Thornton Park calls itself the “neighborhood for locals,” and it’s fast become a place for hip people who like their downtowns unpretentious and chill. It’s hard to imagine that this neighborhood was once known as a dingy alternative ’hood on the western side of Lake Eola – today it’s polished and quaint and sophisticated, but still laid-back enough to feel homey and comfortable. The bricked streets are lined with some of the oldest oaks in the city, and there are plenty of patios and outdoor cafes for you to enjoy epic people-watching while getting some sun with your mimosa.
EAT
Benjamin French Bakery and Café
716 E. Washington St.
407-797-2253
benjaminfrenchbakery.com
Dexter’s
808 E. Washington St.
407-648-2777
dexwine.com
Graffiti Junktion
900 E. Washington St.
407-426-9502
graffitijunktion.com
The Pop Parlour
431 E. Central Blvd.
321-348-7677
thepopparlour.com
DRINK
Eola Wine Company
430 E. Central Blvd.
407-481-9100
eolawinecompany.com
Mucho Tequila and Tacos
101 S. Eola Drive
407-843-9676
muchotequilaandtacos.com
Stardust Lounge
431 E. Central Ave.
407-839-0080
stardustorlando.com
SHOP
Mother Falcon
motherfalconclothing.com
407-423-3060
Orlando Farmers Market
Lake Eola Park at corner of East Central Boulevard and North Eola Drive
orlandofarmersmarket.com
Zou Zou Boutique
2 N. Summerlin Ave.
407-843-3373
zouzouboutique.com
PLAY
Swan Boat Ride at Lake Eola
512 E. Washington St.
407-246-4485
cityoforlando.net
GO
Come Out With Pride
Oct. 6-12, 2014
321-800-3944
comeoutwithpride.org
This is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country, and the parade is the fun, colorful highlight.
Second Thursday Wine and Art Walk
Second Thursday of each month
407-701-9382
thorntonparkdistrict.com
Sip and spend your way through the district’s many restaurants, bars, boutiques and bars.
20 reasons to love Thornton Park
This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2014 and City Guide (2014).