A lot of you may not know this, but Orlando is a growing hub and home for different local food vendors and creators. The best example of Orlando’s rising culture of fun, and original eats is the East End Market, which has become one of my favorite places to go. Get a healthy smoothie at Skybird, a delicious coffee at Lineage, and a cookie at Gideon’s (be early, because they sell out almost every day) and just sit and enjoy your day in the courtyard surrounded by cacti and other succulents.
Here is the list of the vendors you will be able to find. Keep in mind that you should follow the East End Market’s social media channels because they have a lot of pop-up shops. Two of my favorites are the local jewelry maker Gypset Co. and the stationery company Bloomwolf Studio. There is also a brand new Dry Flower shop called Janet’s Dry Humor that might become one of my favorites as well. I can’t wait to go visit it.
Skybird
This counter-service option for juice & smoothies also offers a lot of raw, vegan food. I tried the Bananastasia and the Tropical Tumeric smoothies: they are organic, dairy-free, and delicious. They have a lot of other healthy and delicious options.
Bird of Paradise
The big selling point here is healthy, organic, and local food centered around “bright, tropical flavors.” You might want to go there just to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the place. I love the decor.
Gideon’s Bakehouse
this sweets shop, with a warm Victorian ambiance, specializes in cookies and cakes. I tried the triple chocolate cookie and the toffee pistachio cookies. They have the best cookies I have ever eaten.
Freehand Goods
the perfect place to find a present for your husband, father, brother… They have a lot of things from leather phone cases and camping accessories to natural pre-shave oil…
Hinckley’s Fancy Meats
This specialty vendor opened late last year inside East End Market, and it’s become a fast favorite of Audubon Park’s foodies. There, you will find an array of sausages, bacon, deli meats, charcuterie, and sandwiches.
At La Femme du Fromage
You will be able to enjoy your favorite cheeses– and discover some amazing new ones I will get my cheese for the next cheese and wine party I throw there. Being French, sometimes it is hard to find cheeses that are up to my (admittedly high) standards, but this place has everything I need.
Porch Therapy
Paradise for all the plant-loving ladies (and gents) around here. You will be able to find a wide range of plants, cacti, succulents… They can also make floral arrangements. Check their workshop event calendars. I am in love with this place, and I try my very best to not buy everything when I go (easier said than done!).
Edible Orlando
This magazine is all about food and drinks. It features the food artisans, growers, restaurants, and chefs of Orlando and Central Florida. The magazine supports local businesses, farmers, and fishermen.
Tickled Pink Brides
is an Orlando wedding planner with an arsenal of beautiful (and not to mention Insta-worthy) weddings under its belt.
Farm-Haus
the café located inside the East End Market provides healthy, comforting food using local ingredients. Everything is made from scratch.
Lineage Coffee Roasting
This cute local little craft coffee roaster is located at the very end of the hall.
Domu
is rated one of the best Korean restaurants in town. I haven’t tried it yet, but I have heard only good things about this Korean place.
Dochi Japanese Mochi Donuts
If you are craving some donuts, you have to try Dochi Japanese Mochi Donuts which are a mix between the traditional American fried Donuts and the Japanese Rice desserts. Not only they are so pretty but they taste amazing! There are different flavors available every week. Make sure you pre-order them or go to the shop early because they sell out very fast every weekend!
The East End Market is an amazing venue for aspiring and seasoned foodies in the Orlando community to engage and meet. I invite you to visit their website to find all the different events and workshops that are organized pretty regularly if that is something you would like to be part of.
Every third Friday of each month from 6pm to 10pm, they have an amazing event called Evening Exchange where you can find a lot of different local vendors. This is an event you don’t want to miss if you are in the neighborhood, especially if you are trying to go to places where locals hang out.
Whether you’re a pro at scoping out exciting new local restaurants or are just now venturing into Orlando’s rising foodie scene, I’m sure you’ll find something (probably multiple somethings) to enjoy at the East End Market. Have you been? Let me know! I would love to hear about your experiences there.