March marks Women’s History Month, so we thought it’d only be right to highlight some of the City Beautiful’s most essential woman-owned spots. From independent bookstores and thrift shops to sandwicherias and “nerd hubs,” Orlando has plenty of places to patronize.
Some are new-ish, some are neighborhood icons, all are woman-owned and deserving of a visit.
Etoile Boutique
2424 E. Robinson St., Orlando
Milk District’s own Etoile Boutique is a vintage dream shop offering a range of clothing, accessories, furniture and more. Owner Falon Quillen opened the shop in 2006 and has named her boutique Orlando’s resident original style hub, and rightfully so. Credit:Photo via Etoile Boutique/FacebookSpiral Circle Metaphysical Bookstore & Boutique
750 N. Thornton Ave., Orlando
As you probably guessed, this shop offers quite the experience. Mainly an independent bookstore, Spiral Circle also offers retail goodies, wellness products and home goods (including crystals!). Credit:Photo via Spiral Circle Bookstore/FacebookBest Breakfast
1st: Se7en Bites, se7enbites.com
2nd: The Briarpatch, thebriarpatchrestaurant.com
3rd: First Watch, firstwatch.com
All Best of Orlando® 2022 winners posted on 8/31/22 Credit: Photo by Rob BartlettNora’s Sugar Shack
636 Virginia Drive, Orlando
This cozy wine and cigar shop doubles as a locals’ lounge, all opened up by owner Nora Brooker. Enjoy a cigar in the designated cigar room or hang around the patio for the good vibes. Credit:Photo via Nora’s Sugar ShackLa Femme du Fromage
3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando
Orlando’s cheese-centric is “cultured beyond cheeses,” with offerings like charcuterie boards and killer grilled cheese creations. Credit:Photo via La Femme du Fromage/FacebookPom Moongauklang Credit:Photo via Pm Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria/FacebookEntre Páginas
Orlando
This woman-owned book shop features a mobile “book truck” filled with Spanish-language literature. Credit:Photo via Entre Páginas/FacebookValhalla Bakery
2603 South St., Orlando
This City Beautiful essential market-based counter, by Celine Duvoisin, specializes in vegan and dairy-free baked goods and wedding cakes. And according to their Instagram bio, there’s “No eggs. No dairy. No racism.” That’s the kind of mission statement that we’ll definitely rally behind. Credit:Photo via Valhalla Bakery/FacebookValkyrie Doughnuts
12226 Corporate Blvd., Orlando
Whimsical unicorn murals adorn the walls of this vegan doughnut and sweets shop (also owned by Celine Duvoisin of Valhalla Bakery!). Valkyrie is known for its Instagrammable plant-based doughnut creations made from scratch. Credit:Photo via Valkyrie Doughnuts/FacebookGood Crowd
2812 Edgewater Drive, Orlando
A modern gift shop with plenty of personality in the heart of College Park. Owner Sarah Johnson-Markve opened the shop with a vision: to create a space for the community to gather, shop and learn. Credit:Photo via Good Crowd/FacebookGods & Monsters
5421 International Drive, Orlando
Gods & Monsters self-describes as Orlando’s “nerd hub,” offering all things pop culture like collectibles, toys, graphic novels, trading card games, original artwork and cosplay parties. Grab some light reading and then step into Vault 5421, the shop’s post-apocalyptic, cosplay-friendly speakeasy bar and lounge. Credit:Photo via Gods & Monsters/FacebookGold Dust Home
1309 Lang Ave., Orlando
Stocked with hand-picked goodies, gifts and decor, Gold Dust Home is a quaint house-turned shop that hosts seasonal classes (like they’re upcoming Paper Flower Making workshop). Credit:Photo via Gold Dust Home/FacebookJillycakes
500 E. Central Blvd., Orlando
The gourmet cupcake and specialty cake bakery serves the greater Orlando area with impressive cake creations custom made by order. Credit:Photo via Jillycakes/FacebookPeperoncini
7988 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando
This authentic Italian eatery, by Barbara Alfano, offers menu mainstays like pork osso buco, duck breast and specialty pizzas, as well as a rotating menu of chef’s specials that varies daily. Credit: photo by Rob BarltettFrank.
112 S Park Ave., Winter Park
Winter Park’s Frank. is both an online storefront and a retail location. It’s a stop perfect for anything from jewelry to homeware to perfume to gourmet food products and cocktail kits. Credit:Photo via Frank./FacebookWriter’s Block Bookstore
32 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, and 316 N. Park Ave., Winter Park
This local bookseller offers titles for adults and kids, plus literary-themed novelties. Credit:Photo via Writer’s Block Book Store/FacebookThe House on Lang
1308 Lang Ave., Orlando
The House on Lang specializes in clothing, local art and home decor, while acting as both a maker’s space and spot for backyard events. Owned by locals Julie Edwards and Christie McLennan, the stylish shop is located in the heart of Mills-50 and Ivanhoe Village. Credit:Photo via The House on Lang/FacebookThe Meatball Stoppe
7325 Lake Underhill Road, Orlando
Stoppe by this Italian mecca and get yourself a bucket of meatballs handmade just like your mamma’s. Credit:Photo via The Meatball Stoppe/FacebookButtermilk Bakery
1198 Orange Ave., Winter Park
As owner Taissa Rebroff told Orlando Weekly way back in 2017, “Customers seek local because the quality is obvious, and there’s a real desire to support businesses for the passion they have for their craft, rather than businesses whose sole desire is to make more money.” And those ideals ring true as Buttermilk Bakery continues to please Orlandoans half a decade later. Credit:Photo via Buttermilk Bakery/InstagramThe Heavy
1152 Harmon Ave., Winter Park
Jennifer Crotty opened The Heavy in a 16,000-square-foot warehouse, the ideal spot for her plant-filled oasis. The stylish indoor garden offers a nursery, a flower bar and a gift market. Credit: Photo by Paul BrinkmannSwedeDish Food Truck
1300 Alden Road, Orlando
Central Florida’s one and only food truck serving up authentic Swedish dishes. Owner Viveca Averstedt first moved to the Sunshine State with her husband Håkan in hopes of competing in National Hot Rod Association Drag Racing. The only logical follow-up was to open their own food truck. Credit:Photo via Swede Dish Food Truck/FacebookSampaguita
5 out of 5 stars, 40 reviews
1223 E. Colonial Drive
”Sampaguita is unique compared to other ice cream shops because of their flavors. They reflect the Filipino culture very well. These flavors are definitely ones you can’t find just anywhere.” – Rachel M. Credit:Photo via Sampaguita/YelpNevermind Millie
1828 Edgewater Drive, Orlando
The boutique-slash-fitness studio-slash-lounge is owned by Nicky Suarez, who dreamt of opening a space that combined all of her experiences and brought people together. Credit:Photo via Nevermind Millie/FacebookTamale Co. Mexican Street Food
2411 Curry Ford Road, Orlando
This stylish little stop is essential for authentic Mexican street food in Hourglass Social House. Credit:Photo via Tamale Co. Mexican Street Food/FacebookSweet by Holly
711 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando
Elegant wedding cakes, cupcakes and free(!) tastings for engaged couples are center stage at this cake shop. Credit:Photo via Sweet by Holly/FacebookYAY! Tiny Shop
1211 N Orange Ave., Orlando
This small (really, really small), colorful gift boutique in Ivanhoe Village sells cute home goods, cookbooks, craft supplies, notebooks, jewelry, small art pieces, plush toys and travel accessories, among other things. Credit: Photo by Lindsey ThompsonBeth’s Burger Bar
5145 S. Orange Ave., Orlando
With three locations across the city (and one more on the way!), this joint is a great choice for good ol’ fashioned burgers. Credit:Photo via Beth’s Burger Bar/FacebookThe Owl’s Attic
3106 Corrine Drive, Orlando
Audobon’s Owl’s Attic vintage boutique was opened by Brittany Sulser. According to their site, “You’ll see everything from perfect, deadstock pieces to thrashed and beat to hell vintage in our collection.” They have pieces from the 1950s through ’90s, but “our hippie hearts are stuck in the 60’s/70’s.” Credit:Photo via The Owl’s Attic/Facebook
323 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville DaJen Eats Cafe & Creamery was a Jamaican vegan restaurant in Eatonville. Chef-owner Jenn Ross left Jamaica and came to America at 16 years old, developed an appreciation for cooking and embarked on a vegan lifestyle. Credit: Photo by Rob BartlettNew General Cafe
155 E New England Ave., Winter Park
Winter Park’s minimalistic coffee shop and upscale retail store is owned by Tracy Liffey, who wanted to create an elevated take on the classic general store. Credit:Photo via New General Cafe/FacebookInfusion Tea
1600 Edgewater Drive, Orlando
Infusion Tea offers an array of loose-leaf tea and vegetarian eats ranging from acai bowls and tea sandwiches to buffalo pizzas and “Jack Kerouac Quesadillas.” Credit:Photo via Infusion Tea/FacebookQuickly Boba Tea
9900 Universal Blvd., Orlando
This quick-serve boba spot offers Asian fusion fare like poke bowls and Vietnamese sandwiches. The chain was started by Nancy Yang in Taiwan, and eventually made its way over to the City Beautiful. Credit: Photo by Rob Bartlett
