ORLANDO, Fla. — I grew up in Orlando, and every time I tell someone I’m from there, they crack a joke about Mickey Mouse. Yes, I went to Walt Disney World all the time! But the sprawling city is so much more than the Mouse House and chain restaurants, even more so since I left 15 years ago. Dare I say it’s … cool now? From world-class restaurants to family-friendly activities, here are seven hidden gems to explore.
If you have spent time in Orlando, this gem isn’t that hidden. But those coming to town for theme parks may not make time to venture east — and you should. One of Orlando’s most magical spots, Leu Gardens is tucked away in the city’s swanky Winter Park area, just minutes from the popular Park Avenue shopping and dining area. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the nearly 50 acres of gardens and historical homes were given to the city in 1961 by Harry P. Leu and his wife, Mary Jane.
You can spend plenty of time wandering among the shaded pathways and little streams, but there are a number of fun events here, too, from story time for kids to outdoor movies. Don’t miss the vast rose garden and the sweet little butterfly area. 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. leugardens.org.
One of Orlando’s burgeoning residential neighborhoods also has plenty for visitors to discover. The community is made up of neighborhoods, hotels, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor entertainment complex and a central Town Center that ties it all together. This is a fun place to stay if you’re in town, as it’s 20 to 30 minutes from both the theme parks and the hip neighborhoods like Baldwin Park and Winter Park, but also has its own vibe. There’s some solid food here, too: My go-to is Chroma Modern Bar in the Town Center, a decently priced lunch and dinner restaurant specializing in small plates that also has great cocktails and stellar service. You don’t have to be a guest of the Lake Nona Wave Hotel to eat at its Michelin-recommended Bacan restaurant, a solid choice for a more high-end meal. Wander through the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden on the hotel grounds, too. Nearby is Boxi Park, an outdoor entertainment center made up of shipping containers similar to Tampa’s Sparkman Wharf. And a short drive away is the Nona Adventure Park, a family-friendly water park with wakeboarding, a climbing tower and more.
This quaint food hall in the Audubon Park Garden District of Orlando has a neighborhood feel, serving since 2013 as an incubator for some of the city’s most exciting food. Vendors here change often, but have included the folks behind Kadence, a Michelin-starred omasake restaurant, and Gideon’s Bakehouse, a locally run bakery that now has a giant shop at Disney Springs. It’s a great spot for lunch or a midday snack. My favorite current place here is the upstairs cocktail bar (great happy hour!) that features a rotating food menu. 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando. 321-236-3316. eastendmkt.com.
The first time I stopped by Capa at the Four Seasons Orlando, I was in town for an event and to work on a story about Disney’s swanky Golden Oak neighborhood. The place had plenty of foodie accolades, and I wanted to check it out, but I wasn’t in a position to indulge in a steak dinner that evening. So I dined at the bar, ordering some small plates (the Datiles, Pan Con Tomate and Croquetas) that were divine. Then the bartender offered a tip: If you take your cocktail out to the restaurant’s balcony around sunset (especially in the summer), you can sip while taking in a majestic view of Walt Disney World, and then catch the fireworks shows that typically start at 9 p.m. Note: You do need to valet park here, but bring your ticket to Capa and ask about having it validated so you don’t have to pay. 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista. 407-313-7777.
The swan boats in downtown Orlando’s Lake Eola are iconic, but we grew up taking visitors on the scenic boat tours of Winter Park. The posh Orlando enclave is by no means hidden, but the lovely little boat rides you can take around its waters have remained somewhat of a secret. Guests board an 18-passenger boat on Lake Osceola for an hourlong, guided cruise through three lakes and two human-made canals. It’s a lovely, tranquil ride full of flora and fauna and, the best part, scenic views of some of Orlando’s fanciest waterfront homes. 312 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park. 407-644-4056.
One of the best areas for dining in Orlando is the couple of blocks around the intersection of North Mills Avenue and East Colonial Drive. The area, known as the Mills 50 neighborhood, is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants, from long-established multicultural spots to trendy new taco joints and bars. The city’s substantial Vietnamese population is reflected in the “Little Vietnam” that spans East Colonial Drive. Take your pick from several restaurants dishing up pho and other Vietnamese specialties, like Phó 88 for beef noodle soup or Little Saigon for a wide variety of authentic dishes. More contemporary standouts along North Mills Avenue include Tori Tori, a trendy Japanese bar and restaurant; Tako Cheena, a teeny spot serving up fusion fare; and Black Rooster Taqueria, a Michelin-recommended contemporary Mexican spot.
You may forget you’re in Orlando while you’re at this gorgeous historic park nestled between the city’s trendy Thornton Park and Milk District neighborhoods. With tons of large, shade-providing trees and little streams of flowing water, this park is perfect for a morning walk or serene picnic. It officially became a city park in 1924, getting its name from the azaleas that were planted in the area. One of the park’s standout features is the Washington Street Bridge, a structure dating back to the 1920s. 100 Rosearden Drive, Orlando.
Tampa Bay Times/Tribune News Service
