Welcome to Orlando Family’s inaugural Best of the Best, featuring our picks for the best places to eat, drink, shop and be pampered throughout Greater Orlando. In addition to racking our own brains and those of our family and friends, we traversed the area to follow up on hot tips about worthy winners from both well-known establishments and those off the beaten path. Alright, maybe that doesn’t sound like particularly grueling work, but the payoff is being able to give you our selections for everything from chocolates and cigars to fine jewelry and flowers. And starting next year, we’ll add you to the mix via readers’ choices for your own favorites. Doing this list annually will certainly keep us busy, but trust us: We’re up for the job.

More Best of the Best: Food & Drink | Health & Beauty | Lifestyle

RETAIL

Gods & Monsters

COMIC BOOK SHOP
GODS & MONSTERS
Although it’s a relatively new entry in Orlando’s comic-book scene, Gods & Monsters has made a lot of local geeks very happy with its huge retail space. Shoppers also have access to themed concessions at the Offworld Lounge, displays of original artwork and rare collectibles in the Transmetropolitan Gallery, and special events galore. Orlando (Artegon Mall), (407) 270-6273, GodMonsters.com

RUNNING GEAR
FIT2RUN
When we’re trying to pick up our pace, we always make Fit2Run our first stop, and our reasoning goes beyond the expansive selection of merchandise. Both Orlando stores also offer gait analysis, iStep barometric scans and even a small indoor track you can use to make sure your new shoes are a perfect fit. Orlando (Disney Springs/Florida Mall), (844) 348-2786, Fit2Run.com

PET SUPPLY STORE
THE DOGGIE DOOR
Upscale shopping isn’t just for humans in Winter Park, and despite its canine-centric name, The Doggie Door isn’t just for dogs. Rather, they bill themselves as a gift shop for dog, cat and even horse lovers, and they carry select merchandise for us two-legged animals, too. We also love their special events, particularly October’s Pet Costume Contest. Winter Park, (407) 644-2969, TheDoggieDoor.com

FABRIC SELECTION
THE SEWING STUDIO FABRIC SUPERSTORE
Admittedly, we don’t do a great deal of sewing at OFM’s offices, but when we’re feeling crafty on the weekends, The Sewing Studio always has what we need—and then some. Fabric, sewing machines, accessories and supplies can all be found inside, as can phenomenally helpful staff members. Maitland, (407) 831-6488, Sewing.net

HIGH-END WOMEN’S CLOTHING
TUNI
If we’re shopping for high-end clothing, you can usually find us in Winter Park, and if it’s women’s clothing we’re after, our first stop is always Tuni. Dresses, tops and bottoms, outerwear, handbags and more can be found inside, and the special events provide an extra touch of incentive. Winter Park, (407) 628-1609, ShopTuni.com

ART SUPPLIES
SAM FLAX
One of six locations nationwide, Orlando’s Sam Flax is the preferred choice among locals who are serious about art supplies— but as the shop notes, they’re much more than an art store. Custom framing, 3-D and giclée printing, stationery, gifts and even furniture are available from staff that’s as knowledgeable as they are friendly. Orlando (Colonialtown), (407) 898-9785, SamFlaxOrlando.com

SMALL GIFTS
BASIN
Everyone likes to look and feel their best, which is why when we need to get some small gifts for family and friends, we usually visit Basin first. They offer a plethora of bath and body products, and their gift baskets—usually tied into seasonal holidays—make shopping for others a breeze. Orlando (Disney Springs), (407) 827-8080, Basin.com

EYEWEAR
VISION HEALTH INSTITUTE
Whether you think you need corrective lenses, are due for your regular checkup, or are just in the market for some new frames, we haven’t found a better option in Greater Orlando than the Vision Health Institute. And the friendly, professional demeanors of Drs. Karen and Mark Perry are just icing on the cake. Orlando (Milk District), (407) 893-6222, VisionSource-VisionHealthInstitute.com

MENSWEAR
SIEGEL’S CLOTHING CO.
Anyone can sell you menswear, but what we appreciate about the family owned Siegel’s Clothing Co. is its focus on clothes for Florida living. Women’s clothing is also available, but if you want to be a sharp-dressed man, you could do much worse than their selection of dress clothes, sportswear and accessories. Orlando (Downtown)/Winter Park, SiegelsOnline.com

MEN’S ACCESSORIES
CLOAK & DAPPER
Cloak & Dapper sells men’s clothing, grooming goods and related provisions, but what sets it apart in our minds is its commitment to carrying brands manufactured in the USA. They also have a mix of old-fashioned and cutting edge merchandise, which means we always find what we want—and what we didn’t know we needed till we saw it. Orlando (North Orange), (407) 250-6783, ClkDpr.com

CUSTOM JEWELRY
GEMS OF THE JUNGLE JEWELERS
Not able to find just what you’re looking for at local jewelry shops? Let Master Jeweler Jim Olger and his staff dream it for you at Gems of the Jungle. Family owned and operated for more than 20 years, they’re willing to tackle any job for less than you might expect, and they also do repairs. Lake Mary, (407) 322- 8880, GemsOfTheJungleJewelers.com

HOBBY SHOP
COLONIAL PHOTO & HOBBY
Colonial Photo & Hobby’s current storefront has been part of Orlando’s landscape for more than 40 years, and that longevity has much to do with the pros who run it. Photography buffs can discover everything they need to get the perfect shot, including processing and framing, and model trains, R/C toys and more await hobbyists. Orlando (Mills 50), (407) 841-1485, CPHFun.com

BRIDAL JEWELRY
INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND CENTER (IDC)
When Orlandoans are ready to say “I do,” they frequently say “IDC” first, and the reasoning lies in value and service. Beyond near-unbeatable selection and pricing, the small, Florida-exclusive chain’s engagement rings are backed by a 30- day, money-back guarantee, as well as lifetime value upgrades and 90-day price protection. Throughout Greater Orlando, ShopIDC.com

UNIQUE JEWELRY
VICTORIA JEWELERS
Victoria Jewelers moved to its current digs in Baldwin Park in 2004, but it’s been beautifying Orlando via jewelry sales for nearly 30 years. The big draw for us is their exquisite lineup of designer jewelry, all but guaranteeing that if you’re in the market for something a little different, you’ll find it here. Orlando (Baldwin Park), (407) 895-0047, VictoriaJewelers.net

WATCHES
ORLANDO WATCH COMPANY
Family owned and operated, Orlando Watch Company has a great selection of new and used watches, as well as watch repairs, but that’s not what makes us fans. Instead, it’s the fact that founder and owner Scott D. Heisler is a Bulova School of Watchmaking graduate, bringing an extra level of expertise to their operation. Winter Park, (407) 975-9137, OrlandoWatchCo.com

SWIMWEAR
ESUNWEAR SWIMWEAR OUTLET
Launched in the ‘90s as Swimwear Outlet, this one-stop-shop for swimming attire evolved into a national online presence as eSunWear.com, but Orlandoans can shop with them in person via their outlet at Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores. They sell just about everything you need for aquatic adventures except the water. Orlando (Lake Buena Vista), (407) 238-2625, eSunWear.com

LIQUOR STORE
IVANHOE WINE & SPIRITS
Big-box and chain liquor stores certainly serve their purpose, but when we want individualized attention and expert advice on libations, we make a trip to Ivanhoe Wine & Spirits. Regular specials are always appreciated, as is avoiding the hoi polloi at some of the area’s more corporate alternatives. Orlando (Ivanhoe Village), (407) 270-4685, IvanhoeWineAndSpirits.com

SPORTS MEMORABILIA
ORLANDO SPORTSCARDS SOUTH
It may not look like much from the outside, but if you’re in the market for hard-to-find sports memorabilia in Orlando, you can certainly do worse than Orlando Sportscard South. As the name implies, sports and other trading cards are their focus, but you can also find autographed bats, balls, helmets, jerseys and more inside. Orlando (South Orlando), (225) 209-3999, OrlandoSportscardsSouth.com

FLOWER SHOP
IN BLOOM FLORIST
What passes for spring is still in the air in Orlando, but we’ve discovered that the flower experts at In Bloom keep that magical season going all year long. They offer flowers for literally any occasion, as well as custom arrangements, and their pricing and service are practically nirvana. Heathrow/Orlando (SoDo), (855) 306-2654, InBloomFlorist.com

CIGAR SHOP
CORONA CIGAR CO.
Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em—and you’ll definitely have ‘em if you stop by Corona Cigar Co. With dozens of worldwide cigar brands to choose from, as well as humidors and other accessories, the only thing you’ll need is a quiet corner of the world to sit and enjoy your stogie in peace. Lake Mary/Orlando (Downtown/Dr. Phillips), CoronaCigar.com

BICYCLES
WINTER GARDEN WHEEL WORKS
Nestled on trendy Plant Street, Winter Garden Wheel Works has a fantastic selection of bicycles for adults and children, but their offerings go far beyond that. Rentals, service, biking gear and more are also on the table, as are special events and scheduled group rides.Winter Garden, (407) 654-1496, WGWheelWorks.com