For most people, Orlando evokes images of theme parks, like the eponymous Walt Disney World that opened in 1971. An emerging tourism industry blossomed around these beloved parks that now includes Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and others. Orlando’s hotel development has produced a staggering 120,000 rooms (and counting) and for 40 years, the Orange County Convention Center has welcomed domestic and international citywide events.
With such solid meeting infrastructure, many people don’t realize that Orlando is also a city of charming neighborhoods that tell the other side of the “Theme Park Capital of the World.”
Orlando Main Streets highlights vibrant commercial districts, showcasing areas a world apart, yet within range of Orlando’s well-known Convention District.
For inspired meeting events, trendy neighborhoods are bursting with creative solutions for dining, nightlife, arts and entertainment.
Style and Culture in Downtown Orlando
Downtown Orlando’s crown jewel is Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, named for Dr. Philip Phillips who contributed to Orlando’s growth through his citrus farming empire and philanthropy.
Besides hosting Broadway Shows, concerts, local theater and other happenings, an array of venues at the center are available for indoor and outdoor private events. Judson’s Live, the newest theater at the center, features live jazz and other musical performances with seating for 150.
Across the street sits the glamorous Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, offering 10,000 square feet of meeting space with myriad rooms for private events. Nearby, the AC Hotel Orlando Downtown features 2,456 square-feet of meeting space and four breakout rooms. Adjourn to the AC Sky Bar to capture breathtaking downtown skyline views.
A stroll around Lake Eola is a must do after feasting at one of downtown’s diverse restaurants.
Conveniently close to downtown, Winter Park lets planners create an entire meeting experience steeped in style and culture. From The Alfond Inn, a boutique hotel, to the pedestrian-friendly Park Avenue, groups will be charmed by leafy tree-lined streets bustling with elegant shops, bistros and the famed Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, housing the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany glass in the world.
Surrounded by lavish gardens, the Alfond Inn, owned by Rollin College, offers 10,000 square feet of space for alfresco events. Indoors, another 10,000 square feet of divisible meeting space seats up to 300 dinner guests.
Groups on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour will discover wondrous residences, such as Mr. (Fred) Rogers’ home and the 1885 Capen House, one of Winter Park’s first homes. Builder James Seymour Capen, renowned for his dedication to Winter Park’s development, would be delighted to know groups of up to 300 (outdoors) and 125 (indoors) appreciate this Victorian/Tudor Revival gem on Osceola Lake.
Ivanhoe Village
Orlando’s indie side is revealed wandering through Ivanhoe Village. Offbeat, authentic and culturally casual, this eclectic area weaves together art museums and renegade retro retailers. Nouveau restaurants, like the voguish Pinery, are named after the area once the center of the country’s pineapple industry. Nearby, The Hall on the Yard, Orlando’s first full-service food hall, dazzles with nine diverse culinary offerings, five curated event spaces and three premium cocktail bars. Diners can choose between daring, such as Live and Raw or Japanese Fusion; and traditional temptations such as Italian, Mexican and Indian. These represent just a taste of the many offerings.
Stylish, with a distinct Euro vibe, Thornton Park District has brick-lined, canopied streets and dining and nightlife with distinct old-world charm. Neighborhood favorites include Soco for Southern Contemporary Cuisine, or The Stubborn Mule that pays tribute to the classic Moscow Mule.
Premier waterfront and lush landscapes, white arbors and shaded canopies surround the Audubon Park Garden District with its centerpiece Harry P. Leu Gardens. This year-round destination welcomes groups of up to 180.
This neighborhood is also known for East End Market, a hip hub of locally produced food and merchandise. Don’t miss MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand honoree Domu, or, for private dinners and meetings, The Audubon Room above the market serves 20 to 30 guests.
For more information contact: Visit Orlando Convention Sales 
convention.sales@visitorlando.com
Sponsored by Visit Orlando
