Every time I visit Lake Eola, I think how nice it is. TOP TIP, time your visit for a sunday when they have a craft market and often some entertainment.
Well, where is it? Lake Eola is in Downtown Orlando and is accessed from Rosalind Avenue, East Central Boulevard, North Eola Drive and East Robinson Street. This lake is actually the result of one of those ubiquitous sink holes and has in turn been the setting for a race track and a zoo.
Several philanthropic local people donated the land to the city in the 19th century and the landmark fountain was installed in 1912.
It was upgraded in 1957 and all was well til 2009 when it was struck by lightening. It was repaired in 2010 and state of the art lights added. It is interesting to note that the fountain cost $10000 in 1912 but the repairs in 2009 cost a cool $2. 300000! ! !
You will not find a parking space easy to find on a sunday but we have always managed it. You will have already skirted the lake and got a glimpse of what is to come but as you walk round it you will be delighted with its loveliness.
If, as I have advised you have visited on a sunday then you will soon come across a thriving craft market. There are baked good, hand made soaps, Honey in bear jars and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Lots of free samples are handed out and you can even get a massage (not sure whether I would want to be so publicly treated but several people do)
If you are lucky there will be some free entertainment at the bandstand and you can while away an hour watching this.
Near to the bandstand is a cafe that serves simple meals and drinks and just right for a mid morning coffee.
Just beyond the cafe is a memorial garden which provides a sobering few moments of reflection. On our last visit this area was full of tramps.
All round the lake there are ducks and swans that waddle out to greet you and of course at all times a view of the wonderful fountain.
I spotted at least 2 lots of loos (rest rooms) and a small childrens playground.
There are several restaurants dotted around this area but you may like to think of driving on to Winter Park for a late lunch and mooch round.
Well, where is it? Lake Eola is in Downtown Orlando and is accessed from Rosalind Avenue, East Central Boulevard, North Eola Drive and East Robinson Street. This lake is actually the result of one of those ubiquitous sink holes and has in turn been the setting for a race track and a zoo.
Several philanthropic local people donated the land to the city in the 19th century and the landmark fountain was installed in 1912.
It was upgraded in 1957 and all was well til 2009 when it was struck by lightening. It was repaired in 2010 and state of the art lights added. It is interesting to note that the fountain cost $10000 in 1912 but the repairs in 2009 cost a cool $2. 300000! ! !
You will not find a parking space easy to find on a sunday but we have always managed it. You will have already skirted the lake and got a glimpse of what is to come but as you walk round it you will be delighted with its loveliness.
If, as I have advised you have visited on a sunday then you will soon come across a thriving craft market. There are baked good, hand made soaps, Honey in bear jars and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Lots of free samples are handed out and you can even get a massage (not sure whether I would want to be so publicly treated but several people do)
If you are lucky there will be some free entertainment at the bandstand and you can while away an hour watching this.
Near to the bandstand is a cafe that serves simple meals and drinks and just right for a mid morning coffee.
Just beyond the cafe is a memorial garden which provides a sobering few moments of reflection. On our last visit this area was full of tramps.
All round the lake there are ducks and swans that waddle out to greet you and of course at all times a view of the wonderful fountain.
I spotted at least 2 lots of loos (rest rooms) and a small childrens playground.
There are several restaurants dotted around this area but you may like to think of driving on to Winter Park for a late lunch and mooch round.