Updated July 3, 2025

Every year on April 7, Orlando visitors and residents unite to support the area’s small business owners for 407 Day.

The day started as a means of supporting local businesses during the pandemic. But people soon realized they didn’t need such a serious reason to shop small.

Eating, drinking, shopping, and playing in Orlando’s small businesses is simply enjoyable. And so, the 4/7 fun has continued.

A beautiful lake with swans beside a grassy bank, surrounded by tall buildings in the distance. Visit Orlando for 407 Day this year.

Why 407? The number serves as the area code for Orlando and many of its suburbs.

Across the region, you’ll find independently owned attractions, shops, and restaurants that are well worth the visit.

On this 407 Day, celebrate the City Beautiful with a trip to one or more of these awesome Orlando neighborhoods.

Key Takeaways

Downtown Orlando
Mills 50, Ivanhoe Village, and the Milk District
East Orlando
Orlando North
Where to Stay this 407 Day

Downtown Orlando

The front of a swan paddle boat overlooking a dark lake surrounded by trees, tall buildings, and a rainbow amphitheater.

Downtown Orlando is a must-see for anyone looking to experience Orlando like a local.

The area boasts a bustling city park (Lake Eola Park) and gorgeous architecture. And, of course, it’s home to a variety of unique small businesses.

Between the Central Business District, historic Thornton Park, and up-and-coming Parramore, you’ll find tons to do on 407 Day.

Eat: Eola General serves deli meat sandwiches, vegan cheese boards, and more in a laid-back patio setting. Popular restaurant The Stubborn Mule is a great spot for cocktails and modern American food.

Drink: Fuel your Orlando adventure with a specialty cup of coffee at Craft & Common. Celebrate the spooky season any time of year at Halloween-themed haunt Cocktails & Screams.

Shop: Discover Downtown is your one-stop shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs. History buffs will find Central Florida-themed books and art in the Orange County Regional History Center’s gift shop.

Play: The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts hosts big names in music, comedy, and theater year-round. Keep the culture trip going at the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture.

Mills 50, Ivanhoe Village, and the Milk District

The corner of a building with guests sitting at an outdoor patio in front of a sign that reads Tori Tori. — Photo: Tori Tori, Blake Jones

The hottest trends meet time-told traditions in the neighborhoods due north of downtown.

Mills 50 is known as Orlando’s Little Saigon and is full of authentic Asian restaurants.

Ivanhoe Village sports some of the city’s oldest and biggest antique stores.

And the Milk District’s history is right in its name: the neighborhood is home to T.G. Lee Dairy’s headquarters.

But these areas are also home to cutting-edge eateries and inspiring art venues. On April 7, get hip with these Orlando businesses.

Eat: Get ready for a fun-filled day in Orlando with a filling breakfast at White Wolf Café. Later, see why Tori Tori’s small plates earned the Japanese restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation.

Drink: At The Imperial Wine Bar & Beer Garden , you can sip fine wine and craft beer while admiring quirky décor. Enjoy cleverly crafted cocktails in a chic setting at The Guesthouse.

Shop: Buy unique East Asian handicrafts at Dong A Imports in Mills 50. Then find the perfect artisan gift or souvenir at YAY! Tiny Gift Shop in Ivanhoe Village.

Play: Leu Gardens is a beautiful botanical oasis perfect for exploring tropical foliage and art installations. Check out Plaza Live for great concerts, shows, and entertainment.

East Orlando

A lit sign on the outside of a building that reads MARKETPLACE in red lit letters.

In recent years, the eastern reaches of Orlando have attracted waves of students and sun-seeking families from all over.

The boom in population has brought a boom in small businesses.

Given the University of Central Florida’s major presence in the area, many of these hotspots cater to young adults. But everyone can find something to love in neighborhoods like Avalon Park and Waterford Lakes.

On April 7, plan a full day in East Orlando. Or stop at one of these businesses on the way to a nearby beach.

Eat: Find nourishment and fresh flavors at Purple Ocean. The raw food spot serves acai bowls in Waterford Lakes and on UCF’s campus. At Marketplace at Avalon Park, you can find everything from Korean barbecue to fully loaded hot dogs.

Drink: Vespr is a cozy café with seasonal coffees, smooth nitro cold brew, and local beer. For more frothy fun, visit Bowigens Beer Company in Avalon Park.

Shop: Marketplace at Avalon Park is also home to Avalon General. This boutique sells artisan products and unique gifts. Shop your favorite stores at the outdoor shopping complex, Waterford Lakes Town Center.

Play: Tee up a good time at PopStroke, a mini-golf course with rolling greens and challenging water hazards. Nearby, Keg Social features 28 bowling lanes, axe-throwing boards, ping pong tables, and more.

Orlando North

A woman and two children smile as the boy in the photo feeds a giraffe a lettuce leaf.

Back when the Orange Belt Railway chugged through Central Florida, its easternmost stop was the city of Sanford.

Sanford started as a sleepy citrus town. But nowadays, you’re more likely to see an orange as a garnish on the drinks served at the city’s many bars and breweries.

As you venture between Orlando and Sanford this 407 Day, you’ll encounter equally charming towns. These suburbs, like Maitland, Casselberry, and Lake Mary, are also home to great small businesses.

Eat: Hollerbach’s has been serving wunderbar German food in Sanford since 2001. In Maitland, Luke’s Kitchen and Bar serves costal fare accompanied by a beautiful wine list and craft cocktails.

Drink: Eden Bar is an open-air watering hole connected to the Enzian, Orlando’s only indie movie theater. Tuffy’s Music Bar is a great go-to for live music, refreshing drinks, and patio seating.

Shop: Blackbird Comics & Coffee House carries board games, vinyl records, action figures, and comics galore. Bunny & Clyde Children’s Boutique in Lake Mary has cute clothes for future fashionistas.

Play: Learn about Central Florida’s history and creative community at Maitland’s Art & History Museums. Animal lovers can take a walk on the wild side at the Central Florida Zoo.

Where to Stay this 407 Day

The corner of a pool surrounded by palm trees and a tall tower of hotel rooms.

When planning your April adventure in Orlando, book a stay at Rosen Centre.

Our Orlando hotel is part of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, the area’s largest independent hotel brand.

Many of our on-site eateries pay homage to the family of our founder and CEO, Harris Rosen. These small business owners made a name for themselves in New York City and instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in Harris Rosen.

While staying with us, you’ll find plenty of ways to eat, drink, shop, and play this 407 Day.

Eat: Feast upon Floribbean flavors at Harry’s Poolside or signature cocktails and a variety of wines at Sam & Bubbe’s. These on-site restaurants are named after Harris Rosen’s enterprising grandparents.

Drink: Begin your day with a hand-crafted coffee drink at our hotel’s café, Smoooth Java. Our on-site bars and restaurants proudly serve Alligator Drool, a craft beer is brewed exclusively for Rosen Hotels & Resorts.

Shop: Our hotel features an on-site boutique perfect for picking up souvenirs and gifts.

Play: Fun and wellness meet at Rosen Centre’s spa, fitness center, and pool. As our guest, you’ll enjoy discounted rates and preferred tee times at Shingle Creek Golf Club. This award-winning course is located at our sister hotel, Rosen Shingle Creek.

Rosen Centre is on International Drive, in the heart of the city. Our location close to Orlando’s major highways makes it easy to explore the small businesses highlighted in this post.

We can’t wait for you to see the small business side of Orlando for the next 407 Day.

A yellow cocktail in the foreground with a pool and tall building in the background. Cheers to 407 Day in Orlando!