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.
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 immaculately clean shop has a reputation for professionalism, high-caliber work and a roster of artists who are masters of their specific lanes. 1223 N Orange Ave unit b, Orlando, FL 32804. Every body is welcome here, their only ask is to be respectful and kind.
The Vibe: Clean, professional, and very 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 the artist blackwork and high contrast specialist, Will Deadhand known for bold neo-traditional, Blackwork and Dark Illustrative, and Dakota Jagger brings a deep edgy sentiment through his Goth, Neo-Tribal, Cybersigilism and pretty much anything you want—Kayla brings a excels in Neo-Traditional and Illustrative Color work, Lowesthell is a standout specializing in Dark Illustrative and Blackwork, Bobbi is a master of precision and soft aesthetics fine-line and Illustrative. Al 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.
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.
One of the most common questions for any Ivanhoe newcomer is: "Where do I put my car?" Since the neighborhood is historic, it wasn't exactly built with massive modern parking lots in mind, but there are plenty of tricks to finding a spot.
Navigating the Village: Parking Tips
Since Ivanhoe Village is a historic district, it has a charming, walkable feel rather than giant concrete parking garages. Here is the lowdown on where to find the best spots:
N. Orange Avenue: There is convenient 2-hour parking available right on the main stretch from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It’s perfect for a consultation or a quick browse through the local boutiques.
Yay! Tiny Shop: If you're looking for a quick stop, there is free parking located right at this local favorite on N. Orange Avenue.
Alden Road Parking Lot: For those arriving earlier in the day, the lot on Alden Road is a great resource, offering parking from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Gaston Edwards Park: If you want to pair your visit with a lakeside view, you can find parking here from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s a beautiful, short walk from the park over to the heart of the Village.
Paid Public Lot: If you are settled in for a long afternoon session at Old Florida Electric, the paid lot at 541 Virginia Drive is a reliable "set it and forget it" option.
Pro Tip: Because many of the best free spots have time caps (like the 2-hour window on Orange Ave or the 5:00 PM cutoff at the parks), always double-check your appointment length! If you’re getting a larger tattoo, the side streets or the dedicated paid lot are your best bets for a stress-free experience.
Ivanhoe Village isn't just a zip code; it’s a community of makers, collectors, and artists.
