Cromulent Basement
There is a brand new shop in Orlando, and I think it nears the top of my favorite places in town. Growing up in the Northeast, basements were commonplace, and if you didn't have a basement, the split floor plans usually meant the bottom floor was some rec room, family room, or basement-type hangout. That's where our TV was and where time was spent playing and hanging out. You feel that atmosphere immediately when you walk into the Cromulent Basement.
If you aren’t a huge Simpsons fan like I am, you may scratch your head at the name "Cromulent," but there lies the first clue that this place caters to a particular demographic. Simpsons fans, you're in the right place. But fear not; if you aren't into the Simpsons, there is plenty of whimsical pop culture to enjoy.
Cromulent Basement is owned and operated by Genevieve and Paige, the founders of Cromulent Creative. I first came across their art thanks to another Orlando gem, BeBrightVintage, when she shared one of their glorious works that was also Simpsons-based. I've never hit the follow button so fast.
They run their Creative Brand and Agency, so you may have seen their work around town, but now, with the addition of their brick-and-mortar, you can shop their goods in person at The Basement.
Nostalgic pop culture oozes out of every corner as the warmth of the wood paneling on the walls and the bright reddish-orange shag carpet triggers that one Tiktok audio that reminds you how good the 90s was compared to now. One TV plays old VHS tapes, and another is free play from a Super Nintendo. Plus, a Simpsons standing arcade you can play as well.
Original art and designs are for sale by the Cromulent duo, along with other artists that play on some of our favorite past times from the Muppets, Daria, Zelda, Frog & Toad, Lord of the Rings, X-Files, and more.
What is for sale is a mixture of print goods like cards and larger art prints, stickers, key chains, shirts, note pads, hats, candles, and more. What I love about this shop is that everything is new to the senses, as opposed to so many gift shops that are mostly selling the same goods as each other. This is a great place to treat yourself to a particular beloved pastime or get gifts for those who have niches that they love.
Other businesses you can support when shopping at the Cromulent Basement!
The address of the shop is 1647 E. Colonial Drive Unit 141. There is street parking literally right outside their front door. If you aren’t familiar with that area, it’s the building that was constructed right in front of Deli Desires at Ferncreek and Colonial, which is another bonus that you can walk around the corner and get a coffee or sandwich on your visit.
Hours are:
Wed/Thurs: 11-6 Fri Sat: 10-7
Sun: 12-5
Closed Mon Tues
Their IG is @cromulentcreative.
Don’t forget to utilize Lisa’s Little Library right outside their front door.
