The Local: Winter Garden—October 2022

HOLIDAY SHOPPING KICK-OFF SPECIAL SALES OUTDOOR DINING FESTIVE FUN

True Colors

How

Time Hop

Celebrating

century of change

Garden

High Mom!

Finding the tribe that takes you higher, literally.

The Lo’ Down

Garden Variety

Knight’s

Market

Cheesesteak

66 Rhetoric

A close encounter

kind

Charlie and Faye Roper are a father-daughter pair with a flair for hair, and the lasting bond it creates.

Winter Garden Downtown Pavilion and Farmers Market

The Lo’Down

TTransformationstories are

always appealing. Whether they’re about an underdog who beats the odds, dramatic weight loss, or bitter curmudgeons who nd hope and healing, we love seeing people experience positive change, and believing we can, too. The challenge, however, is that those stories are often told after the fact, glossing over the pothole-choked road to change in favor of a glossy montage that truncates years of hard work.

This is why I strive to be open and transparent in every conversation. You never know how sharing your experience will impact another. For example, October marks three years since my husband took his life.Thirty-six months gathering the shards of what I thought my life should be, and beginning the painful process of rebuilding.

I share this for two reasons. One, because there should be no shame surrounding suicide. His choice was not mine, and though it feels heavy at times, the more I talk about suicide, the more I discover others walking similar paths, hiding their stories in the dark. It’s time to turn on the light—speaking up saves lives.

Two, because this issue is all about embracing change. Changing seasons, changing perspectives, changing relationships. For me, the woman I see in the mirror today is wildly more courageous, yet more vulnerable than ever before. Humble, yet hopeful. Vibrant and kind. Adventurous and resilient. And last month, she fell in love. Let me tell you, no one is more surprised than I to have discovered my person, an unexpected, delightfully complex treasure of a man.

And yet the hard truth here is that real change is not a spectator sport. Hollywood may be able to edit three years of e ort into a beautiful, one-minute montage set to some Swifty soundtrack, but don’t be fooled. You don’t walk into new things by sitting on the sidelines and avoiding the work. Consider Charlie and Faye Roper, a father-daughter duo whose unique passion for color challenged cultural norms. Or Sara Lauren, whose treehouse group upends cannabis stereotypes among moms and professionals. Or even the City of Winter Garden, whose renaissance could only come to fruition through hard-fought change.

The hard road in all these stories—theirs, mine, yours—is deciding to do the work, to take the risk. Change is bound to be slow-moving. All good and lasting change is. Stop cutting yourself o from the kind of life you want to live and start building it, brick by brick.

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Abbott’s Frozen Custard

AntiquiTeas @Plant St Market Axiom Bank Hamlin

Cariera’s Fresh Italian Foxtail Co ee Co. Je ’s Bagel Run

Main House Market

Orange County Public Library, Winter Garden

Orange Crate Cafe Pammie’s Sammies

Pearle Vision Ocoee Pico Bistro Polka Dotz

Puppy Dreams

Rita’s Italian Ice

Rosallie Le French Cafe Seacoast Bank

Sweet Dee’s Cupcakery Thai Blossom

The French Cafe

Three Birds Cafe Tres Amigos

WG Heritage Museum Wheel Works E-Bikes Winter Garden Pizza Co.

Writer’s Block Bookstore and more!

Heather Anne Lee Editor

A PUBLICATION OF emagency.com 407-573-6061

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Dr. Kim Dawson Healthcare entrepreneur and owner of Pearle Vision in Ocoee and Hamlin. Kim has been passionate about health and wellness for over 20 years. She received her doctorate in Health Science at MUSC in South Carolina. Kim has lived in Winter Garden for 10 years and is inspired daily by her two children, Symone and Desiree. In her free time, Kim likes to cook, travel, and read novels.

Ralph Disciullo Branch Manager with Success Mortgage Partners, setting the highest standards in the industry by putting people first. Prior to the mortgage industry Ralph played a key role in the startup of several businesses. Originally from Emerson, NJ, Ralph attended USF in Tampa and now resides in Winter Garden with his wife of 17 years, Sandi, and their two daughters Daniella and Avery.

Becca Lanterman

Owner of Winter Garden Senior Home Care. Becca is a second-generation Winter Garden resident, and her local roots run deep. She is the true embodiment of joy, and has never met a stranger. Becca loves living the “bubble life,” where her golf cart is her primary mode of transportation. She has dedicated her life to tending to the special needs of our local senior adults.

Pam Thomas

Owner of Pammie’s Sammies, a “thoughtfully sourced, tastefully adventurous” restaurant in the heart of downtown. She is a passionate foodie with a degree in Wine, Spirits, and Beverage Management at the International Culinary School in Tampa. Pam is a staple of the Central Florida community, having operated in Universal Orlando, Dr. Phillips, and now Winter Garden.

Mark Schmidt Mark has been a resident of Central Florida for 34 years. He spent over 30 years in the Radio and Television industry and currently works for Boyer Building Corp. as the New Business Development Manager. Interests include cheering on the Bu alo Bills, golf and enjoying the next great glass of wine. He is married to his wife, Gina, and has a “Morkie” named Finley!

WINTER GARDEN

October 2022 Vol. 2 No. 2

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EDITORIAL

Heather Anne Lee Editor heather@emagency.com

Tracey Forrester

Tracey is a community advocate helping individuals, families and small business owners gain access to a ordable legal coverage with LegalShield, as well as help protect against identity theft through IDShield. She has been a resident of Horizon West since 2007 with her beautiful teenage girls, Averie and Bryce. Cofounder of Horizon West Professionals and founding member of the Rotary Club of Horizon West, Tracey believes lasting relationships start with community .

Local agent with State Farm Insurance. Bryan is a Central Florida native, Founding President of the Rotary Club of Horizon West, Horizon West Who’s Who Award Winner, and Team Captain for All-Pro Dad. He is married to his beautiful wife Angie and they have two wonderful children. Bryan is highly invested in making Horizon West the best place to work, live, and play.

Angie Layfield NHA/CDAL

Executive Director at The Blake at Hamlin, a senior living and memory care community in Hamlin Town Center.

Angie has been in the senior housing industry for over 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and insight to our Horizon West seniors and their families. Though originally from Maryland, she has called Horizon West home since 2016.

Angie and her family reside in Village F’s Watermark.

Iliana Ramos

Jones Family, faith, and passion are the three major pillars of Iliana’s life. She and her brothers own Empire Finish Systems, of which she is the active CFO. A retired marathon runner, she has transitioned to the more tranquil pastime of acquiring house plants. When not working, she loves spending time with her amazing husband, Charlie, discovering new food, traveling and quiet evenings on Lake Apopka.

Kirsten Harrington

Kirsten is a freelance magazine writer who just returned to Winter Garden after two years of living in China. She loves to travel and explore new places, especially where food is concerned. You can often find her out on the bike trail, in the kitchen with her family, or checking out the local food scene and sharing her finds on Instagram, @ wintergardenfoodie.

Rheya Tanner Art Director Josh Clark Designer Wendy Mak Designer Andrew Ontko Designer Caleb Jensen Web Karen Pazik Production Director Fred Lopez Chief Photographer Heather Luxemburg Writer Tarin Scarbrough Writer

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©2022 Em Agency. All rights reserved. Published monthly. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Em Agency. Reader submissions have been edited for length or clarity. Advertising of products does not imply endorsement. Em Agency can not be held liable for the business practices of these companies.

Bryan Fifer

Schooled

Inside the untamed, unstoppable mind of author and “edu-tainer,” Jim Knight

Don’t let the hardcore, tongue-out, rocker vibe fool you. Jim Knight is a man with a humble heart, ready to change the world, one experience at a time.

The spiky-haired Winter Garden resident rst made a name for himself at Gatorland Zoo, with the scars to prove it. From there, Jim cut his teeth in public school education before transitioning to the hospitality industry, where he eventually spent two decades in Global Training at Hard Rock International. These days, his set list of success spans multiple genres—keynote speaker, podcaster, author, father, and proud Kissimmee Kowboys booster, his high school alma mater. He’s also the mind behind BookyCall, a book marketing app best described as Tinder for Book Lovers. (Go ahead, swipe right, we dare you.)

A vast and varied career, to be sure, but there’s one underlying chord: Jim simply loves making a difference through his unique brand of “edu-tainment.”

“I love being a positive force in people’s lives,” he says. “What I don’t want to be is some spiritual guru. I’m not trying to do the motivational stu ; I personally don’t need it or like that. I’d rather deliver practical, tactical, how can I make

my life better, results than u y, feel-good, woo-woo. I want people to leave the experience—whether it’s the room, the book, the podcast—and think, ‘Holy sh*t, that was an awesome use of my time!’”

And that he’s done. His list of repeat clients reads like a best-of Fortune 500 list, but when the pandemic slowed down his in-person speaking gigs, Jim shifted his perspective. “I really refocused my priorities. I looked for opportunities to serve and give back, whether that was volunteering locally or doing virtual training for free. I pretty much said yes

to every new opportunity that came my way, things that normally wouldn’t have crossed my radar.”

Jim also used the pandemic slowdown as an opportunity to revise and expand his best-selling book, Culture That Rocks: How to Revolutionize Your Company’s Culture . “That book was published in 2014, and I’m super proud of it. But a lot has changed in the past eight years, and the book needed to reflect that. Plus, I wanted it to be even more practical, an actual tool that people could use to change their life or business.”

So he parsed the book into three succinct concepts. The rst book, Leadership That Rocks released in May 2021. The second book, Service That Rocks, comes out October 3, during National Customer Service Week.

“This book on service, it’s so timely,” Jim shares. “We’re in a service drought right now, and everyone is feeling it. I don’t know if that’s the pandemic e ect or generational neglect or education issues, but everyone is feeling it. And let me tell you … if there’s one thing that can break any business, it’s bad customer service.”

“The reality is, you have a bunch of people who don’t care. And you know what? I can’t control their behavior, but I can help control the employees. I can help businesses control how they hire, recruit, and interview, and train, and reward, and recognize all that stu . It’s all my training and development coming back to me, right? But at the core, we as people—parents, business owners, citizens—need to get our act together. We need to get back to service, to serving one another. It’s my life’s work coming full circle. Seeing lives change because of something I’ve shared, said, or done … that’s my version of nirvana.”

“I want people to leave the experience and think, ‘Holy sh*t, that was an awesome use of my time!’”

Take Your Best Sh*t

We strive to produce a magazine that the community looks forward to. A great deal of time and e ort is spent writing, designing, and photographing stories that celebrate the people who call Winter Garden home. We also like to think we have a good sense of humor and have a flair for clever puns.

Turns out, however, not all of you think so. Recently, a few of you have taken the time to share your displeasure on a story about Mike “the poop bandit” Wright in the September issue. “If you can’t keep it clean, I certainly do not want it.” “Sophomoric is the word which comes to mind.” “Put down. Do not want.”

First o , we want to thank the locals that reached out. We truly appreciate the feedback! Good, bad, constructive, or otherwise, it says a lot that you care enough to share.

That said, if we only cover and present stories in a “safe” and expected way—is that what locals want?

Did we go too far?

Share your thoughts at thelocalwg@emagency.com

Dk Candle Co.

Aromatic, soothing, and most importantly, eco-friendly—that’s what Karin Castillo strives for with Dk Candle Co.

“Our goal is to inspire moments of rest and re ection through natural, handmade candles,” says Karin. “We live in an always-on culture where we are constantly driven by productivity. We simply never slow down to re ect on the simple joys and blessings in life.” And her candles o er just that, with their warm glow and delectable scents.

Karin has also worked hard to ensure her products are safe for the environment.

“In an e ort to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum, we are committed to using sustainable packing materials that are reusable and biodegradable. We are an eco-conscious

team inspired by faith that carefully attends to each step of the production process to stand behind the quality of our brand.”

Karin’s rich candles are perfect for the upcoming autumn, and they’re aesthetically made as well. “We believe in creating candles that are simple yet intentional design elements in the home that provide a full sensory experience.” Carefully crafted, Karin’s candles are essential to turn any evening into a relaxing one.

Karin can be found at the Saturday market enthusiastically chatting and answering any questions about her product. Give her a visit, and pick up a candle while you’re at it! As Karin would say, slow down a bit, light a candle, and revel in the rest.

—Heather Luxemburg

Allison E.M. Budnik,Attorney

161 S. Boyd St., Suite 100, Winter Garden 407-499-2082 / WGfamilylawfirm.com

Wytiaz, CFP®

Because transparency matters.

At Schwab, we take time to give you straightforward answers to your toughest questions. What are our fees? We’ll tell you. How about fully explaining our services? You got it. If you live in Clermont, go ahead. Ask Michael anything. He’ll always give you a transparent answer.

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Know which cabinet style ts best in a transitional kitchen? We do.

THAT’S THE POINT

THERE IS ALWAYS GOOD NEWS IN THE GARDEN

Unlike Halloween Horror Nights, there’s nothing terrifying about October in Winter Garden. The City’s Halloween Experience returns on October 21 with the infamous outdoor animated Halloween Light Show on City Hall; a hay maze; fall- and spooky-themed photo locations, decorations and light displays throughout downtown; a Spooky Caboose; a Halloween Celebration at the fall-themed Farmers Market; a Downtown Harvest Sidewalk Sale & Stroll; and more! Costumes are welcome any day! If that’s good news enough, Main House Market (@mainhousemarket) is now serving beer and wine in addition to their awesome co ee and kombucha. Looking for something non-alcoholic? Swing by Ruby & Rust (@rubyandrust) and test out their new tea and juice bar. Bento (@eatatbento) o icially opened in Plant Street Market. May cover model, Ruthie Fonseca, launched Julious Daughters (@juliousdaughters), a creative marketing agency for budding bridal brands. Have you tuned in to Dave Tran’s (@drdavetran) new interview series? He’s been talking to some of their area’s most intersting people, including Austin Arthur, Jessica Villegas, and our own Jamie Mark. Over in Horizon West, we’re excited to see New York Beer Project (@NYBPOrlando) come to life. The 24,000 sq. ft. facility will feature a gastropub, indoor beer garden, tap room, sidewalk bistro, and 3 NYC-themed event spaces. And last, but not least, it’s o icial! The second annual Central Florida Chili Cookoff returns February 23, 2023, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center! Sponsors are needed to benefit Legacy Events for Education(@LegacyEventsforEd). Visit ww.centralfloridachilicooko .com for info.

SHARE YOUR LOCAL GOOD NEWS! Email heather@emagency.com

Matthew’s Hope

Founded in 2010 by Pastor Scott Billue after an abnormally brutal Florida winter, Matthew’s Hope strives to better the lives of those who have nowhere to go. Originating in Winter Garden, the nonpro t homeless outreach ministry organization serves Orange and Brevard counties, supported entirely by volunteers and donations.

Within 12 years, Matthew’s Hope has transformed an abundance of lives! Just take a look at their many successful cases, such as Miguel: “I’m a mason by trade. I couldn’t see, so I couldn’t work. If I hadn’t found Matthew’s Hope, I don’t think I’d be alive,” he says. “I had already tried to drink myself to death. Then they o ered me a chance to get into the program, and I decided to go detox, and I’ve been sober since.”

Pastor Scott reiterates, “Not only has he had his sight restored to 20/20 vision, but he has had his teeth replaced, and after 20 years, he gets his license back. Much like the way he restores wood, his life has been restored.”

Rather than giving handouts, Matthew’s Hope believes in hand-ups, and are ever-continuing to o er their hands of help to those who need it. —Heather Luxemburg

matthewshopeministries.org 407-905-9500

Heard about bad experiences with the big box stores? We have.

Tails to Tell

How You Bean?

Bean the Veiled Chameleon, 6 weeks

Hey. You. I see you over there. And I also see you over there. I see everything. But you can’t see me, can you? Actually, yes you can. I’m still working on my camouflage abilities. Because, as you can see, I am still very small.

I’m a baby, so everything in my life is changing all the time. I met my human, I’m seeing new things (and seeing them very well), and I’m figuring out where I blend into all of it.

It’ll take me some time, and a lot of shedding, to grow into my skin. But as I change, it’ll be easier to show my true colors.

Does your pet have a tail to tell? in.thelocalwg.com/tell-tails

Charlie Roper sits in an o ce chair, centered on a large bathroom mirror. His 21-year-old daughter, Faye, stands behind him, working Charlie’s silver and ultraviolet strands into a semi-elaborate braid. Together, they are testing styles for a Lord of the Rings–

Charlie and Faye Roper on how a change of color can bring a family closer together.

HEATHER ANNE LEE FRED LOPEZ

themed wedding Charlie’s son, Sutton, is having later this month. But every eight weeks or so, the scene plays out similarly … Faye and Charlie, gathered in front of that mirror, experimenting with color and styling.

Generations of Ropers have helped shape the community in a myriad of ways, from citrus groves to theaters, co ee shops to martini bars. You’d expect to read stories about business development and philanthropic pursuits, but this story is much simpler: The love of a father who would do anything for

his family,and a daughter with a dream.

“We were getting ready to go on a family trip to Africa,” Charlie recalls. “Faye wanted to color her hair, but it wasn’t allowed in school and she didn’t want to break the rules. So, Karen [my wife] and I were talking to her and we suggested that she just color the tips. That way, if it’s still there at the end of the summer, we just cut it o and she would be ne for school.”

Faye smiles and continues the story. “So that’s what we did! We colored

my tips, and when it was done, I still had a little bit of color left in my tube. I looked at him and said, ‘I’d love to color your hair, but you’d never let me.’ And he was like, why not? He sat down in the chair, this o ce chair that we’ve had for years and we still use, and we colored his hair.”

And that’s how Charlie Roper went to Africa in 2013 with purple hair, and Faye’s passion for fashion color was born.

So … what makes any man, let alone a pillar in the community, say yes to colorful tresses?

“He’s a little bit of a peacock,” Faye says with a wink. “He definitely likes the attention.”

What

FUN FACT: Long before there was colored hair, Charlie and his wife, Karen, met over a shared passion for American Sign Language, which they passed on to their children, teaching Sutton, Renee, and Faye to sign before they could even speak. “Kids can communicate with their hands long before they can vocalize the words, so none of our children were really frustrated as toddlers. They could sign with us and express their needs. And when they did start talking, they basically started talking in complete sentences.”

“It’s just hair,” Charlie says with a shrug. “It was something fun to do with my daughter. I mean, I love all three of my kids— Sutton, Renee, and Faye— and I like to be able to do fun things with them. I remember Karen telling me when we had our rst girl that the relationship that I make with my daughters is going to greatly in uence whom they choose as a partner later in life and how they should expect to be treated by others. That’s really impacted me and has been one of the driving forces for the relationship with me and my girls. So kudos to Karen 23 years ago.”

“Of course, I have expectations and standards, sometimes they are

a little hard, sometimes not … I mean, I am still her dad and my job is to be a parent rst,” he continues. “But that doesn’t mean that I can’t relate to my daughter, have fun

with her, and use these moments together to have really good conversations about easy topics and tough topics.”

Still, the truth is that not everyone is as open-minded as Charlie.

“When I rst did it, professional people were looking at me like I was crazy, and more than a few told me it was a mistake, that I would lose business over it. Maybe I did … I don’t know, but I don’t really care what somebody else thinks. It’s my hair. It’s my head. It’s showing part of my personality. And, in the end, my family comes rst. But I can tell you that over the years, I’ve seen a change in perception and attitude when it comes to color. It’s been nine years since Faye rst dyed my hair, and

today?” He laughs.

Faye winks, playfully adding: “He’s a little bit of a peacock. He de nitely likes the attention.”

Charlie smiles. “She’s not wrong. It’s kind of like a calling card for me now. Plus I’m a walking billboard for her.”

Indeed, Charlie certainly reminds the community every day just how great stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing change can be. So much so that he has inspired others to join the fun. At a recent birthday party, Faye says, “We went to Pilar’s and everybody there was wearing wigs to celebrate him. It was so much fun!”

As for Faye, almost a decade later, her passion for fashion hair ignited a career. She works full-time at The Lab in Clermont

now fashion color is mainstream. Now when I walk into a room with colored hair, nobody cares. In fact, they are curious. It’s kind of become a game. What color is Charlie’s hair

coloring hair. “I specialize in the bright and vibrant colors, rainbows, red, purple, blue, neon, you know, all that stu . It’s what I enjoy the most. I do traditional highlights and

I don’t really care what somebody else thinks. It’s my hair. But I’ve definitely seen a change in perception and attitude when it comes to color.

This colorful testimony to a father’s love began in 2013 (far left) and has blossomed into an entire lifestyle for the Roper Family: Charlie and Karen (third from right) and their three children, Sutton, Renee, and Faye.

FUN FACT: Besides color, Faye has a passion for theater and singing. “At The Lab, they call me the Human Jukebox. They tell me to shut up all the time ... I don’t stop singing ever.”

blondes, but my favorite thing is fashion color because it’s basically artwork. I love painting, and this is essentially painting on hair.”

For Charlie, there is nothing better than seeing his daughter follow her lifelong dream. “I’m so proud of her. As a parent, what more could you ask for? Your kid says they’re going to do

something, they put their mind to it, they get it done. And then they get rewarded with the dream job that they wanted. She worked hard and proved herself and made it happen!”

Of course, Charlie’s willingness to embrace individuality in the name of family certainly aided in kindling Faye’s passion. But the dream doesn’t stop there.

“I would love to see Faye build her dream salon

here in Winter Garden at some point,” says Charlie. “But The Lab has been great to her. She’s getting a lot of experience and learning so much about the business. She’s really blossomed there, and I’m so proud of her. But she

has a really bright future, and I’d love that to be right here in Winter Garden.”

What started as simply a fun idea nearly a decade ago has blossomed into an entire lifestyle for both Charlie and Faye — a colorful testimony to a father’s love.

23 years ago, Charlie’s wife, Karen, told him that, “... the relationship that I make with my daughters is going to greatly influence whom they choose as a partner later in life and how they should expect to be treated by others. That’s really impacted me and has been one of the driving forces for the relationship with me and my girls.”

HighMom!

Let’s say you are new to the area. All your friends are getting married or having kids and you’re still on the rst date trail. Or you just got divorced. Or your spouse is your only friend, and you nd yourself clinging to them as your only con dante. In this day and age, meeting like-minded people on the same schedule can be incredibly arduous. Even if you can nd someone with mutual interests, there are many polarizing topics that could potentially separate us or make us feel isolated from others, so we avoid the interaction entirely. Unless, of course, you are Sara Lauren. Amiable and bright, Sara’s on a mission to break down these barriers and “elevate” the women of Winter Garden, one circle session at a time. Her Instagram handle reads “momshighupinthetreehouse— and she means that both literally and guratively.

Sara Lauren is breaking down barriers, elevating the women of Winter Garden, one circle session at a time.

TARIN SCARBROUGH FRED LOPEZ

Mom, wife, business owner, and friend, Sara prides herself on her ability to expand beyond any one title. She is always out exploring the community, meeting new women, and taking them under her wing into her social circle. Without being invasive or overwhelming, she gravitates toward open-minded people just looking for great conversations. Of course, this is easy, as Sara’s a able approach quickly gains the favor and trust of everyone she meets. Over time, these individual relationships have converged, creating a welcoming group hangout of wildly diverse personalities. Only instead of a book club or wine night, Sara’s group meets approximately 16 feet o the ground, high up in the TreeHouse Oak, her infamous treehouse.

Among the branches, Sara creates a safe space for women to be the truest form of themselves and relax however they like. Sometimes that is a bottle of wine, sometimes it is a marijuana edible, sometimes it is just three minutes of word vomit.

Anything that brings you joy and relief—Sara encourages it. To the ever-growing squad of women, it’s become a sanctuary.

According to Sara, there’s only one rule for The Treehouse Oak: What happens in the tree house stays in the tree house. Truth be told, I was both thrilled and worried when Sara invited me up the ladder. I assumed this was simply a mommy group and I would have nothing to contribute to the conversation. Their

everyday tasks di er from mine, what will we have to discuss? But to my surprise, every kind of woman is present—transplants from Australia and Maine, unsure of how to make friends now that their kids are long gone; women with di cult careers trying to gure out how to get the stubborn clay stain out of their son’s

baseball uniform with enough time to make their morning meeting; a divorcee who had another terrible dating-app experience. Yet, there is one common denominator: the need for community, for like-mindedness. In Sara’s group, controversy has no invite— why argue about politics or religion in the rst place?

Even with the legalization in Florida, the staunch viewpoints of others leave many shameful of the choice to receive treatment with marijuana.

Parkinson’s changes the way the brain communicates with the nervous system. Our therapists are certified in LSVT-BIG and LOUD—treatments specially designed to help people with Parkinson’s adapt to this change, and regain control of their bodies and their lives.

Negativity is unnecessary. Besides, there are more important things to talk about, like how annoying your husband is that day or the hilarious joke your kid told you on the way to school. For these women, The Treehouse is a safe haven—women supporting women. Allowing for true, unadulterated conversation invites everyone to open their mind to other things too, and that includes the subject of cannabis.

Whether you’re a “toker” or not, you’re probably familiar with the negative stigmas associated with cannabis. As someone with a medical marijuana card, the stigma behind “smoking pot” is an extremely touchy subject. Even with the legalization in Florida, the staunch viewpoints of others leave many shameful of the choice to receive treatment with marijuana. Sara got her prescription for a multitude of reasons, including injuries sustained from a car accident while pregnant, her anxiety, and pain management. I’ve su ered debilitating migraine headaches from the age of 4 and after countless treatments and prescriptions, I found it helped ease my headache frequency and pain level. I rarely discuss my medical treatment with anyone,

given the unnerving nature of the subject. The beauty of Sara’s group is that it acts as a no-judgment zone. While not everyone partakes, no one judges the other for how they like to medicate or unwind. The ability to be open with others about a topic that she was forced to hide for so long provided a breath of fresh air for Sara, and she wants other people to be comfortable with themselves too.

“I don’t want to be labeled as a bad mom, and I certainly don’t want to feel alone in this society when there are so many people who don’t judge each other,” she says. Everyone needs a release from their day-to-day lives, and for these women, the group is an unproblematic place to do so, however they please.

Just typing the word “marijuana” or “cannabis” feels daunting—even the thought of putting it in our magazine seems unnerving! That’s why Sara’s group of women is so crucial and important; it is signi cant to break or bring awareness to the taboos that these women are being constrained by. Most women in the group didn’t even want to share their name or occupation for fear of retribution from the community. One woman shares, “Some moms see

marijuana as an equivalent to heroin, and it makes it di cult to share this small portion of my life with others.” Maybe that’s why these women look forward to the camaraderie they share in the tree house.

Some bring wine, some bring co ee, and some bring munchie snacks.

Being able to have open expression is the mantra behind this group, and that open expression allows others to change their mind about the stigmas that plague our conscience. And now, these relationships have moved beyond tree house sessions. You can nd these ladies hitting the trail for 10Ks or planning their next family vacation together. They meet for 20-minute co ee breaks at Piccolo or shuttle the others’ kids to school because someone’s having a rough morning. They have become a family, not just because of similar interests, but because of their acceptance of the authenticity of being yourself. The “come as you are” viewpoint leads to women wanting to show up again and again, and that exposure e ect leads to lasting friendships, regardless of their role, social class, or personal hobbies. The ladies of the tree house strive for that real sense of community with one an-

While not everyone partakes, no one judges the other for how they like to medicate or unwind. The ability to be open with others [is] a breath of fresh air for Sara, and she wants other people to be comfortable, too.

other, which only comes from such hospitality as Sara’s.

Life is di cult, that’s no lie. The many di erent roles we play often leave us feeling isolated and

searching for a connection, sometimes outside of the normal boundaries we live in. It turns out, the number one thing we look for in a friend isn’t mutual interests, but simply someone

who enjoys and values us. These women are blazing through the barriers of sharing experiences together, all while encouraging acceptance for who they truly are, regardless of any negative

taboo. So, whether you like to unwind with a glass of wine, an enjoyable book, or a freshly rolled joint, nd the tribe that takes you higher—literally, guratively, or both.

Among the branches, Sara creates a safe space for women to be the truest form of themselves and relax however they like.

MARK M c WATERS COURTESY OF

Ask anyone who’s lived in or around Winter Garden for any length of time and invariably the changes

our fair city has seen will become a topic of conversation.

It’s all relative, of course. The changes you’ll remark on will depend entirely upon where you may land on the Winter Garden timeline. The longer you’ve lived here, the more you’ll have to talk about.

Were you around in the ’40s or ’50s? You’ll have seen Plant Street bricks paved over with asphalt so the cars could ride smoother and go faster. In the ’70s? Lucky you, you were here to witness the coming of The Mouse to Central Florida.

How about the ’80s? Winter Garden shivered through three major freezes during that time that saw most of our citrus growers head south in search of a warmer reception from Mother Nature. By 1989, most were gone. Come forward only a few years and you will hear the rst faint murmurings of the Winter Garden Renaissance we are experiencing today, which got its start with the appearance of the West Orange Trail.

But where do we start our conversation? Rather than pick this or that decade and

dive down deep, perhaps the best place to start would be at the beginning. A novel idea, no? (In fact, several novels have been written on that very subject.) The beginning, for the purposes of this conversation, occurs centuries before Winter Garden—or even Florida— was ever a dot on the map.

Before the Beginning

We’re starting in the 1500s, when the only people who knew this part of the earth even existed were the indigenous peoples who spent generations here from the 15th to 17th centuries. The principal peoples were the Timucua, who numbered over 200,000 in a population that stretched across Florida and up into Georgia.

The tribe consisted of about 35 separate “chiefdoms” that never really co-

alesced into a single entity. The Timucua who settled in our region congregated on the southern lands around Lake Apopka. The land was extremely fertile “muck land,” excellent for hunting, shing, and raising a variety of crops.

The Europeans arrived in the 1500s— rst the French and then the Spanish— bringing disease and conquest with them. By 1595, the Timucua numbers had shrunk 75%. By 1700, only about 1,000 Timucua remained. Another 50 years of wars, forced enslavement by rival tribes, and epidemics e ectively eradicated the area’s indigenous people.

By the 1850s, Seminoles and whites occupied the land, making use of the same fertile soil along the south shores of Lake Apopka the Timucua had enjoyed. Produce thrived as

people planted corn, beans, and squash. The Spanish added other crops to the area’s abundant output, including cabbages, peas, grapes, melons, peaches, sugar cane—and of course, oranges. (Sorry to disappoint, but no, oranges are not native to Florida. In fact, those earlier varieties could be quite di cult to grow and tended to be more sour than sweet.)

Eventually, the land produced more produce than its people could consume, and growers began to share their bounty with neighboring areas. Even the Great Freeze (actually two freezes in a row in 1894 and 1895) barely slowed them down.

Tracking Progress

Just before the turn of the century, two major railroads made tracks for the

Atlantic Coast Line, and the Tavares and Gulf steamed onto the scene. Their tracks paralleled Plant Street (the same ones there today) where merchants had already begun erecting wood-framed stores and businesses. Now, the settlers and growers had a way to export goods in much larger quantities for much greater pro t.

By 1903, the town had become known and established as Winter Garden. In 1908 the city became incorporated, and it was now o cial.

The two decades that followed were a bona de boom time, as fortunes were made, and agricultural exports ourished. It was a hot time made even hotter when two res— one in 1904 and 1907— burned the wooden buildings and packing houses that had sprung up along Plant and Main Streets.

Undeterred, the residents of Winter Garden persevered, rebuilding their town better and stronger in brick and mortar.

Gone Fishing

At the same time, clear, beautiful Lake Apopka gained a reputation as “the large-mouth bass capital,” drawing shermen,

tourists, and families from across the country. To cater to them, The Edgewater Hotel opened in 1927. A wonder in its day, it claimed to be one of the most technologically advanced hotels of the time. The three-story hotel boasted an Otis elevator— the original 1926 version still in use today—and sh cleaning sinks on every

oor. Visiting sherman stayed there, went out on the lake in the morning to sh, returned and had their catches cleaned, cooked, and served to them in style.

Winter Garden underwent a land boom in the 1920s. Acres upon acres of farms and citrus groves were planted along Lake Apopka’s shores to expand on the exploding agriculture markets. Brick streets were laid atop the dirt roads of Plant Street and Main. (Later to be replaced by asphalt in the ’40s and ’50s.) The two train depots had been rebuilt of brick.

In 1926, Mr. Hoyle Pounds opened Pounds Motor Company and went about revolutionizing the agriculture industry with his tractors. He invented the rubber tire for his tractors to replace the traditional, street-destroying metal spike-rimmed wheels and

as a result, grew his business into the largest tractor dealership in the Southeast.

The building is still at 126 West Plant Street today and boasts a brass historic marker to honor its history.

End of an Era

In 1929, we learned that nothing lasts forever.

Though we may have fared better than most of the country because of our valuable role in food production across the Southeast, The Great Depression hit Winter Garden hard.

We also had the good fortune to have in our midst a local businessman named George Walker. Mr. Walker served as mayor of Winter Garden for eight consecutive one-year terms during the Depression years.

One day, Mr. Walker read about President Roosevelt’s New Deal WPA programs. He left for Washington

immediately, applied for WPA funding, and brought $250,000 back to a city so broke that its treasury did not have the funds to both cover payroll and keep its streetlights on.

He accomplished more with that money than seems possible today.

He built baseball elds, opened a municipal pool, erected the Winter Garden water tower, built Trailer City to encourage tourists to come sh Lake Apopka, built City Hall in 1937, then the municipal auditorium and Little Hall. He built the Fire

Station in 1938, complete with a pole!

War and Oranges

World War II sparked a period of growth and prosperity that helped Winter Garden climb out of the Depression. The government was placing a high priority on the health of troops ghting overseas—and orange juice seemed like a good resource to keep their men healthy. The only problem? Orange juice did not travel well, and the GIs hated the taste of juice crystals in their ration packs.

In response, a group of scientists and the Florida Department of Citrus came together and cracked the code on how to freeze

orange juice concentrate. It came too late for the war e ort; however, frozen orange juice exploded in postwar popularity, and the citrus industry soon became the lifeblood of Winter Garden.

More groves were planted. Packing houses sprang up. Everyone knew someone who worked in citrus. That sweet orange boom percolated right along through the ’50s until a trifecta of tragedies brought it all crashing down.

Troubled Waters

All that extraordinary agricultural growth came with serious consequences no one was prepared for. Fertilizer and pesticide runo from farmlands surrounding Lake Apopka drained into the lake. Nobody knew about that stu in the ’40s and ’50s, and locals were shocked to nd the crystal waters of Lake Apopka had turned murky and dark as chemicals contaminated the water. Algae bloomed and used up all the oxygen, killing the sh. No sh meant no shermen, and the loss of tourism devastated the local economy. By 1960, the lake was dead.

Meanwhile, President Eisenhower, as a preventative measure against future foreign aggression, commissioned a network

of superhighways across America to move people and equipment rapidly from place to place. Americans fell in love with the freedom and convenience of cars and their highways. Businesses settled closer to the busy freeways that bypassed small towns like Winter Garden, sending it further into its economic downturn.

But the nal nail in the co n was in the ’80s, when three major freezes destroyed the city’s last valuable export. Witnesses have said that when the sap froze in the orange trees, the resulting cracked trunks and snapped bark sounded like shotguns ring o in the groves. The orange trees, the growers, and the citrus industry itself simply

could not survive. Winter Garden’s miraculous citrus culture was no more.

Where the town once boasted more than a dozen packing houses operating at full capacity, we have only one still working today. Dis-

ney landed in 1972 (a lot of us remember that), and growers were more than happy to sell off their land and head for warmer climes. The boom was over. Winter Garden got quiet and then took a nap for the next few decades.

The Renaissance

In the 1990s, this wonderful city of ours began to stir and rub the sleep from her eyes. In 1994, the West Orange Trail walked and biked its way through the heart of Downtown. People parked their bikes and came into Winter Garden cafes and eateries to cool o . In the meantime, 1996 saw Winter Garden listed on the National Register of

Historic Places in a bid to revitalize the plucky city. By 2003, businesses began opening up to welcome all the newfound tra c that couldn’t get enough of the old buildings and Winter Garden’s infectious charm.

The old Edgewater Hotel—which had closed down after housing departing soldiers during the war and putting up tons of workers in the ’60s and ’70s hard at work making magic

over in Kissimmee—reopened in 2003 with much ceremony and ribbon-cutting. Today, two of its oors are a thriving B&B in high demand. It’s modern in every sense—but they did keep the sh cleaning sinks and the historic elevator in a nod to their heritage.

Even Lake Apopka is being coaxed back from the brink thanks to Friends of Lake Apopka (FOLA) spurring along its revival. So far, cleanup has seen four to ve feet of the lake’s poisoned earth dug up and removed. As of today, all the water in the 760-acre lake has been ltered seven to eight times. Fish have

returned. Wildlife has come back. And the birds! Winter Garden rivals the Everglades for the number and species of fowl and waterfowl that call Winter Garden home.

Future Forecast

Real estate is on re here. (Relax, it’s a metaphor.)

New developments, old buildings re-purposed, history being preserved, and new businesses being born have sparked a renaissance in this city that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

In fact, to truly paint a picture of change, we

caught up with City of Winter Garden Economic Development Director Tanja Gerhartz for a glimpse into the future. “Our mantra has been and continues to be, ‘If we lose the charm and character that de nes us, we have failed.’ So, as Winter Garden continues to grow and evolve, we must do so in a way that respects everything that is already here. We’re doing that in East Winter Garden,

with the One Winter Garden initiative you wrote about in the September issue. The redesign of Dillard Street will be transformational and serve as a gateway to downtown to those heading north and be a bridge to the east side of Winter Garden. This project has been in the works for a long time and now that the right of way has almost been acquired and nal construction drawings are complete, the

City is nally ready to start this project.”

“And certainly, Tucker Ranch Health & Wellness Park will be a game changer for Winter Garden and West Orange County. With a greenhouse, outdoor kitchen, edible landscape, trails, exercise areas and nodes, a series of gardens, community center, event green along with primitive camping area and canoe launch, this stateof-the-art park and facility will help to create a culture of health and wellness for our community.”

No matter how you look at it, there’s no denying Winter Garden has experienced powerful seasons of change over the last century. The challenge for Winter Garden residents and leaders is, and will continue to be, managing that change. As Tanja says, “The city’s mantra has been and continues to be, ‘If we lose the charm and character that de nes us, we have failed.’” Clearly, the standard has been set, and we can’t wait to see what develops.

the main attraction

WELCOME to the NEW STANDARD of GARDEN LIVING

Peek

At first glance, the Spanish Mediterranean exterior seems to be an anomaly within Winter Garden, but if you look at historical photos of downtown, you can see nods to Winter Garden’s charming early-20th century facades. A time when arched doorways, clay tiles, and southern charm, were the norm.

“It’s a beautiful way to honor the past, but still gives residents an unprecedented experi ence. We want them to feel like they’re in an elevated boutique hotel, feeling welcomed and comfortable at every turn,” says Lexi Anderson. Her firm, Regency Real Estate, will manage the one-acre property, with pre-leasing beginning in October 2022.

With 38 uniquely appointed residences, Smith + Main will soon link the city’s thriving downtown

core with sophisticated apartment living.

Looking for a unit flooded with natural light and 14-foot ceilings? Great room concept with an alfresco balcony? Or how about an uber-quiet, private corner retreat? Each of the units will vary slightly in footprint and decor, making the lifestyle at Smith + Main uniquely tailored to individual tastes.

Indeed, no detail has been overlooked. Smart home technology in every unit and gated entries ensure safety from the street to the rooftop. A 24/7 virtual portal connects residents with myriad services, including maintenance requests and secure payment options, and the on-site Amazon locker will make accepting packages close and convenient.

The one- and two-bed room floor plans boast

10-foot, 12-foot, and 14-foot ceilings, but there is even a soaring 17-foot, two-bed room pied-a-terre option available. Quartz counter tops, some bar height, some counter height. Cultured marble shower surrounds.

Cool-toned, luxury vinyl plank flooring in every room. Chef-inspired kitchens with deep sinks and stainless steel appliances. Alfresco balconies in some units; larger patios with private access in others. An openair community courtyard with luxe summer kitchen provides ample seating for everything from working from home to lingering with friends.

And unlike any other property in West Orange, Smith + Main will boast an on-site café with a private entrance for residents while remaining open to the community during business hours. A stun ningly-designed space that

irst impres of Smith Street and Main

“It’s a beautiful way to honor the past, but still gives residents an unprecedented experience.”

—Lexi Anderson

At first glance, the Spanish Mediterranean exterior seems to be an anomaly within Winter Garden, but if you look at historical photos of downtown, you can see nods to Winter Garden’s charming early-20th century facades. A time when arched doorways, clay tiles, and southern charm, were the norm.

“It’s a beautiful way to honor the past, but still gives residents an unprecedented experi ence. We want them to feel like they’re in an elevated boutique hotel, feeling welcomed and comfortable at every turn,” says Lexi Anderson. Her firm, Regency Real Estate, will manage the one-acre property, with pre-leasing beginning in October 2022.

With 38 uniquely appointed residences, Smith + Main will soon link the city’s thriving downtown

core with sophisticated apartment living.

Looking for a unit flooded with natural light and 14-foot ceilings?

Great room concept with an alfresco balcony? Or how about an uber-quiet, private corner retreat?

Each of the units will vary slightly in footprint and decor, making the lifestyle at Smith + Main uniquely tailored to individual tastes.

Indeed, no detail has been overlooked. Smart home technology in every unit and gated entries ensure safety from the street to the rooftop.

A 24/7 virtual portal connects residents with myriad services, including maintenance requests and secure payment options, and the on-site Amazon locker will make accepting packages close and convenient.

The one- and two-bed room floor plans boast

10-foot, 12-foot, and 14-foot ceilings, but there is even a soaring 17-foot, two-bed room pied-a-terre option available. Quartz counter tops, some bar height, some counter height. Cultured marble shower surrounds. Cool-toned, luxury vinyl plank flooring in every room. Chef-inspired kitchens with deep sinks and stainless steel appliances. Alfresco balconies in some units; larger patios with private access in others. An openair community courtyard with luxe summer kitchen provides ample seating for everything from working from home to lingering with friends.

And unlike any other property in West Orange, Smith + Main will boast an on-site café with a private entrance for residents while remaining open to the community during business hours. A stun ningly-designed space that

“It’s a beautiful way to honor the past, but still gives residents an unprecedented experience.”

—Lexi Anderson

Seville

1 BEDROOM / 1 BATH 736-1057 SF

floorplans

Palma

1 BEDROOM / 1 BATH 746-795 SF

Valencia

2 BEDROOM / 2 FULL BATH 1036-1125 SF

delicately blends top-notch hospitality with a comfort able ambiance so you can enjoy a coffee with a friend or find inspiration for your next bright idea. Looking to cast a wider net? A sidewalk, shaded by a canopy of palms and oaks, connects your apartment home to Winter Garden’s vibrant downtown corridor.

Indeed, the quintessen tial lure of Smith + Main is location, location, location. A profound sense of com munity runs deep through the veins of this historic and charming neighbor hood. And just two blocks south of Plant Street, the property is central to all Winter Garden has to offer. From the quaint streets of downtown Winter Garden to the lively Plant Street Market, to endless dining,

entertainment, and shop ping opportunities that capture the spirit of Winter Garden, you’ll find all the ingredients to an incredible day just minutes away from your front door. When you need to get to downtown Orlando, the theme parks, or beyond, you’ll love the convenient access to SR 408, SR 429, and Florida’s Turnpike, connecting you to a vibrant regional hub rich with dozens of cultural attractions, restaurants, and nightlife options.

Whether you stay local or venture out, Smith + Main is at the front steps of recreation. There’s no better place for residents to feel truly connected with this historic and vibrant neighborhood.

Professionally managed by Regency Real Estate,

Lexi alongside Heather Boston will be Smith + Main’s primary liaison for residents and renting. Regency Real Estate serves as an all-inclusive real estate agency. Their team is comprised of dedicated professionals committed to exemplifying a high degree

of service and representa tion with unparalleled local expertise and experience. Much like the lifestyle at Smith + Main, Regency agents provide a boutique style of service uniquely tailored to each individual’s specific criteria, whatever your needs may be.

11 E. Smith Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 813-704-0511 smithandmainwg.com

BY LEXI

Near+Afar

Going the Distance

From dramatic cli tops to windswept beaches, Heather Lee laces her boots to discover a powerful change in perspective.

We stand at the top of the steep Atlantic shoreline, shoulder our backpacks, and gradually begin our descent. With crashing waves, a sti wind, and the chatter of a dozen

women as the soundtrack to our morning, we follow narrow, centuries-old tracks that zigzag down from cli tops to the seemingly inaccessible, seasprayed rocky outcrops.

This is Fishermen’s Trail, a 145-mile stretch of

Portugal’s Rota Vicentina coast that snakes across pristine beaches, up and down hill-sized dunes, along close-to-the-edge cli top paths, and through wild ower elds, eucalyptus, acacia, and pine-scented forests. Besides the odd

villager or sherman, no one walked these cli s at the continent’s edge until it was established as an o cial hiking trail in 2013. It remains remote, wild, and relatively unexplored … exactly what I had hoped for and more.

Near+Afar

There’s just something about being out in the open, surrounded by fresh air, challenging your body while discovering new places. It gives you a clarity that is hard to attain in the midst of the daily grind. In fact, it is the complete opposite of quick co ee dates, where you update your friends on the past six months in 30 minutes while keeping an eye on the alerts popping up on your phone.

For me, hiking is a cathartic blend of focus and disconnect, especially when it’s a guided hike like this one, organized by Adventures in Good Company. With no compass required, you are left to engage in lengthy conver-

sation with new friends or simply fall back in solitude to let your thoughts (and body) wander along the panorama. Somehow, just putting one foot in front of another for hours has taught me so much: how to be present, how to think more clearly, how to connect deeper with the people around me.

Five days and more than 60 miles in Portugal did all that and more.

Don’t be fooled by the mostly at trails and little elevation change. Much of the Fishermen’s Trail is spent walking on—or, more regularly, slogging through— soft dune-like sand. Views from headlands take the form of panoramic vistas of miles

of coastline both north and south, while other, more intimate viewpoints rise steeply above secluded, golden-hued coves. Well-marked paths take you along greywacke cli s slicing the ocean unmercifully, down to deserted beaches and hidden sandy coves, allowing you to discover the ‘real’ Portugal as you visit places only accessible on foot.

What it lacks in elevation, it more than makes up for in splendidly rugged beauty and rare species of marine life and birds.

Indeed, the Rota Vicentina counts storks as one of its highlights, and for good reason: here, the unusual topography of

STORK DROP Seismic activity, volcanic eruptions, wind, and tidal erosion sculpted this coast where storks build nests the size of rear tractor tires—the only place in the world where such nesting behavior can be observed.

“Travel is not really about leaving our homes, but leaving our habits.”

—Pico Lyer

We take you personally.

We believe it all begins with listening. And we hear this is just part of what makes us a great choice for your Primary Care Physician. Our combination of tools, technology, and people help to create healthier, happier lives.

Near+Afar

the land allows hikers to come face-to-face with these iconic birds rather than having to strain their necks to look up at them.

Centuries of seismic activity, volcanic eruptions, and wind and tidal erosion sculpted this coast where storks build nests the size of tractor tires on towering sea stacks. This is the only place in the world where such nesting behavior can be observed, and it’s pure magic to behold. Their white bodies perched precariously on reed-thin legs, red beaks raised to check wind direction. At any given moment, they leap out of the nest with zest, dropping ve or ten

stories before spreading its eight-foot, black-tipped wings and gliding over the turbulent surf.

Much like life, it takes bravery to venture out of one’s comfort zone, to pluck up the courage to travel somewhere new and meet up with a group of strangers. But the eminent travel writer Pico Lyer said it best: “Travel is not really about leaving our homes, but leaving our habits.” Getting away from the day-to-day is a powerful change of pace, and the bene ts are so vital, so vivid and clear, that traveling is not just a luxury, it becomes a necessity.

Lesson Plan

Here are just a few of the lessons learned from hiking 60+ miles in five days.

1. Nature and exercise are the best healers.

2. You are far more adaptable than you think.

3. Feeling something—joy, discomfort, sadness— is better than feeling nothing.

4. The best things happen outside your comfort zone.

5. There’s no such thing as ready. There is only now.

6. Some of your best friends can be total strangers, and strangers can inevitably become family.

7. Be kinder and more patient with yourself.

8. Focus on what’s in front of you and leave the rest behind.

9. Ambition takes a di erent perspective about setting goals.

10. Stop settling. Mediocrity seems pointless when you push beyond physical limits and wonder at nature’s beauty.

Food plays an essential role in all our lives, so The Blake’s approach is hospitality-driven. With your health in mind, our chefs prepare delicious and well-balanced meals that rival the quality of the best restaurants in town. We offer an array of options that include seasonal specialties. Come try it yourself!

305-7595

Steaking a Claim

HEATHER ANNE LEE FRED LOPEZ

Atruly great cheesesteak harnesses the powers of bread, meat, and cheese, and, like Captain America, becomes a sandwich superhero far greater than the sum of its parts. It is a magni cent trifecta of juicy, thin-cut beef; crisp, chewy bread; and salty, gooey cheese. It’s just that simple.

Unless, of course, you herald from Philadelphia or New Jersey or other northern climes, where “Philly Cheesesteak”— capital P, capital C—is a religion unto itself.

Some might go so far as to say all Phillys are cheesesteaks, but not all cheesesteaks are Phillys. And those are exactly the crosshairs in which Daniel’s Cheesesteak nds itself.

Local foodie message boards are so con ated

with passionately confused arguments about the subject that we decided to lay the debate to rest.

For the record: Daniel’s Cheesesteak is not a Philly, and that is a point not to be missed. But in our humble opinion, it’s much, much better.

Let’s talk criteria.

First o , a cheesesteak should come on a fresh, toothy roll with a crisp exterior. Stale or cottony bread need not apply.

We look for beef that’s sliced in-house and cooked to order, tender and avorful. Ideally, it’s well-seasoned with salt and pepper as it cooks on the griddle, pulled just as soon as it browns. Why? So the beef stays juicy enough to moisten the inside of the roll.

As for the cheese half of the equation? We’re fans of tangy provolone in lieu of the more traditional whiz. But any cheese option should be thoroughly integrated into the sandwich, evenly coating the meat for that essential fatty avor boost. And nally, we prefer crisptender, evenly distributed peppers and onions, chopped into manageable, bite-size pieces.

Daniel’s delivers on all counts. They start with thinly shaved, super beefy ribeye, but rather than giving it a few cursory chops with a spatula, the cook nearly demolishs the beef. The end result is chopped, but not crumbled,beef that slowly browns in its own fat and juices on a lightly greased, well-worn at-top.

You also won’t nd massive amounts of drippy cheese in these rolls. Rather, the cheese acts as a subtle binder, adding just enough creaminess and fat to bring out the savory, well-browned avors of the meat.

Sautéed mushrooms are largely unnecessary, but purely a matter of preference, as are toppings. Sandwich purists will leave it unadorned. However, we’re partial to lettuce, tomato, banana pepper, and jalapeño, but we’re spicy like that. Especially on the chicken philly. (Don’t roll your eyes. Purists become converts after just one bite.)

No matter how you adorn it, the end result is a light, yet intensely avored mouthful of meaty delight. Cheesteak with a capital C, no “P” required.

Maybe it’s part of your daily routine, or maybe you haven’t had one in years. Either way, we say it’s time to embrace the cheesesteak as our city’s culinary gem.

Attitude

Adjustment

This man expanded his imbibing horizons— and you can too!

FRED LOPEZ

My good friend

Dan exclusively drinks two beverages: IPAs and Myers Rum mixed with orange juice. He knows exactly what he wants and doesn’t stray; his order is always predictable. That’s why it shocked me one day when he told me he had discovered something new: Kombucha! Racking my brains, I wonder, how did someone go from being so rigid with their preferred beverage to trying a drink on the complete opposite end of the spectrum? Exploring your order could be just the key you need to embrace change and discover a new level of sipping happiness.

Most people fall into this habit; they know exactly what they like and never deviate from that order because the risk of ordering something new and being disappointed just isn’t worth it. Besides, if it’s so good, why change?

So what was enticing enough to coerce someone like Dan to make the switch? Dan says that he picked up Kombucha because it has a high ABV content, similar to his IPAs. That fact made him curious enough to try. Plus, despite having a fruit base, there is not a sugary nish, which he appreciates. So, in theory, Kombucha is vastly di erent from what Dan is used to, but it still

TARIN

features his favorite tastes. And now he’s o cially a three-beverage guy!

The ability to spot the parallels between what you enjoy and something new is essential to choosing a new drink. Here are a few tips to help you on your drink-changing quest.

Start with food.

The reason wine is so commonly paired with food is that it can elevate the experience in a variety of ways. Red, white, rose, sparkling. Dry, tannic, sweet. Earthy or clean. Citrus or berries.

However, let’s say you don’t drink red wine, but you love steak. Or, rather, you do drink red wine, but want to try something di erent.

It helps to understand why red wine works. When paired with a robust, fatty cut of beef, the deep fruit and acidity of red wine help overcome, or temper, the richness of the meat. Do you know what else would do that? Fruit and acid of any kind … like an infused blueberry or pomegranate mocktail! Or even a shrub soda, like we talked about last month. When tempting someone to step outside their comfort zone, it helps to nd a common denominator. In this case, fruit and acid.

It works the same with beer and pizza, the rustic taste of the beer cleansing

Exploring your favorite flavors could be the key you need embrace change.

the savory, saucy slice. If you’re looking to try something you’ve never had, nd an entrée that will upgrade the product and will naturally enhance your experience with it.

Get in touch with your tastebuds.

Another friend of mine solely drinks Yuengling, merlot, or malbec. There’s no point in trying to o er him anything else because he simply won’t try it. Which, to me, is the ultimate challenge.

So taking what I did know about him—that he’s an avid eater of spicy foods—I casually started talking about this spicy Mango Jalapeño Sour long enough to tempt him into ordering one. Despite his loathing of fruity drinks, he ended up ordering multiple pints just because it was so hot! That’s why if there is something you enjoy, like oranges, it’s easier to consider drinking a “Mimosa IPA” over a regular IPA, as it features a avor pro le you already appreciate.

Follow the avors you enjoy in your regular life, and they will shine through in the beverages you may be willing to sample. I’m not a huge rum drinker, but if a tiki cocktail has orgeat, or almond syrup, I’m willing to go for it simply because I adore almond avor. It’s that simple.

Just give it a chance!

The most important decision is to keep your mind open. If you’re at Crooked Can and want to switch up your beer selection, ask for a sample of something you’ve always wanted to try or get a draft ight to try multiple new brews. If you often eat pickles or fermented foods, and sweet vodka drinks repel you, a dirty martini will mimic those avors you like and help you appreciate a new spirit in a new light. After you get tired of that drink, you can move on to something with even more character, like gin. Regardless, the most important part is having that willingness to try something new. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but giving yourself the chance to taste something new is the rst step to nding your new drink, and perhaps, nding out more about yourself! Cheers!

Cariera’s Fresh Italian

1041 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden / 407-554-3622 carierasfreshitalian.com

If there’s two things most people can agree on, it’s that a hearty plate of pasta is always a good choice, and the best place to get that fix is Cariera’s. Heavy with Italian tradition, Cariera’s features timeless favorites, such as spaghetti and meatballs to chicken Saltembocca, white Cacciatore to Eggplant Parmigiana. There’s even a lite menu featuring Keto versions of your Italian favorites! Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply feeding the family, Cariera’s strives to make every guest feel comfortable enough to laugh out loud, reminisce, and indulge.

David Ramirez Chocolates

WINTER GARDEN 426 West Plant Street / 407-614-8278 ORLANDO 2154 Central Florida Parkway / 407-816-7400 davidramirezchocolates.com

At David Ramirez Chocolates, we place a high value on using the best ingredients available, sourced from across the globe. Our goal is to bring you a superior product, and create an immersive and memorable culinary experience. We approach every creation with a focus on quality and artistry. Our team is trained in the old-world style, while incorporating innovative and pioneering techniques and flavors.

HOURS

Mon-Sat 11am-9pm Sun 11am-8pm

The French Café

WINTER GARDEN 16412 New Independence Pkwy / 407-500-4050

WINDEMERE 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Rd / 407-500-0306 thefrenchcafe.com

Do you feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy neighborhood café in Paris, sipping a French co ee while the smell of fresh pastries fills the air? You may be surprised to find you’re not in France at all; instead, you’re enjoying a meal at The French Café. Try our one-of-a-kind pastries baked fresh daily by our acclaimed chef. Join us for a relaxing breakfast on the weekend or stop in before that evening movie for a delightful dinner. We can’t wait to say bienvenue to you!

WG HOURS

Mon-Thur 12pm-8pm Fri 11am-9pm Sat 10:30am-9pm Sun 11am-6pm

MENU

HOURS

WG Sun-Sat 7am-3pm

WIN Sun-Sat 7am-5pm

MENU

INFO HOURS

DINNER

Tues-Sat 5PM-9PM

BRUNCH

Sat & Sun 11AM-2PM

Market To Table

146 W Plant St, Winter Garden / 407-395-9871 market2table.com / Private Dining Available

Nestled in the Heart of Historic Downtown, Market To Table creates Modern American cuisine with classical influences. Chef/Owner Ryan Freelove’s seasonal dinner menu o ers a delightful mix of traditional, yet elevated, dishes, like the Filet Mignon or Braised Short Rib, along with an exciting array of specials. But it’s their new brunch menu that is truly buzzworthy. Come for the humongous Bloody Deluxe, Pork Belly B.L.T., and Steak & Eggs. Stay for the giant Cinnamon Roll and Bread Pudding French Toast. Before you leave, you’ll be making dinner reservations. It’s just that good.

11am–2pm

The Hangry Bison

250 W Plant St, Winter Garden / 407-347-9099

thehangrybison.com / Reservations Available

Sun-Wed 11am–10pm

Thu-Sat 11am-12am

The ultimate build-your-own-burger experience has landed in the heart of Winter Garden! The Hangry Bison is known for quality bourbon, craft beer and cocktails, and award-winning bison burgers, but our vast menu of savory appetizers, fresh salads, and hearty handhelds of all kinds has a little something for even the hangriest appetites. Check us out on weekday evenings* for discounted selections of drinks and small plates. Your parents did happy hour; we do Hangry Hour!

*4–7pm Mon-Thu and 4–6pm Fri.

Main House Market Kombucha Bar

108 S Main St. Winter Garden / 407-919-5402 mainhousemarket.com

You’ve heard about kombucha, possibly tried it once or twice, but have you tried a batch professionally brewed right here in Central Florida? Treat your gut to something not only good but good for you! 11 locally-brewed kombuchas on tap! Take home a refillable growler to keep your gut happy or stay awhile and order a kombucha flight! Main House Market celebrates the area’s best, from the artists and vendors to the vegan eats.

Naan Stopp

Indian Restaurant

5845 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., Windermere / 407-347-5487 naanstopp.com

If you haven’t soaked warm, garlic naan into velvety butter chicken sauce or scooped chana masala with tandoor roti, get ready to be delighted. Fresh, flavorful and well-priced modern Indian cuisine is finally here! This mouthwatering West Orange outpost glimmers with its roster of succulent tandoori, rice dishes, and fragrant curries—a world of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights, each imbued with vivid seasonings that never lose their spark. You’re sure to be coming back naan-stopp.

Pammie’s Sammies

121 S. Boyd St / 407-730-3212 / pammiesammies.com

Feed the Soul. Craft with Love. Serve from the Heart. That’s the record-setting recipe behind Pammie’s Sammies, a fun sandwich space with funk woven into its atmosphere and baked into every dish. Kick your feet up, sing to the music, and talk with your neighbors. With food that is thoughtfully sourced, earth friendly, and tastefully adventurous, our menu is composed of old family recipes alongside new and tasty trends. Each visit delivers something new and di erent on the plate, perfectly paired with great tunes and better conversation among friends.

HOURS

Tues-Fri 10am-7pm

Sat 9am-7pm

Sun 9am-4pm

NOW SERVING FOOD BY

HOURS

Every day 11am-3pm 5pm-10pm

ONE OF 4 11AM–3PM

HOURS

Tue-Thu 11AM-7PM

Fri 11AM-8PM

Sat 11AM-7PM

Sun 11AM-3PM

HOURS

Tues-Thu 5pm-9pm Fri 5pm-10pm Sat 12pm-10pm

WEDNESDAY

ONSELECT EMPANADAS BOGO!

Pico Bistro

1201 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Winter Garden / 407-395-9012 793 W Montrose St, Clermont / 321-315-9197 wintergarden.picobistro.com

Come discover a slice of Brazil in the heart of Winter Garden. Inside this cozy space, you’ll find Chef Romulo Costa’s family traditions paired with elevated technique, fresh and locally sourced ingredients, and always-happy-to-see-you service. Come for the housemade Brazilian empanadas; stay for Brazilian specialties like Wild Shrimp Bobo, Grilled Picanha Steak, and vegan Gnocchi. An unpretentious drinks menu o ers wine, beer and house-crafted cocktails, and no meal is complete without at least one dessert pastel. Bom apetite! WITH A  YELP RATING

STK Steakhouse

HOURS

LUNCH

Mon-Fri 11am-3pm

DINNER

Sun-Thu 3pm-10:45pm

Fri & Sat 3pm-11:15pm

ORLANDO 1580 Buena Vista Drive / 407-917-7440 stksteakhouse.com/venues/orlando/

STK is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” o ering a high-energy dining experience combining the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails, elevated Happy Hour and chic décor along with an in-house DJ, all come together to o er a memorable fine dining experience. The menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner — the brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.

Thai Blossom

99 W. Plant St. Winter Garden / 407-905-9917 mythaiblossom.com

Mon-Fri

Lunch: 11AM-3PM

Dinner: 5PM-9PM

Sat: 11AM-9PM

Sun: 12-8PM

Fragrant curries and soups, silky noodles, stir fries, and grilled meats, with plenty of options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free diners, too—Thai Blossom serves some of the most delightful and crave-worthy experiences on Plant Street. Authentic, easy and always cooked to order, it’s the perfect choice for workday lunch, go-to dinner dates, and special celebrations alike. Experience our culinary flavors and your love of Thai will blossom.

Tres Amigos Grill

1025 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden / 407-614-3975 tresamigosgrill.com

Born in faith, created with love. That’s how John “The Take Home Chef” Kresl built his craveworthy Tres Amigos Salsa brand. And now there’s nothing more satisfying than to pair it with Chef John’s made-fromscratch, Tex-Mex-inspired platters, bowls and tacos. Choose from authentic carnitas, Certified Angus beef skirt steak, wild caught jumbo shrimp, USDA Grade A chicken, or seasoned local vegetables. All served with homemade corn or flour tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole, black beans and rice. Do yourself a favor and order online—it’s the fastest way to get your fix.

Mon-Sat

Jamie Ezra Mark jamie@emagency.com 352–425–6400 thelocalwg.com/advertise

Rhetoric

Keep the Change

A big baby’s close encounter with a wet diaper.

Fentrusted me with supervising my 22-month-old nephew. Well, kind of—he was already in bed for the night, so I was merely an adult presence while she and my brother-in-law spent an evening out. Seemed like something I was incapable of screwing up.

“Odds are, he’ll sleep the whole time,” she explained on her way out the door. “But if he does stand up in his crib and start screaming, don’t freak out. He’s actually still asleep when he does that.”

Nephew’s haunted, got it.

“Oh, and sometimes he has diarrhea in his sleep, so if he needs to be cleaned up, the changing table is here and the diaper stu is …”

this new and terrible revelation: This woman thinks I know how to change a diaper. And it is WAY too late to tell her she’s wrong.

See, I never spent much time around babies. Know why? Because I am baby. I’m the baby of the family, the baby of my friends, the baby in my o ce, the baby of my house wherein I am the sole resident. There is no room in this crib for an actual baby, the kind that cries and drools and hogs the TV to watch Cocomelon for 700 hours and doesn’t pitch in on the rent.

Before my nephew came along, I had never held a baby, never cared for a baby, and most certainly never

What if he pees on me?

But none of that mattered now. His parents had already left, and that left me with a dilemma: to change or not to change?

On the one hand, I was not about to have my rst Pampers primer be with a baby who 1) is haunted, 2) doesn’t realize he’s unloaded on himself, and 3) doesn’t even know I’m there! The kid sees me maybe once a month. Imagine waking up from a nightmare crying for mommy, but instead there’s just me, and I’m also crying. That’d be awful for everyone.

On the other hand, it’s not my nephew’s fault he’s

whose aunt has a low tolerance for gross drippy things. He doesn’t deserve to deal with a wet diaper when there is a (probably) perfectly capable grownup there to care for him. So, I swallowed my dread and popped open diaperchanging tutorials on my phone—three di erent ones, so I could be prepared for absolutely anything that happened.

Anyway, nothing happened. He slept the whole time, as predicted, my sister was grateful, and I continue to live blissfully diaper-free. Anticlimactic, I know. But some things are better left unchanged.

Rheya Tanner muses on life as a local