When people think of Central Florida, Disney World and other major theme parks immediately come to mind. Little do most realize that the area has a lot of amazing shopping. Check out some local hotspots below.
Trendy & Unique: Shop, Sip and See
photo thanks to ferrellrealtyinc.com
Park Avenue – This brick paved, oak lined avenue in Winter Park is a hidden gem except to those in-the-know. Besides the old Florida look and feel of this beautiful stretch of road, the multitude of boutiques, galleries and cafés is amazing.
Location: Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL
Sultre – If you can’t decide between contemporary and retro hippie chic, having a look through Sultre is a must. Items selected for this boutique are truly special and never replicated time and again from one place to another.
Location: 290 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park
Website: http://sultre.com/
photo thanks to Sultre
The Grove – Not all shopping is about your wardrobe. This locally owned boutique has fabulous fashion but also boasts exquisite gifts and home furnishings for those that love all things bright, up-to-date and perfect.
Location: 121 E. Welbourne Ave, Winter Park
Website: http://www.thegrovewp.com/
Tuni – This cutting edge fashion forward shop is owned by a mother/daughter duo. Their combined ideas for what types of clothing, shoes and accessories to bring to the Orlando area creates an edgy but always socially acceptable fashion statement.
Location: 301 South Park Avenue, Winter Park
Website: http://shoptuni.com/
Dining & Accommodation
After a day of shopping on the Avenue, stop in for a drink or appetizers at Prato or Park Plaza Gardens. The sidewalk seating is a perfect vantage point for people watching while you relax.
Do you need a place to stay overnight so you won’t miss a single nook or cranny of Park Avenue? The Alfond Inn is ideal for being new and within walking distance.
Bargain Hunting
photo thank to Orlandocity.com
Orlando is a gold mine when it comes to outlets. There is an outlet for everyone whether you’re looking for shoes, boots, clothes, sports gear or household goods.
Premium Outlets – If you need it, it can be bought here for less. With 160 stores selling everything from leather goods and luggage to fine jewelry, it won’t take long to fill your shopping bags.
Location: 8200 Vineland Avenue, Orlando
Website: http://www.premiumoutlets.com
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores – This place is one of Orlando’s best kept secrets for easy outlet shopping. With storefront parking, you don’t have to walk the soles off your shoes before finding a particular brand or store.
Location: 15657 S Apopka Vineland Road (State Road 535)
Website: http://www.lbvfs.com/
Dining & Accommodation
If you need a nice place to stay but still want to splurge on clothes, try Hawthorn Lake Buena Vista, which also offers a free shuttle to the outlets.
There are plenty of the usual offerings at the food court but for something special, try Vinito Tuscan Tavern. If you prefer a more local vibe, head to Restaurant Row a couple of miles away.
Vintage
photo thanks to community-paper.com
Just north of downtown Orlando is Lake Ivanhoe Village. This neighborhood is home to antique shopping, eclectic boutiques, award-winning bistros and beautiful city parks.
Blue Bonnet – This is a shop with varied inventory, part retro and part consignment. Delightful gifts such as soaps and preserves are homemade.
Location: 1810 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando
Website: http://www.bluebonnetorlando.com/
A&T Antiques – If you’re looking for that special vintage vanity or art piece, stop in. With over 20,000 square feet of showroom, you never know what treasures await.
Location: 1620 N Orange Avenue, Orlando
Website: http://www.aandtfurnitureantiquesorlandofl.com/
Dining & Accommodation
There are many more antique and vintage shops in Lake Ivanhoe Village and going through them will work up an appetite. Have a drink at Imperial Wine Bar, a hot spot located in an exotic furniture store.
Stay overnight, or the week at Grand Bohemian. The colorful atmosphere will delight and inspire those who appreciate all things eclectic.
New & Upscale
For those who must have all things new and upscale, Orlando has that too.
Mall at Millenia – Among other fine stores located in this stunning mall, are Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Henri Bendel.
Location: 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando
Website: http://www.mallatmillenia.com/
Dining & Accommodation
Take a break and eat at Capital Grille or Brio. Both are located in the mall.
If you’re looking for a fantastic hotel nearby, try StaySky Suites I Drive Orlando. With convenient shuttle service to all the major attractions on I-Drive and room to spread out and relax after a day in the Florida sunshine, you will find yourself rejuvenated and ready for more shopping the next morning.
Essentially, Central Florida is a destination that will delight any shopaholic. Next time you’re in the area, check out a few places and let us know about others worth mentioning!
About The Author
Freya is a coffeeholic freelance blogger, social media marketing specialist, graphic designer and award-winning photographer. When she’s not intriguing strangers with her stories, she’s most likely lifting something heavy in the gym, at the beach or out and about Sydney in search of the perfect coffee. Tweet tweet @freyacami.