Foodies, rejoice! The Audubon Park Garden District of Orlando is the hub of Central Florida’s escalating gastronome and sustainable community scene. Boasting an organic community garden, Fleet Farms’ urban farmlette agriculture initiative, shops and restaurants galore, the Audubon Park Garden District is not only the place to be, it’s the place to eat, drink, shop and be socially conscious.
Orlando’s first local-only farmers market, the Audubon Park Community Market came to be in 2007 and has since grown exponentially to include local food options from Fleet Farms’ urban farming program, Central Florida’s cutting-edge culinary farm-to-table restaurants, and organic green grocers and bakeries, not to mention local art and gifts from some of the city’s most talented artisans.
Aside from this Monday night market staple, Orlando’s Audubon Park District is home to fantastic dining, craft beer and cocktail bars, independent shops and entertainment covering all avenues, it’s no wonder this award-winning community has been named the “most talked about community” by Atlanta Magazine. Check out our favorite spots for your visit to the Audubon Park Garden District of Orlando.
Shop, Stroll and Be Entertained
- East End Market: Inspired by Central Florida’s local farmers and food artisans, this neighborhood market and culinary food hub strives for collaboration and creativity. Comprised of many local vendors, many of which are listed below, East End cultivates an appreciation for true sustenance and creates a dynamic local economy.
- Porch Therapy: Inspired by Charleston and Asheville aesthetics, this local shop is located within East End Market and features unique products like succulents, floral arrangements, terrarium kits, plants and more that will not only brighten your home but will make wonderful gifts and add a sense of whimsy to any space.
- Sprinkles Jewelry and Gifts: An eclectic mix of fun, beautiful home decor, jewelry and accessories, sustainably-made watches, freshly made cotton candy, chic handmade bags and clutches, Himalayan salt lamps, luxury bed linens, and locally made candles and bath soaps… need we say more?
- Big Daddy’s Roadhouse: Local, award-winning karaoke and sports bar, not to mention the best karaoke DJs in Central Florida. Singers of all skill levels and talents are welcome to climb on stage and grab the microphone – just know that karaoke is big business here. They serve up 20 beers on tap and have a full liquor bar.
Dinner and Drink
- Redlight Redlight: This craft brewery—named as a nod to the building’s sordid past as a hotel of ill-repute—serves up some of the best craft beers in the south, according to Orlando Weekly and Draft Magazine.
- Kadence: An omakase restaurant, it seats nine people and serves unmatched sushi omakase and sake. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, reservations are a must. Dinners consist of 18+ courses.
- Domu: Asian-inspired small plates, Ramen bowls, craft cocktails. This open-concept restaurant offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and is attached to East End Market.
- Farm & Haus: Hearty, scrumptious and healthy dishes created from locally sourced foods and prepared right in front of your eyes. *Takeout and delivery only.
Cafes, Delis, Bakeries, Desserts and Fromage
- Bluebird Bakeshop: This award-winning café’s signature cupcakes, baked goods and Top Hat coffee will have you craving a trip there, every day. Also serves up an amazing quiche.
- P is for Pie Bake Shop: Small-batch, boutique artisan bakery specializing in sweet and savory pies, cakes, cookies and more. Made from scratch and by hand, they intertwine flavors to make deliciously unique combinations while staying true to the classics.
- Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream: Local handcrafted ice cream shop that creates their ice creams & sorbets from scratch. You can’t go wrong with their shaved ice, ice cream flights, sundaes, shakes, floats and more!
- Stardust Video & Coffee: This vintage video rental turned coffee house is a must-stop for anyone in the area. While they technically still rent DVDs and sell books, the real stars of the show are the coffee, food and of course, the vibe.
- La Femme du Fromage: Local cheese shop inside East End Market that sources the best in Farmstead, handcrafted and artisan cheeses from the United States and around the world. Famous for their homemade macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches and more.
- Gideon’s Bakehouse: Talk about taking dessert to new levels—Gideon’s Bakehouse inside East End Market offers a varied and unique menu of cookies, cakes and other treats. Featured in Zagat, The Boston Globe and other publications.
- Houndstooth Sauce Company: Local deli within East End Market offering a la carte selections that include meats and cheeses, as well as a delightful menu created by sandwich artists.
- Bikes, Beans, and Bordeaux: Neighborhood café that serves amazing coffee and breakfast in the morning and gourmet eats at night. Don’t say no to the Bloody Mary drinks and Mimosas.
Book Your Vacation Home Accommodations
With so much to do in the Audubon Park Garden District, there’s no time to rest. Between shopping, eating, drinking and just strolling the stunning neighborhood, it’s a full day. It’s nice to know you can come home to Encore Resort at Reunion. Plan your vacation in style. Our guard-gated community features modern, beautifully decorated 4- to 13-bedroom homes with backyard pools, washer/dryer units and fully equipped kitchens, plus resort-style amenities like an AquaPark and concierge services.
