A Brit and A Southerner

Best Coffee in Oklahoma City – 5 Places Not to Be Missed

Oklahoma

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Aug 27, 2018

Best Coffee in Oklahoma City – 5 Places Not to Be Missed

“A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent” – a quote that many of you may be familiar with and one that instantly resonates with us given our love of stumbling across coffee shops on our travels. Our recent trip to Oklahoma City was no different and having heard about all the best local spots in and around the city, we were anxious to experience this for ourselves. Searching for the best coffee in Oklahoma City is an experience you won’t regret and hopefully, our guide will give you an insight into some of the best local coffee shops that should be on your radar.

What do you look for in a coffee shop? Is it all about the quality of coffee? Perhaps you look for a relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy your favorite book, catch up on some work or simply socialize with friends over a delicious cup of Joe! It’s fair to say that we search for all the above when exploring the best coffee shops. Whether you are a local coffee shop or Starbucks aficionado, we honestly won’t judge because honestly, we LOVE both experiences!

But this post is not about Starbucks or other chain coffee shops that you may stumble across in US cities, rather this is about finding the best local spots in Oklahoma City!

Best Coffee in Oklahoma City

We all have our own favorite beverage, whether it be a strong black coffee or a sweeter concoction such as a caramel macchiato or similar espresso, but when you visit a new coffee shop, the likelihood is that you will be interested in either comparing your favorite beverage or maybe sampling something unique to that location.

Oklahoma City is blessed to have a wide selection of coffee shops. Sure, the traditional Starbucks chain can be found across the city but again, this is all about the local establishments that are popping up around the heard of OKC and honestly, thriving due to local communities embracing their quality and overall experience the baristas offer.

We sampled five different coffee shops during our recent 48 hours in Oklahoma City (pretty crazy that we visited so many but we LOVE our coffee!) alongside our fellow coffee experts, Rob/Ann from TravelLatte (how cool is that for a coffee inspired blog name right?) and Ashley from A Southern Gypsy!

Elemental Coffee
Stella Nova
Leaf + Bean
Coffee Slingers
All About Cha

This is certainly not an exhaustive list of coffee shops across Oklahoma City but it gives a pretty good insight into the availability of trendy spots worth visiting around the city.

Let’s take a look at each of these spots and find out why each one is unique and appealing to locals and visitors alike.

Elemental Coffee

After spending an emotional and poignant experience at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, we headed across the street to an industrial looking coffee shop that immediately captured our attention.

Elemental Coffee is the perfect spot to grab a coffee, a light snack or even lunch after experiencing Oklahoma City’s iconic attraction.

a community-driven company dedicated to producing the finest coffee while providing our customers with the best service imaginable

When you hear that Elemental Coffee’s philosophy is to produce the “finest coffee” yet still maintaining the best customer service, you know you are visiting a coffee shop that is full of potential. Let me tell you, both the quality of coffee and service does not disappoint!

Elemental Coffee is undoubtedly a popular spot for locals to “hang out” and catch up on work as you frequently see folks connected while enjoying their latte or selection of coffees brewed from the finest beans found across the globe.

From Nicaraguan to Ethiopian, Elemental Coffee has a diverse blend of beans to choose from!

If you are looking to enjoy Elemental Coffee’s piece de resistance menu item, be sure to order a salted chocolate chip cookie! I’m not a huge chocolate chip cookie fan but even I have to admit, this is possibly the BEST cookie I have ever tasted.

elemental coffee salted chocolate chip cookie

With a selection of muffins and other pastries to choose from, you will have a tough time choosing something but honestly, the cookie is something you won’t regret purchasing.

Address

815 N Hudson Ave,
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Tel: (405) 633-1703
Website: http://elementalcoffee.com/

Stella Nova

Stella Nova is AWESOME…there really is no other word to describe this place but we instantly fell in love with it. Everything you could ever wish for in a coffee shop can be found inside Stella Nova, located on Western Avenue in Oklahoma City.

The only drawback is that if you are visiting OKC and planning on staying in the downtown vicinity, it’s a few miles away from the heartbeat of the city but let me tell you, it’s well worth the effort to drive or take an Uber there.

Relaxing, chic, ambient, modern, cozy…the list of superlatives to describe Stella Nova is endless! From the outside, you immediately realize you are at a pretty special place. The coffee mug that stands atop the building and the immediate vibe with the font and name itself is enough to entice you through the door.

It’s a combination of Starbucks and local establishment, creating the perfect environment to enjoy everything you could wish for in a coffee shop. I am not exaggerating when I say that you could easily spend all day relaxing here.

With a plethora of coffee options to choose from, light snacks and much more, Stella Nova epitomizes Oklahoma City’s coffee shop culture.

Our mission is to be your neighbor, your first item on your to-do list, and your favorite drink. Each drink is made specially for you.

Address

4716 N Western Ave,
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Tel: (405) 605-2563
Website: http://www.stellanova.com/

Leaf + Bean

If you are looking for a simplistic coffee environment, Leaf + Bean is the ideal place to enjoy a quick espresso. The bright, open-space location is located in the heart of the Deep Deuce district of Oklahoma City, directly next to an area of apartments that appear to have been renovated by old shipping containers.

Leaf + Bean is designed perfectly to match the rest of the locale, both on the exterior and when you walk inside this urban coffee shop.

Good coffees.
Good peoples.
Good vibes.

It’s a pretty simple philosophy that Leaf + Bean aspires to and I think they are going the right way of achieving all of the above.

The atmosphere is conducive to both studying and mingling with friends and the coffee on offer is a pretty good standard.

Although Leaf + Bean wouldn’t be my first choice of coffee shops in Oklahoma City, it’s certainly a place worth visiting if you are in the neighborhood and are looking for a quick cup of coffee.

The barista was very knowledgeable in highlighting the various tea options available and having this friendly customer service is something that goes a long way when reviewing the overall experience.

Address

321 N Oklahoma Ave Suite 107,
Oklahoma City, OK 73104

2901 N May Ave,
Oklahoma City, OK 73112

Website: https://leafandbeanokc.com/

Coffee Slingers

Automobile Alley is one of the best neighborhoods in Oklahoma City in terms of how it has seen a recent transformation from historic auto dealers to an eclectic blend of restaurants, boutique local stores and of course, an awesome coffee shop known as Coffee Slingers.

When you look at the history of this neighborhood, back in the 1920s this was a thriving area for local auto dealers but in the 70s and 80s, this area fell into a state of decline until the recent revitalization took place.

Coffee Slingers epitomizes everything about the history of this neighborhood.

Relationship coffee + handcrafted beverages

The spacious interior of this coffee shop provides locals and visitors alike the perfect workspace, while at the far end of this shop, visitors can enjoy a roasting workshop.

A diverse menu is available, from the traditional beverages you can expect in a coffee shop to a variety of local specialties that may spark your interest.

Address

1015 N Broadway Ave,
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Tel: (405) 919-0529
Website: https://www.coffeeslingers.com/

All About Cha

Why not save the best for last and head to the wonderfully named All About Cha coffee shop? In terms of creativity with menu options and beverage options, this is by far the coolest experience of any of the Oklahoma City coffee shops that we visited.

If the presentation is important to you when receiving your beverage/snack of choice, All About Cha goes above and beyond.

Take a moment to admire this cake we purchased. Is it the cake itself or perhaps the awesome design the barista added to the plate that makes this sweet treat irresistible? It’s the small things that are memorable and add value to your experience.

Ok, so this relatively small cake was $5 which isn’t cheap but when you see the extent to which All About Cha goes to provide you with the ultimate experience, it’s well worth indulging.

A variety of Korean specialty beverages are available, notably a diverse blend of green tea concoctions and “Freddos” which are infused sweet teas combined with honey, milk, and ice. Heather opted for the Lemon Freddo and I stayed with a more traditional iced Caramel Macchiato and it’s fair to say that both choices didn’t disappoint.

Address

7300 N Western Ave,
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Tel: (405) 840-7725
Website: http://allaboutcha.net/

Summary

Oklahoma City may not be the first place you think about in terms of having a great coffee shop scene but after spending 48 hours exploring some of the best spots across the city, we would argue that this is a place that should definitely be on your radar if you love coffee.

Each location that we visited offered something unique but in terms of the overall coffee shop experience, we think that Stella Nova ranks as the best, at least in our opinion. You cannot go wrong with any of the five that we reviewed but ultimately, it’s personal preference and exactly what you look for in a coffee shop.

If you are simply looking to grab a morning coffee and read a book, Leaf + Bean is likely going to be a great choice, whereas, for those of you looking to do some work, Coffee Slingers, All About Cha and of course, Stella Nova are the best choices.

48 Hours in Oklahoma City – Enjoy the Best Things to Do and Eat

Oklahoma

Chris Boothman

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Aug 20, 2018

4

48 Hours in Oklahoma City – Enjoy the Best Things to Do and Eat

Oklahoma City…what’s the first thing that springs to mind? It’s ok, you can be completely honest with yourselves and admit that there probably isn’t too much that immediately pops into your head unless you have visited this city previously. For those of you that do have something in mind, perhaps it will be the tragic events in 1995 that will long live in the memories of OKC locals. However, after reading this post, we are convinced that you will be raring to book a trip to the heart of Oklahoma and experience at least 48 hours in Oklahoma City for yourselves.

We have been fortunate to visit Oklahoma City on two separate occasions. Each time was completely different from the other, epitomizing just how this city has a diverse blend of neighborhoods, attractions and much more than will easily keep you occupied for several days.

Regardless of how you travel, what your interests are or what types of cuisine you love, we are 100% sure that Oklahoma City has something for everyone. A pretty bold statement to make but one that I believe after reading this post you will completely agree with.

Let’s take a moment to look at a stereotype that this city faces. Oklahoma City does not have the immediate glamor and wow factor that will attract millions of visitors from across the globe without a little effort. But that in itself is what intrigues us so much about this city.

The beauty of OKC is that it offers an eclectic range of things to do yet with a real local feel that welcomes every visitor to the city. Oklahoma City is one that you can easily enjoy a long weekend getaway (or even longer if you have time!), so let’s take a look at exactly what you can enjoy around this beautiful metropolis.

48 Hours in Oklahoma City

READY…SET…GO…that’s pretty much how you need to be prepared to experience Oklahoma City!! There is A LOT to do, a lot to see and a lot of epic places to eat and drink while hopping around the city.

If you only have 48 hours to experience the heartbeat of Oklahoma, well you should probably keep reading on and follow our recommended itinerary to enjoy the very best of this city. I will add the caveat right now, you cannot really go wrong with following our guide but should you prefer a little spontaneity, there are plenty more things to enjoy in OKC!

Day 1

Breakfast at Waffle Champion
Enjoy Art and “Urban Chic” decor in 21c Museum Hotel
Ride the Santa Monica Wheel in the Wheeler District
Evening Water Taxi Ride Through Bricktown District
Dinner at The Jones Assembly

Day 2

Brunch at Mary Eddy’s
Experience the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
Explore Downtown Oklahoma City with “Spokies”
Dinner at Cafe do Brasil or Fassler Hall

The Waffle Champion Experience

If you are visiting Oklahoma City for the first time, there is a staple requirement that we feel everyone needs to experience – Waffle Champion. You could be forgiven for immediately associating this with the stereotypical “Waffle House” experience but this is anything but that type of place. In fact, I would argue that Waffle Champion is perhaps one of the best places to experience breakfast regardless of location.

A pretty high standard we have set but after you visit, I’m sure you will agree this place is awesome! Open daily between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM and then late in the evening on Friday and Saturday, Waffle Champion is an urban eatery offering more than just your traditional waffle experience.

Be prepared to arrive early, otherwise, you can expect a pretty long wait as you wrap around the corner…don’t worry though, you will be entertained with the mural on the side of the building that is certainly appropriate for this location!

For those of you that want the stereotypical Southern fare, try the Chicken and Waffles but whether you prefer sweet or savory, you can be sure that Waffle Champion will have something that makes your taste buds salivate.

It’s fair to say that anyone with a sweet tooth won’t be able to resist the variety of delectable looking dishes at Waffle Champion. From the Raspberries and Cream to the Banana Cream Pie, you should probably be prepared to have an incredibly tough decision on what to devour.

Regardless of your choice, the moment the waffle touches the tip of your tongue, you will know that Waffle Champion is a place you will want to return to time and time again…perhaps even on the same trip to Oklahoma City!

You may have noticed in the above itinerary that on day 1, we skipped lunch…after eating Waffle Champion, you will quickly realize why we did this because you will be pretty full for the majority of the day.

Address

1212 N Walker Ave #100
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Tel: (405) 525-9235
Website – http://www.wafflechampion.com/

21c Museum Hotel

Looking for somewhere to stay in Oklahoma City? Why not consider a hotel that has been transformed from the former home of the Ford Motor Company into an “urban-chic” and trendy accommodation option, combined with a modern art museum that has a plethora of exhibits on display that will challenge your imagination and creativity.

Whether you are an avid art critic or simply someone who enjoys perusing art galleries, 21c Museum Hotel in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City will surely entice you into admiring the art galleries throughout the building.

For those of you that opt to stay here, and we can 100% attest that this is an AWESOME option, you can enjoy gorgeous, high-ceiling rooms with huge windows that allow an abundance of natural light to flow through and create the perfect, relaxing environment to enjoy a good nights sleep before exploring more of the city.

Perfectly situated just a short walk from the Myriad Botanical Gardens, you can easily access many of Oklahoma City’s iconic neighborhoods from this hotel.

Contemporary art is the heart of the 21c experience.

If you prefer to stay elsewhere, take some time to explore the exhibits as many of these are unique and epitomize the contemporary art scene that they are representing.

Address

900 W Main St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Tel: (405) 982-6900
Website – https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/oklahomacity/

Wheeler Ferris Wheel

The Wheeler Riverfront Plaza is home to a Ferris Wheel, formerly located on the Santa Monica pier in California. Love a little bit of trivia? The Wheeler Ferris Wheel was purchased by Grant Humphreys in 2008 for a little over $130,000. There may be anything too unusual about that but when you learn that Humphreys purchased this by bidding on an eBay auction, well it adds a little craziness to the story!

Today, visitors to the Wheeler neighborhood can enjoy the gorgeous wheel for only $6 while admiring the breathtaking Oklahoma City skyline. Be sure to capture a selfie with the skyline and the large OKC letters that stand proudly in front of the Ferris wheel.

Visiting this part of Oklahoma City is more than just about riding the former Santa Monica Ferris wheel. A roofed area provides an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to test their skills on a ping pong table or perhaps a game of life-sized Connect 4 is a little more appealing.

Exhausted by the thought of spending an action-packed 48 hours exploring the best of OKC? Don’t worry, you can kick your feet up and hop on one of the hammocks while listening to typical fair music and enjoying the spectacular sunset beyond the OKC skyline!

Address

1701 S Western Ave,
Oklahoma City, OK 73109
Tel: (405) 655-8455
Website – https://www.wheelerdistrict.com/ferris-wheel/

Bricktown Water Taxi

Hop aboard the awesome Bricktown Water Taxi to enjoy a relaxing cruise through the heart of the vibrant Bricktown entertainment district. This neighborhood epitomizes the recent transformation of Oklahoma City and is now a hub of eclectic restaurants, bars and of course, the headquarters of Sonic can be found located along the banks of the canals that intertwine this area.

The beauty of purchasing a ticket to the Bricktown Water Taxi is that you will receive a day pass that can be utilized multiple times. We strongly recommend taking a tour during the day and for those of you that want to enjoy a romantic late evening cruise, why not head out again after dusk and enjoy the bright lights of OKC as you cruise around the canals.

Local guides will provide commentary throughout the 40-minute cruise, pointing out key landmarks and sharing a historical perspective on how the Bricktown neighborhood has evolved.

The water taxi dates back to the turn of the century and for many folks that haven’t been back to OKC in many years, this is definitely a part of the city that has seen huge redevelopment, the majority of which has been paid for by the local citizen taxation policy known as “MAPS” that was put in place in 1993 (voted for by locals!)

Address

111 S Mickey Mantle Dr,
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Tel: (405) 234-8294
Website – https://bricktownwatertaxi.com/

The Jones Assembly

Renowned as an “industrial chic” location to enjoy dinner and late night entertainment, “The Jones Assembly” is the perfect place to experience some of Oklahoma City’s finest cuisine and beverage selections.

The moment you walk through the doors, you immediately realize you are in a pretty special place. Gorgeous decor throughout the restaurant highlighted by the collection of 8-track tapes on the wall is just the start of your experience.

Oklahoma City’s newest destination for food, spirits, and music is located on the west end of downtown on historic Film Row. (TheJonesassembly.com)

When it comes to browsing the menu, it’s fair to say the eclectic collection of cuisine options will surely entice your interest. From the appetizing sound of octopus or fried okra for an appetizer to a diverse range of entree options, the Jones Assembly is not short of options from across the globe.

Heather sampled one of the pizzas while I had to sample a little southern fare with the Nashville Hot Chicken. It’s one of those places that regardless of your palate, you can’t really go wrong with any of the menu options.

Enjoying the delicious cuisine is just part of the experience as the temptation of sampling one of the fine cocktails or other concoctions will surely be too strong to resist. How does the thought of a “Dagwell Dixie” sound? Or perhaps you are intrigued by the possibility of indulging in a “Fire Emoji”?

Whether you are a cocktail connoisseur or simply prefer the thought of sampling one of the many craft beers on tap, the Jones Assembly has unlimited beverage options to meet everyone’s taste buds.

Address

901 W Sheridan Ave,
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Tel: (405) 212-2378
Website – http://www.thejonesassembly.com/

Brunch at Mary Eddy’s

If you followed our above recommendation of staying at the 21c Museum Hotel, why not head downstairs after a relaxing night’s sleep and enjoy a delicious brunch at the in-house restaurant – Mary Eddy’s. Even if you are not staying at this hotel, you are welcome to experience this modern restaurant. Offering an extensive menu of breakfast and lunch items, Mary Eddy’s showcases yet another unique side of Oklahoma City’s “foodie” scene.

Chef Jason Campbell’s bold and eclectic take on “New American” cuisine is definitely apparent throughout the menu and if you are looking for traditional breakfast fare, perhaps you should think outside the box and indulge in one of the appetizing brunch items.

Menus playfully combine bold, unexpected flavors and celebrate regional, seasonal products. (Maryeddy’s.com)

The Smoked Pork Hash offers a decadent blend of pimento cheese, pickled peppers, crispy potatoes, and a “coddled” egg in the heart of the dish, waiting for you to slide your knife through and watch the yolk explode across the rest of the ingredients.

This is arguably the ultimate “brunch” dish but if you are looking for something a little more traditional, the Eggs Benedict featuring chicken-jalapeno sausage, red chili hollandaise sauce, and a coddled egg is certainly a great choice.

The cocktail selection at Mary Eddy’s offers the perfect way to start your day with an early morning aperitif. The Boozy Blossom features prosecco, hibiscus, orange blossom, and orange juice but perhaps the more traditional Bucks Fizz (renowned as the “original mimosa”) is more appealing.

For the vegans out there, Mary Eddy’s has a number of options available, just like many other restaurants across Oklahoma City. If you are interested in finding out more about the available menu items here that are Vegan-friendly, check out this awesome guide to Vegan restaurants in Oklahoma City by our friend Ashley from Wild Hearted.

Address

900 W Main St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Tel: (405) 982-6960
Website – https://www.maryeddysokc.com/

Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum

For the majority of Oklahoma City locals, there is one historic event that changed their perspective on life and today, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is an attraction that EVERY visitors to OKC should experience. On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols committed an act of terror that killed 168 innocent individuals when they bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City.

Visiting the OKC National Memorial and Museum is just like any other tribute to a historic event that saw innocent people lose their lives. Poignant, somber, moving and even distressing are all words you will likely use to describe the experience inside this museum.

However, at the same time, this experience is all about another word – transformation! Oklahoma City will NEVER FORGET the people that lost their lives and all the thousands of individuals that helped on that tragic day but this is a city that exemplifies how a location can recover and move forward after such a catastrophe.

Address

620 N Harvey Ave,
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Website – https://oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/

Explore Downtown with Spokies

After spending much of your trip to Oklahoma City indoors, head downtown and explore the various surrounding neighborhoods on a bicycle courtesy of Spokies. The only bike share program in Oklahoma City offers locals and visitors alike, the opportunity to explore the very best of OKC’s neighborhoods.

We love exploring the local creativity on display through the various street art murals and hopping on a Spokies bike is an ideal way to accomplish this.

Throughout downtown OKC, various base stations are located where you can use the Spokies app and rent a bike. A 2-day pass is available and as long as you “dock” your bike every hour, you can take unlimited trips around the city.

Dinner at Fassler Hall or Cafe do Brasil

If you have been fortunate enough to travel to Germany, you will know that the German locals love to drink beer. What better way to celebrate the end of your Oklahoma City trip than by visiting a traditional German beer hall.

Fassler Hall epitomizes the German beer drinking culture and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a couple of pints with friends while listening to live entertainment.

Traditional German cuisine featuring Bratwurst among many other types of sausage, pretzels, Spätzle, and Schnitzel are all available on the diverse menu.

Even if you don’t intend on dining at Fassler Hall, be sure to enjoy an appetizer or two while sampling some of Germany’s finest beer selection right here in Oklahoma City.

german cuisine fassler hall oklahoma city

Although the live music at Fassler Hall offers great entertainment, if you are looking to chat among friends and reflect on your experience in Oklahoma City, take a short walk over to Cafe do Brasil to enjoy dinner or head upstairs to the Bossa Nova Caipirinha Lounge where you can enjoy tapas and a selection of Brazilian inspired beverages.

Fassler Hall Address

421 NW 10th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Tel: (405) 609-3300
Website – https://www.fasslerhall.com/

Cafe do Brasil Address

440 NW 11th St #100,
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Tel: (405) 525-9779
Website – http://www.cafedobrazilokc.com/

Summary

Oklahoma City is one of the best cities to experience if you only have 48 hours. For many cities, 48 hours is barely enough to scratch the surface but although it’s feasible to spend much longer in the capital of Oklahoma, spending a weekend here is a great length of time to find out exactly why this is such an amazing city.

When you visit OKC for the first time, you cannot help but be pleasantly surprised and shocked by what you see. I will openly admit that during our first visit in 2015, I had no idea what to expect and I left the city realizing that any negative stereotypes surrounding Oklahoma City should be quickly dismissed.

Going back a few years later on our recent trip, this was the perfect opportunity to see how this city has developed, re-visit some old traditions that you cannot afford to miss on any visit (e.g. Waffle Champion, National Memorial Museum and the Bricktown Water Taxi) and share our personal experiences with some of our friends in the travel blogging industry.

Something called ‘the Oklahoma Standard’ became known throughout the world. It means resilience in the face of adversity. It means a strength and compassion that will not be defeated. (Brad Henry)

I’m sure that Ashley from A Southern Gypsy and Rob and Ann from TravelLatte will agree that this is a place that far exceeded any expectations they had prior to visiting.

We hope that you will be inspired to visit Oklahoma City in the near future and share your experiences in this beautiful city. We cannot wait to return and experience more of the “Oklahoma Standard” that this city has become notorious for…”resilience in the face of adversity” and definitely something you can see throughout the city!

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10 Awesome Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

Florida

Chris Boothman

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Aug 13, 2018

10

10 Awesome Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

Orlando, Florida…The home of Walt Disney World! It’s true, everyone that hears the word “Orlando” immediately thinks about Disney World and obviously for good reason. When you add Universal Studios and SeaWorld, it’s no surprise at all to hear that the majority of people associate Orlando with theme parks. But what about visiting Orlando without contemplating any of this? Don’t worry, it’s actually not that crazy at all and we want to highlight some of the best things to do in Orlando besides theme parks!

Millions of visitors every year visit these amazing theme parks. Many will try to experience Disney World in one day as we did while others will enjoy a week-long vacation on-site at either Disney or Universal.

The number of resources available on the web, in print and around Orlando for theme parks is unbelievable and honestly, it can be a little overwhelming because you have no idea where to begin. Add to the fact this makes it difficult to know what else there is to do in Orlando and well, it’s understandable why there is such a stereotype about “Orlando and its theme parks.”

Orlando is a city that we have fallen in love with for many reasons. Yes, we LOVE visiting Disney World and Universal Studios but there is so much more to this vibrant city in the heart of Florida and we are excited to share some of our other favorite experiences in a city nicknamed “The City Beautiful.” After reading our post, perhaps you will see why Orlando has such a nickname!

Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

From exploring the great outdoors with the finest natural beauty in the area to a myriad of amazing experiences for all the family to enjoy, Orlando is 100% more than just a haven of epic theme parks! Whether you are heading to Orlando to enjoy a little retail therapy at the various outlet malls or simply want to enjoy the city’s fine local cuisine, you can be sure that any length of trip will be occupied with an abundance of things to do.

I could easily have put together a post highlighting 100 things to do outside of Orlando’s theme parks but to make this a little more user-friendly, I wanted to focus on just 10 of the very best experiences that we have encountered.

ICON Orlando Eye (Entertainment)
Experience I-Drive Orlando (Entertainment)
Enjoy a Mini-Golf Adventure (Entertainment)
Day Trip to Kennedy Space Center (Entertainment)
Old Town Orlando (Entertainment)
Orlando Premium Outlets (Shopping)
Mall at Millenia (Shopping)
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve (Nature)
Harry P. Leu Gardens (Nature)
Explore Lake Eola (Nature)

A diverse blend of options for all the family to enjoy. Whether you are looking for entertainment, shopping or an opportunity to allow yourselves to embrace Orlando’s finest nature, we have put together a collection of the best spots to enjoy these three key themes.

Let’s take a brief look at why we think each of these should be on your radar for your next “Orlando trip sans theme parks!”

ICON Orlando Eye

What better way to start your Orlando adventure than by heading over to the infamous International Drive (more on this whole area later) and experiencing epic birds-eye views of Orlando and the surrounding area. Head to the amazing ICON Orlando Eye, a 400ft Ferris wheel that towers above Orlando and provides breathtaking panoramic scenes around the city.

The ICON Orlando Eye travels at a leisurely 1mph, so you don’t need to worry that once you are onboard one of the pods that you will be heading on an epic rollercoaster…you can save that experience for another Orlando visit to one of the theme parks! For 22 minutes, you will enjoy amazing landscapes of Orlando and have the opportunity to pick out your favorite attractions in the region.

Whether you choose to visit during the day or at night, you can be sure that your journey around the ICON Orlando Eye will leave you with many amazing memories.

The ICON Orlando Eye is open daily between 10:00 AM and 2:00 AM.

A number of ticket options are available for visitors. Although the $26 price tag for adults for a “one-time” visit may seem a little high for a 22-minute ride, take a look at the annual pass options because, for as low as $69, you can enjoy unlimited journeys around this awesome attraction!

Full details of the available ticket options can be found here: ICON Orlando Eye

I-Drive Orlando

Orlando may be spoiled with having not one but two amazing theme parks! But again, what about if you are inclined to visit this beautiful city and stay 100% away from them? Head over to the heartbeat of the city along International Drive. Nicknamed “I-Drive,” this popular street is home to a myriad of attractions, entertainment options, hotels ranging from budget to high-end luxury and of course, a variety of delicious restaurants.

You are already aware of the ICON Orlando Eye locating on I-Drive but what else can you experience here? The Escape Game is the ultimate experience for you and your team to try and find your way through a series of puzzles in order to escape. Do you have the quick-thinking skills, determination, will to win, patience and teamwork to escape?

I’m sure you have heard of 3D and even 4D experiences but what about a 7D encounter? That’s right, head over to I-Drive and enjoy the 7D Dark Ride Adventure where you will experience lights, sound, wind, and an interactive game.

The Ripley’s Believe It or Not is one of the coolest buildings along I-Drive and that’s just from the outside. If you are ready to enjoy all the weird and wonderful things associated with Ripley’s, this is definitely an attraction you won’t want to miss.

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium can be found in the same spot as ICON Orlando Eye and is a great opportunity to learn all about an eclectic array of marine creatures from across the globe.

International Drive is also the perfect place to find a great hotel and we strongly recommend considering the Hilton Orlando International Drive if you want a luxury, yet affordable, accommodation option in the perfect location to enjoy “non-Disney” experiences!

Mini Golf in Orlando

Orlando is home to a number of awesome mini-golf courses which are always a great way for all the family to relax and enjoy a fun-filled couple of hours. There are several “branded” mini-golf adventures across Orlando, starting with Congo River which has locations in Kissimmee and on International Drive.

Pirate’s Cove is another “chain” with a location on I-Drive and also close to Disney Springs. The beauty of this adventure is that the intricate details of the course are such that you cannot help but admire these amazing surroundings, which in turn, can actually have a negative effect on your golf game.

Get ready for an exhilarating experience while you hit the links because these mini-golf courses across Orlando are both fun and challenging. They will test even the serious golfers out there and honestly, even the pros can be left looking like a fool on some of these “awkward” hole designs!

Kennedy Space Center Day Trip

One of the best reasons to visit Orlando is being able to head over to Cape Canaveral and enjoy an awesome experience at the Kennedy Space Center. It’s fair to say that you can easily spend a full day there and the hard part will be figuring out exactly what you want to experience because there are so many cool attractions there.

The Kennedy Space Center bus tour is the highlight experience as you are taken on a guided tour of the launchpads and Vehicle Assembly Building. That’s right, you have the opportunity to see with your very eyes where these amazing rockets and space shuttles are constructed before heading into outer space. For those of you that plan your visit to Orlando according to the launch schedule, you may be fortunate to have the opportunity to see one of these rockets live!

The Atlantis Space Shuttle experience is yet another awesome part of the Kennedy Space Center. Not only is this an opportunity to learn about the history of this iconic vehicle, it also enables visitors the chance to have several “interactive” experiences to find out exactly what life onboard a space shuttle was really like! It really puts into perspective what these astronauts go through.

Old Town Orlando

Take a moment to roll back the years and experience Orlando as a stereotypical Floridian town several decades ago. Head over to Old Town Orlando to enjoy an amusement park and outdoor shopping mall with vintage experiences awaiting you.

This is perhaps best visited at night when it truly comes alive with America’s longest running weekly car show providing visitors the opportunity to admire hundreds of classic cars.

Mortem Manor is not your stereotypical haunted house and is well worth visiting if you want to test your fear levels – I couldn’t convince Heather to head inside but I’m sure it’s well worth the experience!

For those of you that prefer a relaxing experience, head over to the Ferris Wheel for a leisurely journey while admiring the nearby attractions in this traditional Old Town location.

Harry Leu Botanical Gardens

For those of you that think visiting Orlando is all about the “urban experience”…think again! Home to the amazing Harry Leu Botanical Gardens, Orlando is a haven of natural beauty with an array of floral exhibits and local wildlife residing on this 50 acres of breathtaking landscape.

Visitors to this botanical garden will immediately feel a sense of solitude and relaxation as the hustle and bustle of city life is left outside the grounds. If you are enamored by the sight and smell of diverse floral collections, perhaps the Rose Garden and Herb Garden are areas you won’t want to miss.

At the heart of Leu Gardens is the museum which was the former residence of the Leu family and today is undoubtedly the focal point of the botanical garden. Guided tours are available daily but regardless of your desire to head inside, this is an architectural gem worth seeing on your journey around the gardens.

Orlando Premium Outlets

Shopping in Orlando is a pastime that many visitors will immediately fall in love with. The two Premium Outlet malls are undoubtedly the highlight attractions though as you will see, there are plenty of options for all budgets and styles.

Orlando International Premium Outlets and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets offer similar experiences but unique enough to justify visiting both. Located with relatively close proximity to each other at either end of International Drive, it’s feasible to hop on the I-Ride trolley and visit both during the same day.

For the true retail therapists out there, perhaps you would consider spending a day at each one but we will leave that decision to you!

From 25% to 65% in savings across world-renowned brands, these Premium Outlets are definitely the best choice for any aspiring shopper looking for a great deal. The challenging part when visiting either or both of these locations is knowing where to draw the line because it’s fair to say it can quickly get out of hand with so many amazing deals to be found!

Both outlet malls are “open-air” but with an indoor food court offering an eclectic blend of cuisine options from around the world.

Mall at Millenia

Renowned as a “world-class shopping destination,” the Mall at Millennia is the ultimate, luxury upscale experience for those that want something a little higher profile than the outlet malls. Offering 150 of the world’s finest retail brands and eateries, this is definitely a place you can easily find your favorite luxury brand.

Whether you are looking for the perfect bag from Louis Vuitton or perhaps need the latest and greatest tech products from Apple, the Mall at Millenia offers a diverse blend of global stores. Two levels covering a 1.2 million-square-foot center epitomizes the grand scale of this shopping experience.

Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

Exploring the great outdoors may not be at the very top of your list when you consider a trip to Orlando but if you head to Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, you have the opportunity to experience gorgeous hiking trails just like you would if you visited a more iconic rural location.

The trail system at Tibet-Butler offers a distinctive blend of eco-systems local to the Orlando region. From the longleaf pine forest and scrub to cypress-lined lakeshore, Tibet-Butler is a great place for all the family to visit and learn about Orlando’s ecology.

If you are planning on spending just a short time at Tibet-Butler, we recommend taking the short trail across the boardwalk and keep an eye out for wildlife roaming around the swampland. Depending on what time of year you choose to visit will likely determine the accessibility around the trails but you will likely always find something intriguing to explore.

Downtown Lake Eola

Heading downtown Orlando doesn’t have to be all about the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in the heart of this part of the city is the breathtaking Lake Eola, a perfect haven to just get away and relax for a few minutes (or hours) and take in the beautiful scenery.

For those of you interested in taking a relaxing walk around the lake, you will travel just under one mile to walk the entire loop. If you are heading to Lake Eola with a loved one, perhaps a romantic cruise around the lake onboard a “swan-shaped” paddle boat (rentals are available for $15 for a 30-minute ride around the lake) will tempt you.

Architectural gems are scattered throughout the Lake Eola Park but perhaps the highlight attraction is the spectacular view of the Orlando skyline.

Summary

Are you convinced that heading to Orlando doesn’t have to be all about theme parks? As you can see, there are myriad alternative options available and honestly, we have barely touched the surface. We included the Kennedy Space Center as a viable “day trip” just because it’s such an amazing attraction but if you are willing to hit the road, you are just increasing the number of options available in the nearby vicinity.

If you are visiting Orlando and have no desire to visit Disney World et al, don’t worry, you won’t be the only one! There are plenty of options and we are convinced that you can put together a 24-hour, 48-hour or even 72-hour itinerary from all of the options we have listed above.

We would LOVE to hear your recommendations of places to visit and experiences folks cannot afford to miss when they next head to Orlando – please feel free to comment below!

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8 Awesome Neighborhoods in Nashville You Need to Visit

Tennessee

Chris Boothman

-

Aug 6, 2018

11

8 Awesome Neighborhoods in Nashville You Need to Visit

Nashville is a city you cannot help but immediately fall in love with. From the amazing country music scene to the plethora of delectable restaurants offering local cuisine (did someone mention “hot chicken”?), “Music City” is a thriving metropolis that continues to grow and offer incredible opportunities for locals and visitors alike. During our recent trip, we decided to head away from the mainstream attractions, and explore some of the best neighborhoods in Nashville that normally don’t hit the major tourist spot headlines.

But don’t let that concept of “off the beaten path” fool you…these neighborhoods are (and have been!) developing at a rapid rate and as soon as you visit the first time, you will quickly realize why they play such an integral role in the overall make-up of this city.

Whether you are visiting Nashville for a long weekend getaway or perhaps contemplating moving here on a permanent basis, there is so much more to this city than you initially imagine.

Long gone are the days where Nashville is all about the Grand Ole Opry, Tootsie’s Bar on Broadway or even the Parthenon. Don’t get me wrong, these are all still awesome attractions that everyone visiting Nashville should have on their radar but it’s these lesser-known communities that deserve as much coverage, yet frequently are left in the shadow of these more infamous landmarks.

We want to share our experiences exploring the hidden side of Nashville and hopefully, after reading this post, you will be inspired to visit some of these areas that truly epitomize the heart and soul of this amazing metropolis.

Best Neighborhoods in Nashville

Nashville is a thriving city that continues to expand at a rapid rate. We have been visiting Music City for several years and the change has been incredible. Hotel rates throughout the city have soared and anyone considering a trip to Nashville should be prepared to pay a premium for this part of the US but without doubt, it’s worth it.

One of the best aspects of Nashville is that many of the neighborhoods we are going to highlight are relatively close together. Whether you are flying into BNA (Nashville International Airport) and then using Uber or renting a car, or perhaps road tripping as we do, this city is relatively easy to navigate and you can explore a lot in a short timeframe.

The urban sprawl throughout Nashville is such that nearby towns such as Franklin and Brentwood almost feel like they are part of the greater Nashville area. However, we are focusing our attention on those neighborhoods “officially” part of Music City including the following.

Hillsboro Village
The Gulch
12South
East Nashville
Downtown
Belle Meade
Germantown
SoBro

With communities and neighborhoods developing all the time, this is certainly not an exhaustive list of areas worth exploring across Nashville. However, it does offer an eclectic blend of everything to love about Nashville and as always, we encourage you to share your favorite neighborhoods with us in the comments below so that we can check it out during our next trip there.

Hillsboro Village

Why not start your adventure around Nashville’s collection of neighborhoods than one of the undisputed heartbeats of the city – Hillsboro Village? Situated in close proximity to both Belmont and Vanderbilt Universities, it’s no surprise that this is a bustling community full of college students, locals and visitors intrigued by the endless possibilities here.

The incredibly popular Pancake Pantry is the highlight attraction in Hillsboro Village and should you visit this neighborhood any time after 8:00 AM, you will quickly understand why.

Take one look at the line that wraps around the building each morning and you’ll get an idea of how integral the Pancake Pantry is to the culture of Nashville.

Renowned as one of the best breakfast spots throughout Nashville, be sure to arrive early in order to avoid queuing around the building. But regardless of the time you arrive, this is a place well worth the wait. We arrived bright and early to enjoy the eclectic variety of pancake options, though the really tough decision is choosing which pancakes to try.

Since 1961, the Pancake Pantry has been a Nashville tradition for locals and visitors alike. If pancakes are not really your thing, don’t worry because you will quickly be convinced otherwise. If you are just looking for an alternative option, the Pancake Pantry offers waffles, eggs, french toast, hash browns and much more!

Hillsboro Village is more than just the Pancake Pantry and after dining here early, we strongly encourage you to take a stroll around the neighborhood admiring the variety of local restaurants, boutique shops and of course, a vibrant display of street art that captures the imagination advertising the local community – Welcome to Hillsboro Village!

For those of you that need a little “pick me up”, hop inside Fido, a converted pet shop that is now an urban coffee shop and part of the Bongo Java Roasting Company that is popular throughout Nashville. The signature local latte is a great option while Heather opted for a little Harry Potteresque flavor with a Butter Beer!

The Gulch

After exploring the Hillsboro Village neighborhood, we were excited about continuing our journey around Nashville to find more hidden gems. It didn’t take long for us to stumble across yet another dynamic and lively community that has undergone much regeneration in recent years – the Gulch.

The beauty of many of the neighborhoods we explored during our recent visit is that they are all relatively close to each other, yet each of them offers a unique perspective on Nashville living. The Gulch epitomizes this through the collection of chic, boutique style hotels, luxury fashion stores and a variety of local restaurants that could easily be recognized as some of the finest in the city.

Historically known as an industrial area that has quickly been transformed into one of Nashville’s coolest neighborhoods, this is yet another example of an area that can easily be explored on foot.

Visitors experience this part of Nashville to enjoy the iconic “What Lifts You” wings mural and capture the perfect selfie but I was particularly impressed with the contemporary architectural design of the area combined with the rustic, industrial feel that is still present.

Today, the Gulch District has developed into a hotspot for young urbanites. The Gulch has perfectly combined its industrial background with a modern contemporary style (Visit Music City)

Some of our favorite spots in the Gulch neighborhood include Milk and Honey, a trendy coffee shop not only perfect to grab your favorite espresso but also to enjoy lunch or even an afternoon treat courtesy of the delectable gelato bar.

For those of you looking for a little more substance, Biscuit Love is another popular spot that will challenge Pancake Pantry for the title of best breakfast location in Nashville.

Visiting the Gulch in the evening? Head to The Pub Nashville to enjoy live entertainment, a typical pub style menu and a variety of draught beers available. If you prefer to prepare your own food, head over to the Turnip Truck and find a wide selection of fresh, local produce.

12South

If you read our recent post on the best Nashville murals for artistic street art, you will know that the 12South neighborhood is one of the most popular areas for creative and aspiring artists to showcase their work. Combine this with a plethora of restaurants that ensures an exciting culinary scene, 12South is yet another of Nashville’s “hottest neighborhoods”.

12South has emerged as the perfect one-stop destination to eat, drink, play, and socialize. (Visit music city)

Nashville’s local tourism board promotes 12South as the ideal “one-stop” destination and what isn’t there to love about a neighborhood like this. What could be better than visiting an area with the knowledge that everything you need to enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening can be found here?

12South is the true epitome of a neighborhood in Nashville that has developed in recent years. Soaring housing prices means that this is one of the hottest neighborhoods in town. Historic and rather dilapidated residential areas have been replaced with trendy, hip-style apartments and homes, offering the perfect environment for the “urbanites” to locate here and enjoy the best of 12South’s thriving community.

High-end retail stores such as Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James are a popular attraction for visitors looking to enjoy a little luxury retail therapy while in Nashville. 12 South Taproom and Grill is the perfect spot to enjoy a quick bite to eat or sample a local craft beer before enjoying a stroll through nearby Sevier Park.

East Nashville

If Central and West Nashville doesn’t satisfy your appetite of exploring Music City’s best neighborhoods, why not head across the Cumberland River to explore East Nashville. You will first notice the towering Nissan Stadium, home to the NFL team, the Tennessee Titans.

Technically you are already in East Nashville once you arrive here though you may not know it, given that you are just a short distance from Broadway and all of the iconic glitzy and glamorous hotspots downtown.

Nashville’s version of New York’s East Village, the neighborhood has been gentrifying slowly as artists take over the Victorian houses and arts-and-crafts bungalows. (budget Travel Magazine)

East Nashville is frequently compared to New York City’s East Village, primarily because it is a thriving community that is now one of the most desired areas to live and explore. For the artsy folks out there, East Nashville is definitely the place to be.

From a myriad of amazing street art murals (our favorite is definitely the Apple/Microsoft combination featuring Bill Gates and Steve Jobs) to a number of local art galleries, the east side of the Cumberland River is the unequivocal epicenter of arts and culture in Nashville.

But art isn’t the only reason to visit this neighborhood. Head on over to the Shoppes on Fatherland to not only experience a little retail therapy or dine at some of the finest restaurants in the area, but also to interact with locals who have established these charming boutique establishments offering everything from local art to Nashville inspired food and drink.

Downtown

The most frequently visited neighborhood in Nashville is the heart of downtown along Broadway. Whether you are intrigued by the thought of popping inside a honky tonk bar or perhaps catching an NHL game with the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena, you can be sure that there will be something here to catch your attention.

Without a doubt, the highlight attraction along Broadway is to hop inside one of the many bars to enjoy your favorite beverage while listening to Nashville aspiring musicians looking to catch a break before going all the way to the Grand Ole Opry stage.

Don’t worry, you will be in for a real treat in most of these bars because many of Nashville’s iconic musicians started out here…you never quite know who you will see performing so be sure to keep your eyes and especially your ears peeled!

Broadway is more than just country music just like the rest of Nashville. Architecture lovers will find this part of Nashville particularly intriguing with the infamous “Batman” building among many others that will spark your interest.

Belle Meade

When it comes to historic neighborhoods around Nashville, it’s difficult to argue against Belle Meade being the most spectacular and renowned for vintage architectural beauty. Owned by five generations of the Harding-Jackson family throughout the 19th century, the breathtaking Belle Meade Plantation was once renowned as being the nations leading thoroughbred breeding grounds.

Various Triple Crown race winners can be traced back to Belle Meade, so spending some time here is a memorable experience.

With its rolling hills, larger home plots, and stately buildings, it’s the perfect picture of Southern Elegance (Nashville and Beyond)

Today, visitors can enjoy guided tours of the Plantation but in addition to the rich heritage here, this is also home to a winery which offers an eclectic blend of some of the finest wines in the region.

Although this relatively quiet neighborhood feels so unique in comparison to the trendier, urbanized neighborhoods mentioned throughout this post, the beauty of exploring (or even living if you are incredibly fortunate) Belle Meade is that you are just minutes from downtown Nashville! Just to reiterate, if you have any desires to relocate to this part of Nashville…well folks, homes here are some of the most expensive in the state.

Germantown

One of Nashville’s historic neighborhoods is Germantown, unsurprisingly referred to as such because of the large number of German immigrants that first resided here in the mid-nineteenth century. Another cool area for awesome street art displays but it’s the historic architecture, epitomized by a large concentration of Victorian building styles that makes Germantown such a popular neighborhood worth exploring.

Visitors to Germantown will likely want to sample the fine cuisine available here. Nashville is renowned for having delicious dining options and Germantown is certainly one of the best spots to find an eclectic blend of choices.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is considered to be part of the Germantown neighborhood and whether you are inspired to visit the weekly Farmer’s Market or simply prefer to learn all about the history of Tennessee, this is definitely one of the best attractions not only in this area but throughout the city of Nashville.

SoBro

Although Broadway is perhaps the “iconic” stretch in Nashville, visitors should take some time to head to SoBro (South Broadway) to experience some of the city’s most infamous attractions. The Country Music Hall of Fame Museum can be found here and is definitely worthwhile experiencing, even if you have no interest in the country music genre.

The Johnny Cash Museum can also be found in SoBro while perhaps the most famous chocolate shop is located inside this neighborhood, the Goo Goo Shop & Dessert Bar. Don’t visit Nashville without sampling the amazing Goo Goo Cluster!

Visitors to Nashville will quickly find out that SoBro is a popular spot for some of the best hotels in the area. We have been fortunate enough to spend a couple of nights at the incredible Omni Nashville Hotel and can highly recommend this to anyone looking for a luxury hotel experience while in Nashville.

Summary

Nashville’s diverse blend of neighborhoods offers a unique perspective on this vibrant city through a variety of awesome attractions, delicious places to eat and much more. If you are planning a visit to Nashville in the near future, we hope you will consider visiting one or more of these neighborhoods to gain a much greater appreciation of why Music City is should an amazing metropolis to explore.

Eight very different neighborhoods throughout Nashville have helped transform this city through urban regeneration and a myriad of delicious local cuisine options. It’s difficult to pinpoint one particular neighborhood that stands above all the others and we recommend experiencing all of them to really understand how Nashville is developing.

Have you visited Nashville and if so, which of these neighborhoods are your favorite?

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