Downtown Orlando

Most would consider Downtown Orlando a small town. But, when you look at the facts, we are growing more and more each day. Downtown has more than 340 retailers, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs, and even Florida's largest public library. Not to mention a sports arena (Amway Cetner) and a concert hall, and a performing arts theater (Bob Carr). So why leave town when you have all you need to spend a great weekend getting to know your own city?

Downtown By Day

Lake Eola: Lake Eola Park is a popular destination in the Downtown area. With the beautiful weather, families, athletes, and visitors flock to the beautiful location, which is one of the many Orlando landmarks. You can rent swan-shaped paddle boats or electric gondola boats for $15 for half an hour. If you decide to stay on dry land, you can feed the swans, play in the Walt Disney Ampitheater, or relax at the bank among the beautiful scenery and the Orlando skyline. On Sundays, Lake Eola is home to the downtown Orlando farmer's market from 10am to 4pm. It was established in 1987, and they have a brand new wine and beer garden, live entertainment, an outdoor dining area, and even arts in the parks programs.

Thornton Park/Eola Heights District: Just a short distance away, you can find the brick-lined streets of Thornton Park. Lined with beautiful colonial homes, shopping, and gourmet restaurants. It's a place to eat,meet, and have fun! Offering outside seating, Anthony's Pizza and Italian Restaurant serves delicious authentic Italian cooking, and its location close to Lake Eola makes it a perfect stop in between shopping. Fora  lively atmosphere, down the street is Graffiti Junktion. Enjoy the colorful graffiti art on the walls and tables, as well as the original works of art for sale by local artists. You can bite into their true American burger, and sip on an ice-cold beer. If you start early, you might as well stay late! Graffiti by night is whole new experience.

Downtown By Night

For Foodies: After a day of activities, you are in the right place for dinnertime. The downtown restaurant scene is as vibrant as its nightlife. Shari Sushi and Lounge offers style and great Japanese cooking. Their extensive sushi list will leave even the most avid diner pleasantly surprised, and their happy hour specials are unbeatable. In the same spot for 10 years, it has only gotten better. The Rusty Spoon offers American favorites in a rich and comfortable atmosphere. The ever-changing menu focuses heavily on Southern Comfort with a farm to fresh table approach. The Fifth on Orange Avenue is a class above the rest. They offer a relaxed menu among an ultra-trendy environment. You can eat, drink, and dance, all in one spot. What more do you need? Bento Cafe across the street is also in the middle of the action and has something for every taste. They have over 25 available options on their kitchen menu, on top of sushi specialties and drink specials.

Central Business District: One thing you will never have to worry about in Downtown Orlando is lack of entertainment. The business core of the city might be home to suits and ties during the day, but it comes to life at night every day of the week. If you want to dance the night way, two locations on historical Church street will get you swaying until the morning. Native Social Bar tells the story of Orlando to its residents. The bar is divided into different sections so you can find the best spot that suits you. Drink specials, bottle service, and local DJ's all make up the fun you will have here. Loft 55 is just down the street and offers incredible views of the skyline of Orlando. The open doors, two main bars, and talented DJ's create the same upbeat atmosphere of most upscale bars found in New York City. Just walking distance from the arena, why not stop by for a drink...or two?