Historic Eatonville

Eatonville is the oldest Black community in the United States. It is also the childhood home of author Zora Neale Hurston, who is celebrated with an annual festival. Some of the Orlando area’s best Black-owned restaurants can be enjoyed in Eatonville, too.

Part of the Florida Main Street program, the Town of Eatonville was incorporated in 1887, making it one of the oldest African American communities in the United States.

Zora Neale Hurston lived in Eatonville as a child. Today, she is honored at the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum, aka the Hurston. Serving as a memorial to its namesake, the venue also provides gallery space to artists of African descent and other special exhibits. While donations are encouraged, admission is always free.

Eatonville also pays homage to the famed author with the annual ZORA!® Festival Season. Held at locations in Eatonville and around the Orlando area, the celebration focuses on the arts and education, including several events that are free to attend. Festivities kick off on Hurston’s birthday, January 7, with activities throughout the year, including the signature Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities in late January/early February.

Some of the Orlando area’s best Black-owned restaurants can be enjoyed in Eatonville. Top options include Brick & Spoon, Soul Food Fantasy, and Kook’N With Kim, the last of which was featured on the “‘Real’ Orlando” episode of Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Phil.”