, 2810 Corrine Drive, 407-893-9832, instagram.com/redlightredlight Brewery, craft beer bar and now restaurant (opening soon!), it’s also a 2023 Brewer’s Ball Gold Medal winner.

Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Road, 407-6233393, stardustvideoandcoffee. wordpress.com

A bar inspired by Pavement’s Slanted and Enchanted album art, serving up fresh fruit cocktails, craft beer, wine and cider, with a second bar of only Scotch.

Joybird Books, 3018 Corrine Drive, 407-951-5436, joybirdbooks.com

New and used bookseller focused on celebrating local authors and artists while fostering a community connection. Now also home to a Community Art Closet.

The Lovely Boutique Market, 2906 Corrine Drive, 407-270-7729, thelovelyboutiquemarket.com Carefully curated vintage clothing, antiques, artifacts and other handmade gifts.

The Owl’s Attic, 3106 Corrine Drive, 321-300-6957, theowlsattic. com

Hand-picked vintage from the ’50s to the ’90s, retro-themed decor, houseplants and other gifts.

Park Ave CDs, 2916 Corrine Drive, 407-447-7275, parkavecds.com

Orlando’s favorite independent music shop since 1984 with vinyl, tapes, CDs, books and gifts.

Blue Jacket Park, 2501 General Rees Ave.

Recreational park named for its Naval Training Center roots with stone structures, a fountain, fields, pavilions, shared-use paths, and 75 acres of mostly green space.

Lineage Coffee, 3201 Corrine Drive, lineageroasting.com

Expert-level precision roasting based on the elevation, origin, processing method and variety of the bean; this award-winning coffee roaster is on another level.

Lobos Coffee Roasters, 3000 Corrine Drive, 689-220-3567, loboscoffeeroasters.com

Thoughtfully sourced coffee roasted in-house, local craft beer, sandwiches and bites.

Audubon Park Community Market 5 p.m. Mondays, parking lot of Stardust Video & Coffee

A weekly gathering of farmers, chefs and food purveyors offering some of the best local eats and freshest ingredients available.

Harry P. Leu Gardens,1920 N. Forest Ave., 407-246-2620, leugardens.org

Awe-inspiring 50-acre botanical oasis, established in 1936 and open year-round (except on Christmas).

BEM BOM ON CORRINE (PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT)

THE SALTY DONUT (PHOTO BY MATT KELLER LEHMAN)

WINTER PARK

Winter Park is steeped in history everywhere you turn, from the Rollins College campus to greensward Central Park to the vibrant streets of historically Black neighborhood Hannibal Square. But it’s also home to unbridled commerce: the most concentrated area of shopping that isn’t a mall; the priciest real estate that isn’t in Windermere or Isleworth; the trendiest sidewalk cafés. A sweet snack or frosty beverage is never more than a few steps away, the people-watching is premium and it’s not difficult to while away a lazy Sunday at a bistro table. Park Ave has a distinctly European vibe, which isn’t easy to find in Orlando. What it lacks in parking spaces (or drivers who are able to parallel park on the narrow, cobblestoned roads), Winter Park makes up for in trees: The city’s urban forest consists of over 75,000 trees on private and public property.

HIGHLIGHTS

Farm + Haus Cafe, 526 S. Park Ave. Winter Park, 407-790-4371, farmandhaus.com

Like the East End Market original, local sourcing is of the utmost importance at the decidedly more upscale Park Avenue outpost of Patrick and Brittany Walsh Lyne’s breakfast and lunch spot.

Park Avenue Tavern, 558 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, 321972-1469, parkavenuetavern. com

The old Dexter’s space in Hannibal Square got a muchneeded refresh when this Manhattan import moved in.

Doshi, 1040 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-571-9264, doshiorlando.com

The restaurant comprises a six-seat chef’s counter plus a modern dining room where à la carte options of reimagined Hanguk cuisine go beyond gochujang drizzles and kimchi ornamentation.

Ava Mediterraegean, 290 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-7949896, avamediterraegean.com

The trendy room is saturated in SoBe swank, but the menu packs real substance. Don’t miss the potato mille-feuille — it will remind you why you go out to eat instead of cooking for yourself.

The Courtesy, 1288 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, no phone, thecourtesybar.com

Swine and Sons, 1280 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, 407-6367601, swineandsons.com

Orlando’s OG craft cocktail bar relocated to the repurposed, industrial-chic State Auto Building, where it was shortly joined by Swine & Sons’ stellar Southern fare and charcuterie.

Forward/Slash, 650 S. Capen Ave., Winter Park, no phone, drinkforwardslash.com

In addition to making premium blended whiskey, the high-end

distillery features a tasting room and full cocktail bar and offers 90-minute, hands-on whiskey tasting experiences.

Austin’s Coffee, 29 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 407-9753364, austinscoffee.com

Drink coffee or sip a beer and catch Orlando’s local talent, with live music, comedy and poetry performances most every night.

Ravenous Pig Beer Garden, 565 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 407-628-2333, theravenouspig. com

An open space that’s a bit more casual than the dining room inside, where you can enjoy a beer brewed on-site along with the exquisite gastropub fare the Pig is known for.

Buttermilk Bakery, 1198 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, 321422-4015, buttermilk-bakery. com

The most delicious baked goods, but they sell out quick, so get up early. Worth it.

Winter Park Village, 510 Orlando Ave, Winter Park, 407-571-2700, shopwinterparkvillage.com

The shopping center is in the midst of a deep re-concepting, but as it evolves, you can still grab a Starbucks, shop at REI for your outdoorsy needs, or strum all the instruments at Guitar Center. The newly built Ruth’s Chris is to die for.

New General, 155 E. New England Ave., Winter Park, 321972-2819, newgeneral.us Order coffee and food through takeout window, or hang out inside the cool, calm environs — and do a little shopping while you’re there.

The Heavy, 1152 Harmon Ave., Winter Park, 407-489-8973, theheavywp.com

Not cheap, but absolutely gorgeous, plants, flowers and home decor. You’ll want to hang out for a while, and hey, you can grab a coffee and do just that.

HANNIBAL SQUARE

WINTER PARK TRAIN STATION

Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park, 407-636-9951, bluebambooartcenter.com

Treasured local music venue keeps jazzlovers entertained with everything from straight-ahead smooth stuff to more experimental skronk.

Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, 407-646-2000, rollins.edu

Yes, it’s a private college, but it’s also a public good: catch classical concerts by the Bach Festival Society, challenging art exhibitions at the Rollins Museum of Art, and a truly unique sonic experience on WPRK (91.5-FM), the student-run radio station.

SEE Eyewear, 342 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-599-5455, seeeyewear.com

Cool-kid frames for those of us whose eyes don’t work so good.

Writers Block Bookstore, 316 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-335-4192, writersblockbookstore.com

One requirement of a civilized community is a bookstore, and this is Winter Park’s.

Winter Park Train Station, 148 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 800-872-7245

A picturesque stop for SunRail commuters and Amtrak travelers during the week, and a backdrop for the sprawling Winter Park Farmers Market on weekends.

Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park, 407-623-3342, meadgarden.org

A 48-acre oasis of flora and fauna open daily.

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, 312 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407-644-4056, scenicboattours.com

Scenic tours of Winter Park’s waterways traverses tiny canals to give you another view of the city. Rides launch hourly starting at 10 a.m.

Kraft Azalea Garden, 1365 Alabama Drive, Winter Park, 407-599-3334, cityofwinterpark.org

A popular wedding and photography spot, the secluded lakefront offers a gorgeous view of wildlife, boats, and really expensive houses just across the lake.

Winter Park Library, 1052 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407-623-3300, winterparklibrary.org

Designed by starchitect Sir David Adjaye, this temple of literature doubles as an event venue, plus it’s right at the edge of Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, if you need to stroll and muse on your reading.

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, Central Park, 328 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407644-7207, wpsaf.org

The festival debuted in March 1960 and is now one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals. Annual event, every spring.

Dinner on the Avenue, Park Avenue and Morse Boulevard, Winter Park, 407-5993342, cityofwinterpark.org

Want to keep those fancy Winter Park restaurateurs on their toes? Show them what you can do at this annual event, where attendees get creative with their own table setups. Bring a potluck dinner or hire a local caterer. Awards are given for best tablescape.

WINTER PARK CHAIN OF LAKES

MAITLAND & EATONVILLE

Let this sink in: Eatonville is the oldest Black-owned municipality in the United States. Incorporated in 1887, it is the first town successfully established by African American freedmen. The significance of that fact may be belied by Eatonville’s small size and modest main street, but never, ever forget it. Eatonville can also boast of being the hometown of Harlem Renaissance literary titan Zora Neale Hurston, who wrote her best-known books in and about Eatonville, and whose body of work is celebrated every year at the annual Zora! Festival. And Maitland is entwined with Eatonville by more than simple geography — in the 1870s, as newly freed slaves sought to purchase land of their own, some settled around Lake Lily, then called St. John’s Hole, to work for northerners at their winter homes on the shores of Lake Maitland. Today Lake Lily is a posh little park surrounded by upscale restaurants. As you enjoy the annual Florida Film Festival, centered around the quaint arthouse cinema Enzian Theater, or explore the National Historic Landmark Maitland Art Center, never forget you tread on sacred ground.

HIGHLIGHTS

Kos, 449 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, 801-518-6279, choosekos.com

Socially conscious Nordic coffee shop in Maitland serving fromscratch Norwegian waffles, Scandinavian open-faced toasts, skyr bowls and more.

DaJen Eats Café & Creamery, 323 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville, 407-543-8105, dajeneats.com

Vegan Jamaican joint serves the breakfasts of your dreams, plus vegan “Irie Cream.”

Lazy Moon Pizza Maitland, 441 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, lazymoonpizza.com

Pizza wars are heating up in Maitland — longtime local favorite and forever Best of Orlando winner Lazy Moon opens a third location here this summer, while new-school challenger Pizza Bruno plans to be serving Neapolitan pies in Maitland by late fall.

Soul Food Fantasy, 521 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville, 321972-3050, soulfoodfantasy.us

Braised oxtails, shrimp and grits, jerk turkey wings — your Southern kitchen fantasy comes to real life here.

Teak Neighborhood Grill, 901 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-3354835, teakorlando.com

Burgers so big and bustling with toppings you might need a knife and fork.

Copper Rocket, 106 Lake Ave., Maitland, 407-853-5036, thecopperrocket.com

Longtime cozy beer pub hosts an excellent selection of open mics.

Enzian Theater and Eden Bar, 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-629-1088, enzian.org

Sip a craft cocktail on one of the most romantic patios in Central Florida, before or after you head inside to catch a flick.

Outpost Kitchen, Bar & Provisions, 111 S. Orlando

Ave., Maitland, 407-930-6282, outpostkbp.com

“Boozy brunch” is spoken fluently here.

Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Arts, 344 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville, 407-647-3307, hurstonmuseum.org

Hub of the annual festival and host to works exclusively by Black artists.

The Moseley House, 11 Taylor St., Eatonville, 407-622-9382, themoseleyhouse.org

This historic museum is the second oldest structure in town. The house was owned by Matilda Clark Moseley, niece of Eatonville’s founder and first mayor.

Art & History Museums — Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, 407-539-2181, artandhistory.org

Truly one of the most beautiful museum campuses you’ll ever see, and a crucial incubator for boundary-pushing local talent. Wander the grounds, but don’t disturb the resident artists at work.

Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, 1101 Audubon Way, 407-6440190, cbop.audubon.org

Ka-KAWWWR! You may hear the movies’ most famous sound effect, the cry of the red-tailed hawk, in real life if you visit this sanctuary for big-bird rehab.

Zora! Festival, annual in January, zorafestival.org

A multi-pronged, nearly monthlong affair ranging from scholarly lectures to Afrofuturist art exhibitions to a “ladies in hats” lunch, all culminating in a weekend fair of music, food and family fun.

Florida Film Festival, April 14-23, 2023, floridafilmfestival.com

Ten days and more than 160 films, plus first-class events where film lovers mingle with filmmakers and celebrities.

LAKE LILY

SODO & DELANEY PARK

Immediately south of the downtown Central Business District is SoDo (yeah, south of downtown), a previously quiet but increasingly vibrant mix of lush, old neighborhoods and new development. Long defined by Delaney Park, the area boasts some of downtown’s best living, a prime mix of residential and natural beauty with its historic homes, brick streets, oak canopies and picturesque lakes. But SoDo’s new pulse comes from the juxtaposition of established neighborhood tranquility and a growing urban sensibility from a fresh infusion of smart local verve. On one side, SoDo has always featured some of downtown’s nicest and least crowded park spaces. On the other, the gigantic Orlando Health complex continues to increase its presence on the skyline. But in between, a deepening tapestry of third places is hitting new stride.

HIGHLIGHTS

Cecil’s Texas Style Bar-B-Q, 2800 S. Orange Ave., 407-423-9871, cecilsbbq.com

New-school barbecue king 4 Rivers Smokehouse recently opened a location in the area, but longtime residents know that Cecil’s has been keeping this hood good for over 30 years with legit brisket and some of the best ribs and sides in town.

Delaney’s Tavern, 1315 S. Orange Ave., 407-849-0801, eatdt.com

SoDo’s emergent city style is probably most typified by this restaurant and bar, a new destination spot serving good contemporary American fare both inside an upscale tavern setting and outside in its urban courtyard.

Flavors Nigerian, 3530 S. Orange Ave., 407-930-0988, flavorsnigerian. com

While traditional African cuisine is a little hard to come by locally, SoDo is home to one of the few purveyors in the metro where you can go for an authentic serving of jollof rice.

903 Mills Market, 903 S. Mills Ave., 407-898-4392, 903millsmarketcafe. com

This café — one of the very few in the city that are nestled deep in the heart of a residential neighborhood — is a true local hang where neighbors don’t simply eat but sip and linger at one of the covered sidewalk tables.

Sister Honey’s Bakery, 247 E. Michigan St., 407-730-7315, sisterhoneys.com

Although Evette Rahman has racked up multiple wins at the World Food Championship and the American Pie Council’s National Pie Championship, this master baker operates out of a small bakery in SoDo serving up sensational and seasonal pies, cakes and other pastries.

SoDough Square, 419 E. Michigan St., no phone, sodoughsquare.com

This newcomer is a sister concept to rising local chainlet Tin & Taco that does Detroit-style pizza with devotion and craft. Their zesty, fricolined pies will forever change your mind about pan pizza.

Rockpit Brewing, 10 W. Illiana St., 407-826-1773, rockpitbrewing.com

While SoDo isn’t known for its drinking scene, it is home to this local, family-run brewery, which features a focused but diverse selection of beers, ciders and wines

served in a welcoming atmosphere with warm vibes.

East West Records, 4895 S. Orange Ave., 407-859-8991, eastwestrecordsusa.com

Started by diehard music aficionados and lifers Hannah and Roman Skrobko in 1971, East West is one of the longest-running survivors of the great record store tradition.

Nomad Bakehouse, nomadbakehouse.com

On the low, SoDo boasts the pickup spot for one of the city’s most sought artisan bakers. Nomad’s pop-ups are notorious for long lines and early sellouts. But most Saturdays, customers can conveniently pick up preorders of locally and ethically sourced breads and pastries at the baker’s own Delaney Park home.

Greenwood Urban Wetlands, 1411 Greenwood St., orlando.gov

This small but beautiful park is one of the downtown’s best green spaces, with a meandering walk across bridges and through native wetlands. It’s also a natural stormwater treatment system and a living model of how nature and urbanity can co-exist. And now that the Downtown Connector Trail has been completed, the entire stretch of Anderson Street along the park’s northern edge is an excellent spot for biking.

Lake Beauty Park, 30 W. Miller St., orlando.gov

Because it’s at the mouth of the hightraffic Orlando Health complex, this overlooked pocket park is enjoyed primarily by hospital staff. But it’s open to the public and is one of the best designed parks in downtown whose urban amenities turn an otherwise simple little lake into a dynamic, people-friendly space. It’s undergoing an expansion that will make this bustling stretch of Orange Avenue even more attractive.

Amtrak Station, 250 Columbia St., 855-724-5411, sunrail.com

More just another stop on the modern SunRail commuter line, this historic, Mission Revival-style station has been serving national and regional rail passengers continuously for nearly a century.

Pulse Memorial, 1912 S. Orange Ave. Once the site of a cornerstone gay nightclub and then one of the nation’s worst mass shootings, this hallowed Orlando spot is now a memorial that keeps the flame lit for the innocent and beautiful lives lost there.

SODOUGH SQUARE (PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT)

FLAVORS NIGERIAN (PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT)

CONWAY

CURRY FORD HOURGLASS

The Hourglass District and adjoining stretch of Curry Ford Road — whatever you call it — are changing and expanding, yes, but it’s a more organic and measured growth than the jarring fast-forward currently happening over on Mills 50. True, busy Curry Ford might not be the most walkable but it’s worth braving the traffic to indulge in top-shelf restaurants new and old, shop around at mom-and-pop markets, and sit for a spell at the Hourglass Social House or one of several bars and breweries in the area. This is definitely a foodie zone on the rise. And if it all gets to be too much for you, sit a spell at Lake Hourglass or Lake Underhill Park, or take a stroll through the quiet neighborhoods nearby for a taste of classic Central Florida.

HIGHLIGHTS

Bad As’s Burgers, 4205 Curry Ford Road, 407-601-4363, badassburgersfl.com

Bad As’s Sandwiches’ John Collazo has expanded his sandwich empire with a high-end approach to burgerdom.

Black Rooster Taqueria, 3097 Curry Ford Road, 407-286-0508, blackroostertaqueria.com

Hourglass got the bragging rights to the second outpost of this localfavorite taco spot, and it’s far more roomy than the Mills 50 mothership — plus brunch and a patio.

Hourglass Social House, 2401 Curry Ford Road, 407930-7308, facebook.com/ hourglasssocialhouse

Take your pick of Foxtail’s caffeinated jolts or Leguminati’s decadent vegan creations (along with a creative beer menu) at this cute neighborhood-sized food hall. Cuddling close is Tamale Co., home of an amazing array of varieties of handmade tamales.

Papa Llama, 2840 Curry Ford Road, 407-706-9463, papallamaorl.com

Popular Peruvian dining destination welcomes guests to relax into a family-style tasting menu, with plenty of natural wines to (elegantly) wash it down.

Pizza Bruno, 3990 Curry Ford Road, 407-270-6833. pizzabrunofl.com

What can we say? Bruno Zacchini serves up stellar pies, mouthwatering garlic knots and great drinks to a crowded room seemingly every single night.

Claddagh Cottage, 2421 Curry Ford Road, 407-895-1555, claddaghcottagepub.com

This long-running Irish pub keeps the atmosphere convivially raucous with expert pours of Guinness and a busy slate of live music, both Irish and not.

The Commission Beer Chamber, 2230 Curry Ford Road. 407271-4028, facebook.com/ thecommissionbeerchamber

“Throwback” beer spot the Commission boasts a visual aesthetic in line with a New York of many years ago, but the beer menu is modern and on-point.

Hourglass Brewing, 2500 Curry Ford Road, 407-730-5249, hourglassbrewing.com

Local brewery and bar is a favorite with the locals both inside and outside of the neighborhood.

Band Room, 3233 Curry Ford Road, 407-897-7080, bandroomorlando. com

Voted for our readers as “Best Musical Instrument Store,” this neighborhood spot can turn you into a rock star or MVP of your school’s band.

Clemons Produce, 3325 Curry Ford Road, 407-897-1413, facebook. com/clemonsproduceorlando

Few do it better than this local institution stuffed to the rafters with affordably priced local and regional produce.

Peaceful Peacock, 1700 S. Bumby Ave., 407-317-6805, peacefulpeacockorlando.com

This flock of groovy birds is run by Katie Donzanti, a Lululemon ambassador who’s anything but the stereotypical “yoga mom.” Clearly they wanna diversify if they’ve chosen Donzanti, a neonhaired Elvis fan who calls it like she sees it, always, and has created a heartful, healing yoga enclave that truly welcomes everyone.

Barber Park, 3701 Gatlin Ave., orangecountyfl.net

This park has it all: basketball, baseball, volleyball and pickleball courts, skateboarding area, offleash dog park, and picnic areas.

Hourglass Park, 1800 Carlton Drive, orangecountyfl.net

Lake Hourglass is a great spot for kayaking, fishing or just sitting and idling away the day.

Lake Underhill Park, 4355 Lake Underhill Road, orlando.gov

Suitable to most (if not all) levels of fitness curiosity, the Lake Underhill Loop trail is 1.3 miles around, and connects Festival Park, Orlando Skate Park, Kittinger Park and Park of the Americas.

Zaza Cuban Comfort Food, 3500 Curry Ford Road, 407-228-0060, zazacubancomfort.com

If you are, in fact, ready to stop f-ing around and get the day moving, grab yourself a café con leche or cortado from Zaza and shift into fast-forward.

BAD AS’S BURGERS (PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT)

ROBINSON ROOM (PHOTO BY DANIELA MIKHEAL) THE COMMISSION BEER CHAMBER (PHOTO BY MATT KELLER LEHMAN)

UCF & WATERFORD LAKES

It seems only fitting that an eclectic city like Orlando is home to one of the largest universities in the nation. The University of Central Florida’s main campus almost feels like a city within a city, combating Orlando’s questionable walkability with an easily navigable circle that has almost everything a college student could ask for within its perimeters. Although the UCF/Waterford Lakes area is frequented heavily by college students, that doesn’t mean that there’s not something for everyone to enjoy. The Waterford Lakes Town Center has pretty much anything your heart can desire and is constantly updating itself with new restaurants, shops and experiences that bring excitement and energy to the youthful crowd that populates the area. Go Knights, charge on!

HIGHLIGHTS

Barrio, 749 N. Alafaya Trail, 407-4401025, barrio-tacos.com

If you’re looking for a place with $5 happy hour margaritas and an innovative build-your-own-taco menu, look no further than this new staple in Waterford Lakes.

CrunCheese Korean Hot Dog, 465 N. Alafaya Trail, 407-203-3010, cruncheeseusa.com

Searching for a step up from the traditional American corndog? CrunCheese needs to be on your radar. Their Korean hot dogs are sure to please with a variety of sweet and savory topping and sauce options that are as scrumptious to eat as they are pleasing to look at.

Ice & Bites Café, 3402 Technological Ave., 407-208-1340, icenbitesorlando. wixsite.com

Not only does Ice & Bites have a delectably extensive and incredibly Instagrammable food and drink menu, but this popular boba shop also hosts frequent events to celebrate fan-favorite K-pop stars’ birthdays, album releases and other important dates.

Purple Ocean Superfood Bar, 12789 Waterford Lakes Parkway, 407-9465361, purpleoceansfb.com

With a priority of sustainability and an excitement for providing a sweet organic treat to the Orlando area, this vegan superfood bar has quickly garnered popularity among students at its newest location within the UCF Student Union.

Bar Louie, 4100 North Alafaya Trail, 407337-7100, barlouie.com

If you’re looking for a casual place to grab a drink with a friend, look no further than Bar Louie. The neighborhood favorite has weekly specials and offerings that make almost every hour feel like happy hour.

The Brass Tap, 781 N. Alafaya Trail, 407420-7479, brasstapbeerbar.com

This beer lover’s paradise was created with the vision of being the “Ultimate Beer Bar.” The Brass Tap offers over 150 different craft beers, live entertainment and a staff of beer experts who can answer your

every question about exactly which brew is right for you.

Smartpunk Record Shop, 12078 Collegiate Way, 407-574-7899, smartpunk.com

The only record store within nine miles of UCF is located right across the street from the main campus. Dedicated to the “vinyl music lover lifestyle,” Smartpunk has a vast collection of music genres and memorabilia, making it impossible to not find something you love within its walls. (Don’t sleep on the staff picks section!)

UCF Arboretum, 4312 Scorpius St., no phone, arboretum.ucf.edu

The UCF Arboretum is a great place to reconnect with nature and revel in some local flora and fauna. This area of campus is open to the public from sunrise to sunset and even offers guided tours to heighten your experience on the trails.

Lineage, 11556 University Blvd., no phone, lineageroasting.com

This location of Lineage, a specialty coffee roaster originating in Orlando, has quickly become a go-to study spot for UCF students. Offering unique food and drink options paired with a chic yet cozy atmosphere, Lineage is the perfect place to meet up with friends for an afternoon snack or to grind out that last-minute essay you’ve been procrastinating on.

Paris Bakeshop, 12789 Waterford Lakes Parkway, 407-917-2955, parisbakeshop. com

Whether you want to make a quick stop for a pastry and a coffee or are looking to grab brunch with some friends, the Paris Bakeshop has you covered. This bakery offers four dozen different specialty latte flavors and a lengthy menu complete with breakfast, lunch and dessert.

Reflecting Pond, University of Central Florida, ucf.edu

The Reflecting Pond is one of the most photographed and recognizable locations at UCF. Make sure to check out the ice cream stand located directly next to the pond for a sweet treat and a great spot to watch the sunset.

CRUNCHEESE (PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT)

UCF REFLECTING POND (COURTESY PHOTO)

ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL

Ah, South Orange Blossom Trail. It’s an unassuming (though very busy) street — strip malls line much of it — with some gritty patches (in other words, a lot of sex workers and drug slingers ply their trades here). It’s also the gateway to the Florida Mall. But this neighborhood, long home to international cuisine, is becoming a vaunted area for foodies looking for a meal off, or, that is, on the Trail. Dubbed the “Curry Corridor” by OW food critic Faiyaz Kara, fare from the Indian subcontinent abounds on South OBT. The strip has its share of markets for spices and snacks and if the collection of recently opened restaurants are any indication, OBT could be on the verge of having a moment. But don’t worry: The street still features the comforts of the Florida Mall if you need a pair of sneakers, or if you just want to gawk at a Tesla in the mall’s showroom.

HIGHLIGHTS

Achiote, 12325 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-219-4089, achioteorlando.net

Achiote offers a down-home dining experience for Puerto Rican cuisine.

Bombay Street Kitchen, 6215 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-240-5151, bombaykitchenorlando.com

Another new(ish) selection for Indian food with lots of buzz.

Gully Urban Indian Eatery, 1155 Doss Ave., 407-986-9864, gullyfl.com

A new addition to OBT, Gully Urban Indian Eatery features Mumbai-style street food, as well as Indian twists on burgers and tacos.

Kabab King, 11352 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-640-6046, kababkingfl.com

A low-key option for superb Pakistani fare. Our dining critic said Kabab King “plates Pakistani dishes worthy of a royal fanfare” before concluding that “Simply put, Kabab King rules.”

Melao Bakery, 2001 Consulate Drive, 407-348-1777, melaobakery.com

Looking for mofongo? Melao Bakery has you covered.

Tortas El Rey, 6151 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-850-6980, tortaselreyorlando.com

Located in an old drivethrough, Tortas El Rey arguably serves the best tortas in town.

Apna Bazaar, 9404 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-

856-0238, facebook.com/ apnabazaarorlando

Apna Bazaar has a selection of halal meats, exotic produce and even a few knickknacks for your living room.

Florida Mall, 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-851-7234, simon.com/mall

OBT’s old-school alternative to Mall at Millenia, the Florida Mall opened in 1986 and it’s still capable of fulfilling any itch for retail therapy, offering one-stop shopping for clothes, Apple products and repairs, gaming and even dining options like Mexican restaurant Cantina Catrina.

Laxmi Plaza, 1134 Doss Ave., 407-857-8805, no website

The House of Spices has the ingredients for a home-cooked meal — at the spice level of your choosing. Daana Pani stocks a glorious selection of sweets and chaat, and other storefronts in the plaza offer high-karat gold jewelry, saris and more.

Q Karaoke, 4519 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-476-8280, q-karaoke.com

Q Karaoke has private rooms as comfortable as your living room and songs in Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Japanese and English.

Tapville, 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, no phone, tapvillesocial.com/ thefloridamall

Have a self-serve beer from Tapville while you shop at the Florida Mall. What could possibly go wrong?

KABAB KING (PHOTO BY MATT KELLER LEHMAN)

ROBINSON ROOM (PHOTO BY DANIELA MIKHEAL) BOMBAY STREET KITCHEN (PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT)

I-DRIVE SAND LAKE

A favorite area to visit in Orlando among tourists and hardy locals is the I-Drive corridor. To your left, the nation’s Largest McDonald’s; to your right, an observation wheel towering 400 feet in the air. While some visitors may end up wandering off to get a Butterbeer with Harry Potter at Universal, those who are looking to truly satisfy their palates head to where the locals go. It’s easy to get caught up in a tourist trap — or traffic jam — or two. But rest assured, the real prize you can find in this area is a conversation with someone from halfway across the world and finding out their story. It’s a great reminder that you are truly in a unique part of town.

HIGHLIGHTS

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, 9150 International Drive, 407-351-5074, delfriscos. com

A delectable pick for steak, seafood and traditional classic allAmerican food.

Rocco’s Tacos, 7468 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-226-0550, roccostacos. com

A great choice for Mexican-inspired dishes that can be paired with a delish margarita or two.

Seito Sushi, 8031 Turkey Lake Road, 407-248-8888, seitosushi. com

A fantastic contemporary sushi and pan-Asian stop in the I-Drive corridor.

Vines Grille & Wine Bar, 7533 Sand Lake Road, 407-351-1227, vinesgrille.com

A fine dining experience with featured foods from all over the world.

Icebar, 8967 International Drive, 407-426-7555, icebarorlando.com Plunge into freezing temperatures — and equally chill drinks! A fun change of pace if you’re looking for a little adventure.

Yard House, 8367 International Drive, 407-351-8220, yardhouse. com

For those who’d like to wash the taste of the aforementioned Butterbeer out of their mouths, enjoy a jaw-droppingly massive menu of food and drinks at this spot.

Dezerland, 5250 International Drive, 321-754-1700, dezerlandpark.com

This indoor recreational center hosts a variety of shops, including a gargantuan Bass Pro Shop, a car museum, a “pinball palace” and plenty of other attractions for youngsters — or the young at heart.

International Drive Outlets, 5269 International Drive, 407-352-9600, premiumoutlets.com

Find each and every last discount store here, ranging from Nike and RayBans to Forever 21, Kate Spade, Burberry, Armani Exchange and much, much more.

Dr. Phillips Park, 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd., 407-254-9038, orangecountyfl.net

Grab a frisbee, kite, picnic blanket or all of the above and soak in the Florida sun. Just a short ways away from I-Drive and Sand Lake, this spot would make for the perfect sunny day getaway.

Icon Park, 8375 International Drive, 407-601-7907, iconparkorlando.com

Mount The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel, or the Starflyer (Orlando’s tallest swing ride), laze around in the grass, or take a stroll around one of Orlando’s most iconic spots. It’s packed with plenty of places to eat and drink, plus the Orlando outposts of Sea Life Aquarium, the Museum of Illusions and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

Foxtail, 7610 W. Sand Lake Road, 407-412-6704, foxtailcoffee.com

An outpost of the Central Florida favorite, located just off I-Drive. A great choice for locally roasted and brewed coffee.

Fun Spot America, 5700 Fun Spot Way, 407-363-3867, fun-spot.com

A great getaway for the kiddos and mom and dad. With free admission and great rides, this spot is really top-notch for fun and games.

Top Golf, 9295 Universal Blvd., 407-218-7714, topgolf.com

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, 9299 Universal Blvd., 407-6105020, andrettikarting.com

A more upscale take on minigolf and go-karting, these are great hangout spots for all ages, conveniently next to one another.

THE WHEEL AT ICON PARK

LAKE NONA

The vibrant, technology-focused and master-planned neighborhood of Lake Nona occupies the southeast edge of Orlando. Strategically situated between the expanding Orlando International Airport, sprawling UCF campus, and the endless Atlantic — all easily reachable — Lake Nona is a tightly curated residential community of apartments, townhouses and single-family homes designed for convenience and work-life balance. It is an intentional space combining art, shop, play, dining, work and home within 17 square miles of Central Floridian sunshine, and if city politicians have their way, it’s what the future will look like here in Orlando — why, they even have an autonomous driverless shuttle called Beep.

HIGHLIGHTS

Bacán, 6100 Wave Hotel Drive, 407-675-2000, bacanlakenona. com

As far as hotel restaurants go, Bacán, like the multimillion-dollar sculptures on the Wave Hotel’s Grounds, deserves to be put on a pedestal for its creative, eyecatching food and drink offerings.

Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen, 6967 Lake Nona Blvd., 407-9554340, chromalakenona.com

A modern tapas restaurant and bar located in the heart of the Town Center.

Park Pizza & Brewing Co., 6941 Lake Nona Blvd., 407-955-4472, parkpizzalakenona.com

Couples, friends and families love this restaurant for its oak-fired pizza and views of its grandly sized steel brewery.

Pho Haven, 14019 Narcoossee Road, 407-440-3950, phohavenlakenona.com

Highly recommended for their delicious warm pho and fresh banh mi sandwiches.

Veg’n Out, 6982 Lake Nona Blvd., 407-313-2980, vegnoutnow.com

Veg’n Out is loved for its raw coldpressed juice, smoothies and protein bowl options.

Boxi Park, 6877 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., 407-536-9666, boxiparklakenona.com

An urban park made out of repurposed shipping containers that includes restaurants, live music, a volleyball court and dog park.

Live From the Lawn, Lake Nona Town Center, lakenonaevents. com

Lake Nona residents enjoy live music every Saturday morning and afternoon from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as they browse the produce at the Saturday Farmers Market.

Farmers Market, Lake Nona Town Center, lakenonaevents.com

The market occurs every Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and is perfect for restocking your pantry and supporting local artists.

Poppy Flower Co., 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., 407-533-3057, poppyflowerco.com

Independently owned florist known for selling and delivering flowers in its Tiffany-blue pickup.

Lake Nona Performance Club, 6775 Chopra Terrace, 407-2165672, lakenonaperformanceclub. com

This state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center has three pools, a sauna and steam room.

Lake Nona Vertiport

Lake Nona will be ground zero of the future in aviation transportation. With evTOL (highspeed electric vertical take off and landing) a trip to St. Petersburg could take mere minutes.

Lake Nona Medical City

This medical park consists of the Health Sciences campus of UCF, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Valencia College at Lake Nona, and a University of Florida research center.

BACÁN (PHOTO BY ROB BARTLETT)

BEEP BUS (PHOTO BY ERIC ARDITO)

SANFORD

Technically, this isn’t a neighborhood of Orlando, but Sanford has become a popular bedroom community for Orlandoans seeking affordable houses in a small-town atmosphere. Here you can find just about anything you’re looking for, whether it’s a unique (non-chain) gastropub and an atmospheric bar for a date night, or something fun for the whole family to do on the weekend — Sanford has you covered. You’ll find business owners who actually care about their town on every twinkle-light-lined street, and community members doing everything they can to better the state of Sanford every day.

delicious cocktails is one of the most romantic ways to spend an evening in Sanford.

The Station Bar & Grub, 113 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, 407-8787433, thestationbarandgrub.com

Drop in here for tasty pub food. Trust us and try the juicy fried tenders with all of the “dippers” you could dream of.

Brix & Mortar, 117 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, 407-688-3078, thebestwineryever.com

Hit up wine bar Brix & Mortar for a girls’ night happy hour.

The Park Dive, 2601 Park Drive, Sanford, 407-942-3767, facebook. com/theparkdivebar

If you’re looking for more of a dive bar feel (and who isn’t), look no further than the Park Dive. Sit down for a beer once and the owners will remember your name. Plus, they have an awesome patio directly under the flight path for the Orlando Sanford International Airport — the flyovers are too cool.

Throwbacks Sanford, 418 Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-942-3126, facebook.com/throwbackssanford Throwbacks is an essential destination for seriously nostalgic gaming.

Magpies Modern General Store, 215 E. First St., Sanford, 407-495-8549, magpiesmoderngeneral.com

Do you like hilarious and somewhat snarky gifts, funky but well-made clothes, and locally focused decor? Look no further.

Maya Books & Music, 204 E. First St., Sanford, 407-321-6504, instagram. com/maya_books_and_music

Pop in to Maya Books & Music to search for literary treasures and a record you love up in their music loft.

HIGHLIGHTS

Busters Bistro, 300 Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-732-4316, bustersbistro.com

Visit Busters for unusual but delicious eating. Hearty Belgian food? Say less.

Henry’s Depot, 212 W. First St., Sanford, 407-548-6931, henrysdepot. com

Can’t decide on just one thing?

Henry’s Depot is the place to go — hit the food hall for a myriad of different choices.

Shantell’s Just Until, 503 Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-878-7785, shantellsjustuntil.com

Shantell’s Just Until boasts the cleanest-tasting fried chicken you’ll ever eat.

Celery City Craft Beer Garden, 114 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, 407-9155541, celerycitycraft.com

You can’t go wrong stopping by Celery City Craft Beer Garden at night: sitting under the twinkling lights in the beautiful Florida weather with one of their 50-plus tap beers or their

Spice Is Nice, 106 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford, 321-363-1052, spiceisnicegrocery.com

Want to test your spice levels and snack on unique, fiery munchies? This new international heat market has everything

Thrift on 46, 3442 State Road 46, Sanford, no phone, instagram.com/ thrifton46

Revolve, 200 North Entrance Road Sanford, 407-732-4607, facebook. com/revolvesanford

If you’re willing to venture out of the Historic District, there are some incredible thrift stores not even

15 minutes away — Thrift on 46 and Revolve — both specializing in secondhand items and wholesale goods that are brand-new at great prices.

Historic Downtown Sanford Downtown Sanford is nestled along Lake Monroe, so when you get the itch to soak up some Vitamin D, try taking a long walk down by the marina.

Sanford Riverwalk

You can find plenty of people exercising/roller skating, biking and fishing along the Riverwalk trail — and when you inevitably get tired there are swinging benches for you to tap out on … uh, to enjoy the view from!

Weekend Festivals

If riverside jogs are not your vibe, keep an eye out for one of the hundreds of festivals Sanford has on the weekends — annual events like Sofas & Suds, where you can watch literal couches being raced through the streets, or more frequent happenings, like the recurring Food Truck Fiesta or Art & Jazz nights.

Palate Coffee Roasters, 105 W. Second St., Sanford, 321-363-0661, sanfordcoffee.com

Their drinks are as good as they are aesthetically pleasing. Plus, Palate partners with Love Missions to help bring an end to human trafficking — so you can feel good about your coffee addiction while you’re sipping.

Goldsboro Museum, 1211 Historic Goldsboro Blvd., Sanford, 407585.0692, goldsboromuseum.com

Sanford was built on several historically Black communities, including one of the earliest known Black towns in Florida, Goldsboro. The Goldsboro Museum is an excellent place to start when learning about the history and culture of Sanford and the people at its heart.

Ritz Theater, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford, ritztheatersanford.com

Theater West End, 115 W. First St., Sanford, 407-548-6285, theaterwestend.com

There are plenty of ways to tap into local culture and performing arts, such as at the Ritz Theater or Theater West End, both of which are consistently receiving rave reviews on their performances.

Murals

Get your mural fix all over town, but be sure to hit up the 63-foot Hotchkiss Mural on First Street — it’s huge and totally happiness-inducing.

FESTIVAL FUN (PHOTO COURTESY HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SANFORD)

LIVE MUSIC

There is a multiplicity of choices for spots to check out live music in Orlando, from arena-rock megastars to young locals figuring it all out on the fly. Here’s a rundown of the prime spots around the City Beautiful, from arenas to intimate rooms.

The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive, 407-7046103, abbeyorlando.com

This mid-size room is used as a blank canvas by local and regional promoters to host touring acts as well as literary and theatrical performances.

Ace Cafe, 100 W. Livingston St., 407996-6686, acecafeusa.com

The legendary former Edge space in downtown Orlando hosts shows and dance nights, both within those storied walls and a 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., 407-823-3070, additionfiarena.com

The arena on the UCF campus is much more than just a student venue: It seats roughly 10,000 and hosts pop, rock, Bollywood singers and hip-hop, as well as stand-up comics and other events.

Amway Center, 400 W. Church St., 407440-7900, 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 the downtown arena is also home to the Orlando Magic and the Solar Bears.

The Beacham, 46 N. Orange Ave., 407648-8363, theblockorlando.com

The downtown concert venue provides a much-needed home for concerts and DJ nights in the center of the city — an increasingly rare commodity as downtown Orlando might be moving away from fostering nightlife.

Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, 1905 Kentucky Ave., Winter Park, 407-6369951, bluebambooartcenter.com

Intimate, seated venue hosts a full sonic spectrum of jazz, classical and world music, as well as theater and literary events.

Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, 407-440-5700, campingworldstadium.com

If you want to see the likes of Paul

McCartney, Billy Joel or Guns N’ Roses here in Orlando, Camping World Stadium is the place to be.

Celine, 22 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-8017005, celineorlando.com

Downtown Orlando nightspot is a great destination for dancing and hosts touring hip-hop, EDM, drum & bass and techno heavy hitters.

Conduit, 6700 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, no phone, conduitfl.com

Formerly the Haven Lounge, rebranded and revamped by an ownership troika that includes folks behind Will’s Pub and Endoxa booking the room. Now boasts more floor space to check out the bands and a robust calendar that crosses genres with glee.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-3586603, drphillipscenter.org

Boasting two theaters and the “acoustically perfect” Steinmetz Hall, the Dr. Phil is busier than ever, with a mix of theater, ballet, classical music, comedy and touring rock acts. They even have the bragging rights of hosting Kraftwerk on their recent tour.

Grumpy’s Underground Lounge, 1018 N. Mills Ave., 407-678-1122, facebook. com/grumpysunderground Mills 50 bar/venue next door to Uncle Lou’s hosts concerts, stand-up, DJs and karaoke nights.

Hard Rock Live, 6050 Universal Blvd., 407-351-7625, hardrock.com/live

Venture deep into the heart of Universal’s CityWalk entertainment complex for entertainment that straddles big-time, nostalgic and comedy all-stars.

Henao Contemporary Center, 5601 Edgewater Drive, 689-221-5171, thehenao.com

The Henao Center soldiers on with a mix of hip-hop, electronic, dance parties and punk shows.

House of Blues, Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista, 407-934-2583, houseofblues.com

Shows may start on the early side, but that’s the only overt sign that this concert venue and restaurant is nestled in the middle of family-friendly Disney Springs. The sightlines and sound system are recommended, the slate of touring acts is formidable.

Orlando Amphitheater, 603 W. Colonial Drive, 407-295-3247,

orlandoamphitheater.com

This outdoor amphitheater space connected to the Fairgrounds hosts a bevy of big-name headliners and festivals all year round. From Florida Groves to WJRR’s Earthday Birthday, to headlining shows from Kevin Gates to Cody Jinks, you can vibe outdoors with an army of your new closest friends.

The Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., 407-228-1220, plazaliveorlando.org

This Milk District mainstay and home to the Orlando Philharmonic hosts shows by the Phil’s smaller ensembles plus a multi-generational slate of ’80s icons, guitar legends, YouTubers and comics. Lately this venue has become ground zero in the governor’s war on drag.

The Social, 54 N. Orange Ave., 407648-8363, theblockorlando.com

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, be it Lightning Bolt or Laura Jane Grace.

Soundbar, 5043 Edgewater Drive, no phone, instagram.com/soundbar.orl

After being evicted from their downtown environs followed by a short stint booking at the Henao Center, the saga of Orlando music venue Soundbar looks to have a happy ending. The brains behind Soundbar are now based out of Level 13 Event Center and back at it in earnest with a busy slate of events including hip-hop, metal, punk, Emo Night Brooklyn and even the No Peace Underground wrestling fed.

Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 Winter Park Road, 407-623-3393, stardustvideoandcoffee.wordpress.com

This eccentric Orlando institution is back to hosting shows — in fact, the coffeehouse/ bar is currently hosting more shows than any other point in recent memory. One night you might be enveloped in fog for a Mother Juno show and the next watching teen rock bands (and their very enthusiastic fans) on the rise.

Tanqueray’s Bar, 100 S. Orange Ave., 407-649-8540, facebook.com/ tanqueraysbar

Downstairs dive with a generous booking policy that provides an entry point for locals to downtown stages, especially of the more jam-oriented variety. Keep an eye peeled for adventurous jazz upstarts Thomas Milovac and Syoma Klochko holding it down.

Timucua Arts Foundation, 2000 S.

Summerlin Ave., 321-2343985, timucua.com

A unique live music experience nestled in a quiet SoDo neighborhood. The home of Benoit Glazer and Elaine Corriveau and family (which is in fact their home) offers incredible acoustics courtesy of a pristine sound system, a near cathedral-like setting complete with pews for seats, and an adventurous events slate.

Tin Roof, 371 International Drive, 407-270-7926, tinrooforlando.com

I-Drive hotspot the Tin Roof hosts music and performances of all kinds in their Green Room livemusic space. Sounds-wise, expect a heady mix of tribute acts and locals on the rise, regardless of genre.

Tuffy’s Music Box, 200 Myrtle Ave., Sanford, no phone, tuffyscider.com

Tuffy’s Bottle Shop’s Music Box space has become a live-music hotbed for a community that’s always down for stepping out on the town. It’s an attractive space with a rough-and-ready calendar that leans toward the rock and Americana end of the spectrum.

Uncle Lou’s Entertainment Hall, 1016 N. Mills Ave., 407898-0009

There is nowhere else like Uncle Lou’s in the City Beautiful — or, we’d wager, Florida at large. A close-quarters, gritty staging area for DIY music both local and national, where (almost) anything goes. Impromptu karaoke nights are a new staple.

The Vanguard, 578 N. Orange Ave., no phone, thevanguard. live

The storied former Firestone space downtown is once again pulsing to the beat of live music, mostly (but not exclusively) of the EDM variety.

Will’s Pub, 1042 N. Mills Ave., no phone, willspub.org

The Will’s/Lil Indies/Dirty Laundry compound is an essential component of the local scene—building 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. Even by their bustling standards, Will’s has been busier than ever show-wise over the past year.

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE

Although the daytime in Orlando is oft action-packed and rife with thrills, the nightlife scene brings it to the next level. If you’re looking for a good night out and want to take a step up from a more laidback cocktail hang with friends, check out some of Orlando’s most notable nightclubs to keep the party going. (Or until OPD says you have to go home.)

Aero Rooftop Bar & Lounge, 60 N. Orange Ave., 407-274-8452, facebook. com/aeroorl

Spend a night under the stars at Aero Rooftop Bar. The DJs specialize in EDM beats that are sure to keep you dancing all night long.

The Attic, 68 E. Pine St., 407-883-4694, theatticorlando.com

The Attic brings vivid life to nightlife. Cranking dance music, fog machines, flashing lights and a friendly staff await you at this upbeat venue. The smaller the space, the bigger the party.

The Beacham, 46 N. Orange Ave., 407648-8363, beachamorlando.com

This converted 1920s theater is a well-known club in the Orlando area. When it’s not being used as a concert venue, the Beacham offers weekend specials and live DJs to bring the party up downtown.

Celine, 22 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-8017005, celineorlando.com

This live entertainment space has multiple levels to enhance your night out. From a decked-out ballroom featuring a stage and mezzanine area to an intimate speakeasy, Celine has a variety of ways to party.

Elixir, 9 W. Washington St., 407-9853507, elixirorlando.com

While this spot is also known for its sit-down dining and casual atmosphere, the late-night scene brings out the party. Elixir is truly the jack of all trades when it comes to drinking the hours away.

EVE Nightclub, 110 S. Orange Ave., 407648-8363, eveorlando.com

This upscale option for hitting the town includes a bar, lounge and balcony area to observe the sights of the City Beautiful from above. Complete with glistening chandelieresque light fixtures hanging from the ceiling, this is a spot sure to dazzle.

The Patio, 14A W. Washington St., 407-354-1577, facebook.com/ thepatioorlando

If you’re in the search for a fun, cheap night out, make sure to give the Patio a chance. Ladies, clear your calendars on Thursdays — when you can drink for free until midnight.

Shots Bar, 69 E. Pine St., 561-871-1337, shotsbar.com

Reading the drink menu at this bar is almost as exciting as trying the drinks out yourself. With themed nights each day of the week and a creative, extensive menu, you’ll be inclined to try something new each time you head over to Shots and your feet will be moving.

Southern Nights, 375 S. Bumby Ave., 407-412-5039, facebook.com/ southernnightsorlando

This gay bar/club complex is a favorite in the Orlando nightlife scene. You won’t want to miss the incredible local queens who slay the stage, including some special guest appearances from legendary talent featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race

Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Blvd., universalorlando.com

The bars and clubs tucked away within the Universal Studios theme park sprawl offer plenty of opportunities for a little more grown-up fun outside the province of Harry Potter and the Hulk.

Wall Street Plaza, 25 Wall St., wallstplaza.net

Multiple clubs and bars 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 serious drinking and mingling. Weekends are utter madness. Not for amateurs.

LAUGH IT UP

Orlando has a lot to offer to residents and visitors, from sporting events to food, from festivals to parks. But at the end of the day, Orlando is an incubator for stand-up comedy: That’s what everybody needs to know. Our hometown roster of talented stand-ups is packed with national acts like Carrot Top, Darrell Hammond, Billy Gardell, Wayne Brady or, more recently, Preacher Lawson, all of whom came up in the City Beautiful. And more are being built in the tradition all the time. If you’re down for a laugh, here’s where you can find one, any night of the week.

MONDAY:

Laugh, Socialize & Drink Open Mic, 8:30 p.m.

The Other Bar, 18 Wall St., 407-843-8595, facebook.com/theotherbar

Host: Jarri Wright

Thank God this mic has returned home to The Other Bar.

Open Mic, 7 p.m.

Grumpy’s Underground Lounge, 1018 N. Mills Ave., 407-678-1122, facebook.com/ grumpysunderground

Host: Ike Rafferty

If only every comedian at the mic had the fortitude and weight that host Rafferty does.

TUESDAY:

Open Mic, 9 p.m.

The Falcon Bar, 819 E. Washington St., 407986-0755, thefalconbar.com

Host: Blake Butler

MC’d by the most lovable comedian in Central Florida.

Comedy Night at Tavern, 10 p.m.

The Tavern Bar & Grill, 75 E. Colonial Drive, 407-237-0800, thetavernorlando.com

Host: J.R. Michael

New mic alert! Check this one out soon.

WEDNESDAY:

Open Mic, 9 p.m.

Bull & Bush, 2408 E. Robinson St., 407-8967546, bullandbushorlando.com

Host: Ross McCoy

Make this a priority for weekly entertainment.

THURSDAY:

Open Mic, 10 p.m.

The Copper Rocket Pub, 106 Lake Ave., Maitland, 407-853-5036, thecopperrocket. com

Host: Matt Perez

Get there early and order some good grub.

Open Mic, 7:30 p.m. Orlando Improv (Fat Fish Blue stage), 9101 International Drive, 407-480-5233, theimprovorlando.com

Host: Carmen Vallone

A magnet for the most solid local comedians in a storied spot.

FRIDAY:

Bonkerz Showcase, 8:30 p.m.

The Corner, 70 N. Orange Ave., no phone, bonkerzcomedyproductions.com

Quickly setting the standard for the Orlando comedy scene.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY:

Duel of Fools, 7 p.m. King of the Hill, 9 p.m. SAK Comedy Lab, 29 S. Orange Ave., 407-6480001, sakcomedylab.com

The deeply established improv school is a fixture of downtown Orlando and has produced stars like Wayne Brady, Paula Pell and more.

SATURDAY:

Milk District Comedy Showcase, 8 p.m. Barley & Vine Biergarten, 2406 E. Washington St., 407-930-0960, facebook.com/ barleyandvineorlando

Comedians Jake Ricca and Joe Censabella run this weekly showcase — make sure you get tickets in advance.

Shit Sandwich, 9 p.m. every other Saturday

Bull & Bush, 2408 E. Robinson St., 407-8967546, bullandbushorlando.com

Host: Ross McCoy

For over 10 years, the Milk District mic has been an anything-goes spot for local comics.

SUNDAY:

Open Mic, 9 p.m. Austin’s Coffee, 929 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park, 407-975-3364, austinscoffee.com

A laidback, classic destination where new comedians and wild ideas fly.

SING YOUR HEART OUT

Drinking, singing, watching drunk people sing while drinking — what could be better? Karaoke bars, those meccas of wholesome sloppy fun, are available in abundance in Orlando. Whether you want a private room with friends or a mildly interested dive-bar crowd to serenade, there’s always a spot onstage for you at one of these joints.

Aloha Beautiful, 69 E. Pine St., 321-2061243, alohabeautifulfl.com

A tropical-themed karaoke bar in the heart of downtown Orlando. You’ll get access to a themed karaoke room (like the Captain’s Quarters room) as well as personal bar service.

Q Karaoke, 4519 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-476-8280, q-karaoke.com

Beer, karaoke and billiards, every day of the week. There’s seven different private karaoke rooms for parties up to 30 people to choose from. Each room comes with a large flatscreen TV, dual microphones, and a large collection of Korean-, Chinese-, Japanese-, Filipino-, Spanish- and English-language songs.

Big Daddy’s, 3001 Corrine Drive, 407644-2844, bigdaddysorlando.com

Longtime favorite Big Daddy’s boasts karaoke every night (plus Ladies Night on Thursdays).

Wild Wild West End Honky-Tonk Saloon, 206 Sanford Ave., Sanford, 407-7324005, wildwildwestend.com

This Sanford saloon offers “countryoke” every Wednesday night. Cowboy hats not included, so make sure to bring your own.

KTV Orlando, 7130 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-856-9997, ktvorlando.com

Every room comes with your own personal room service, and a wide selection of song choices from English to Chinese, Spanish and even Russian tunes. Rooms are available by walk-in, but reservations can be made.

Saigon Noodle and Grill, 101 N. Bumby Ave., 407-532-7373, sngbumby.com

Sure, they have amazing broth. But this Milk District Viet resto also has a pretty sweet

karaoke setup, equipped with an entire stage of instruments. If you’re not brave enough to step out into the limelight, soloists can sing a few verses without even leaving the table.

CityWalk’s Rising Star, 6000 Universal Blvd., 407-224-2961, universalorlando. com

If you want to venture away from dive-bar sing-alongs, this is the karaoke night for you. A Universal Orlando-appointed host will keep things moving as you and your fellow stars headline a unique show.

O’Shucks Pub & Karaoke Bar, 7467 International Drive, 407-352-7892, oshuckspub.com

They promise karaoke “every freakin’ night.” And they mean it. Sing it out any day of the week starting at 9 p.m.

Rockin’ Rhonda’s, 2617 S. Orlando Drive, Sanford, 407-330-3882, rockinrhonda. com

Once featured on reality TV show Bar Rescue (we don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing now), Rockin’ Rhonda’s offers karaoke Thursdays through Saturdays.

FAN THE FLAMES, THEN QUENCH THEM W

hatever neighborhood you find yourself in, throughout the City Beautiful there are plenty of cocktail options to enjoy with friends and loved ones. Take a peek below at some of our favorite drinking spots around town. And feel empowered to order a non-alcoholic drink! Most of the bartenders on this list mix up a mean mocktail, all you need to do is ask.

Bellhop, 37 N. Orange Ave., instagram. com/bellhoporlando

The historic Angebilt Hotel is home to this stunner from the creators of Baldwin Park’s Wildflower. Downtown workers can drop by for a daytime coffee while watching the clock until it’s time for a martini.

Cocktails & Screams, 39 W. Pine St., no phone, facebook.com/ cocktailsandscreamsfl

If you like your craft beverages with a generous dose of horror and dark camp, then this downtown spot is for you. Also features themed nights, drag shows and a secret speakeasy in the back (oops).

The Courtesy, 1288 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, no phone, thecourtesybar. com

Freshly relocated to Winter Park, this cozy bar slings artfully created spirits with seasonal specials thrown into the mix.

The Guesthouse, 1321 N. Mills Ave., 407-630-6574, instagram.com/the_ guesthouse

Large center bar. Classic cocktails. Daily happy hour. Bustling crowd of familiar faces. Older sibling to Sunroom.

Hanson’s Shoe Repair, 27 E. Pine St., 407-476-9446, thehansonbuilding.com

Downtown speakeasy in one of Orlando’s oldest buildings with a charming rooftop seating area.

Lil Indie’s, 1036 N. Mills Ave., no phone, willspub.org

Craft cocktail menu, ever-changing art, and live music and poetry.

Mathers Social Gathering, 30 S. Magnolia Ave., 407-250-5005, mathersorlando.com

A cocktail bar is about more than just cocktails, and Mathers Social Gathering has much to offer the downtown patron: kitschy Bathtub Gin cocktails, sure, but also a swinging blue velvet couch, dueling pianos, bustling burlesque nights and even a resident poet.

The Moderne, 1241 E. Colonial Drive, no phone, themodernebar.com

The newest kid on the block is stylish to an extreme degree — dress to impress and make a reservation.

The Matador, 724 Virginia Drive, thematadororlando.com

It’s been around forever, but it’s still the Platonic ideal of the friendly neighborhood bar with free pool table, vintage arcade console and darts — if said bar employed serious mixologists.

Otto’s High Dive, 2304 E. Robinson St., 321-231-7902, ottoshighdive

The Milk District’s newest rum cocktail bar with a Cuban flavor. Abundancia!

Sunroom, 1319 N. Mills Ave., 407-6306574, sunroomcocktails.com

Well-designed specialty cocktail bar with tropical flair, plenty of beer and wine options, and a laidback, Instagrammy vibe.

The Wellborn, 211 N. Lucerne Circle E., 407-745-1135, thewellbornorlando.com

A perfect spot for a sociable night out with friends, playing cards and sipping a Delaney Park Swizzle while sampling the menu of “Floribbean” small plates. A myriad of seating choices spreads across a brick patio, making large groups or intimate outings equally comfortable.

ARTS AND CULTURE

With internationally renowned theme parks based right here, it’s no surprise that Orlando is a city alive with visual and performing arts — it takes a lot of creative work to make all that magic, and our theaters and galleries showcase all that talent.

GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park, 407-647-6294, 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, 407539-2181, 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 Victorianera Waterhouse Residence and the Telephone Museum.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art , 445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-645-5311, 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., 407648-7060, 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.

Rollins Museum of Art, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, 407-646-2526, rollins.edu/rma

Tucked away on the campus of Rollins College, this museum houses a robust permanent collection plus the ever-growing Alfond Collection, a body of cutting-edge contemporary works donated by a pair of alumni.

Faith Arts Village Orlando , 221 E. Colonial Drive, 407-222-1231, faithartsvillage.com

This ministry housed in an old motel provides individual artists’ studios and hosts a monthly open house and art market.

Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W. New England Ave., Winter Park, 407-539-2680, 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, 407-6280555, 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., 407-2464278, 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 local and traveling exhibitions.

Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd., 407-8368500, 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., 407-896-4231, omart.org

Nestled into Loch Haven Park, OMA displays work by major artists as well as homegrown talent.

Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., 407-514-2000, osc.org

Provide experience-based opportunities for learning about science and technology — in other words, lets kids get their hands dirty while they learn.

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., 407-245-7535, 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.

THEATERS & PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS

Athens Theatre , 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand, 386-736-1500, athensdeland. com

DeLand’s restored historic theater hosts a resident community theater group.

Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, 407-646-2182, bachfestivalflorida.org

BFS presents an annual season of classical music, performed by more than 100 volunteer members as well as visiting artists.

Central Florida Community Arts, 250 SW Ivanhoe Blvd., 407-937-1800, 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., 407-3586603, 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.

Fringe ArtSpace, 54 W. Church St., 407-436-7800, orlandofringe.org

The Orlando Fringe management team has big plans for this two-theater downtown space: an arts incubator, a year-round season, a new look for Kids Fringe and more.

Garden Theatre , 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, 407-877-4736, gardentheatre.org

The lovingly restored historic theater in quaint downtown Winter Garden hosts theater, film and family shows.

The Improv , 9101 International Drive, 407-480-5233, theimprovorlando.com

Touring and local stand-ups perform while patrons enjoy dinner and drinks.

Opera Orlando, 407-512-1900, operaorlando.org

This rigorous but always fun company

stages adventurous chamber operas and recitals in various venues around town.

Orlando Ballet, 600 N. Lake Formosa Drive, 407-4189818, 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, 425 N. Bumby Ave., 407-770-0071, 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., 407896-7365, orlandorep.com

Professional family theater productions are the specialty of Orlando Rep.

Orlando Shakes, Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St., 407-447-1700, 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.”

Renaissance Theatre Co., 415 Princeton St., rentheatre.com

Fringey productions from tongue-in-cheek to over-the-top in this revitalized warehouse space.

SAK Comedy Lab, 29 S. Orange Ave., 407-648-0001, sak.com

Good, clean fun is the hallmark of the troupe that specializes in improvisational comedy shows.

Theater on the Edge, 5542 Hansel Ave., 407-309-0106, 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, 407-5486285, theaterwestend.com

Professional theater in Sanford’s historic downtown stages musicals and repertory plays.

GET AWAY AND PLAY FOR A DAY

For all its oddities and giant mouse-themed commercialism, Florida truly is one of a kind. We don’t need to tell you about Disney World, Universal or SeaWorld — Central Florida is full of crazy yet essential experiences. Here is a list of the wackiest and wildest spots worth a short drive.

Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, 863- 676-1408, boktowergardens.org

On the outskirts of Orlando’s suburbs, these botanical gardens designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. showcase the natural wonders of Florida. The Singing Tower at the heart of this sanctuary is an iconic neo-Gothic building crowned by carillon bells.

Orlando Speed World Dragway, 19164 E. Colonial Drive, 407-568-5522, raceosw.com/dragway

Local drag racing finds a home at Orlando Speed World. Check out street drags and drifting events here every week.

Legoland, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, legoland.com/florida

What’s not to love about a 150-acre attraction full of tiny blocks that you can’t step on in your bare feet? Ambitious new ride Pirate River Quest takes guests on a 20-minute tour of the historic Cypress Gardens canals, while the adjacent Peppa Pig Park will delight all fans of the pink animal with a face shaped like a hairdryer.

Dalí Museum, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727-823-3767, thedali.org

Stroll through iconic works by surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, from his melting clocks to visual illusions like the large-scale masterwork “Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea.” The museum rotates through temporary exhibitions on top of the permanent ones, plus it offers the Dalí Cafe for a quick bite in between all the artistic contemplation.

Gatorland, 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-855-5496, 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 (but not too close) to see them eat and sleep, or zip-line safely above their marsh.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, State Road 405, east of Titusville, 855-433-4210, kennedyspacecenter.com

Visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center for a glimpse into the world beyond our own, with plenty of historical exhibits, IMAX theaters and spacecraft tours. Thrillseekers, try your hand at the shuttle launch experience and test your zero-gravity skills.

Dinosaur World, 5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, 813-717-9865, dinosaurworld.com/florida Tampa Bay’s own prehistoric playground is the perfect place to wander around hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs in natural settings. The attraction offers a dinothemed play area, a massive interactive boneyard and a museum featuring a collection of animatronic beasts.

Butterfly World, 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, 954-977-4400, butterflyworld.com

Did you know Florida is home to the largest butterfly park in the world? The tropical oasis-like zoo is filled with more than 20,000 exotic butterflies and insects all in one place.

Wild Florida, 3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, 407-957-3135, wildfloridairboats.com

Originally an airboat tour company, Wild Florida added a 14-acre Gator Park and then Central Florida’s largest drive-through safari. The 85 acres are home to multiple animal habitats, most of which guests can drive through. Set your eyes on wildebeest, water buffalo, Watusi cattle, eland antelope, zebra, camels and ostriches … but keep your hands to yourself.

Retirement Home for Horses, 20307 NW County Road 235A, Alachua, 386462-1001, millcreekfarm.org

The nonprofit equine sanctuary Mill Creek Farm acts as a final home for retired horses. For an admission price of just two carrots, you can spend a day getting to know the gentle giants. Open to the public every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, 352-261-5840, silversprings.com

Take a step into true Florida nature with Silver Springs State Park’s iconic glassbottom boat rides. The immersive rides have been a staple attraction of the park since the 1800s, when the tourism boom first started. They also may just be the perfect opportunity to spot the rogue monkey population that calls the park home today.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, 352-610-5660, weekiwachee.com

Florida: the only state with real live mermaids and an iconic state park to visit them in. The springs also offer swimming, kayaking and all the other Central Florida waterside fun you can imagine.

SAND BETWEEN YOUR TOES

OK, we admit it — one thing Orlando doesn’t have is oceanfront. When the summer comes, we want to float in the waves and soak up the rays just like anybody else, so here’s a list of beaches, and the time it takes to get there from here.

Anastasia State Park

2 hours away

Home to more than 1,600 acres of beaches, marshes, maritime hammocks and sand dunes, this state park has something for everybody.

Anna Maria Island

3 hours away

Despite only being seven miles long, this beach town is a Florida favorite. With plenty of restaurants and beach spots to watch the sun go down, Anna Maria Island is a must-visit.

Avalon State Park

2 hours away

Endangered sea turtles call this beach their home, but snorkelers and kayakers can appreciate them from a comfortable distance.

Blowing Rocks Preserve

2 hours, 30 minutes away

This barrier island is known for its rocky shoreline and watergushing rocks, which can send the seawater up to 50 feet high.

Boneyard Beach

2 hours, 30 minutes

Along Boneyard Beach, you’ll see massive driftwood trees scattered along the shore. It’s the perfect spot for a picture or watching the crashing waves.

Caladesi Island State Park

3 hours away

Although this beach is only reachable by boat, the scenic views are worth it. Visitors can walk along the beach, kayak through a mangrove forest, or take a nature trail hike.

Canaveral National Seashore

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.

Cayo Costa State Park

4 hours away

Only accessible by boat or kayak, this untouched beach is the perfect spot for bird-watching and bicycling trails. Visitors can take a ferry from several of the mainland locations.

Clearwater Beach

4 hours away

This small, classic beach town is known for its pristine sands and delicious restaurants.

Cocoa Beach

1 hour away

Cocoa Beach is home to four parks, all of which have a beach access point. The parks have plenty of picnic tables, plus showers to help wash off the sand.

Coral Cove Park

2 hours, 30 minutes away

This beach features plenty of spots to grill, fish and kayak. Stick around to enjoy a colorful sunset after a long beach day.

Daytona Beach

1 hour away

With 23 miles of white beaches to relax on, there’s plenty of space to take a break from reality.

Delray Beach

2 hours, 45 minutes away

Delray Beach is known as “Florida’s village by the sea,” because there are plenty of restaurants and shops to explore after a sunny day on the sand.

Flagler Beach

1 hour, 15 minutes away

Take a walk on the Flagler Beach Municipal Pier. It’s the perfect spot for fishing, eating, or just taking in the ocean breeze.

Fort de Soto Park

3 hours away

This beach is the perfect spot to bring four-legged family members with its two fenced park areas near the beach. Large and small dogs are welcome!

Indialantic Beach

1 hour, 30 minutes away

Explore a spacious white-sand seashore during the day, and at night, check out Indialantic’s guided bioluminescence nature tour.

Juno Beach

2 hours, 30 minutes away

Enjoy a walk on the beach or on the Juno Beach Pier. The pier offers 990 feet of saltwater fishing and snack bars.

Longboat Key

3 hours away

Longboat Key’s 12 miles of beaches are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ocean breeze. Check out their kayak tours for possible dolphin or sea turtle sightings.

Lover’s Key

4 hours away

Known for its beachside weddings, this barrier island is perfect for exploring other things as well. There are plenty of canals, lagoons and trails to enjoy.

Melbourne Beach

1 hour away

Take a trip to Brevard County’s oldest beach community. Although it’s known for its great fishing, Melbourne Beach is also home to the second-largest colony of sea turtle nesting areas in the Northern hemisphere.

New Smyrna Beach

1 hour away

New Smyrna is known for its surfing and 17 miles of white beaches, but if you happen to bring along any four-legged friends, there’s a dog beach not too far away. The town itself is home to several excellent restaurants and art galleries.

Ormond Beach

1 hour away

Ormond Beach’s compact white sand is perfect for walking on. After a stroll on the beach, check out a guided kayaking tour.

Pass-a-Grille Beach

2 hours, 30 minutes

There’s plenty to do at this

historic beach, whether it be watching dolphins, snorkeling or shelling. Make sure to stick around for the nightly sunset bell ringing.

Ponce Inlet

1 hour away

Pay a visit to Florida’s tallest lighthouse, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. Visitors are just 203 steps away from a perfect ocean view.

Satellite Beach

1 hour away

Enjoy a beach day in Florida’s safest city. Kayaks are available for rent, but if flipping over every 10 minutes isn’t your thing, take a stroll through the Joy & Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

1 hour, 45 minutes away

Surfers worldwide know Sebastian Inlet for its “First Peak” and “Monster Hole,” but the inlet’s calmer waters are perfect for watching sea turtle nests or collecting seashells.

Siesta Key Beach

3 hours away

With its soft, silky, quartz-white sand, Siesta Key is a must-visit for Florida beachgoers. Whether it’s beach yoga, parasailing, sipping frozen daiquiris or simply relaxing, there’s plenty to do at this renowned beach.

St. Pete Beach

2 hours, 40 minutes away

With an average of 361 days of sunshine per year, this laidback beach town is guaranteed to be the ideal spot for a beach vacation.

Treasure Island Beach

2 hours, 45 minutes away

It’s a barrier island that sure is a treasure — ba-dum-tss. Enjoy Treasure Island’s uncrowded white beaches and clear waters.

Vero Beach

1 hour, 40 minutes away

Vero Beach is known for its nature walks and water sports. Kayak rentals, fishing charters and airboat adventures are just a walk away.

COOL KIDS GUIDE TO ORLANDO

Orlando is brimming with creative and unique activities for children. If your kids are constantly asking, “What are we doing this weekend?!” — here are some ideas to get your gears turning before you commit to driving somewhere.

Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., 407-835-7323, ocls.info

Do you have a teen who loves graphic novels and comic books? Go check out the graphic novel section in the Young Adult section at Orlando Public Library, which also features a teen-only lounge. While you’re there, talk to your teen about the value of libraries, and the critical importance of books in our society. Also, perhaps your teen — while chilling out in a booth in the teen lounge and immersed in graphic novels — has also noticed the concrete architecture of the building. The downtown library is an architectural gem of Florida, designed by architect John Johansen, who was an internationally known modernist

architect. He specialized in the design style called Brutalism, associated with raw surfaces and hard angles. Interesting factoid: Johansen studied with Walter Gropius, who was a founder of the Bauhaus. Gropius’ vision was to make art accessible to the masses, not just the elite … sorta like the library.

Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St., 407-246-4278, mennellomuseum.org

Bring a sketchbook, a blanket and some snacks and have a picnic outside the Mennello Museum of American Art. There is no charge to enter the sculpture park and little ones love drawing the birds, the park views and sculptures.

Pirates Dinner Adventure, 6400 Carrier Drive, 407-206-5102, piratesdinneradventure.com

Maybe it’s time to change up your family’s entertainment options with some dinner theater. If so, sail the high seas of I-4 to Pirates Dinner Adventure! The actors are all super interactive, and your child will surely

say, “Arggh!” (In a good way.) It’s important to support ventures that include real actors as opposed to purely digital experiences. Word is they might even have the occasional aftershow dance party.

Mural located at SE intersection of South Orange Avenue and East Anderson Street in downtown Orlando Go mural-spotting around the vibrant corners of Orlando. One of our favorites is the stunning butterfly mural “Midnight Dream” painted by artist Jane Kim of Ink Dwell Studios and commissioned by the Nature Conservancy. This mural brings visibility and raises awareness of the critically dwindling butterfly population. Have some chalk back at home? Try drawing your own butterflies on the driveway or sidewalk. Or even have a chat about garden pollinators.

Rollins Museum of Art, 1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, 407-646-2526, rollins.edu

Visit the Rollins Museum of Art — admission is free, after all — and check out the work they are doing to engage and highlight the

ORLANDO PUBLIC LIBRARY

permanent collection. While you’re there, grab a free art kit courtesy of the museum. Your kids will be dazzled by the gratis art materials and the “Studio Saturdays” art lessons on the museum’s YouTube channel. Check out “Poetry Silhouette” or any of the other thoughtful and purposeful educational offerings. The lessons can be accessed any day of the week and are both well-made and enriching. The Rollins Museum of Art brings people together (beyond just Rollins students) through topnotch and culturally relevant programming.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, 407-939-5277, disneyworld.disney.go.com

We could highlight any one of the thrilling theme parks in the greater Orlando area popular with children from around the world (and local). The oft-overlooked Animal Kingdom is a favorite with kids. It’s a rip-roaring time for younger children, complete with a family-friendly coaster in Dinoland USA. And we would be remiss not to mention the totally cool sculpture in Dinoland created by Mr. Imagination, all out of recycled materials. Mr. Imagination was a renowned folk artist named Gregory Warmack; his works engaged with concepts and themes from Egyptian and African culture and used commonplace, discarded materials in playful and imaginative sculptures. The artist was shot in the stomach in a mugging and

despite the trauma he endured through gun violence (as well as other personal tragedies), he used this personal history to inspire his work. His sculpture speaks to grief, abundance, play, transformation (of materials and use) and is a vibrant and continually inspiring work of art.

Packing District Farmers Market, 2178 Packing District Way, 4rootsfarm.org

South Street Farm, 626 W. South St., 404-969-5351, infinitezionfarms.org

Want a break from the monotony and meltdowns that sometimes come with errands and grocery shopping? Change it up and hit the new Farmers Market in the Packing District, open Saturdays from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. How many colors can you spot on the veggies? Or go to see real vegetables growing at South Street Farm by Infinite Zion Farms — a public garden in Parramore, it’s a wonderful opportunity to enrich your child’s knowledge of food and nature. Yum!

Cirque du Soleil, 1478 Buena Vista Drive, Buena Vista, 877-924-7783, cirquedusoleil.com

Cirque du Soleil’s current Drawn to Life show completely dazzles children and adults of all ages. Even short attention spans find great joy in the whimsy and awe. Your child may just dance their way through the next 24 hours. No joke!

Gods & Monsters, 5421 International Drive, 407-270-6273, godmonsters. com

My son’s favorite outing is to the I-Drive comic store Gods & Monsters. As an avid comic book fan, he loves to pull up a stool and scoot around the aisles. Remember to bring quarters, because you can play pinball and Nintendo here! The extremely helpful staff will surely share their knowledge and enrich your love of the graphic sequential art medium.

Orlando Science Center, 777 E Princeton St., 407-514-2000, osc.org

Go to the Orlando Science Center and participate in the endless exhibition and educational activities about our Earth. My children particularly loved the “Electric Avenue” activities. It sparked their curiosity — no pun intended. After working up an appetite, make your way down to 4Roots Café where you will learn about the incredible and inventive Food Heroes of Orlando. A small veggie and protein bowl for the kids is delicious and nutritious, and doesn’t break the bank at $7.99. Another favorite at the Science Center is “The Hive,” a well-crafted makerspace presented by the Isaacs Family. This offering empowers children to lead with purposeful explorations. It’s incredible to watch young minds engage with the materials and tools in an uplifting and joyful community-based setting.

THE VIEW FROM THE MENNELLO MUSEUM