Lake Mann - Orlando, FL Area Guide

The Orlovista community nestles itself within Orange County and shares its abundant history. Originally titled Mosquite County, the name changed in 1845 when Florida achieved statehood. The area reached its peak in the early 1970s when 80,000 acres of orange trees encompassed the county. The Tropicana company was one of the main prominent land owners and distributors until population growth and major attractions including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida consumed the land. Packing plants and industrial distributors still call Orange County home today.

To learn about and appreciate the area's history, head to the Orange County Regional History Center museum. The venue hosts retro game nights, traveling exhibits and the annual Holiday at Heritage Square event.

Check out local art at CityArts Factory and support the arts scene. Expect to view uniquely crafted pieces from area artists with a new exhibit every third Thursday of the month.

You won't have any trouble finding a restaurant nearby Orlovista, specifically in the Horizons West and Pine Hills neighborhoods. Head out to Chef Eddie's for tasty soul food and seafood dishes. Customers rave about the chicken and waffles and the fried green tomatoes. Try the red velvet or butter pecan waffles for something unique. Indulge in the homemade macaroni and cheese with a slice of cornbread.

When in the mood for authentic Japanese cuisine, dine at Sapporo Ramen. Regulars love the tonkotsu ramen with boiled eggs and the miso ramen with chicken. The shoyu ramen served with thinly sliced pork makes an appetizing meal as well. The tempura appetizer and udon soup also rate highly among customers.

Choose Lee and Rick's Oyster Bar for the best oysters in town. Order a bucket of 36 oysters, and slug them down with an ice-cold beer. The spiced shrimp and crab legs do not disappoint, and the clams make customers' mouths water. This awesome dive keeps customers coming back for more.

Local bars and lounges surround the area, making it easy to grab a drink and enjoy the nightlife scene. Flirt Night Club offers drink specials and a relaxing atmosphere to have some drinks while networking or enjoying the company of those around you. Guest DJs spin records while customers dance and sip on cocktails. Swing by on Fridays for the you-call-it special, or enjoy two-for-one Smirnoff drinks on Saturdays. Locals hang out at Florida Sports Bar and Grill to watch their favorite sports teams and throw back a few cold ones. Put on your cowboy boots and dance the night away at Cowboys Orlando. The venue gives free dancing lessons, so step out of your comfort zone and learn how to line dance.

Approximately 75 percent of Orlovista and Lake Mann residents drive their own vehicles as their primary means of transportation. Commuters reach Orlando's city center with ease in a mere 12 minutes via FL-408. Some free residential street parking is available, but expect to pay parking fees when heading to any of the major attractions and theme parks in Orlando. Although residents have access to sidewalks on neighborhood streets, walkers and cyclists should opt for the area trails and paths when strolling or biking. The busy major thoroughfares make conditions unsafe for pedestrians.

Enjoy Orlando's beautiful weather at area parks where you can take part in outdoor recreational activities or relax in the vibrant sunshine. Visit Barnett Park and play a game of disc golf, basketball, softball or tennis. The covered playground and splash zone make the location kid-friendly, and the pavilions offer awesome spots to have a picnic. Grill some burgers at the on-site charcoal grills, then get your daily exercise in by walking or jogging along the well-maintained trails. Feel free to bring the pooch along for the fun as this location welcomes dogs. This park hosts the annual Martial Arts Parade.

Residents spend time at Eagle Nest Park for exercising and relaxing. The property houses baseball diamonds, open fields to play soccer or football, and a paved path for walkers and joggers. Kids enjoy burning off energy at the playground, and dogs sprint around the open areas. The park connects to a couple of local trails, which allows guests access to hiking and longer runs. This cost-free, family-friendly location hosts the annual National Night Out, a crime prevention event.

Orlovista's cost of living checks in at 9 percent less than Orlando's average. Those who rent a one-bedroom residence pay an average rent of $752 per month. In order to reach the city center using the Lynx bus, riders pay $2 for a one-way trip. Expect to spend 4 percent more than the national average on gas and $9 for a beer at a local pub.

You won't have any trouble finding a wide variety of shopping opportunities in the area perfect for any budget. For high-end stores, visit The Mall At Millenia just 4 miles from Orlovista. Chanel, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, TAG, Louis Vuitton and many more high-value stores sit on the property. Shoppers can also do department store shopping at Neiman Marcus, Macy's and Bloomingdale's. Those looking for amazing deals shop at Orlando Premium Outlets. Customers find awesome prices at well-known stores such as Express, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Nike and Under Armour.

Residents who prefer to shop at local boutiques head to Modern Grace Boutique for women's clothing, jewelry, flowers and unique gifts. The shop carries merchandise by Karie Sue Creations and other local designers. Find a cute party dress and a purse to accompany it. Shoppers also enjoy shopping at Bijou's Boutique for women's clothing and accessories. Browse around and find trinkets, bracelets, earrings, shoes and purses along with dresses, skirts, tops and blouses.

Support local farmers and vendors by shopping at area farmers markets. Freshfields Farm showcases awesome produce at incredible prices. You can also buy high-quality meats at a fraction of the typical cost. Swing by the frozen yogurt section for a yummy soft-serve cone. Winter Park Farmers Market houses area vendors who sell everything from produce and breads to kettle corn and plants. Pick up a beautiful bouquet of flowers for an unbeatable price. If you prefer to shop at a supermarket, several Publix locations surround the area.