College Park is a distinct neighborhood within the city of Orlando, Florida, deriving its name from the many streets within its bounds that were named for institutions of higher learning such as Princeton, Harvard, and Yale. It’s close proximity to downtown has made it a popular residential area for over a century among seniors and young professionals. According to the 2000 census, most residents are of working age (between 18 and 49) and are homeowners. 65.5% of households include no children.
College Park is encompassed by Orlando’s city commission district 3, currently represented by Robert Franklin Stuart, Sr., scion of a local political dynasty that includes Orlando Chamber of Commerce president Jacob Stuart, congressional candidate Charlie Stuart, and former state senator George Stuart, Jr.
The affluent College Park neighborhood is known for its 20th-century cottages, abundant green spaces and lakes. Lake Ivanhoe, in particular, is popular for waterskiing, wakeboarding and its views of the downtown skyline. The neighborhood is also home to the Dubsdread Golf Course, which dates back to the 1920s. Clustered along the main street, Edgewater Drive, are gastropubs, hip boutiques and vintage stores.
Eat
Jonesing for Japanese? Mexican? Diner fare? College Park’s diverse dining runs the gamut from creative burgers at Graffiti Junktion to Caribbean fare at Taste; this neighborhood has the culinary bases well covered.
Party
Every neighborhood has an Irish pub; College Park’s is Scruffy Murphy’s. Traditional pub grub (boxtys to bangers) abounds, as well as a wealth of beers on tap. Including Smithwick’s. So it’s all good. At Ollie’s Public House, mixed drinks come in mason jars and Yuenglings are $2 all day, every day. Then there’s Paxia Alta Cocina Mexicana & (here’s the important part) Tequila Lounge. The blanco menu alone has roughly 80 varieties. Salud!
Shop
Athletic? At Sassy Pants you can net high-end yoga, tennis and activewear. Bohemian? Visit Beachcomber’s Bazaar for unique organic earrings made of wood, horn, bone and shell, Khussa Indian shoes and jingly glass bangles. Call ahead for an appointment and get that henna tattoo you’ve always wanted. Vintage fan? Dechoes Resale is one of Orlando’s best, whether your tastes lean retro/pin-up or you’re after impressive names like Louis Vuitton or Prada.