Orlando Day 2: Death Row Pancakes, the Magic of Mr. Rogers, and Some Filipino Soul Food

We're back with another Orlando adventure, folks. If this is your first time joining us—welcome! You’ve got a little catching up to do (so make sure to check out the day 1 Orlando itinerary here). Sara and Marisa from Only In Your State's podcast, States of Discovery, had quite a long weekend in Orlando, and they continued to explore an anti-tourist approach to off-the-beaten-path restaurants, activities, and excursions.

Day 2 was jam-packed in Orlando, from incredible Michelin-recommended food to a walking tour through Rollins College, a 1970s-inspired hotspot in Mills 50, and some of the most delicious Filipino food around. In case you missed it, this is also an audio adventure, too. Join Sara and Marisa as they recount their firsthand experiences of the surprise and delight of Orlando.

Prefer an audio adventure? Listen to the Day 2 - Orlando podcast episode instead!

Se7en Bites – Southern Comfort with a Modern Twist

In Orlando’s artistic Milk District, Se7en Bites has become more than a brunch spot—it’s a local institution. Chef and owner Trina Gregory infuses southern comfort food with heart, nostalgia, and a modern twist, earning the restaurant a coveted MICHELIN Recommendation. Every dish tells a story, from the flaky biscuits and fried green tomato Benedicts to the "death row pancakes", easily the best pancakes we've ever eaten.

But what truly sets Se7en Bites apart is its warmth—both from the kitchen and the community it’s built around. During our conversation, Trina shared how the restaurant was born out of resilience and a deep love for sharing joy through food. For her, “comfort” isn’t just a flavor—it’s an experience that brings people together, one biscuit at a time.

Rollins College – Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Walking Tour

Just twenty minutes north in Winter Park, the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Walking Tour at Rollins College offers a step into the life and legacy of one of television’s most beloved figures. The tour we took, guided by Jo Marie Hebeler, traces five meaningful stops around the campus where Fred Rogers studied music composition and developed the values that would define his life’s work—kindness, empathy, and understanding. Visitors see original memorabilia, handwritten notes, and even a bronze statue of Rogers seated in quiet reflection. Guests who visit can take a self-guided walking tour during March.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art – Tiffany’s Light and Legacy

The Morse Museum in Winter Park is a sanctuary of color and craftsmanship, housing the world's most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Museum representative Arielle-Christine Courtney guided us through galleries that shimmer with Tiffany’s legacy—from his iconic stained-glass windows and leaded lamps to his intricate jewelry and pottery. Among the highlights is the reconstructed Daffodil Terrace, originally from Tiffany’s Long Island estate, Laurelton Hall—a masterpiece of art and architecture brought back to life. The museum’s intimate layout invites visitors to move slowly, letting the interplay of light and glass evoke quiet awe. It’s not just an art museum—it’s a meditation on beauty itself.

Winter Park – Park Avenue Small Town Charm

No visit to Winter Park is complete without a stroll along Park Avenue, where cobblestone streets, canopy trees, and boutique storefronts create a postcard-perfect scene. This charming district stretches for ten blocks, lined with over 140 restaurants, cafés, and shops. It’s here that Rifle Paper Co., the internationally celebrated stationery brand, first opened its doors—proof that big dreams can bloom in small towns. Visitors can browse The Spice & Tea Exchange or stop into Writer's Block for a unique bookstore experience. A stroll here on an afternoon of exploration will not disappoint.

Alfie’s HiFi – The Soundtrack of the ‘70s

Evening brings a change in tempo as we head back to Orlando’s Mills 50 District, where Alfie’s HiFi Lounge captures the glamour and groove of the 1970s. Created by Keith Mawardi and his team, this vinyl listening bar merges retro nostalgia with sleek modern design. Inside, guests sip on throwback cocktails like the Harvey Wallbanger while DJs spin curated vinyl sets that range from disco to funk and soul. Alfie’s isn’t just a bar—it’s an experience, a reminder of the tactile joy of records, analog culture, and the communal magic of music.

Kaya – Filipino Soul, Florida Heart

Dinner at Kaya feels like being welcomed into someone’s home—if that home happened to serve some of the most thoughtful, beautifully plated Filipino-inspired dishes in Florida. Located in the heart of Mills 50, Kaya redefines casual fine dining with a seafood-forward tasting menu that celebrates both Filipino heritage and Florida’s local bounty. The name “Kaya” translates to “capable,” and the restaurant’s mission—kaya natin, or “we can”—embodies a philosophy of community, care, and possibility. Every course feels like a story told with heart, honoring culture while pushing creative boundaries. Kaya isn’t just feeding guests—it’s inspiring them.

Cocktails & Screams – Orlando After Dark

To close the day, Cocktails & Screams offers one final dose of Orlando’s signature quirk. This horror-themed bar in downtown Orlando transforms nightlife into a theatrical experience with haunting décor, eerie cocktails, and a crowd that fully embraces the fun. After a day spent exploring the beauty and heart of the city, this spot captures Orlando’s other side—the playful, creative edge that keeps it endlessly surprising. Pro tip: visit during an evening of karaoke for an even better experience. Bonus points if you get on stage.

Wrapping Up: Here's the Orlando Day 2 Itinerary

• Se7en Bites
• Rollins College
• The Morse Museum
• Winter Park
• Alfie's HiFi Lounge
• Kaya
• Cocktails & Screams

All in all, day 2 in Orlando did not disappoint. Stay tuned for the final Orlando adventure for Sara and Marisa, and perhaps a near-death experience.