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Shop Small + Eat Local Tour

Small Business Saturday is once again right around the corner. In the heart of Orlando, where the hustle of entrepreneurship meets our vibrant community spirit, Small Business Saturday continues to gain momentum each year.

For many who have been struggling with their brick and mortar shops, Small Business Saturday offers a beacon of support, urging residents and visitors alike to explore the hidden gems that line the streets of our diverse neighborhoods. Beyond the towering structures of theme parks, and past the line of Amazon trucks you’ll see on every street, lies unique shops and boutiques, each with its own story and passion, owned by someone who is your neighbor.

There are so many reasons why you should support local when you can, here are just a few:

  • Supporting small businesses fosters a sense of community. You build relationships with local entrepreneurs, and your purchases contribute to the vibrancy and character of your neighborhood.

  • Small businesses are significant job creators. When you support them, you help sustain existing jobs and potentially create new employment opportunities within your community.

  • Local businesses often have a smaller environmental footprint than larger corporations. Purchasing locally can reduce the need for long transportation and packaging, contributing to sustainability efforts.

  • Your decision to shop at a small business has a ripple effect. When more people support local businesses, it contributes to the overall economic health of the community, creating a positive cycle of growth and prosperity.

What better way to enjoy a full day of shopping small, than making a full day mixed in with local eating and drinking!

I’ve compiled a few tours in popular shopping districts that take you from coffee to dessert all with local shopping mixed in throughout the day. If you aren’t a fan of my personal recommendations, or don’t want to visit these areas, keep scrolling down to find my list of local businesses by category.

Here is a more comprehensive list of local shops by category.