The Other Orlando: Eola Park, Ivanhoe District, Arts District, and More

By Bill Malcolm*

Club Savoy Orlando

Have you been to the other Orlando? The city has an interesting, walkable downtown including the fabulous Lake Eola Park and the hipster Ivanhoe neighborhood just north of downtown. Plus a lively nightlife scene.

What To Do

Fun at the Club Savoy

Head out to the Savoy Orlando, the LGBTQ+ bar which features something every night. Saturday night featured dancers as well as a drag show followed by dancing on the dance floor. The outdoor patio was nice although they allow smoking. The drinks were reasonably priced, and the bartenders were perky. Next door you will find the Ivanhoe 1915, another lively LGBTQ bar. Have dinner first at one of the restaurants in this hipster hangout, aka the Ivanhoe neighborhood. It's just 1.5 miles north of downtown.

Lake Enola Park in downtown Orlando

Explore Lake Eola Park downtown which features a trail around it, swans from around the world, boat rentals, a beautiful fountain in the lake. You will find a slew of excellent restaurants and bars south of the park. I liked the Eola Wine Company. They have a farmers' market on the south side of the park on Sundays.

Take the new Brightline train to Fort Lauderdale or Miami. The new train now goes to Orlando airport.

Getting There

I got a great fare and had a great flight on Southwest. The airport is served by Bus #11 which will take you downtown for just $2 and it takes about the same amount of time as a UBER or LYFT. Downtown (and nearby Ivanhoe area) is very walkable so you won't need a car. Bring your bike helmet and enjoy the bike sharing system.

Where To Stay

I stayed at the new Home2Suites by Hilton downtown (in the arts district). You get a full kitchen and separate sleeping area. It's easy to eat in your room if you look although there is a fast casual Mediterranean place across the street and several good restaurants nearby. You will find the Home2Suites at 401 N. Magnolia. It's close to Eola Park and the Publix Market nearby has great ready to eat salad and hot bar items not to mention their deli sandwiches. I love this Florida based grocery chain. Be on the lookout for Florida strawberries as well as other tropical fruits you won't find at home. You will find Publix at 400 E. Central just south of Eola Park.

Insider Tips

Watermark is the on line LGBTQ publication which also prints special editions. It's full of LGBTQ ideas and events. Orlando Weekly is the weekly.

Planning on adding downtown Orlando to your itinerary. You can take the new Brightline high speed rail from Miami and Fort Lauderdale right to Orlando airport if you want to add other Florida cities to your visit.

With great weather year round (and being far enough inland to escape most Hurricane severe damage), this Florida mega city really shines. And it is very LGBTQ+ friendly.

About the Author

Bill Malcolm Bill Malcolm is North America's only syndicated travel columnist. He focuses on value and pays his own way. He takes local transit and seeks to go where the locals go. He has appeared 100 times in LGBTQ publications and on websites including the IGLTA travel blog. You can find his work in GRAB Chicago, Erie Gay News, Seattle Gay News, and other places. He does this as a volunteer and does not charge for his work. He boycotts hotels and hotel chains with resort fees, amenity fees, destination fees, and other made up junk charges. He resides in Indianapolis. Follow him on Facebook.