You may know Orlando as the home of the Magical Kingdom and many world-famous theme parks, but today I'm giving you a full tour guide of everything else there is to offer in this magical city. Don't get me wrong, Disney World is every kid's wildest dream to visit but I'm here to show all of you adults (and maybe kids at heart) what else you'll want to add to your bucket list when visiting. I'm talking all things of where to stay to what to do and where to eat. Let's get right on into it!
Where to Stay:
Grand Bohemian Orlando: 325 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
The Grand Bohemian, an Autograph Collection hotel, is located in the heart of downtown Orlando with a ravishing exterior. The hotel is conveniently situated across from City Hall and the Creative City Project on the well known and regarded Church Street (a staple of downtown Orlando). The Creative City Project is a fun outdoor event center where there are live concerts, shops and restaurants. For a full, LIVE, room-tour head to my highlights on IG or just click here.
When you're ready to relax and unwind for the day, the welcoming rooms are your best friend! From personal experience, these rooms were perfect after three 14-hour non stop days finding the best things to do while in Orlando (lol). With touches of velvet and gold features, you'll feel like you're in a palace.
Talk about a pleasant surprise...the ROOFTOP pool! Yes, this pool is on the roof of the Grand Bohemian, surrounded by palm trees, and has the BEST view of the entire downtown! It's safe to say we started every morning and ended every evening poolside with these astounding views.
When you thought the extravagance had to come to an end after the hotel exterior, room suite, and rooftop pool, I'm here to tell you it doesn't end there. Situated just off of the lavish lobby is The Boheme, the most savory and romantic hotel restaurant I have seen. We enjoyed brunch with mimosas and cold brew in the morning. Additionally, we ended our evenings in the connecting Bösendorfer Lounge with French 75's and specialty cocktails.
Where to Eat:
My girls and I tasted our way through the city and I'm sharing with you our favorites to add to your itinerary! To check it all out LIVE head to my highlight reel by clicking here.
Brunch:
Neon Beach: 131 N Orange Ave Ste 104, Orlando, FL 32801
Come on inside the (concrete) jungle! Whoever said there wasn't a beach in Orlando, because there's one (concrete style) at Neon Beach. If you're looking for a vibrant and fun atmosphere for brunch, Neon Beach is just a short walk from the hotel. I highly recommend trying the frosé (obviously, we love anything rosé here!), which is showcased below with a mini bottle of champagne upside down. Also pictured is an adorable tiki glass known as the Pain Killer. For brunch you're going to want to try the chicken & waffles and raspberry cheesecake French toast depending on if you're a savory or sweet person. Check them out below!
Robinson Room: 63 E Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801
The Robinson Room is a two story, decadent hangout spot and is the perfect gathering spot for any time of the day. On the first floor is the Coffee Room where we enjoyed brunch; it is illuminated with natural light. The second story is a cocktail room with one killer happy hour. I instantly loved the Robinson Room's sustainable menu as they had many tasty options for any diet. In the spread below, you'll see we started with some of their forward thinking cocktails: an espresso martini, "matcha made in heaven", and "the matcha blossom" (not pictured because we drank it too fast, haha). For brunch our spread was made up of the: chicken caesar salad wrap with truffle fries (to absolutely die for), turkey avocado and arugula salad - and we started with the brussels sprouts (also so, so tasty). You know that feeling when your food is so tasty, but not super heavy...that is exactly what you are signing up for here, my friends. In other words, a satisfied, energized belly.
Tin and Taco: 40 W Washing St, Orlando, FL 32801
If you know me, you know I love me some Instagramable walls. When I saw Tin & Taco I knew I had to try it out because 1) who doesn't love some tasty tacos and 2) the wall...look at that thing. I had the ahi tuna tacos, and if you love sushi you are in for a treat! When I tell you these are the best tacos I've had, it's no joke. In honor of Tin & Taco, taco dirty to me.
Dinner:
Hampton Social: 9101 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
We all know the all-time famous "rosé all day sign", located in the great Hampton Social. Naturally, I had to check it out as I am a regular at their Chicago location. And a fun little secret, this sign was also a part of the inspo for my page (hint, hint) Runway & Rosé. Simply put, it is one of my favorite restaurants as I love a stellar glass of rosé. If you haven't been to a Hampton Social yet, just know you are in for a coastal treat that is instagramable from head to toe. We started off with the sea-shell sized "I Glittery Can't", where even the berries glimmered. For dinner you'll see pictured below the lobster roll, short rib, and salmon - all so mouthwatering. Let your dreams sail at Hampton Social.
Sugar Factory: 8371 International Dr #70, Orlando, FL 32819
I first tried the celebrity-endorsed, well regarded Sugar Factory with my parents in NYC and had so much fun that I knew I had to check out one of the most popular locations in Orlando while visiting. If you have a sweet tooth like me, or just love a fun and vibrant atmosphere, then you're going to love this spot! Some of the most well-known celebrities such as The Chainsmokers, Pitbull, the Kardashian's and JLO have all visited and even endorsed their own goblet drinks. As pictured below, I had the Watermelon Patch which was designed and tasted by Pitbull himself. If you're celebrating a birthday, this is the place to be. What's more, the DJ will turn on your favorite song just so it's all about you!
Specialty:
Matcha House Tea & Creamery: 811 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Calling all of you matcha lovers! With the cutest Instagramable wall and some of the tastiest and most unique matcha treats, Matcha House was an un-matcha-ble experience. Just a short drive from the hotel you'll find this teahouse and creamery that offers matcha as a soft serve/sundae, cold drink, or even hot as well. My favorite, pictured below, was the Matcha-Me-Crazy with strawberries, oreos, and topped with marshmallows. It was the perfect afternoon treat!
ICEBAR Orlando: 8967 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Ready to ~cool down~ from the Orlando heat? This has to be the ~coolest~ place in Orlando, quite literally. Made with over 70 tons of hand-carved ice this was a unique experience - one not typically enjoyed in The Sunshine State. Everything captured, from the walls, hand-carved pieces, and, believe it or not, the drink glasses are all made of ice. We upgraded our experience to have these adorable fur jackets to stay warm in style. Next, you can head in to their Fire Lounge to enjoy a bite and sip distinctive cocktails . You need to checkout the LIVE stories from our visit with the dry ice bubble cocktail over which I am still in awe. Stay cool, Orlando!
Stay tuned for where I'm jetting off the runway to next. See you back here soon!
XO,
Hanna Rose
