Discover Downtown Orlando...

From the beautiful Lake Eola to the picturesque streets and upscale neighborhoods, downtown Orlando really does live up to its name...the City Beautiful. Vibrant, safe, and clean. When it comes to fun, downtown Orlando has it all. There are unique restaurants and shops, inviting bars and exciting clubs, not to mention attractions, museums, art galleries, live theater, a movie theater, opera, ballet, and concert and sports venues. The new Amway Center is home to the Orlando Magic Basketball Team and is used as a venue for major concerts, past events include Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. Smaller concerts and live theater can be found at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. Currently under construction is the Phillips Performing Arts Center, this state of the art facility is due to open in 2012. Visit downtown and you’ll realize there is even more to Orlando than the theme parks. Downtown Orlando is just a short  25 minute drive from your InnHouse vacation home.

Orlando History Center: Located in the beautifully restored 1927 Orange County Courthouse, the History Center offers a fascinating insight into how the region has made its transition from a small town surrounded by citrus groves and cattle ranches to today's internationally famous thriving community. Experience the people, places and events that shaped Central Florida . . . Spanish Conquistadors, Seminole Indians, Cracker cowmen and pioneers, citrus growers, Tin Can tourists, aerospace engineers, and Walt Disney. For 12,000 years explorers have made history in the subtropical paradise of Central Florida. The History Center invites you to learn about their story in a dynamic, interactive journey through time. The History Center is home to the varied and extensive permanent collections with the addition of an exciting roster of changing exhibits. Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Central. Parking is free at the Orlando Public Library parking garage with museum validation at the General Admissions ticket counter. Open daily. Just a short 25 minute drive from your InnHouse vacation home.

Orlando Science Center: Hands on learning and discovery await in the interactive exhibits at the Orlando Science Center. For over fifty years, the Orlando Science Center has been a place that inspires curiosity and exploration. Truly one of the great activities for Orlando families, the Science Center encourages learning in a fun way. It's the perfect educational activity, fun and knowledge all under one roof. For visitors from out of town, Orlando Science Center is a must for your 'things to do in Orlando' list. With four floors of exciting exhibits, amazing giant screen movies and engaging live programming, the Science Center is the perfect family destination. Images surround you on the giant-screen of the Dr. Phillips CineDome. Take interstate 4 to Downtown Orlando and exit on to East Princeton. Just a short 25 minute drive from your InnHouse vacation home.

Orlando Museum of Art: The Orlando Museum of Art is dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting notable works of art. In addition to presenting exhibitions of local, regional, national and international significance, the Orlando Museum of Art provides educational programs to appeal to all segments of its diverse audiences. Take interstate 4 to Downtown Orlando and exit on to East Princeton. The Orlando Museum of Art is located at 2416 North Mills Avenue. Just a short 25 minute drive from your InnHouse vacation home.

Harry P. Leu Gardens: Sightseeing takes a natural turn at Harry P. Leu Gardens. The Mission of Harry P. Leu Gardens is to inspire people to appreciate and understand plants, the environment of Central Florida and the Gardens' historic significance. The gardens include 50-acres of tropical plants, the largest formal rose garden in Florida, America's largest camellia collection outside California, a two acre tropical stream garden, a vegetable and herb garden, palm, bamboo and cycad gardens, three acres of idea gardens for weekend projects, and a butterfly garden. Visit the Leu House Museum, a restored late nineteenth century home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Group tours, weddings and facility rentals are available with reservations. Located at 1920 North Forest Avenue. Take Interstate 4 to Downtown Orlando take East Colonial Drive to Mills Avenue heading North. Head East on Virginia Drive.

Live Theater: If you enjoy the theater or music, check out the Bob Carr Center for the Performing Arts, or several smaller theater ensembles, supper clubs, and comedy hot spots that are located in the downtown area. Live theatre includes the Broadway Series, Theatre Downtown, the Civic Theatres, SAK Comedy Lab, the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival and Florida Children's Repertory Theatre.

Antique Row at Lake Ivanhoe: For those searching for personal treasures of old, Orlando's Antique Row on Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando offers a variety of collectibles. One of the funkiest neighborhoods in Orlando, home to Rock and Roll Heaven and the White Wolf Cafe. Visitors looking for specialty items can also stop by the nearby Ivanhoe shops, which boast antiques, fine gifts and clothing. Located on Orange Avenue, between Colonial and Lake Ivanhoe.

Lake Eola and the Thornton Park Neighborhood: Nestled in the heart of downtown Orlando is the beautiful Lake Eola and its signature fountain. Take a stroll around the beautifully landscaped grounds amid beautiful flower beds and a spectacular view of Orlando's skyline. Rent a swan boat for a relaxing trip around the lake or take a gondola boat ride. Lake Eola is host to many events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual July 4th Fireworks. To the east of Lake Eola is the neighborhood of Thornton Park with its unique shops and fashionable restaurants. A short stroll to the west is the Orlando Public Library. Lake Eola is home to the Walt Disney Amphitheater and is the starting point for the annual Citrus Bowl Parade.

Downtown Nightlife: After dark downtown Orlando comes alive with cool clubs, interesting bars, and unique restaurants. Most of the bars and clubs are concentrated along Orange Avenue between Church Street and Washington Street. Many other places can be found along both Central Avenue and Pine Street (which both cross Orange Avenue) in the area between Garland and Magnolia Avenue. Catch a movie and a bite to eat at the Plaza Cinema Cafe. In addition the area along Church Street from Orange Avenue to the Amway Center is worth checking out for its newly opened restaurants. Also located in downtown Orlando is the Orlando Brewing Company.

Downtown Farmers Market: For a relaxing Sunday morning shopping expedition, visitors can stop by the Downtown Farmers Market in Orlando. The Farmers Market is located in South East corner of Lake Eola, at the intersection of Central Boulevard and Eola Drive in Downtown Orlando.

Special Events: Staged throughout the year, special events add extra spark to the downtown scene. The Orlando International Fringe Festival, the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival, the Citrus Bowl Parade, Fiesta In the Park, Rotary Orlando Street Painting Festival, and Fourth of July Picnic in the Park are but a few.
 

Watch Our Video Now...

Once you've watched our video, take a moment to request a brochure.

Ready to find out about some other quaint small towns in the area?