Spotlight
A look at new dining, holiday celebrations, and artistic experiences in the heart of The City Beautiful
By Riesa Pascal-Porro
A New Chapter Downtown
One of Downtown Orlando’s most recognizable hotels has recently entered an exciting new chapter. Formerly known as the Grand Bohemian Orlando, the reinvented Hotel Beauden, Autograph Collection officially launched its new identity this fall following a multi-year renovation and rebrand. The art-filled property is designed to feel more connected to Orlando while serving the community as an urban host and lively gathering place. The transformation inside continues with Libra and Bar Libra, the hotel’s new restaurant and lounge, which boasts a sophisticated dining experience with inventive cuisine, craft cocktails, and a variety of live entertainment.
Downtown Dining
This year has also seen an expansion of the Downtown dining scene as several new concepts are bringing a variety of international flavors into the community. The recent opening of Jiang’s Kitchen brings authentic Shanghainese cuisine specialties including handmade soup dumplings, noodles, sushi and more. Tropix and Davanti are two additional international concepts that are expected to join the Orange Avenue lineup. Tropix will offer Jamaican-inspired fine dining, while Davanti will feature French-inspired cuisine in an equally elegant setting. Together, these three additions reflect Downtown’s growing mix of culinary experiences and its continued evolution as a dining destination.
Holiday Magic
With the holidays upon us, Lake Eola Park is set to become the centerpiece of Downtown Orlando’s seasonal celebrations. The city’s Downtown for the Holidays festivities will offer free holiday events throughout the month of December. The celebration is highlighted by the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree show which sees a six-story tree illuminated by 88,000 animated lights and synchronized to music with multiple nightly opportunities to watch and enjoy. Other activities include holiday performances, snowfall, Santa visits, a festive stroll, and much more seasonal entertainment throughout the district. Nearby, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate the return of its Frontyard Holiday Festival beginning November 27 and running through December 31. The free celebration features live music, holiday movies, festive food and drinks, light displays, family activities, and nightly snowfall.
“From an evening at the theater to drinks and entertainment after dark, Downtown Orlando offers plenty of ways to keep the good times going.”
Arts & Entertainment
Fortunately, Downtown’s cultural scene provides plenty to explore even beyond the holiday season. The Dr. Phillips Center hosts everything from Broadway productions and ballets to operas, concerts, and other live performances. Meanwhile, the Kia Center brings major touring artists, sporting events, and entertainment to the heart of the city. For a more local experience, the Downtown Arts District offers galleries, public art, and creative spaces that showcase Orlando’s artistic side. As the sun goes down, the energy shifts toward Downtown’s lively nightlife scene with rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, live music venues, and late-night hotspots along Church Street and Orange Avenue. From an evening at the theater to drinks and entertainment after dark, Downtown Orlando offers plenty of ways to keep the good times going.
