Every major city has a "ChinaTown". This is the West sides'…read moreanswer to "little Nom". There are plenty of spots in the shopping center to eat and explore. I usually go to the boba spot here, and one of the restaurants. I miss Sapporo ramen, but they were replaced by a nice Dim Sum spot. I also want to eventually check out Tofu House and Walala Noodles. When I was in college, I would make coming here a whole day trip! Plenty to do! There's an Asian grocery store in the plaza too!

I have seen this sign since moving to Orlando back in 2001. It sits within the Westside Crossing…read moreshopping plaza and I always felt pointed to what was a big part of the Asian community. The shopping plaza is filled almost exclusively Asian markets and restaurants and this is a good place to check out.

5 stars for only THE BEST neighborhood in Orlando! I've lived in the Mills 50 District/Colonialtown…read moreNorth for almost 10 years and I never want to leave (that is if the increasing already sky-high rent prices don't push me out, haha). Not joking though. I can't get enough of this diverse, inclusive family-friendly community that I hope to one day raise my own kids in. I've watched so much growth happen here over the last decade and it's been beautiful to be a part of. So many new restaurants, bars, and businesses have popped up and I'm happy to see them thriving. Mills 50 is also one of the more walkable neighborhood streets in Orlando, and I'm so fortunate that I can easily hop over to some of my favorite local gems like The Strand, Black Rooster Taqueria, Hawkers, Qreate Coffee, Pig Floyd's, House on Lang, The Sunroom, Sampaguita Ice Cream... this list goes on and on! I was also thrilled to learn that Mills 50 was also featured on Yelp's list of the most LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods in the U.S. this year. It's truly a magical place to live where everyone is welcome and I'm lucky to call it home!

Mills 50 is it neighborhood that is set around the corner of Mills Avenue and East Colonial drive,…read morecommonly known as 50. It is a hip, trendy neighborhood located on the edge of the downtown Orlando, Florida area. There is plenty to do in this area with there being a lot of bars, restaurants, parks and stuff like that. The restaurants are a good mix of cuisines and they also have a lot of little specialty shops where you can go do some shopping. I would definitely recommend coming to visit here or if you are looking to move in, understand that there are a lot of positives to move over here.

Love the park but the sprinklers came on just about noon time…read moreWish they would reset it too turn on when no one is there My mom is in her 70s and got soaked for our mile walk home

5 Stars for one of Orlando's most beloved Main Streets (National award-winning, in fact) that marks…read morethe convergence of Downtown Orlando, Winter Park, and Baldwin Park. Audubon Park is the perfect buffer between Mills 50 (rough around the edges and legit) and Baldwin Park (highly-planned and bougie). It's your granola-making, Birkenstock-clad aunt. You know, the one with the long tunics and butterfly garden, who also keeps beer and kombucha batches brewing at all times. What differentiates this Main Street to the point that it won a National Main Street Award a few years back as America's best Main Street? I'd say it's all about the people and businesses. It's certainly not about the looks. But what this Main Street lacks in curbside appeal (looking at you, Virginia Drive), it makes up for in best-of level businesses. I'm talking best beer bar in the country (or at least known among the best-- Redlight Redlight), best local farmers market (big ups, Monday night Audubon Park Market), best sushi in Central Florida (Kadence, not to be missed), best homemade ice cream (Kelly's), best record shop in town (Park Ave CDs), best indoor market (East End Market), best quintessentially hipster coffee shop in that the baristas will shoot you dirty looks while serving you chai and a salad (Stardust Cafe), etc. I could seriously go on and on about the incredible spots in this little 'hood. Suffice to say, it ain't much to look at, but you're going to want to spend a Saturday hopping from biz to biz for the most epic day date ever.

If I could give zero stars I would! The point of "dining in the dark" is to enhance your taste…read morebuds... why enhance your tastebuds if there is no flavor in the food????? It was cold and just not good. Especially for the amount of money. Let me save you the trip. Don't go.

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous benefit! This was so much more than just a dinner benefitting a great…read morecause- The dinner itself helped highlight the plight of those without sight, and formed a perfect metaphor for society's 'blindness' to hunger in our cities. Lighthouse Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida came together to put on the dinner, which was at the SH of CFL headquarters. We were first led into an enormous food storage facility for a cocktail hour with a musician singing softly and passed hors d'oeuvre. The anticipation was building with everyone nervously chatting about how some people get anxious and claustrophobic in the dark. But as soon as the Orlando SWAT fellas entered the room and started posing for pictures and mingling all of the nerves left the room and were replaced by giddy ladies (myself included) and laughter. Finally, it was time to line up in our table groups to conga-line into the dark dining room. Alas, I was not lucky enough to be second in the conga-line behind our SWAT gentleman... The room was pitch black- like so black that I couldn't tell the difference between having my eyes open and closed. Eventually, my eyes adjusted a bit and I could see a dim glow of something identifying where the center of our table was. As the dishes came out I realized that utensils were futile. That's right- the SWAT guys, with their night vision, got a great view of me shoveling mashed potatoes into my face with my fingers. And you know what? I was A-OK with that! We were all in the same boat at our table and it led to some great conversations and some new friends! The woman next to me let me know that she is pretty shy and this gave her the confidence to talk to strangers and make friends. In the end, the dinner really highlighted how different life would be without our sense of vision, and it did it in an amazing experiential way. I was a total mess without my vision and I really appreciated it when the lights were turned on at the end. Lighthouse has found a really powerful tool in their awareness arsenal. I would highly recommend this event to others and am now very interested in seeing how I can help both of these fabulous orgs - so, mission accomplished!

To paraphrase Ricky from Trailer Park Boys: WestArt District used to be so f*ckin cool and now it's…read morebig time fucked up! Maybe I'd think this was better if I hadn't experienced the glory of WestArt in 2017 and didn't know it's now a shadow of it's former self. Maybe I'd give it more than 2 stars if they even allowed me onto their property to take photos on an overcast Saturday afternoon in February when half a dozen people were hanging out by somebody's car and nothing much at all seemed to be going on. I knew this place was too good to last. It was this total laissez-faire anti-elitist explosion of positive energy last time I was down in the City Beautiful. WestArt 2017 had highly detailed murals, abstracted conversation pieces, stencils, cartoon graffiti characters, wild style graffiti, more basic 2 or 3 color tags, hollows, throwies, Folk art, child-produced flowers and stuff. A wide variety of styles and skill levels was present. No wall was left plain and boring. A thousand wildflowers bloomed. Walls were painted and repainted and re-repainted. Even the ground was gradually getting painted up. The afternoon I was there the place was a beehive of activity. A couple of women barbequed chicken and were selling it for cheap. 2019 WestArt looks to have less than a dozen murals. (Hard to tell since I was quickly shooed out of the parking lot by a guy who, to his credit, clearly felt sheepish about the owner's directive.) Many walls are plain white, bearing only some spraypainted labels that read "no tagging". (Ironic, since this anti-graffiti graffiti technically counts as a tag itself.) Any graffiti-looking work is gone, apart from 2 well known character pieces. Rap letters have been hunted to extinction here. All the work looks to be technically proficient and alive with bright colors. And a mural of MLK is, well, pretty much immune from criticism. But there's just too much empty space these days. And it's damn sure in no way inviting like it used to be. I can't imagine people teaching kids how to paint here now. I've stayed in touch with the guy who used to run the place, so I had already gotten a heads up and didn't expect to just roll up and paint like before. But I thought I'd at least be able to walk around and take photos. I'm told most of this is due to the city. I imagine the old WestArt was too feral looking to certain people, and too much of an encouragement to go produce similiar looking work elsewhere around town. It's deeply disappointing but sadly understandable. I just hope this never happens at Recycle Here! and the Lincoln Street Art Park back home in Detroit.

Awesome art area about the size of a block with several warehouse type buildings all painted up…read more There's a fence around the entire thing so I don't know it's closed up or how to get in. I did see a gate you could probably push open that was unlocked but didn't want to chance it plus it was raining. Cool to drive by and look at though.

What a quaint little area located near Lake Eola…read more Free 2 hour parking Lots of mom & pop restaurants & bars They even have a local psychic ready to tell you your future and clear your cluttered chakras:) Oh, and let's not forget a laundromat! ~ and that's all I have to say about that...

A very nice neighborhood in downtown Orlando and close to Lake Eola. I went for a food event…read moreyesterday. The blocked the main square due to the event, so it was a bit difficult to find parking. I was able to get parking within walking distance for 10 dollars. I loved the nice shops, bars, and restaurants inside. The small fountain in the center in a very touch, and quite relaxing. My favorite restaurants there include Jinya, and F&D Cantina. There is a parking garage as well, but it can get expensive. If you plan on eating in downtown Orlando, this is one of the nicer areas to be in. Walking in the street is pretty safe, even at night. And since it's close to Lake Eola, you take a short walk over there and enjoy a lap around the park. Definitely a nice area worth visiting. Overall: B+

This is a very cool area. Tons of shops and cool restaurants! There is a Sephora and Free People to…read morename two of the many shops they have. We dined at Summer House and it was fantastic. You're right by water so you can sit out on a patio and chill. Teen heaven. I was told it's pretty much downtown Disney? Parking is interesting and packed but there are free parks and paid parking you choose.

Welcome to The Landing, the part of Disney Springs that looks like Imagineering dropped an entire…read morecoastal town into Orlando and said, "Here, drink more, shop more, and pretend this lagoon is the ocean." Built on the bones of the late, great Pleasure Island (RIP Adventurers Club, you glorious fever dream), The Landing is Disney's upscale answer to "what if Downtown Disney grew up, bought a blazer, and started ordering craft cocktails instead of yard-long margaritas?" The architecture here is stunning -- faux-seaside warehouses, retro boat docks, and a marina vibe that feels like a stage set designed for your Instagram. Disney says it's themed to "a fictional waterfront town with a rich history." Translation: it's so polished and curated that if you sneezed too hard, the paint might chip off and reveal 1990s Pleasure Island neon underneath. The good stuff? This is where the heavy hitters live: * Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar -- Imagine Indiana Jones had a drinking buddy who hoarded props, then opened a bar. Over-the-top theming, cheeky cocktails, and a guarantee you'll leave saying, "One more round won't hurt." * The Boathouse -- Fancy seafood, retro boats, and those iconic Amphicars that let rich people drive into the water like they're James Bond on vacation. * Wine Bar George -- Proof that wine isn't just for EPCOT festivals. George Miliotes runs a temple of vino here, and yes, you can order a $10 taste or a $300 bottle. Your choice, peasant. * Raglan Road spillover effect -- Sure, technically it's in the "Village" section, but at night the Irish energy oozes over here like Guinness-fueled pixie dust. "Oh, The Landing? You mean the place where Disney charges $18 for a cocktail and you pretend you're classy because the coaster has a backstory?" And he's not wrong. But you know what? It's still one of the most atmospheric, fun, and adult-friendly corners of Disney World. At night, The Landing comes alive with lights reflecting off the water, music in the air, and just enough Disney magic to make you forget you're basically in a mall. It's free to wander, beautiful to look at, and loaded with spots to eat and drink yourself silly. So yes, I miss Pleasure Island. I miss the chaos. But The Landing proves Disney can reinvent without totally killing the vibe. It's polished, it's pricey, and it's perfect.

5 Stars for a highly-anticipated craft market that delivers year after year!…read more This is my third time going to the annual Grandma Party Bazaar and as usual I was not disappointed! The Grandma Party Bazaar (GPB) is essentially a local artisan market. It is held at the Stardust Cafe parking lot (where the Audubon Park farmers' market is held on Mondays) and is comprised of tents under which are fabulous decorations, jewelry, vintage clothes, and other oddities. They also have a stage where local bands perform throughout the day. Not only was the bazaar a great place for me to finish some local holiday shopping but it was also a gathering place for Orlandoans on a lovely December day! I ran into tons of Yelpers and local personalities. I can't give this bazaar anything lower than 5 stars. I always feel inspired when I leave and I keep going back year after year!

Always a fun time at this annual event. It takes me back to my college days where we always had…read moreopen markets every Wednesday in the Student Union. Such a cool thrift store with friendly interesting vendors. It makes me wish I didn't have such a corporate professional job because I really have a hippy heart, and I feel like they are my people....and that's what this festival reminds me of, just a natural, authentic group of cool hippies selling their wares. A true community. The nostalgia of some of the items makes me smile. Unfortunately I had my husband with me and he has low patience with shopping and outdoor markets so I was rushed but I was able to score some cool 80s style new wave buttons before he dragged me outta there.

This is a neat and happy mural located on the outside of Infusion tea in Orlando. Orlando has many…read moremurals all around town and this is a pleasant and colorful one. The mural gets plently of traffic in front of it so keep that in mind when trying to view it.

This is an area of Lake Eola that is located on the Rosalind Ave side of the park. It is close to…read morethe pedaling swan rentals, bathroom and a restaurant. People enjoy coming here and take pictures. Kids enjoy playing here over the muse. It is really cool to see them enjoy it. This is free of charge.

The Muse of Discovery is one of 9 sculptures that are part of See Art Orlando, a permanent…read morecontemporary collection of art that was unveiled by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the See Art Orlando Board of Directors on November 18, 2013. The art project was launched by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and art lover Jennifer Quigley. They hoped that adding public art to downtown Orlando would bring pride, boost the economy, and strengthen the city's cultural core. The Muse of Discovery is the lovely lady of Lake Eola. Of all the public art around Lake Eola, she is my favorite. You can find her at the front of Lake Eola on Rosalind Avenue between Washington and Robinson. The Muse of Discovery is sculpture made from earthwork and limestone that portrays a reclining woman gazing at her opened hand as a blanket of grass covers her body. Created by artist Meg White you are invited to "sit in the hand of the Muse and discover your hidden potential as she whispers to you." The sculpture is meant to evoke one of the ancient Muses of Greek myth, the goddesses of creativity. This sculpture was donated to the city by Wayne M Densch Charities. I love the interactive nature of this piece. You are invited to sit in the hand but if you ever visit in person, you will most likely see her with children dangling off every part of her. Everyone want their picture taken with The Muse. When you see a photo of the Muse of Discovery, it is instantly recognizable as downtown Orlando, Florida.