ORLANDO, Fla. – WKMG is continuing to Hit The Road, highlighting different zip codes throughout Central Florida.
This time, we’re covering the 32801 in downtown Orlando. Here’s your guide to the city.
Luminary Green Park is three acres of gathering space with a large lawn on the corner of Terry Avenue and Amelia Street. There’s also some seating areas and large statues spelling out “Orlando,” which is perfect for photo ops.
When the sun goes down, there are projectors that play a light show every night lighting up the area with vibrant colors.
This venue is the home of the NBA Orlando Magic. It also hosts a variety of shows and concerts.
Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts
Some locals refer to this venue as “D-PAC” for short. It’s a large modern venue with several theaters inside hosting Broadway shows, orchestra concerts, ballet performances and more.
A popular park downtown with a .9 mile path around Lake Eola. You’ll find shops, restaurants, bars and the iconic swan pedal boats you can rent out. Lake Eola Park is also home to the Walt Disney Amphitheater hosting concerts, movies and holiday celebrations.
Orange County Regional History Center and Museum
This five-story museum is located on Central Boulevard and is housed in the historic courthouse. (You can even check out the original clock face of the historic building inside). The museum is open to the public with exhibits highlighting Orange County’s past dating back 2,000 years.
The Brechner Research Center houses thousands of local artifacts like books and documents, authenticated and preserved by archivists.
1-Up Arcade Bar and HighT
Downtown Orlando is also known for its nightlife with unique restaurants and bars like 1-Up Arcade bar. Along with old-school arcade games, the owners created a replica of Barbie’s iconic Malibu Dream House transforming the second floor into the life-sized version. (Perfect spot for photos that will bring out all the nostalgic vibes.)
On the next level, there’s a separate bar called HighT. A whimsical bar that will transport you to a different world giving you the “Alice in Wonderland” vibe.
This library is historic, celebrating 100 years! While the Orlando Public Library may look traditional on the outside, it goes beyond the book with the Melrose Center on the third floor offering access to music studios, video production studios, 3D printing labs, a podcast suite and more. (Did we mention access is free?!)
Join us on July 4 as we bring our studio to Lake Eola for a live broadcast on News 6. Anchors, reporters and News 6 Investigators will be hanging out near the Lake Eola House talking to viewers and passing out free swag. We are talking about the economy, growth, cool businesses, exceptional residents, schools, and so much more.
News 6 is looking forward to highlighting all the things that make downtown Orlando special and meeting you face-to-face. This a free family-friendly event.
We want to know the spots you enjoy in the 32801. Where do you like to eat? What other places do you recommend to visit? Comment below and share your experiences.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: