Orlando and its surrounding areas are full of amazing wildlife, venues, events, activities and shops, and all of it is worth exploring. Here you'll find everything from what to do and where to eat in a few of our favorite Orlando 'hoods.
10 Orlando neighborhoods you should be exploring this weekend
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Aug 4, 2017 at 7:07 pm
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Audubon Park
Sandwiched between Mills 50 and Baldwin Park, Audubon Park's short stretch is packed full of character and characters. Beer parlors, hipster haunts and foodie landmarks make the spot.Photo via therealmeredithb/Instagram
Where to eat and drink
East End Market3201 Corrine Drive, 321-236-3316
It would no longer be Audubon Park without East End Market, the city's first food hall. Sit outside on the graveled patio or the adjoining organic garden with a bottle of Lineage cold-brew coffee and a jarred salad from Skyebird, then grab a loaf of bread from Olde Hearth Bread Company and a chunk of gjetost from La Femme du Fromage to last you through the week.
eastendmkt.com
Where to eat and drink
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream3114 Corrine Drive, 321-226-8685
The only acceptable replacement for the long-standing snow cone window on Corrine Drive is an outrageously good ice cream shop. Luckily, Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream fills the bill, and her Mexican Hot Chocolate ice cream is worth its pinch of salt – bittersweet chocolate laced with cinnamon and clove.
kellyshomemadeicecream.com
Where to eat and drink
Stardust Video & Coffee1842 E. Winter Park Road, 407-623-3393
If you're lucky enough to visit Stardust Video & Coffee on a warm summer day, the vines just outside might be blooming with fuchsia passion flowers, a dramatic reminder to stop and smell the ... you know.
stardustie.com
Photo: East End Market via rafa_singleton/Instagram
What to do
Date Night Movies at Leu Gardens1920 N. Forest Ave., 407-246-2620
Pack a picnic, bring blankets and a bottle of wine, and head to Leu Gardens on the first Friday night of each month to cuddle up for Date Night Movies in the gardens. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the flicks start at 8:30.
www.leugardens.org
What to do
Palmer’s Garden & Goods2611 Corrine Drive, 407-896-5951
They still sell plants, but now Palmer's Garden & Goods is one of the most sought-after event spaces in town. The place is strung with market lights and needs no additional decor (copious flowers and fountains flow) – just 40 of your closest friends.
palmersgarden.com
Photo: Harry P. Leu Gardens via margaritasdelmantel/Instagram
Winter Park
All at once uptight (no more burger joints!) and down-to-earth (wanna go get a burger?), Winter Park is the college town that isn't a college town. Park Avenue is prime for shopping and celeb spotting; Hannibal Square can host a hell of a pub crawl if you time it right – they stop serving alcohol at midnight.Photo via winterparkave/Instagram
Where to eat and drink
Shake Shack119 N. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 321-203-5130
One consequence of being landlocked: Orlandoans flock to water like anhinga birds. The landscaped patio at Shake Shack in Winter Park overlooks Lake Killarney, and is a sweet place to slurp a Fair Shake coffee treat and eat a drippy, delicious burger.
www.shakeshack.com
Where to eat and drink
Toasted Crafted Grilled Cheese1945 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, 407-960-3922
Cheese, please. Toasted's menu of grilled cheeses teems with sandwiches both sweet and savory, but the Fig & Goat – havarti, goat cheese, fig spread, basil and honey – is both elegant and comforting.
igettoasted.com
Where to eat and drink
The Coop610 W. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407-843-2667
From his early dream of opening a BBQ joint with no indoor seating and a line out the door, John Rivers' empire is now vast and varied. His 4 Rivers Smokehouse now has 13 locations, from Jacksonville to the newest spot in Coral Springs (including one at Orlando's City Hall), and he's moved into the fried-chicken arena with his down-home Southern spot, the Coop.
asouthernaffair.com
Pictured: Shake Shack via apaixonadapororlando/Instagram
What to do
Rocket Fizz520 S. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-645-3499
You love soda, sure. But do you love marshmallow soda? How about sweet-corn pop? The walls of sweet shop Rocket Fizz on Park Avenue are lined with Technicolor treats, including plenty of inventively flavored carbonated beverages. Grab a chilled one and walk down the avenue to people-watch.
rocketfizz.com
What to do
Knowles Memorial Chapel1000 Holt Ave., Winter Park, 407-646-2115
Beyond its sandy, stunning Spanish-colonial architecture, Knowles Memorial Chapel on the Rollins College campus houses stained-glass windows designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Take in a Bach Festival concert here for an unforgettable evening.
rollins.edu
What to do
Dinky Dock410 Ollie Ave., Winter Park
Bikini-clad Rollins College students and families with kids in tow launch their paddleboards and boats, laze on the sand and swim off the jetty at Dinky Dock, just off Lake Virginia. Winter Park Scenic Boat tours pass through every so often, and wakeboarders show off their moves here, too.
cityofwinterpark.org
Pictured: Knowles Memorial Chapel via surfinseraph/Instagram
Thornton Park
This neighborhood is where you take visitors who think Orlando lacks allure. Thornton Park’s historic markers, sidewalk terraces and walkable boutiques are the ultimate in adorable. Claim your spot in the sun and spend the day strolling Thornton’s brick-lined byways – we dare you not to be charmed. Just promise not to climb into the fountain.Photo via maureendinkins
Where to eat and drink
Soco629 E. Central Blvd., 407-849-1800
Short for "Southern contemporary," this upscale temple to comfort food is swanky enough for date night but chill enough for happy hour. Vegetarians will swoon over the cauliflower steak entree, and the boiled peanut hummus is a slick twist on the ubiquitous dip.
socothorntonpark.com
Where to eat and drink
The Stubborn Mule100 S. Eola Drive, 407-730-3400
New kid on the block serves at least seven variations on the Moscow Mule, its namesake cocktail, but also shines at brunchtime: great service, great patio, great big plates of food.
thestubbornmule.com
Where to eat and drink
Benjamin French Bakery Cafe716 E. Washington St., 407-797-2253
Tasty croissant and baguette sandwiches join the expected, and excellent, parade of French pastries.
benjaminfrenchbakery.com
Pictured: Soco via snici_sosweetpfft/Instagram
What to do
Lauren Nicole426 E. Central Blvd., 407-730-3836
This boutique bills itself as "The Shop For Every Girl!", but we'd say it's for a certain type of girl – one downing mimosas at brunch in a maxi-dress and a statement necklace, or walking her French bulldog in a romper and giant shades. The kind of girl you see in Thornton Park, in fact.
laurennicole.com
What to do
The Abbey100 S. Eola Drive, 407-704-6261
A favorite venue for artists from all over, the Abbey's intimate setting hosts the flowering of a good portion of Orlando's art scene. Live music, theater, storytelling, dance, spoken word, readings and more take place here, as well as major citywide events like the Big Gay Brunch during Come Out With Pride.
abberyorlando.com
What to do
Constitution Green Dog Park300 S. Summerlin Ave., 407-246-2283
Last October, our city's pooches got a new place to play: the home of some of Orlando's oldest residents. The historic oak trees at Constitution Green look over the dog park, where off-leash is allowed, and responsible owners supervise their fur babies.
downtownorlando.com
Pictured: The Abbey via kingskaleidoscope/Instagram
UCF
The University of Central Florida is home to thousands of Knights, but you don’t have to be a student to enjoy everything this college kingdom has to offer. The nation’s second-largest university has a sprawling domain of student housing and shopping plazas, complete with coffee shops where you’re sure to find desperate souls hunched over laptops frantically finishing term papers as well as cheap-beer strongholds offering de-stressing activities of the party type. If you want to experience the true nature of UCF, though, swing around during game day – the football team might not always win, but nothing can crush these students’ fighting spirit.Photo via futari_food/Instagram
Where to eat and drink
Lazy Moon11551 University Blvd., 407-658-2396
The mothership location of UCF's most popular pizza joint, where all it takes is one giant slice of pie to fill anyone (really: anyone) up.
lazymoonpizza.com
Where to eat and drink
Pop Parlour4214 E. Plaza Drive, 321-348-7677
Locally sourced popsicles in a variety of unique flavors are the perfect way to fight the Florida heat while exploring campus.
www.thepopparlour.com
Where to eat and drink
Sus-Hi Eatstation4498 N. Alafaya Trail, 407-826-1682
Like the name suggests, you'll find rice bowls, wraps and, yes, sushi rolls at this funky dojo-themed eatery.
www.sushieatstation.com
Where to eat and drink
Vespr626 N. Alafaya Trail, 407-476-3093
Forget the campus Starbucks: This minimalist coffee shop whips up mad-scientist-worthy brews that'll put that mocha frappuccino to shame.
thevespr.com/
Where to eat and drink
Valkyrie Doughnuts12226 Corporate Blvd.
Circle gets the square: These four-cornered, dairy- and egg-free treats are already massively popular, but don't miss the gelato and sweet nut milks as well.
facebook.com/Valkyriedoughnuts/
Where to eat and drink
Omelet Bar11250 Strategy Blvd., 407-704-1597
The perfect cure for a Friday-night hangover is a good Saturday breakfast, and this new joint founded by a UCF grad has all your morning favorites cooked to order.
facebook.com/omeletbarUCF
Pictured: Valkyrie via Valkyrie Doughnuts/Facebook
What to do
Reflecting Pond4000 Central Florida Blvd., 407-823-2000
During Homecoming, thousands of students race into the water of UCF's central landmark. On a typical day, you'll probably find a few dozen students relaxing on the grassy knoll that surrounds this fountain.
ucf.edu
What to do
UCF Arboretum4312 Scorpius St., 407-823-3583
It might seem strange to find so much natural beauty at the heart of campus, but the arboretum makes it a mission to protect these landscapes.
arboretum.ucf.edu
What to do
Lucky’s Market11750 E. Colonial Drive, 321-354-1435
This market's mission is to get an entire generation eating a little healthier, and with natural, organic options lining the shelves, it's becoming a student favorite.
luckysmarket.com
What to do
Firkin & Kegler Family Entertainment Center12850 Waterford Lakes Parkway, 407-373-7444
This one-stop shop for late-night fun features 32 bowling lanes, a dance floor, an arcade and a full bar.
fkorlando.com
Pictured: Reflecting Pond via _jo_briones/Instagram
College Park
College Park’s denizens embody a strong sense of community and are as fiercely passionate about local businesses as they are about the housing developments newly intruding on their quaint bungalow-lined streets. But even change in the form of a much-contended new apartment complex (with a frankly hideous parking garage) can’t deter from this downtown district’s charming small-time feel. College Park’s walkability and bikeability are its primary assets, rendering the automobile virtually unnecessary when paying a visit to one of the many established shops, juice bars, coffee houses and restaurants along the neighborhood’s primary artery – Edgewater Drive.Photo via Lindsey Thompson
Where to eat and drink
K Restaurant Wine Bar1710 Edgewater Drive, 407-872-2332
Kevin Fonzo's farm-to-table resto still sets the standard in College Park.
krestaurant.net
Where to eat and drink
The Pie Orlando2429 Edgewater Drive, 407-757-2426
Families flock here for Roman-style pizzas fired in a wood-burning oven.
thepieorlando.com
Where to eat and drink
Outpost Neighborhood Kitchen2603 Edgewater Drive, 407-930-6282
A revolving door of chefs notwithstanding, the classic American fare and stiff drinks have remained consistent.
outpostcollegepark.com
Where to eat and drink
Doghouse2527 Edgewater Drive, 407-412-5409
Dogs, tots and beers keep it simple but hearty in this nook of fun food; duck through the doorway to grab a milkshake next door at their sister spot, the Soda Fountain.
doghouseorlando.com
Where to eat and drink
RusTeak2625 Edgewater Drive, 407-540-1100
It's no snub on the stellar food menu to point out that this is the best spot for craft cocktails in the 'hood.
rusteakwinebar.com
Pictured: The Pie College Park via shevicci/Instagram
What to do
Dubsdread Golf Course549 W. Par St., 407-246-2551
The oldest public golf course in the Orlando area is also home to a surprisingly good traditional taproom.
historicaldubsdread.com
What to do
Jack Kerouac House1418 Clouser Ave.
Once home to the Beat Generation's most famous novelist/poet, the house now serves as a center for a writers-in-residence program. But don't just knock on the door; check the website for upcoming events or to schedule a tour.
kerouacproject.org
What to do
College Park Organic Farmer’s Market710 W. Princeton St., 407-276-0091
Put on by the folks who run the Grounding Roots juice bar, this Sunday market offers everything from fresh produce and dairy to organic donuts and bone broth.
groundingroots.com
What to do
Shoppes of College Park2308 Edgewater Drive, 407-930-2570
Clothes, jewelry, gifts and baked goods all under one roof.
facebook.com/theshoppesofcollegepark
What to do
Naked Bar Soap Co.1520 Edgewater Drive, 407-796-2225
Sustainable artisan soaps and body products made in-house pack powerful remedies in pretty, fragrant packages.
nakedbarsoapco.com
Pictured: Jack Kerouac House via carolinealt/Instagram
SoDo
No other part of Orlando changed so much last year as SoDo. South of the 408 and along Orange Avenue and Michigan Street, this nascent area was struck hard after the mass shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse, in which 49 people were killed. Pulse was blocks away from the Orlando Regional Medical Center, the historic anchor of the city’s Downtown South district, and many victims of the massacre were treated here. Visitors from all around the world have flocked to SoDo’s quiet streets to pay homage to the victims at the site, leaving flowers, teddy bears and sometimes, even a mural. Despite the grief, SoDo took this newfound attention in stride, reinforcing ties within the community and cementing its vibrancy. Come for the quaintness, stay to be inspired.Photo via Lindsey Thompson
Where to eat and drink
Numero Uno Cuban Restaurant2499 S. Orange Ave., 866-495-7187
Come here to find authentic Cuban food that won't hurt your wallet. Try the medianoche with a cold Materva.
numero-uno-restaurant.com
Where to eat and drink
Sister Honey’s247 E. Michigan St., 407-730-7315
Don't be surprised if you only make "yum" sounds while you're in here. Try the country apple pie, the orange-Key lime pie or the rum pound cake. They're all winners.
sisterhoneys.com
Where to eat and drink
Chai Thai Cuisine2447 S. Orange Ave., 407-841-8981
The small, charming eatery manages to light up both the strip mall and our stomachs. Get adventurous and try the mango sticky rice with coconut cream.
chaithaicuisine.letseat.at
Where to eat and drink
Kimchi’s Korean Grill419 E. Michigan St., 407-801-5775
It's a small spot, but it dishes out tasty Korean food in a hurry.
kimchiskoreangrillorlando.com
Where to eat and drink
Brick & Fire1621 S. Orange Ave., 407-426-8922
Definitely not a chain, Brick & Fire serves up pizza and pasta realness to a legion of devoted customers.
brickandfire.com
Pictured: Numero Uno Cuban Restaurant via sododistrict/Instagram
What to do
Pulse1912 S. Orange Ave.
Pay your respects at this artful, ever-changing memorial to the 49 victims who died on June 12. While you're here, visit the LOVE hands mural dedicated to Pulse by Baltimore artist Michael Owen across the street at the Einstein Bros. Bagels.
pulseorlandoclub.com
What to do
Super Target120 W. Grant St., 407-608-1580
If you're a Target freak (and you know who you are), this Target in the SoDo shopping plaza is heaven. It's open until 11 p.m., has a huge parking garage and the biggest selection of Target merchandise of any other Target in Orlando. There's also a pretty cool graffiti wall around the back of the shopping plaza that you might want to check out.
www.target.com
What to do
Foreign Accents2301 S. Orange Ave., 407-648-2464
Handmade and imported (much from Mexico and Central America) wooden furniture, as well as home accents in ceramics, glass and wrought iron.
foreignaccents.com
Pictured: Pulse via brittanyg112/Instagram
Conway and Belle Isle
This easygoing neighborhood southeast of downtown has been quietly residential for years, with nearby ’hood Belle Isle as a slightly scruffier and more industrial neighbor. But its long-appreciated small local businesses are gaining wider acclaim (ZaZa, Mediterranean Blue, Johnny’s); its craft-beer scene rivals the one that’s popped up on Virginia Drive; and the newer, higher-profile spots opening apace (ahem, Pizza Bruno) couldn’t be hotter. Conway may be one of the last areas in Orlando you can afford to buy a house, and it’s one of the few where the shopkeepers still know their regulars by name. We’re calling it: Conway is the new College Park.Photo via Rob Bartlett
Where to eat and drink
Pizza Bruno3990 Curry Ford Road
Guarantee: You have never tasted better Neapolitan-style pizza or garlickier knots. Bruno Zacchini and his crew make their own salumi, ferment their own dough, serve weekend brunch, and somehow still manage to have fun.
pizzabrunofl.com
Where to eat and drink
ZaZa New Cuban Diner3500 Curry Ford Road, 407-228-0060
Breakfast is one of the best things at this restaurant that's expanding across Central Florida. Try the quesitos or the "Carlitos Way" egg platter if you don't believe us.
zazacubandiner.com
Where to eat and drink
Mediterranean Blue435 E. Michigan St., 407-422-2583
This Greek restaurant is beloved by Conway residents and "outsiders" alike, partly for its amazing pastitsio and partly because the owners are just about the nicest people ever.
mediterraneanblue.net
Where to eat and drink
La Fiesta Mexican Grill3000 Curry Ford Road, 407-985-4340
Aside from its kickass home-style Mexican food, we hear the happy hour is lit at this eatery.
facebook.com/LaFiestaGrillandCatering
Where to eat and drink
Belle Isle Yacht Pub7521 S. Orange Ave., 407-850-3491
A compact, cozy spot to get a decent beer or three, watch the game, or maybe take in a band on the tiny stage.
facebook.com/Belle-Isle-Yacht-Pub
Where to eat and drink
The Gnarly Barley7431 S. Orange Ave., 407-854-4999
Close to Belle Isle, this craft beer and bites hangout has all the makings for a perfect night out. (That back deck!)
The Gnarly Barley
Where to eat and drink
Ocean Sun Brewing3030 Curry Ford Road, 407-745-5551
A friendly, accessible taproom and brewery that "brews for pint holders, not stakeholders."
oceansunbrewing.com
Where to eat and drink
Rogue Pub3076 Curry Ford Road, 407-985-3778
Chill craft beer and wine bar in the Crystal Lake Village center is an ideal spot to meet pals and sink a drink.
roguepuborlando.com
Pictured Gnarly Barley by Joey Borroto
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