{"id":19642,"date":"2011-12-06T06:00:15","date_gmt":"2011-12-06T12:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=19642"},"modified":"2021-11-12T16:56:13","modified_gmt":"2021-11-12T22:56:13","slug":"orlando-hotels-la-vida-local-stay-and-shop-local-in-downtown-orlando","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2011\/12\/orlando-hotels-la-vida-local-stay-and-shop-local-in-downtown-orlando\/","title":{"rendered":"La vida local: Stay and shop in downtown Orlando"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A gaggle of swan boats await pedalers as Lake Eola’s grand fountain gurgles. Credit: Joe Shlabotnik.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Amy Drew Thompson<\/em><\/p>\n

In the wake of a successful, post-Thanksgiving Small-Business Saturday, more travelers are keen to shop local. So there\u2019s no better time to mix the majesty of Florida’s theme-park area with a stay in the hip, downtown digs of some fabulous Orlando hotels<\/a>. The area\u2019s showy centerpiece is lovely Lake Eola Park, the Sunday home of the colorful, musical Orlando Farmer\u2019s Market.<\/p>\n

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Peruse and sample the wares of local artists, farmers, chefs and craftspeople. Relax in the shadow of massive, moss-draped live oaks in the wine and beer garden \u2013 where pets are welcome and children are happily engaged. Grab abite and enjoy local musicians play crowd favorites; they take requests! Then walk off the meal with a few laps around the lake and its grand, glittering fountain.<\/p>\n

Recent years have seen numerous sparkling additions to Orlando\u2019s skyline and with them new residents who\u2019ve boosted a downtown renaissance, with restaurants and nightspots ranging from cozy to chic. In fact, look no further than the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando<\/a>\u2019s B\u00f6sendorfer Lounge for sophisticated sips (the martinis are superb) in sleek confines. Cool jazz complements the sultry vibe on Friday and Saturday nights.<\/p>\n

The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne<\/a> lies less than a mile outside the condo zone, but in terms of atmosphere it\u2019s more like time travel with a romantictwist. Comprised of four historic homes, its intimate setting, with grand verandas and lush tropical gardens, make it a bed and breakfast oasis away from the downtown bustle.<\/p>\n

On the south side, the E\u00f5 Inn & Spa<\/a> offers boutique luxury in 17 rooms and sits on a quaint, cobbled street just opposite Lake Eola Park\u2019s lovely tree-shaded playground \u2013 which recently underwent a complete renovation. Couples can take turns with the kids on the swings or in one of the lake\u2019s signature swan boats while the other enjoys a relaxing spa treatment. Important to note: though downtown\u2019s atmosphere is a world away from the parks, Mickey and pals reside just a half-hour away.<\/p>\n

Related resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n