Orlando: For Cool Kids of All Ages

Orlando isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of trendy. But beyond the water rides, roller coasters, and mouse ears that put Orlando on the map, the city has a personality all its own -- apart from the theme parks. Here’s what to do, see, and eat if you’re looking to discover the city’s authentic food, drink, and entertainment offerings.

The Milk District

Named for the dairy processing plant that’s been a neighborhood fixture for decades, Orlando’s Milk District -- a few minutes northeast of downtown -- has become a small enclave of shops, busy bars, food trucks, and restaurants. Among them, you’ll find Etoile, which sells vintage and handmade clothing and housewares, and Retro Records, the go-to spot to buy, sell, and trade music since 1980. If you’re passing through in the evening, check who's playing at The Plaza Live, a venue that hosts musicians, comedians, and burlesque shows. If you arrive in the morning or midday, make like a local and join the brunch crowd at Se7en Bites. Pick up one of chef-owner Trina Gregory Propst’s specialties, including hazelnut brown butter coffee cake, chocolate chip coconut shortbread, or a pimento cheese, egg, and bacon-loaded biscuit -- with a side of cheddar chive grits, of course. Note that the bakery is moving to a new location three blocks away later this year.

Downtown

There is more to see in downtown Orlando than a Magic game. Step away from the skyscrapers and start your wandering on historic Church Street, where you'll see Church Street Station. Built in 1889 and de-commissioned in 1926, the building has had more than a dozen different uses. Today, it’s part restaurant complex, part working train station again, thanks to investment by the commuter SunRail system. Next door, stop for dinner at The Rusty Spoon, where James Beard nominee and Florida farm-to-table pioneer Kathleen Blake has set up shop. Dishes like hand-cut paprika noodles with lamb merguez, olives, and feta; osso buco on a bed of creamy grits; and a signature onion soup come at an exceptional value. The most expensive item on offer -- a culotte steak entree -- is just $27. And though the menu requests that patrons not ask for substitutions or modifications, the welcoming waitstaff was especially accommodating with a vegetarian guest. After dinner, turn the corner onto Orange Ave and stop in for a drink at , a craft cocktail bar with an impressive absinthe menu. If you’re looking to lay your head nearby, you can’t do better than the Orlando for either location or ambiance. Part of the Autograph Collection, this property exudes a sense of easy southern cool. Done in dark wood and rich textured fabrics, you’re likely to find an interesting original painting -- or three -- in your room.