One of the biggest perks of working from home is that the work doesn’t actually have to be from home. You can (probably) work from anywhere! And I do recommend working somewhere outside of your home at least once a week, to remind yourself that there is a world going on around you. It helps to alleviate those feelings of isolation during the work day.
I’ve lived in downtown Orlando for almost two years and been working from home for almost one year. During this time, I’ve found some spots I love that are conducive to remote work or studying, or anything you need to do in peace while around others. And one thing I love about downtown Orlando, compared to other cities in the U.S. that I’ve been to, is that it feels small. It really feels like a community and there are so many small businesses here that love getting local support! So my list below is by no means exhaustive, and I hope to explore more places in the coming months:
101 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
So the public library is great for collaborative work, if you need to get together with a group of people but also stay focused. There is a fee to rent out a workspace, but it’s small and goes toward the library which is a fantastic cause. To go on a tangent, I really recommend getting a library card. Even if you don’t live in downtown Orlando, you can use your card at any branch of the Orange County Library System. I am so happy to see reading become trendy thanks to “Book Tok,” but that’s beside the point. Working around books is calming and comforting, if you’re able to do so!
47 E. Robinson St., Ste. 100 Orlando, FL 32801
The Craft and Common coffee shop has become something of a regular spot for me and some of my friends to meet during the week. First of all, it is an adorable setting and always has fresh pastries. I’ve been told the iced banana chai is addicting! I’m not really a fan of bananas and I really can’t do any type of caffeine after noon, so I typically go for an herbal tea here. My favorite so far is the blushing hibiscus brewed to order tea. The wifi works great here as well! The music is a little on the louder side so if you’re on the phone a lot during work, keep that in mind.
885 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
This is another spot where you can be surrounded by books! Downtown CREDO shares its space with Zepplin Books. The space is basically part coffee shop, part indie bookstore, part art gallery. It’s small but cozy and always easy to find a spot to set up your work space. It’s quieter as well. The books and the art are for sale, so have a look around while you’re there!
63 E Pine St, Orlando, FL 32801
I absolutely adore The Robinson. I’ll start off by saying it is on the louder side when it comes to music, but the ambiance is the best! It doesn’t give off the cozy vibes like Craft and Common or Downtown CREDO, but it gives the ‘alert’ vibes. If you’ve never been, know that the first floor is a coffee shop and the second floor is a lounge that opens for drinks in the evening. The coffee shop offers food, coffee, tea, juice, and even alcoholic beverages (for after the work day of course).
- Bonus: Any Disney Resort
Recommended: Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
So Disney resorts aren’t technically in downtown Orlando, BUT I had to include them as an honorary space to work because they’re so perfect for it! Most Disney resorts have a lovely lobby with space to sit, but the best is the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk has a cozy little lounge area that doesn’t officially open until 4pm, so it is really quiet until then. All of the resorts have wifi and a unique atmosphere.
Since remote work seems to be here to stay, why not make the most of it!? Explore all YOUR city has to offer and get to know the local coffee shop owners. I didn’t always take advantage of this perk, but the mental health benefits have been extraordinary since doing so 🙂
XO Jessica
