Most people associate Orlando with Walt Disney World (and rightfully so)! But there’s so much more to Orlando – from natural springs to hidden shops, to an emerging coffee culture. Below, I am sharing my list of the best places to see, things to do, and (mostly) food to eat in “The City Beautiful.”
See
At the heart of Orlando’s downtown is Lake Eola. The lake is encircled by a trail occupied by joggers and people walking dogs, and on weekend mornings, the lawn next to the charming pagoda hosts a tai chi class. At the Sunday farmer’s market, shoppers can score fresh orange-pineapple juice, kettle corn, and handmade soaps. But Lake Eola is best known for something else: swans. Since 1922, the lake has been home to the beautiful birds. Rent a swan-shaped paddle boat and cruise around for a bit, before stopping into one of the stars of Orlando’s emerging coffee scene. Craft & Common and Deeply are within walking distance.
Locals love Wekiva Island, a relaxing riverside weekend spot where you can rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Head upriver, before tying up your craft of choice and jumping into the cold, clear water of Wekiva Springs. Then, paddle back downstream to relax at the Wekiva Island Bar, where you can order a beer, play corn hole or volleyball, or even rent a riverside cabana. Keep an eye out for turtles and alligators! King’s Landing is another great canoeing spot. It’s a bit farther of a drive, but worth it because it tends to be less busy.
Catch an Orlando City Soccer Club match – the Orlando City Lions (men’s MLS team) and the Orlando Pride (women’s team) are both fantastic. Get seats near “The Wall” – the supporter’s section of the stadium – and search Google for the lyrics to join in the funny chants from The Ruckus and Iron Lion Firm fan clubs.
Shop
The well-known Rifle Paper Company was founded in Winter Park. Peruse unique greeting cards, fun calendars, and home decor at its flagship shop and studio located next to Hannibal Square. If you’re lucky to be in town during one of the semi annual sidewalk sales, better stock up!
Unless you knew to do a double-take, you’d never find The Heavy, a plant-lady’s dream housed in a large white warehouse with a fading sign for “Lombardi’s Fine Seafood.” Inside, you’ll find sweet little succulents, large house plants, and all manner of greenery in between, plus unique cut flowers, planters, and home decor.
Dine
Anchored by trendy Asian ramen shop Domu, East End Market is home to a variety of vendors and lunch counters, including a vegan restaurant and juicery, artisanal cheese shop, and Gideon’s Bakehouse, whose half-pound cookies were dubbed “Florida’s best cookie” by The Daily Meal. Pick up an original chocolate chip treat to enjoy in the garden and wash it down with specialty coffee from Lineage Roasters.
When I attended college in Orlando, Lazy Moon Pizza was where my friends and I would grab a slice and a cold one. Except back then, the booths had torn leather seats and dim lighting. Nowadays, there’s an Instagram-friendly plant wall and an independent coffee shop next door.
Park Avenue shops and restaurants are a great place to spend a late weekend morning sipping mimosas at sidewalk cafes and perusing boutiques. My friends and I are especially fond of the breakfast offerings at Briarpatch Restaurant. If you’re more in the mood for lunch fare, the house specialty lavosh bread and hummus dip at Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine are divine. And if you are in the area for dinner, Prato’s homemade pastas are to die for.
We all know those places that look fantastic on Instagram but disappoint in real life. The Glass Knife is not one of those places. Though the trendy pink and black interior is perfect for an Instagram brunch shot, it’s the food at The Glass Knife that will make this experience memorable. Try the avocado and egg toast with a side of fruit (no “filler fruit” here; you’ll enjoy berries, grapes, and apples), with a coffee… and a donut. #treatyoself
While I’m not normally one to recommend chain restaurants, Hillstone Restaurant Group allows each of its locations to develop its own personality, while ensuring consistent high quality. Its location on Lake Killarney in Winter Park is seemingly always crowded, so be sure to make reservations in advance. Still, arrive early to enjoy a sunset drink lakeside in the outdoor garden space. Order the creamed corn for a side dish no matter what you order for your meal (you’re welcome). If you’re lucky enough to have access to a boat or a seaplane (hello, let’s be friends), you can even tie up at the dock out back!
Orlando is home to a large Vietnamese population, and to an accordingly sizable selection of pho eateries. My favorite is Pho 88, a no-frills dining room at the corner of Mills and State Road 50 – the heart of an area locals have affectionately dubbed the “Mills 50 District.”
Despite an impressive slate of Michelin-listed sushi spots in Orlando, Sushi Lola’s is hands-down my favorite. Everyone I’ve ever taken has liked it here, even my friends to claim that they “don’t like sushi.” One trick for that crowd: order rolls utilizing rice or soy paper in lieu of seaweed. The lava dips (spicy/sweet deep fried balls of krab salad deliciousness) are a must-order. You can wash these dishes down with Coedo Beniaka, a sweet potato stout imported from Japan. Cute factor: your bill comes with a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie for each of you. The shopping center where Sushi Lola’s is located also hosts a fun vintage shop and an old-school record store.
The Greenery Creamery is a quaint boutique ice cream shop featuring unique dairy and vegan flavors that utilize local ingredients, like milk from Florida grass-fed cows. Black ash cones and several fun toppings are on offer, including basil crystals and colorful “sprankles”!
