Orlando, Fla. might be best known for housing the happiest place on Earth, but it’s also one of the most dynamic cities in the country. And Worth is here to help you discover some of the best businesses, hotels, restaurants and attractions Orlando has to offer.
Businesses
StarterStudio
The village commons for Orlando’s tech community, StarterStudio houses collaborative work spaces and hosts multiple events throughout the month. 101 S. Garland Ave., Suite 108, 407.378.4150, starterstudio.org
DeepWork Capital
Dubbed Florida’s most active venture capital firm by CB Insights, the company invests in Florida startups, many of them early stage tech companies. 1030 N. Orange Ave., Suite 101, 407.988.3014, deepworkcapital.com
Orlando Regional Tech Association
The Orlando Regional Tech Association hosts the largest tech meetup in the Southeast each month. Its calendar lists many of the area’s other upcoming tech events. 101 S. Garland Ave., 407.850.8648, orlando.tech
Hotels
Aloft Orlando Downtown
The city’s former utilities building has been transformed into a hotel and event space. Most of the building’s original features were kept intact, meaning oversized rooms with 10-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. 500 S. Orange Ave., 407.380.3500, aloftorlandodowntown.com
Grand Bohemian Hotel
Conveniently located near Camping World Stadium, the Grand Bohemian is also a short drive from tourist hot spots like Disney World. 325 S. Orange Ave., 407.313.9000, kesslercollection.com/bohemian-orlando
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney World is still the biggest draw in Orlando, and the Grand Floridian’s suites are some of the best digs in the area. Expect to be pampered, and even the most jaded might find themselves enjoying the Magic Kingdom. 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, 407.824.3000, disneyworld.disney.go.com
Restaurants
Domu
This pan-Asian restaurant serves ramen, small plates and inventive cocktails. Its weekend brunch is especially popular. 3201 Corrine Dr., Suite 100, 407.960.1228, domufl.com
The Sanctum
Even meat-eaters will enjoy the Sanctum’s plant-based menu. Dishes like bibimbap and pad Thai are delightfully reimagined with homemade tempeh and organic greens. 715 N. Fern Creek Ave., Unit D, 407.757.0346, thesanctumcafe.com
The Rusty Spoon
This farm-to-table restaurant features James Beard Award nominee Kathleen Blake heading up the kitchen. 55 W. Church St., 407.401.8811, therustyspoon.com
Soco
Executive chef Greg Richie has headed the kitchens of celebrity chefs Emeril Lagasse and Roy Yamaguchi’s Orlando restaurants, but now he’s struck out on his own, reinventing classic Southern cuisine at Soco. 629 E. Central Blvd., 407.849.1800, socothorntonpark.com
Canvas Restaurant & Market
A seafood-focused, Southern and Latin American fusion restaurant, Canvas is a waterside anchor in the Lake Nona development. This casual eatery serves dinner only, though the bar opens at 3 p.m. 13615 Sachs Ave., 407.313.7800, canvaslakenona.com
Jaleo
The Disney Springs outpost of chef José Andrés’ tapas restaurant serves up Spanish classics like paella and jamón ibérico. 1482 Buena Vista Drive, 321.348.3211, jaleo.com
Experiences
Lake Nona Golf & Country Club
The Lake Nona residential development and club has quickly become a major Orlando gathering place. And its golf course, built in 1986, has a reputation as one of the best in Florida. You’ll need an invitation from a member to play. 9801 Lake Nona Club Dr., 407.851.9091, lakenona.club
Orlando City Soccer Club
Orlando City honored the victims of Pulse with 49 permanent rainbow-colored seats in its newly named Exploria Stadium. These games are often some of the most dramatic and aggressive in Major League Soccer. Be sure to check out the premium seating options. 655 W. Church St., 855.675.2489, orlandocitysc.com
Reunion Golf & Spa Resort
Reunion is the only resort in the world with courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer. Guests can stay in luxe villas right on the courses. 7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee, 833.258.0472, reunionresort.com
