PARK—The
of C t l Fl i
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By Diane Dobry
W
inter Park, Florida, draws me in like a magnet. When telling friends from out of state about this beautiful city, I describe it as the Hamptons of Central Florida.
It is my favorite town to hang out in, eat in, walk through, and explore. The streets are paved with classy, mottled bricks and the buildings are trimmed with attractive awnings and cheerful hanging ower baskets. Park Avenue, the main throughfare, is bordered by Central Park on one side and irresistible shops and restaurants on the other. It’s the part of town that also hosts the Christmas Parade, open-air concerts, and outdoor lms I attend annually. Who wouldn’t love a place that exudes the best of American hometown charm and culinary enticement on every corner?
Give Me Park Avenue You just know Park Avenue is over owing with artsy boutiques, gourmet markets, sweet shops, and trendy eateries. Peterbrooke Chocolatier, is a go-to stop at the top of my list. Once I get past tempting displays of hand-dipped and molded
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chocolates, gift baskets and boxes lled with various sweets, I pick out four or ve handmade cream- lled candies from the display case. Peeking at the dozen or so avors of creamy Italian gelato, I hope they have their Lavender Honey blend. Otherwise, I order a vanilla ice cream soda and sit outside on a bench, savoring it while proudly displaying their elegant cobalt blue signature bag holding my candy stash Another target destination with stimulating tastes and scents is Spice & Tea Exchange, where I always grab a tea to go—hot or cold, depending on what their special iced tea of the day is. After searching walls covered with packets of sugar, spice and everything nice, I pick up gifts for friends and tea leaves for myself. Then I’m ready to wander around town. My favorite day to visit Winter Park is Saturday for the weekly Farmer’s Market offering artisanal honey or vanilla, fruits, veggies and more
A Few of My Favorite Things High-end shops draw in the most discerning of
