A car can help take you on your next adventure, but what happens once you finally reach your destination? At Carvana, we’ve grown accustomed to entering new markets and finding ways to weave ourselves into the fabric of the communities who have adopted the new way to buy a car. It’s one of the exciting elements of what we do.
With that, however, we also know that being the new kid in town isn’t always easy. Which is why our series of guides compiled by Carvana team members in our different markets aims to help both visitors and new residents find their bearings and experience the unique flavors, sights, and sounds that each of our markets has to offer. Our Guide to #CarvanaCountry road show rolls on, as we put the spotlight this week on The City Beautiful – Orlando, Florida!
Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola
Did you say Sunday Funday? Every Sunday, Lake Eola Park comes alive with local art vendors, fresh produce, live music, and fun for the whole family. Lake Eola is an O-Town staple, and its known by all for its great Farmers Market. Not only is Lake Eola a centerpiece of “The City Beautiful”, but it is home to a large swan population that can be admired by all. You can even take a ride in swan shaped paddle boats!
Stardust Video & Coffee
Located off the beaten path in Winter Park, Stardust Coffee is a perfect place to get work done, your day started, or your evening popping! Not only do they serve coffee and tea, but they are known for their delicious vegan eats and strong drinks. There is live and local music most weekend nights, creative events, and vintage games to play while you hang out. And yes, they still rent movies for those of you who own a DVD player. The quaint charm of this tucked away coffee shop is a great hidden gem for any day of the week.
Kraft Azalea Garden
This 5.22 acre public garden is located on the shore of Lake Maitland feels like a step into a fairy tale. Shaded by enormous mossy cypress trees, this park is perfect for pictures and capturing that old Florida charm. If you are looking for an adventure, the park is accessible by paddle board from Lake Maitland. Simply hop on a paddle-board on any one of the lakes in the Orlando chain of lakes and paddle on over to Kraft Azalea Garden. The area is surrounded by cobblestone streets and gorgeous homes, and is a fun little escape from city life.
Gringos Locos
Anyone whose anyone in Orlando knows that Gringos Locos is where its at, and a Wall Street night out is never complete until you take a bite out of a “Double D” taco. Can’t decide between hard shell or soft? Not to worry – the Double D has both, smothered together with hot queso you won’t know what hit you. Gringos Locos (known as Gringos to the locals), is a must eat Orlando treat for any time of day. The downtown bar scene is right next to these delish morsels, so you won’t need to go too far out of your way for a taste of the good life.
Park Avenue
Need your upscale shopping and dining fix? Park Avenue is a dining and cultural gem. The streets, gorgeous homes of the area, and incredible cuisine make it a fun time for anyone. Bike around the cobblestone streets of Winter Park and enjoy a self guided home tour of old Florida money! Evening time more your thing? The area boasts great wine bars, upscale restaurants, over 140 boutiques, and lots of green space for the kiddos to play. In the spring, the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival takes place along Park Avenue and is a great excuse to visit the area, and there are cultural events year round that are fun for the whole family.