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Central Florida’s Most Beautiful Main Streets 2024 – Spotlight on Ivanhoe Village

Lake Ivanhoe is an anchor point for Ivanhoe Village. Here, kayakers enjoy a day on the lake with the Orlando skyline providing a perfect backdrop.

As Part of the Main Street America initiative, Ivanhoe Village is part of an inclusive, grassroots movement dedicated to revitalizing the economy of historic neighborhoods. It is also part of Orlando's Main Streets, a program that strengthens and defines the business districts in the “city beautiful.”

Located on Lake Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe Village was built in the 1920s and is home to some of Orlando's most treasured cultural institutions: the Orlando Ballet, the Orlando Museum of Art, the Mennello Museum of American Art, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater and the Orlando Science Center.

The buildings are oriented in a traditional pattern of one- to two-story storefronts facing the street, which is crucial for a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. The Art Deco style is predominant here.

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Ivanhoe Village is a neighborhood that's “a little more unabashed than most,” a favorite of the indie scene and home to many of Orlando's biggest cultural institutions.

The district has a bohemian, independent vibe and describes itself as “a little more uncompromising than most” Orlando neighborhoods. One of the best examples of this is the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, which takes place every May and is the oldest fringe festival in the United States (since 1992). The festival takes place in and around Loch Haven Cultural Park, a 110-acre area that is the region's premier cultural park.

Loch Haven features an outdoor performance space, cycling and jogging trails, a paved walking path and bird watching opportunities.

Also important to Ivanhoe Village's identity is its street art, which offers colorful and abstract interpretations of Central Florida and its history, from citrus fruits and palm fronds to coral colonies and more.

The artistic side of Ivanhoe Village is immediately apparent when you enter the neighborhood – you're greeted by a replica of the Statue of Liberty standing on an island filled with tropical plants and flowers. Artwork can be found seemingly on every corner.

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A neighborhood that's “a little more unabashed than most,” Ivanhoe Village is a favorite of the indie scene and home to many of Orlando's biggest cultural institutions.

Ivanhoe Village's shopping is some of the most diverse in all of Florida. Maffrey's offers exquisite home goods from local artisans, socially responsible businesses and women-owned companies. Oxford Eyes is not your average eyewear retailer, offering distinctive selection, quality craftsmanship, unmatched customer service and advanced lens technology. Don't know what you're looking for? Miscellaneous has a little bit of everything.

Old Florida is in the air at The Pinery. It is located on land that once grew Florida's most important export: pineapples. Modern Southern cuisine features plenty of fresh seafood and a wide variety of produce. The restaurant is located on the shores of Lake Ivanhoe. Also on the lake is Russell's, an upscale, casual dining experience with panoramic views.

Once the sun goes down, Ivanhoe Village is a popular destination for night owls. Don't miss BANDBOX, Orlando's first non-alcoholic tasting lounge and bottle shop, which celebrates Orlando's love of the mocktail. The 1920s-style speakeasy also reflects the village's Art Deco vibe, serving alternative cocktails, aperitifs, bitters, shrub and tonic flights, CBD beverages and non-alcoholic craft beer to those 21 and older.


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Anna Harden

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