Photo Historic Travels

Author: David Le Moal

Exploring The Forgotten Side of Downtown Orlando
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

People think of Orlando as a place of entertainment with its many Theme Parks, most of which are actually outside of the city limits. Orlando itself the fourth largest city in Florida and a major hub for business and government services. I’ve visited Orlando with my family many times, but this trip was the first time I actually stepped foot in Downtown Orlando. How does Downtown Orlando hold up as a travel destination? Stay till the end to see suggestions for a non-theme park-oriented trip to the Orlando area.
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Lake Eola Park

My Dad and I went Orlando in order to visit my sister, arriving on a Sunday. My sister, now being a local, recommended we visit the Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park. This had to have been the largest farmers market I’ve ever seen, as there was an endless supply of vendors with food, drinks, and crafts. After a thorough search of all the options, I settled on Ethiopian and Tequeños paired with a giant cup of homemade lemonade.

Imagine Having the Ibis Be Your Trash Bird

Afterwards, the three of us walked around Lake Eola Park. We found out later at the History Center (mentioned below) that Lake Eola is not a lake but a sinkhole. It’s a very stable sinkhole since there’s a large fountain in the middle and a bandshell on the water’s edge.

Real Swans With Fake Swans

Lake Eola Park is lovely and a popular hangout location for locals. Besides the bandshell, there’s a play area, rock garden, Chinese pagoda, and rental swan boats.

Walking Downtown

After walking Lake Eola, we went off to explore more of Downtown Orlando. Orlando is a mix of different styles with gleaming skyscrapers alongside Victorian buildings.

Old and New

The skyscrapers primarily (but not exclusively) surround Lake Eola. They tower over the lake/sinkhole and provide dramatic contrast. Office buildings are not what comes to mind when one thinks of Orlando.

A good portion of Downtown Orlando is lined with trees, which compliments the many historic buildings located throughout the city. Besides the Victorian Church Street (mentioned below), the Downtown is a mix of styles, including Mediterranean, Colonial, and Art Deco. There’s also the Brutalist public library, but the less said about that the better.

Downtown Orlando was a happening place that Sunday. Beside normal city crowds, one plaza was full of drunk college age students. My sister theorized that they were University of Central Florida students celebrating their graduation.

The Plaza on a Crazy Sunday Afternoon

The Same Plaza on a Less Chaotic Tuesday Morning

I noticed vibrant public art while walking through the Downtown. I managed to capture a couple of them on camera.

Church Street

While exploring Downtown Orlando, we walked through Church Street. It was the place to be several decades ago, but now much of it is pretty much abandoned. I did see a sign say “Church Street Improvement Coming Soon,” so maybe in a few years it will be successfully revitalized.

While some of Church Street has seen better days, the Church Street Market is thriving and does have open businesses. I did not go into any of them, but it did make for a good place to take photos.

History Center

On Tuesday, Dad and I went to the Orange County Regional History Center. The History Center is conveniently a couple blocks away from Lake Eola Park. Be aware that at certain times people are not allowed on Heritage Square Park in front of the museum, or else security will scold you.

Statue of Man Sitting On an Alligator

The History Center provided a fascinating look at the history of Orlando and Orange County. I learned so many new things, such as how ranching once played an important role in Central Florida’s economy. There’s also a section devoted to the history of the Disney Theme Parks, which is not something one normally finds in a local history museum.

Conclusion

Overall, I enjoyed seeing a side of Orlando that is usually forgotten about in the popular consciousness. I hope this blog post shines a light on this mostly unknown side of Orlando. So next time you plan on visiting Orlando, consider taking time out of your trip to visit the Downtown area. As for what I did on Monday, you will have to come back to look at my blog post about EPCOT.

Much of Downtown Orlando is pretty walkable, but you would need to drive to exploring the greater Orlando area. The Farmers Market at Lake Eola Park happens every Sunday from 10:00-3:00, more information found here. The Orange County Regional History Center is open everyday and is a five minute walk from the Lake Eola Park’s bandshell.

Restaurant Recommendations

Metro Espresso Pizza: My mother and sister discovered Metro Espresso Pizza while moving my sister and has become a favorite place. They serve very good pizza and other Italian dishes that my sister recommends.

Taco Kat

Taco Kat: As Dad and I were leaving that Tuesday, we needed a convenient location to eat lunch and say goodbye to my sister. As Taco Kat is only steps away from the History Center, we decided to go there. They serve good tacos and quesadillas.

Other Things to Do

Whether you want to take a vacation to Orlando without going to the Theme Parks or just want to add another stop to your vacation, I offer extra thing to do below. Here are some places I have been on a previous trip 15 years ago, or wished to go to on this trip in the greater Orlando area. All three museums closed on Monday.

Mennello Museum of American Art: I went to this Museum back when it was called the Earl Cunningham Museum. It still showcases his artwork (in the folk style), as well as works from other artists. Check out the giant tree in front of the Museum while you’re there. EST 10 minutes drive from Downtown.

Orlando Museum of Art: This Museum showcases American art from the 19th and 20th century. It also has a collection of African and Mesoamerican Art. EST 11 minutes drive from Downtown.

Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens: This Museum showcases the sculptures of Albin Polasek, as well as goes over his life. I still think about the story about him waiting 40 years to marry his first wife, then remarrying again a year after her death. EST 20 minutes drive from Downtown.

Nature: There is plenty of nature parks in the greater Orlando area so I will list them in order from closest to furthest from Downtown Orlando. In order: Wekiwa Springs State Park, Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, Seminole State Forest, Little Big Econ State Park, Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead, and Lake Louisa State Park.

Sports: My sister would like me to mention that the Kia Center and the Inter&Co Stadium are within walking distance from each other. If you are staying in a Downtown hotel, one could easily walk to both places within 20 minutes or so.
June 1, 2026
Things to Do in Beautiful Colonial Williamsburg
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

I made two nonconsecutive trips to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia; living close to Williamsburg does have its benefits. The first trip focused on seeing historic homes normally closed to the public as part of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, while the second trip focused on seeing the remaining historic house museum that I had never been to before. Both visits work together to give an overview of what to do in Colonial Williamsburg, VA. At the end, I showcase the natural beauty of College Landing Park to complete your Williamsburg Virginia tour. This blog will serve as a companion to my first YouTube video so keep reading to the end.
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The Governor’s Palace

Historic Houses in Colonial Williamsburg

Virginia’s Historic Garden Week was the reason for my first trip to Colonial Williamsburg. The two houses I managed to get a rare glimpse into were the Ludwell-Paradise house and the Coke-Garrett house. These two house are private homes that are normally closed to the public, but were opened for one day for this event. The Ludwell-Paradise house once was the home of the Ludwell family, of which several of its member converted to Eastern Orthodoxy. The Coke-Garrett house serves as the home of the Presidents of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and had just finished a restoration only a couple of days before the event. I have no pictures of the insides, but it was interesting seeing modern kitchens inside 18th century buildings.

Have a Colonial Style Convenience Store Instead

I also went to Bassett Hall, which was the home of the John D. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. This House is usually only open to the public on Thursdays-Saturdays, so I took a rare opportunity to visit. I also went to the Bray School, where enslaved children received an education in order to accept their lot in life.

Garden of St. Mary Chapel

The George Wythe House

Several weeks later, I decided to visit the remaining historic homes I’ve yet to see. I first went to the George Wythe House located besides the Palace Green. George Wythe was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the first law professor of the United States. It had the typical grand 18th century Georgian interiors and a very beautiful garden.

The Robert Carter House

Next, I went right down the street to see the Carter House, an incredibly long house that I could not fit entirely within the picture. The House is entirely bare on the inside, with zero furnishings and several holes in the walls exposing the wood and brick work. Our tour guide told the fascinating story of Robert Carter III, a man who turned from a dissolute playboy to a conscientious man who manumitted more of his enslaved people than anybody prior to the Emancipation Proclamation. The house is only opened on Tuesdays-Wednesdays.

The Peyton Randolph House

I then walked down Nicholson Street to see the Peyton Randolph House. Peyton Randolph served as President of the First and Second Continental Congress. Our tour guide delivered a personable look at the lives of the Randolph’s and their enslaved people.

Duke of Gloucester Street

On both trips, I enjoyed strolling along to Duke of Gloucester Street, Colonial Williamsburg’s main thoroughfare. The street starts at William and Mary, goes through Merchant’s Square, and passes through 18th century Williamsburg. It turns out that Merchants Square is the oldest planned shopping center in the United States dating from 1927. The images below will show you Duke of Gloucester (DoG) Street (and accompanying side streets) in chronological order.

Wren Building College of William and Mary

DoG Street With Merchants Square in Foreground and Capitol in Background

House on the Palace Green, I Think a Private Residence

One of Several Trade Signs in Colonial Williamsburg

King’s Arms Tavern

College Landing Park

A five minute drive from Merchants Square is College Landing Park. It’s a riverfront park with only a fishing pier, kayak launch, boat ramp, and a hill with stairs. Although it’s a small park, it will do just fine after a long day of exploring Colonial Williamsburg.

Reflections in Murky Water at College Landing Park

Conclusion

Overall, I greatly enjoyed my two visits to Colonial Williamsburg. Although I have been there many times before, there were still so many places and things I had yet seen. So whenever you visit Colonial Williamsburg, consider all of the places I’ve mentioned alongside the Governor’s Palace and Capitol building. Perhaps you could even visit the two private homes the next time Historic Garden Week happens in mid-April.

While it’s “free” to walk around Colonial Williamsburg (you need to pay for parking on an app), you would need to purchase a ticket to enter into many of the buildings. Single-day Tickets go for $33.75 online or $37.50 at site for people 13 and up; Multi-day Tickets go for $55.00 for people 13 and up. More information can be found here. Information about Historic Garden Week is found here.

If you want to learn more about the early days of America, Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne are nearby. Read my blog post here.

Below is my YouTube video about my two trips to Colonial Williamsburg. Think of it as a wordless vlog, giving you the sights and sounds of Colonial Williamsburg. The video shows much more than this blog, such as the gardens of the two private homes, Bassett Hall, the Bray School, etc.

Colonial Williamsburg Restaurant Recommendations

It makes sense to recommend many different restaurants as Colonial Williamsburg is an all-day destination. I will go in order from fanciest to least fanciest.

Colonial Williamsburg has several dining establishments the replicate the experiences of eating at a tavern during the colonial era. The King’s Arms Tavern was founded in 1772 and has the waiters dress in period attire. I chose the King’s Arms Tavern in particular because I once had my birthday meal there.

The Blue Talon Bistro serves French cuisine, located on the parking lot behind Merchants Square. I also had a birthday meal here, and I would love to eat here again.

The Cheese Shop is a local institution located on Merchants Square. Its sandwiches are a favorite with my family. Head next door to Wythe Candy and Gourmet Shop for specialty candy.

Rick’s Cheesesteak Shop is located on Prince George Street. I’ve been there once and enjoyed their cheese-steak sandwich.

Precarious Beer Project is located in a building on the other parking lot behind Merchants Square. They have three little restaurants located inside, of which I enjoyed the birria tacos of Electric Circus Taco. I’ve only been inside a rainy Monday lunchtime and a Tuesday afternoon, so I bet the place is much livelier at nighttime.

If you wanted to go to explore more of the greater Williamsburg area, I can recommend many different restaurants. In order from closest to furthest from Merchants Square are: Bonanza Social Kitchen (Korean Fried Chicken), Anna’s Brick Oven Pizza-Pasta (Wood Fired Pizza), Honey Butter’s Kitchen (Breakfast Food), Maria Bonita Cantina (Mexican), and Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que (a local institution). Also, I highly recommend going out of your way to get Duck Donuts, but make sure they’re open before you make the trek particularly if you go earlier in the week.
May 19, 2026
Best Sunday in Portsmouth Virginia at The Commodore Theatre
When I first heard about The Commodore Theatre in Portsmouth Virginia back in December 2025, it immediately caught my interest. This historic Art Deco theater had been transformed into a dining establishment so one could dine while watching first run movies. But I quickly forgot about it until early April when the idea of starting a travel blog sparked inside me. After some deliberation, I decided that The Commodore Theatre would be the subject of my first post. Keep reading for Portsmouth VA museum recommendations at the end.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
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Lunch

Hawaii BBQ Serves Good Food If You Are Willing to Drive Out of the Way

My Dad and I set out on April 12th, where we first had lunch at Hawaii BBQ, which serves both Hawaiian and Chinese cuisine. Hawaii BBQ is actually a 17 minute drive from The Commodore Theatre, but I have been wanting to go to a Hawaiian restaurant for a long time and the opportunity finally presented itself. There is another restaurant on my bucket list named The Bier Garden that’s right across the street from The Theatre, but the timing would not have worked out either before or after a matinee show.

Maybe One Day I Will Go to the Bier Garden to Experience This

Downtown Portsmouth

After lunch, we drove to The Commodore Theatre. Parking is a little complicated, as there are several parking lots nearby that turned out to be private lots. We did eventually find street parking conveniently located to the the Theatre. Afterwards, I explored a little bit of High Street; the downtown area of Portsmouth with its charming tree-lined streets.

This Church Cemetery is Actually Right Next Door to The Theatre

The Commodore Theatre

Finally, we arrived at The Commodore Theatre. After briefly waiting in line for the ticket counter to open, we bought our seating arrangement. I refer to the seating chart and not tickets because (as mentioned above) you are seated at tables rather than seats. We had the odd situation of having to go inside the lobby to wait for the man to assign our tables rather than waiting outside at the ticket counter.

The Commodore Theatre Shows Contemporary Movies

A Sign Recalling the History of The Commodore Theatre

The Commodore Theatre still retains much of its old Art Deco charms. The lobby showcases photographs of The Theatre before its restoration. The Commodore Theatre now plays first run films with Dolby Digital and THX sound. One can appreciate the dedication it took to not only bring new life to the building, but make it relevant for modern audiences.

The Lobby with Photographs of The Commodore Theatre Before Restoration

More of the Art Deco Lobby

An Alcove Showing What The Theater Would Have Looked Like Back In the Day

The actual auditorium portion of The Commodore Theatre is very unique. It resembles a 50s nightclub more than a movie theater, up to and including the crystal chandeliers and curtains covering the screen. Each section had tables seating about three or four plush chairs that can move. Each table had elegant lamps and 90s business phones where one can call to order everything from popcorn to a meal.

A Very Unique Movie Watching Experience

What most impressed me about the theater are the two murals on each side of the walls. One mural unfortunately had a large portion cut out, but the other one remains intact and still looks very impressive. It’s amazing how much effort theaters made to decorate back in the day, particularly when it would mostly go unseen while the audience watched the movie.

A Mural Entitled The Vision of a New World

A WWII Naval Mural Unfortunately Missing A Segment

As for my opinion on Project Hail Mary, I thought it was Entertaining. I thought it had a good story but large parts just dragged and other parts I felt were overly comedic. On the other hand, my Dad loved the movie. In all, I enjoyed my experience at The Commodore Theatre and highly recommend this unique movie watching experience.

If you want to see another historic movie theater, please read here.

Another View of The Commodore Theatre

What To Know Before You Go

The Commodore Theatre is located at 421 High Street Portsmouth, VA 23704. The Commodore is open daily with shows at 7:00 PM, and a matinee on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Seating assignments go on sale starting 75 minutes before the movie showtime (no phone or internet reservations in advance). Parking is not the easiest, but there is some parallel parking in the general area. If you own a Tesla, they even have an electric vehicle charging station at The Theatre.

Other Things to Do

If you want to make a full day in Portsmouth, here are some things I have done or wish to do in the City. Be aware that some places may not be open on Sunday, and none on Monday or Tuesday. I will place them in order of closest to The Commodore Theatre to furthest.

Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center-This arts and culture center offers rotating visual art exhibitions, lectures, classes and performances and is steps away from The Commodore Theatre. It is open Wednesdays-Sundays from 10:00-4:00. Two minute walk.

Children’s Museum of Virginia-This would be a fun place to go if you have little children; I certainly had fun when I went there as a kid. It is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9:00-4:00. Three minute walk.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum-This Museum promotes the history of the City of Portsmouth, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and the armed forces in Hampton Roads. It is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00-4:00. Seven minute walk.

Hill House Museum-This historic house tells the story of the Hill family who lived there for 150 years. I have not been here yet, but it is on my bucket list. It is only open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12:00-3:00. Nine minute walk.

Lightship Portsmouth Museum-This restored historic ship is next door to the Naval Shipyard Museum and depicts the daily life of a 1955 lightship. It appears to only be opened seasonally, so check back often. Ten minute walk.

If one had a lot of time, downtown Portsmouth is about a 10 minute drive to downtown Norfolk, which has many attractions and restaurants.
May 11, 2026
First Entry

Welcome to My First Blog Post

Hello, welcome to my new website Photo Historic Travels. My name is David Le Moal. The goal of this website is to showcase my travel experiences combining my love of history (and other things that interest me such as nature and film/theater) through the lens of artistic photography. My intent is to let the images answer the why you should go here while using my voice to explain the what, where, when and how I traveled to these places. My hope is that by providing travel tips, I can inspire you own journey to explore new destinations.

I actually came up with the name Photo Historic Travels while walking through Orlando’s downtown as it emphasizes what particularly interests me in traveling. However, there were a few other names that I feel best describes what this blogs will be about. The first potential title was something like “In Your Own Backyard” which illustrates my mission to showcase all the things some might find in their own area, even if my goal is to travel all over the place; the only downside to the name was I thought it might be too cliched sounding. The other potential title was “Not Just Breezewood” due to my interest in documenting beautiful American historic towns; the downsides were that Breezewood might be too obscure for most people, plus the name would make no sense if I ever travel internationally.

This is my first time building a website, so as of now this website will be a work in progress. Feel free to offer me any tips and suggestions on how to make the website work best for user experience. You may also suggest places I should travel to, but I do have a backlog of future entries at the moment.

Thank you for taking the time to read my first blog post. Stay tuned for more to come. More about the author at my About section.

May 4, 2026