How Orlando Is Becoming My (Unexpectedly) Beloved City

While we had mixed feelings about Orlando, debating whether to stay or move elsewhere, we've ultimately chosen to remain. Now, it's time to delve into the city, make it our own, and let it start feeling like home.

A few days ago, during the weekend, we finally decided to visit downtown. For some strange reason, we were under the impression that Orlando doesn’t have a city center. And to be frank, it is very far from what I would consider downtown per se, but it does have its charms and offerings.

We first decided to visit the Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola – at this point, I had only seen it in a picture, so I did not know what to expect. And, it is pretty cute and so walkable, something I really like. Orlando Farmers Market runs every Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM, and you can find a bit of everything (especially food, of course – expected everywhere in the US). If it is a sunny day, like it was in our case, you can take a stroll all around Lake Eola and meet the many huge swans walking around – I have never seen swans this big, pictures for reference.

After completing the full round of the lake, we walked towards what I understood to be the actual downtown business area with taller buildings and some shops too. We have seen some very interesting restaurants and bars we are keen to try (and now we have plenty of time as we will be living here). Outside the usual offering of food, we checked out a cigar shop with a pretty wide choice. I am no expert, and to me, they pretty much all look the same, but C enjoys a good cigar once in a while, and he was impressed. So who am I to not agree?

Next, we walked towards the old train station (Church Street Station). It was built in 1890 as part of the South Florida Railroad. In the 1970s and 1980s, the station and surrounding area became a nightclub complex. There are restaurants open in the same area, but the one I was more intrigued by, The Cheyenne Saloon and Opera House, appears to be closed and only available for private events. I hope they will reopen it soon as it would definitely be a place to go in the city.

We walked back a few blocks and decided to stop for a quick coffee. As it was Easter weekend, not much was open, but we found a cute little spot (and so busy) where we had some apparently very popular coffees. The place is called Craft and Common, and considering how crowded it was, maybe it's not a good idea to go during rush hours or busy weekends.

By now, we had already walked more than our recommended 10,000 steps, so we headed back to the car, crossing once more the market that by 2 PM was insanely busy (but good to feel the community vibe). We took a longer route to check the neighborhood and the cute houses and finally found parking.

There is definitely much more to see – I feel like I owe this city an apology for underestimating its offerings beyond parks. Yes, it is not Miami, or New York, or any other big metropolis, but it feels like just the right size – not too big, not too small.

I am now compiling lists of restaurants I like while I discover them and exploring more of this city. So more to follow.