Want to know what makes Orlando special? Theme parks and attractions are part of the equation, but ask any local, and they'll point you to charming neighborhoods and nearby cities with dining, nightlife, shopping and culture worth experiencing time and again. Adjacent to the heart of downtown Orlando and part of the Orlando Main Streets program, Ivanhoe Village Main Street is one of them — here's why!
Please note: Depending on the timing of your visit, some experiences may be temporarily modified. Learn more about healthy travel in Orlando, and check with your favorite attractions, restaurants and other businesses for their current status.
Getting to Know Orlando's Ivanhoe Village Main Street
Downtown Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village Main Street (Courtesy City of Orlando)
Encompassing historic neighborhoods, acclaimed dining, cultural venues, specialty shopping, funky street art and lots of indie flair, Ivanhoe Village Main Street is the sort of community that has something for everyone — unless you're looking for the "same old, same old." It’s nestled between downtown Orlando’s core and the vibrant Mills 50 district.
The area is centered by its namesake, Lake Ivanhoe, and the surrounding homes are part of the National Register of Historic Places. Despite that designation, this vibrant community doesn't live in the past, with numerous new restaurants, shops, apartments, condominiums and other construction springing up in recent years.
Bike the Orlando Urban Trail Starting in Downtown’s Ivanhoe Village Main Street
Like most of Orlando's urban core, Ivanhoe Village is also awash with natural beauty thanks to tree-lined streets and a robust parks system that present numerous opportunities for walking and biking. What's more, the community connects to the Orlando Urban Trail, a 3-mile path that runs from Lake Highland in Orlando to Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park, including six gorgeous lakes.
Dining & Nightlife in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village Main Street
Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe in Downtown Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village Main Street
Gourmet takes on comfort food classics is integral to Orlando's homegrown dining scene, and Ivanhoe Village Main Street’s White Wolf Cafe & Bar has been at the forefront of that movement since 1991. It's also one of Orlando's most in-demand brunch spots, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Not that you need to look hard to find great food — or an assortment of cuisines — when you visit Ivanhoe Village. One of the area’s newest additions, Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe, offers upscale casual dining with a fresh, innovative menu, complemented by amazing views of the district’s central lake.
Also in the area, Santiago's Bodega has authentic Spanish tapas, and The Greek Corner has Mediterranean favorites. For a taste of something sweet, stop by Better Than Sex, where dessert is the only thing on the menu. (It's great for date nights, too!)
The Imperial at Washburn Imports in Downtown Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village Main Street
As good as Ivanhoe Village Main Street’s dining is, the nightlife is even better. Take The Imperial at Washburn Imports, for example. By day, it sells furniture, but at night, it transforms into one of Orlando's hottest speakeasies, offering a wide range of craft beer and wine.
Speaking of beer, you can quaff locally crafted brews at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co. and Ten10 Brewing Company, the latter of which straddles the “line” between Ivanhoe Village and Mills 50. Other nightlife standouts include Savoy Orlando, which caters to LGBTQ+ revelers, plus The Hammered Lamb, The Lucky Lure, Caboose, Hideaway Bar, Nora’s Sugar Shack and The Matador.
Culture & Entertainment in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village Main Street
Orlando Museum of Art
Officially part of Ivanhoe Village Main Street but also easily accessible from downtown’s Mills 50 district, beautiful Loch Haven Cultural Park is a nexus of art and culture in Orlando. It's anchored by the Orlando Museum of Art, which was founded in 1924 and hosts a dozen or more rotating exhibits every year.
Also worth noting is Orlando Fringe, aka the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, which is held in and around Loch Haven Cultural Park in May. The oldest fringe festival in the U.S., Orlando's edition carries on the European tradition with a smorgasbord of theatrical and performing arts, including programming for kids. Plus, it's a lot of fun!
Shopping & Services in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village Main Street
You Never Know What You’ll Find at the Funky Shops in Downtown Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village Main Street (Courtesy City of Orlando)
For years, Ivanhoe Village Main Street’s primary lakefront shopping district was locally known as Antique Row. Not only can you still get in some quality antiquing when you visit the area, but that retro mindset has influenced many of the newer retail options that evolved with the area's dining and nightlife.
For instance, audiophiles won't want to miss Rock 'n' Roll Heaven and Blackbird Vintage Music. Similarly, if you prefer retro fashion and style to today's tastes, dig into the finds at 1618 Something Different.
Of course, Ivanhoe Village boasts many forward-looking retailers, too, including clothiers, gift shops, jewelers and a world-class wine shop, plus an array of fitness and beauty providers. Some of the best include Tim’s Wine Market, The Barefoot Spa and Project 7 Yoga. Check out this popular district the next time you're in Orlando!
