It’s strip-mall heaven, but there are some gems to be found among the chain restaurants and multiplex big-box storefronts. Sports bars abound, but so do walking and biking trails, especially as you head out to Wedgefield and Stoneybrook, so there are plenty of places to get your quietude on. For some, this area – which used to be the “it” place to live – might be the definition of “disturbia,” but there’s a lot to love about Waterford Lakes and Avalon Park, especially the pet-friendly merchants who welcome four-leggers with a bowl of water and a sample cup of vanilla frozen yogurt.
EAT
100 Montaditos
417 N. Alafaya Trail
407-384-9040
us.100montaditos.com
Casa Mofongo
12001 Avalon Lake Drive
407-203-6862
casamofongo.com
Sweet by Good Golly Miss Holly
711 N. Alafaya Trail
407-277-7746
sweetbyholly.com
Vespr Craft Coffee
626 N. Alafaya Trail
407-476-3093
thevespr.com
DRINK
Mulberry Street Bar and Grill
3831 E. Avalon Park Blvd.
407-380-3300
mulberrystreetavalonpark.com
Gator’s Dockside
12448 Lake Underhill Road
407-249-9444
gatorsdockside.com
SHOP
Eastside Asian Market
12950 E. Colonial Drive
407-615-8881
eastsideasianmarket.com
Waterford Lakes Town Center
413 N. Alafaya Trail
simon.com/mall/waterford-lakes-town-center
PLAY
Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park
Hiking, camping, fishing and birding. Access is in the Wedgefield subdivision, off State Road 520 in east Orlando
Live Oak Park
Just off Cassia Drive in the Avalon Park community, this park’s playgrounds and benches are well-shaded thanks to canopies of mature live oak trees.
GO
Avalon Park Farmers Market
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays
Founder’s Square
Avalon Park Village
Weekly farmers market brings fresh vegetables, flowers and crafts.
