A claim to fame
College Park JazzFest, coming Nov. 3, 2018, is a very big deal annually. Nine bands are scheduled on three main outdoor stages, with Edgewater Drive shut down for the evening. (A similar event was held in April, featuring DJ music from the 1960s and a giant dance floor.)
Why I live here
“Although I really prefer big cities, I grew up as a small-town kid,” says Jeff Kurtz, executive director of the College Park Main Street program. “My initial impression was that College Park really combines the best of both of those elements. On the one hand, you have world-class cultural and entertainment opportunities that present themselves in College Park, specifically, but also within Orlando as a whole. On the other hand, College Park retains that hometown, close-knit community feel, where you can still know the people you interact with every day. Hard to beat that combination.”
Don’t miss
• Albert Park: Just north of Princeton Street along Edgewater Drive, this park serves as a go-to location for several of the neighborhood’s events, including an annual Easter egg hunt and political candidate forums.
Albert Park is just north of Princeton Street along Edgewater Drive, this park serves as a go-to location for several of the neighborhood events, including an annual Easter egg hunt and political candidate forums. Monday, June 18, 2018. David Lawrence for the Orlando Sentinel
• College Park Baptist Church: Opened in 1928, this church at 1914 Edgewater Drive is emblematic of the neighborhood’s many historic places of worship. Two others are nearby: St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (1954) and St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (1948).
Opened in 1928, this church at 1914 Edgewater Drive is emblematic of the neighborhood’s many historic places of worship. Monday, June 18, 2018. David Lawrence for the Orlando Sentinel
• Publix: Store No. 659 within the supermarket’s chain features a neon facade reminiscent of the 1950s. It’s eye-catching and another ode to the neighborhood’s yesteryears. (2015 Edgewater Drive)
Dig in!
• K Restaurant (1710 Edgewater Drive in Orlando): Locally sourced ingredients means that the American cuisine on the menu never stays quite the same at K Restaurant. It’s a cozy eatery that hosts regular community events - like Yappy Hour, which offers specials for diners and their pups.
• RusTeak Restaurant and Wine Bar (2625 Edgewater Drive in Orlando): RusTeak combines unexpected flavors and ingredients together on their flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, and other entrees. Beer and cocktails are available, but the wine list is the star.