College Park… It’s Just Edgy
Written by Ricky Roxburgh
Photos by Johnny Cooker
Edgewater Drive in College Park, known as “the drive” or “the strip” to some, is home to an enclave of family- and artist-friendly hangouts. “The Edge” might be a better name for this eclectic community, packed full of eateries, boutiques and creative businesses. College Park has an artsy culture all its own. Let’s go play.
edgy gifts
If making art isn’t your thing, you can always buy it. Connected to Infusion Tea is the Artistree Co-op (formerly Cottage Industry Co-op). Artistree has become a haven for local artists to mingle and sell the fruits of their artistic genius to locals looking for something not sold in Wal-Mart. Artistree hosts events featuring local artists, live music and even free wine. What is better than free wine? Nothing. www.artistreeco-op.com
edgy art
If you’re into the kind of art that involves paint, check out LoCAL CoLor Art studio. Growth and discovery is the aim of this art school for kids of all ages. It even offer classes for teens and adults. Now you, too, can have something to hang on the fridge! www.localcolorartstudio.com
edgy cafe
Get your greasy-spoon-fix on at Christo’s CAfé. Comfort food is the specialty of the house, and what it lacks in chic décor, it more than makes up for with hefty cooked-toorder portions and breakfast served all day long. Stop by for its awesome, kid-approved Mickey Mouse pancakes. www.christoscafe.com
edgy cousins
Sugar cookies have become an art at Cookie Cousins, a deliciously pink gourmet cookie bakery that cranks out picture-perfect cookies for any occasion. Cookie parties make it possible for amateur artists, big and small, to decorate their own treats and learn icing techniques from the pros. www.thecookiecousins.com
edgy kids
Cram more knowledge into your noggins at Leaps and Bounds enriChment Center. Started by two local mommies, this place is to family activities what the Kellogg’s variety pack is to cereal. Their small studio, across from Bishop Moore H.S. (keep a sharp eye; they don’t have a sign yet), plays host to a busy schedule of classes for all ages, including Playball, Kindermusik, taekwondo, cheerleading and gymnastics. www.leapsandboundsenrichment.com
edgy yogurt
Flavors like acai berry, green tea and pomegranate make Cefiore, a frozen yogurt palace with a style that’s a little more MOBY than TCBY. (You’re wrong, Eminem; we do listen to techno. Well, did.) Screw waffle cones; get the Froyo Waffle, fresh-made Belgian waffle with chilly treats and toppings like fresh fruit or Fruity Pebbles. Chill on its Jetsonslike chairs and surf for Webkinz via free Wi-Fi. If you’re a cheapskate, go on Tuesday, when kids eat free from 5 p.m. to close, when the old folks buy a medium or large yogurt. www.cefiore.com
edgy hair
Any day that starts with a makeover is a good day in our book. As a rule of thumb, getting your hair did in salons where everyone looks trendier than anyone could ever hope to be is always a plus. Alchemy rocks a tattedout (yet amiable) staff of misfits and a décor that stores like Anthropologie do their best to imitate. If switching up your mop top isn’t enough, revise the whole package at its in-store fashion boutique, If You Nasty Vintage. Do yourself a creative favor — skip Facebook for a minute and check out the salon’s equally edgy website at www.alchemyorlando.com.
edgy events
CoLLege park farmers market Sundays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The long-awaited and much-anticipated College Park Farmers Market is officially in full gear. This weekly, year-round market offers locally grown produce and foodrelated regional products, organic products and other select retail items. www.collegeparkorlando.org
Whyne and mutt art stroll Saturday, March 13 3 – 8 p.m. Pamper yourself and your pooch. Sip wine with your canine in tow, and “paws” to check out local art and sniff out great buys from local vendors. All proceeds from the event benefit the SPCA. It’s the “leash” you could do. www.onthedrive.org
Sunday, in the Park Sunday March 21 12 – 5 p.m. Music, food, shopping, games and a “Best Brownies in College Park” contest make College Park’s signature event an absolute must. Admission is free. For $10, kids get all-day wristbands to do cool stuff like bounce houses, laser tag and pony rides. www.collegeparkorlando.org/sip
Taste of CoLLege Park Thursday, April 22 6 p.m. Embarking on its seventh annual hoopla, you’ll find this food and wine festival at Dubsdread Golf Club. Showcasing neighborhood restaurants, the event includes wine pairings, beer samplings, and live and silent auctions. In years past, this festival, hosted by the Rotary Club, has pulled over 30 G’s to redistribute to other local philanthropies. www.collegeparkrotary.org
