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.
PERSON
On the corner of Winter Park Road and Corrine Drive is Big Daddy's Roadhouse, where karaoke is the main event and happy hour stretches from doors-open till 7 p.m. DJ Di (right) is the institution behind the mic; she knows her regulars and offers commentary throughout the evening that has the audience rolling.
Big Daddy's Roadhouse, 3001 Corrine Drive, 407-644-2844, bigdaddysorlando.com
BUILDING
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.
East End Market, 3201 Corrine Drive, 321-236-3316, eastendmkt.com
DESSERT
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.
Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream, 3114 Corrine Drive, 321-226-8685, kellyshomemadeicecream.com
VENUE
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.
Palmer's Garden & Goods, 2611 Corrine Drive, 407-896-5951, palmersgarden.com
FLOWERS
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.
Stardust Video & Coffee, 1842 E. Winter Park Road, 407-623-3393, stardustie.com
EVENT
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.
Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., 407-246-2620, leugardens.org
