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.

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 Market 3201 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 Cream 3114 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 & Coffee 1842 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 Gardens 1920 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 & Goods 2611 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 Shack 119 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 Cheese 1945 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 Coop 610 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 Fizz 520 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 Chapel 1000 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 Dock 410 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 Soco 629 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 Mule 100 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 Cafe 716 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 Nicole 426 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 Abbey 100 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 Park 300 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
Valkyrie Doughnuts 160 12226 Corporate Blvd., Orlando Valkyrie’s doughnuts are delicious, made from scratch and vegan. You’ll be in heaven with twelve different options, and just as lucky if you’re there when the glazed doughnuts come out. Photo via Valkyrie Doughnuts/Facebook
What to do Reflecting Pond 4000 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 Arboretum 4312 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 Market 11750 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 Center 12850 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 Bar 1710 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 Orlando 2429 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 Kitchen 2603 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 Doghouse 2527 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 RusTeak 2625 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 Course 549 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 House 1418 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 Market 710 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 Park 2308 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 Restaurant 2499 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’s 247 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 Cuisine 2447 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 Grill 419 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 & Fire 1621 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 Pulse 1912 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 Target 120 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 Accents 2301 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 Bruno 3990 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 Diner 3500 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 Blue 435 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 Grill 3000 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 Pub 7521 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 Barley 7431 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 Brewing 3030 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 Pub 3076 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
What to do Fort Gatlin Recreation Complex 2009 Lake Margaret Drive, 407-254-9820 Come here to enjoy the family swimming pool or the 10 tennis courts. orangecountyfl.net Pictured: Fort Gatlin Recreation Complex via rowlikeagirl/Instagram
Mills 50 Mills 50 may get its name from the intersection of Mills Avenue and Colonial Drive (aka State Road 50), but it’s earned its reputation by appealing to a broad cross-section of musicians, artists, foodies and drinkers of disparate tastes and backgrounds. Whether it’s all the young punks who pack out tiny Uncle Lou’s, or the epicurean yuppies quaffing craft cocktails at the Guesthouse, the third-shifters hitting Wally’s just as it opens, or just folks who know where to get a good pho, Mills 50 is the go-to neighborhood for a whole swath of different purposes. Even though the northern end has attracted some big-money developers looking to cash in on the cultural cachet of the neighborhood, its distinction as the “intersection of creativity and culture” persists, and it’s often one of the first places Orlandoans will bring out-of-towners who want to learn something about the “real Orlando.” Photo via Lindsey Thompson
Where to eat and drink Anh Hong 1124 E. Colonial Drive, 407-999-2656 The banh mí at this popular corner Vietnamese spot are almost as much of an institution as its distinct neon signage. anhhongorlando.com Where to eat and drink Chuan Lu Garden 1101 E. Colonial Drive; 407-896-8966 Frequently topping locals’ lists of favorite Chinese restaurants, Chuan Lu specializes in mouth-numbing Sichuan entrees. chuanluorlando.com Where to eat and drink King Bao 710 N. Mills Ave., 407-237-0013 This no-frills fast-casual spot offers up a wide variety of bao – steamed bun sandwiches – for a price that won’t break the bank. facebook.com/kingbaoorlando Where to eat and drink Black Rooster Taqueria 1323 N. Mills Ave., 407-601-0994 A labor of love from chef John Calloway, Black Rooster offers a variety of delicious fresh-Mex-style tacos made with high-quality ingredients. blackroostertaqueria.com Where to eat and drink Mamak Asian Street Food 1231 E. Colonial Drive, 407-270-4688 Serving tapas-style Asian plates, Mamak is best enjoyed in a group. The roti and fish with black bean sauce are not to be missed, but order extra or risk starting a fight at the table. mamakasianorlando.com Where to eat and drink The Strand 807 N. Mills Ave., 407-920-7744 The bright retro atmosphere of the Strand is a perfect accompaniment to the updated takes on American classics that populate the menu. strandorlando.com Pictured: Anh Hong via jandrewcollins/Instagram
What to do Will’s Pub/Lil Indies 1042/1036 N. Mills Ave. Mills 50 pioneer Will Walker’s one-two punch in the middle of Mills Avenue combines one of the busiest live music schedules in town with craft beer and cocktails, dance nights, community markets and more, making it basically Orlando’s living room. willspub.org What to do The District at Mills 50 1221 N. Mills Ave., 407-601-3363 This new indoor market offers goods from a variety of local vendors. Everything from vintage clothing, books, coffee, soap, stationery and more line the shelves and walls. Keep an eye out for special events like local author readings as well. facebook.com/districtatmills What to do Retromended Vintage 930 N. Mills Ave., 407-674-8190 Stylist and seamstress Brandy Tezak’s Mills 50 space is inviting and warm, full of vintage clothing curated by color, killer accessories, art and workshops. retromended.com What to do Dong-A Supermarket 816 N. Mills Ave., 407-898-9227 This sprawling supermarket offers an extensive selection of Asian food and ingredients, from noodles to sauces to rice varietals to fresh seafood and produce. dongacorporation.com What to do Avalon 1211 Hillcrest St., 407-895-7439 A compact, cozy spot to get a decent beer or three, watch the game, or maybe take in a band on the tiny stage. avalonbeyond.com What to do The Center 946 N. Mills Ave., 407-228-8272 A compact, cozy spot to get a decent beer or three, watch the game, or maybe take in a band on the tiny stage. thecenterorlando.org Pictured: Will’s Pub via a.m.cocktail/Instagram
Ivanhoe Village The Ivanhood is growing more each year, though so far (so good), the area has maintained its quirky and human-scale charm. All the new bars and restaurants are fitting in well with the overall eclectic vibe of this artsy, walkable neighborhood – as is the presence of Orlando’s first medical marijuana dispensary. North Orange Avenue and Virginia (between Orange and Mills) are where the action really is, but promising new businesses are regularly popping up further down Orange and up Virginia Drive. There’s truly something for everyone here. Photo via loudgalleryorl/Instagram
Where to eat and drink Better Than Sex 1905 N. Orange Ave., 407-761-8949 Decadent, grown-up desserts and drinks are the order of the day (along with a metric ton of double entendre) at this nightspot. betterthansexorlando.com Where to eat and drink Santiago’s Bodega 802 Virginia Drive, 407-412-6979 The expansive tapas menu and full bar make this restaurant a crucial and buzzing nightspot, but there’s also lunch and brunch for those who aren’t nocturnal animals. santiagosbodega.com Where to eat and drink Trevi Pasta Express 1811 N. Orange Ave., 407-897-5672 Little sister to the original Trevi Pasta serves the same high-quality, fresh-made pastas, sauces and gelatos. facebook.com/091italiantakeout Where to eat and drink The Hammered Lamb 1235 N. Orange Ave., 407-704-3200 Frequently raucous – though spacious – indoor/outdoor full bar (with food as desired) that also promises ping-pong, trivia and live music. thehammeredlamb.com Where to eat and drink The Hideaway 516 Virginia Drive, 407-898-5892 Unpretentious neighborhood bar where locals of all stripes come to drink, eat and play pool at reasonable prices thehideawaybar.net Where to eat and drink Ivanhoe Craft Bar & Packy 1915 N. Orange Ave., 407-270-4685 Unholy union between the Savoy and Ivanhoe Spirits birthed a package store that’s also an intimate little craft cocktail bar with quality drinks on order. theivanhoeorlando.com Pictured: Santiago’s Bodega via galushevski/Instagram
What to do Horizons 1817 N Orange Ave. Sister to a Brooklyn boutique, Horizons offers a well-curated selection of new and ’90s vintage clothing, shoes and jewelry. horizonsvintage.com What to do Washburn Imports/The Imperial 1800 N. Orange Ave., 407-228-4403 Unique furniture from around the world makes this spot a delightful browse; then head around the back to the Imperial for craft beer and wine. washburnimports.com What to do Rock & Roll Heaven 1814 N. Orange Ave., 407-896-1952 Perennial favorite spot for music obsessives; it takes multiple visits to even begin fully grasping the amount of LPs, 45s, tapes, CDs, books, magazines and toys held within. rock-n-rollheaven.com What to do Mennello Museum of American Art 900 E. Princeton Street, 407-246-4278 About to enter its second decade, the Mennello houses a permanent collection of Florida folk artist Earl Cunningham’s work and also hosts rotating shows of work by contemporary American artists. Bask in the lovely Sculpture Garden while you’re there. mennellomuseum.org What to do The Venue 511 Virginia Drive, 407-412-6895 The order of the day at the Venue is artful eclecticism; check out everything from burlesque to dance productions to theater to a Chakra Khan performance. thevenueorlando.com Pictured: Mennello Museum of Art via orlandoweekly/Instagram
Lake Nona Between the Eagle Creek golf course, Medical City, the U.S. Tennis Association headquarters and Orlando City Soccer’s soon-to-appear new training facility, Lake Nona is shaping up to be quite the upscale, busy district. The Lake Nona Institute’s Life Project is a long-term study tracking the wellness effects of making exercise and healthy foods readily available to residents, which accounts for the fact that they are a Juice Bike Share hub and already have a well-established farmers market, as well as a “resort-style” fitness and aquatic center. For now, though, if you don’t live there, it’s a haven for restaurants worth spending the gas money to visit. Photo via Lindsey Thompson
Where to eat and drink Canvas Restaurant & Market 13615 Sachs Ave., 407-313-7800 Scones, cupcakes and bar cookies adorn the bakery case at Canvas, tucked away in the Laureate Park neighborhood. Through the glass doors, though, you won’t find a prettier view from the dining room, so get there early, or brunch on flaky biscuits and eggs Benny. canvaslakenona.com Where to eat and drink Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen 6967 Lake Nona Blvd., 407-955-4340 Canvas’ new small-plates sister spot, Chroma, is sexier, sleeker and a tad smaller but the food is just as solid. Don’t miss the roasted bone marrow and seared foie gras. chromalakenona.com Where to eat and drink Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa 9680 N. Narcoossee Road March 2017 saw the opening of the second location of Mills 50’s favorite Latin-BBQ fusion joint. Owner Thomas Ward has commandeered the former Unionburger space to give his urban “barbakoa” a new neighborhood to enchant. With butter chicken tacos this addictive, it’s a good thing hospitals are close. pigfloyds.com Where to eat and drink Nona Blue 9685 Lake Nona Village Place, 407-313-0027 The first upscale dining spot in the area has held onto its crowd, and has improved year after year. It’s a favorite for Eagle Creek golfers after they’ve finished a round, and the menu is full of crowd-pleasers like meatloaf sliders and eight different burger combos. nonablue.com Pictured: Reflecting Pond via _jo_briones/Instagram
What to do Nona Tap Room 9145 Narcoossee Road, 407-440-4594 If your brewpub of choice is out of your favorite suds, the list of more than 100 beers at Nona Tap Room should have something to spark your interest. Bites go with brews, of course, and the pressed meatball panini has such a loyal following that when management took it off the menu, customers clamored for its return. nonataproom.com What to do Code Wall 6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd. Don’t call it a parking garage. Designed by artist Jefre Manuel, this 264-foot-long wall of binary code is swathed in colorful light projections and anchored by the Beacon, an interactive six-story installation that comes alive at night. lakenona.com Pictured: Nona Tap Room via juliepopcorn/Instagram