Orlando's Gay Friendly Neighborhoods

Vi-Mi District
Map
VI-MI District The home of GLBCC - "THE CENTER" and a true Les-bi-gay shopping district, with many fine gay owned and operated shops offering LesBiGay-specific wares. Also great ethnic eateries, LesBiGay friendly cafes, and galleries. Even a store that specializes in large ladies sizes for the cross dresser, transgendered, or drag queen. The Vi-Mi is located in city district four, represented by newly elected commissioner, Patty Sheehan, who ran as an openly gay candidate.
 
Thornton Park
THORNTON PARK Neighborhood, Orlando. Orlando's trendiest little area! Funky shops, fun places to eat, and a revolution in renovation primarily attributed to forward thinking LesBiGay real estate developers and neighborhood planners. Lots of beautifully-restored homes from the '20s, '30s and '40s. Orlando's Signature Lake Eola Park (gateway to the downtown area) is just around the corner.
   
Downtown Orlando
Stroll around beautiful Lake Eola with it's landmark fountain, or take a horse and buggy ride by moonlight. Swan (peddle) Boats are available to rent by day. (Michael Jackson purchased two of them as a wedding gift for Liz & Larry). Eat, drink, and be Mary - er, merry, whatever! There's plenty to do downtown and it's all contained in a compact, walkable area. Great restaurants, the world famous Club at Firestone (Saturday night is gay night), and an eclectic mix of smaller, alternative clubs, bars, and coffeehouses. Most downtown clubs are not exclusively les-bi-gay, but have historically welcomed a very mixed crowd. Very close by, on Bumby Ave. at Hwy. 408, you'll find "Southern Nights," where Wild Wednesday constitutes one of Orlando's longest running weekly gay party dates.
   
Park Avenue, Winter Park Map
Not necessarily gay, but as friendly as you can get. Lots of small restaurants, Central Florida's toniest shopping, and the beautiful Morse Museum of American Art featuring fabulous Tiffany! With it's European street-scape, mini-Central Park, and nearby Rollins campus, this is a terrific place to walk, window shop, and check out the locals. Need a new 'do'? Gary Lambert Salon (407-628-8659) rivals any big city upper crust cutlery with the addition of high-camp stylists. Don't miss Scott Laurent Galleries (in the Hidden Gardens shops at the north end) for an impressive mix of art jewelry & glass, home decor, and fine art.
   
Lake Ivanhoe
LAKE IVANHOE, Antique Row -Orange Ave. between Virginia & Princeton. Several blocks of Antique dealers, and stores which specialize in collectibles and memorabilia, as well as art deco furniture, and faux creations. Here also is Theater Downtown, the fabulous White Wolf Cafe, and a place called Rock 'n Roll Heaven which is a very la Champion Vynal. Be sure to have a cocktail at Savoy, a lively neighborhood gay bar where men and women are welcome.