Welcome to Orlando!

‘Venture Beyond the Theme Parks to Discover Hidden Treasures’

By Kirsten Harrington

Orlando is famous for heart-pumping roller coasters and family-friendly attractions, naming it “Theme Park Capital of the World”. But did you know there is so much more to see?

With vibrant art museums, lush gardens, and eclectic retail districts, Orlando’s neighbourhoods weave a colourful tapestry of culture and history. Take a day or two on your visit to check out some of our favourite areas, all less than a 30-minute drive from downtown. It’s here where you will discover why locals call Orlando “The City Beautiful”.

Downtown Orlando

Orlando’s history starts in the early 1800s with the Second Seminole War. The U.S. Army built Fort Gatlin near the current downtown as a strategic outpost in the battle. After the war, Central Florida drew farmers and ranchers due to its fertile land. Cattle, cotton, and the citrus industry flourished. The downtown area thrived during this population boom.

Downtown Orlando is still the heart of the city and home to the financial district. You’ll find Church Street Station, where citrus and other goods were shipped by train across the state. This historic Victorian-style train depot is now a thriving entertainment and retail complex.

Lake Eola is the focal point of downtown with a beautiful view of the surrounding skyline. A 0.9-mile walking path surrounds the lake where you can view multiple sculptures, feed the resident swans, and spot red-bellied turtles. For an energetic outing, rent a swan-shaped paddle boat and cruise the lake, getting a close view of the fountain in the centre.

Just a few blocks away, you’ll find the Orange County Regional History Centre with its iconic alligator sculpture out front. Here, you can learn about Central Florida’s long role in aviation history (check out the replica B-17 bomber) and learn about how Orlando’s pioneers lived – from sleeping on moss mattresses to churning butter.

Winter Park

Developed as a winter haven for wealthy north easterners looking to escape the cold, what was originally a resort community north of downtown is now a highly regarded academic and arts community. Rollins College anchors the south end of Winter Park with the Morse Museum of American Art holding down the north end. Holding the largest collection of stained-glass work by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the Morse Museum is a must-see on your visit.

Park Avenue, a charming cobblestone and tree-lined main street, is a lively spot with outdoor cafés and upscale boutiques reminiscent of a European village. Central Park, an 11-acre oasis with fountains and flowering planters, runs through the heart of the town.

The Scenic Boat Tour is an off-the-beat path attraction that offers an hour-long narrated cruise through surrounding lakes and canals. Views of dazzling mansions, swaying palm trees, lush foliage in the canals and the wildlife on Lake Osceola make this an enjoyable outing. Keep your eyes open for alligators and watch for osprey swooping in for fish. The boat dock is a five-minute walk from Park Avenue.

Of course, all this sightseeing will make you hungry; a few local favourite restaurants are Prato for stylish Italian, The Briar Patch for brunch and Bosphorus for authentic Turkish cuisine.

Mills 50

Did you know Orlando has thriving Asian and Pacific Islander cultures? The area surrounding the intersection of Highway 50 and Mills Avenue is called Mills 50 and is populated with Chinese and Vietnamese grocery stores, bubble tea shops, noodle restaurants, Korean Barbecue and even a Chinese medicine shop.

After the end of the Vietnam War, a flow of Vietnamese immigrants to Central Florida contributed to the revitalization of this area. They started businesses, built homes and churches, and, before long, a vibrant community was formed. Over time, Chinese, Japanese, Laotian, Thai, and Indian businesses moved in. When locals crave Asian food, they head to Chuan Lu Garden for Chinese, Sticky Rice for Laotian, Chi-Kin for Korean fried chicken, and Pho Huong Lan for Vietnamese pho soup with freshly made rice noodles.

Another reason to visit this area is for the large collection of eye-popping professionally painted murals. Look for them up and down Mills Avenue, on dumpsters, and even storm drains. At the north end of Mills Avenue, you’ll find the Orlando Museum of Art. It’s no wonder that this fusion of art and Asian influence is called the “intersection of creativity and culture” by locals.

Audubon Park Garden District

Fifteen minutes north of downtown, Audubon Park gets its green thumb reputation from the many parks and green spaces in the area. Palmer’s Nursery is a fun place for plant lovers to browse while sipping a glass of wine. Harry P. Leu Gardens has 50 acres of tropical plants and butterfly gardens waiting to be explored. You could spend hours on a self-guided tour listening to the bamboo rustle or stopping to smell the roses at Florida’s largest collection. Rest awhile in a rocking chair, soaking up the views of Lake Rowena.

Ready for some shopping? Head to Corrine Drive where you’ll find one-of-akind shops like The Lovely Boutique Market nestled next to Park Ave CDs where you can browse for new and used records. Vintage fans can head to The Owl’s Attic to shop for vintage apparel and home décor. Don’t miss East End Market for artisan gifts, locally roasted coffee and award-winning restaurants.

Milk District

If you want to experience Orlando like a local, head to the Milk District. This progressive hub of diverse dining, music venues and art get its name from the T.G. Lee Dairy farm started in 1925. You’ll see the giant, colourful dairy-inspired mural on Bumby Avenue, a reminder of Orlando’s bountiful cattle farming history.

If your visit includes time for lunch or dinner, A la Cart offers some of the best street food in Orlando gathered in an open-air pavilion of food trucks. Beefy King is a neighbourhood institution serving up their famous steamed roast beef sandwiches for over 50 years. People flock from all over Central Florida to Stasio’s Italian Deli for Italian cheeses, pastries, meatballs, and sandwiches. One bite of a Cannoli and you’ll see why. If you’re in the mood for an “adult beverage”, check out Sideward Brewing (and grab some boiled peanuts) or The Milkhouse, a multi-outlet venue where you can pick up a beer, ice cream, coffee, or some good eats.

If entertainment is on your agenda, visit The Plaza Live, offering everything from music and comedy to live cooking shows. For a more active adventure, The Milk District is home to Orlando Skate Park, which sells daily passes and has a limited number of skateboards for rent.

Now that you have the inside scoop on Orlando’s exciting neighbourhoods, where will you start? With so many museums, parks, restaurants, and activities waiting to be discovered, Orlando will have you returning time and time again! UA