Lakeside Vibes and Old Florida Ink: A Guide to Ivanhoe Village
If you’re looking for the soul of Orlando, skip the theme park traffic and head straight to Ivanhoe Village. Nestled along the shores of Lake Ivanhoe, this neighborhood—often called the "Indie Side of Orlando" or Ivan hood—perfectly balances historic charm with a modern, creative edge.
The Heart of the Village: N Orange Avenue
Ivanhoe Village is a place where you can spend an entire afternoon wandering just a few blocks. The district is famous for its Antique Row, where shops like Washburn Imports and Boom-Art offer everything from exotic global furniture to rare pop art finds.
If you’re a fan of the eclectic, this is your playground. You can grab a seasonal scoop at Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, browse through vintage vinyl, or settle in for a lakeside dinner at Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe as the skyline begins to glow. Ta ke.Sushi and Grill has a bowl of ramen waiting for you that will blow your mind, it's that good.
Featured Spotlight: Old Florida Electric Tattoo
In a neighborhood defined by authenticity, Old Florida Electric Tattoo stands as a local landmark. Located right on N. Orange Avenue, this isn't just a place to get "a tattoo"—it’s a shop deeply rooted in the craft and history of the art form.
Walking into Old Florida Electric feels like stepping into a space that respects the medium's heritage while pushing its creative boundaries. The shop has a reputation for high-caliber work and a roster of artists who are masters of their specific lanes. 1223 N Orange Ave unit b, Orlando, FL 32804
The Vibe: Clean, professional, and welcoming, but with that classic shop atmosphere that makes you feel the weight of the tradition.
The Talent: The shop is home to a powerhouse lineup. Owner Joe Spino is widely regarded as one of the best in the city (if you’re looking for a pet portrait that actually captures the soul of your animal, he’s the go-to).
You'll also find heavy-hitters like Steve Nedley blackwork and bold traditional, high contrast. Will Deadhand known for neo-traditional, Blackwork and Dark Illustrative and Dakota Jagger specializing brings deep roots and an edgy sentiment through his Goth, Neo-Tribal, Cybersigilism and pretty much anything you want—all bringing their own distinct styles and years of expertise to the lakeside studio. Specialties: While the shop can handle almost anything, they are a destination for those seeking bold, clean work that stands the test of time. From intricate fine line to heavy blackwork and neotribal aesthetics, the technical precision here is second to none.
Whether you're a seasoned ink collector or looking for your first piece, the energy at Old Florida Electric matches the Ivanhoe spirit: independent, intentional, and impeccably styled.
