Winter Park—The Best of Central Florida

WINT PARK—The of C t l Fl i Best

By Diane Dobry

Winter 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 flower 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 films 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 overflowing 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 chocolates, gift baskets and boxes filled with various sweets, I pick out four or five handmade cream-filled candies from the display case. Peeking at the dozen or so flavors 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

buyers, even if we are just window shopping. Williams-Sonoma, and Chico’s fit the bill for me, though my budget allows me to buy just a small bauble as a treat. One small boutique where I do drop some cash is Through the Looking Glass, which has lots of cute accessories—purses, scarves, hats and jewelry. Pottery Barn at the southern end of the street is where I look for more homey, decorative items that give my apartment just the right look. When seeking out a cultural learning experience there is the Writer’s Block book store and the Morse Museum on Park Avenue. I’ve learned a lot about the town, itself, at the local history museum near the train tracks. (Yes, train tracks—a Craftsman-style train station in the park serves both Amtrak and Sun Rail commuter trains).

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Lots of tempting restaurants. wine bars, and coffee shops line Park Avenue across from the wide green span of Central Park. People dining al fresco at sidewalk tables allows me an enticing look at (and aroma from) what’s on the menu. I explore side streets that reveal options including Turkish, Indian, Mexican and Italian cuisine, pub fare, croissants, seafood, sushi, and barbecue, to name a few. Once I’ve filled my bags with goodies from the farmer’s market, stopped for some sweet treats from Peterbrooke, sampled a quesadilla from Cocina 214, and peeked inside the shops, I hop in my car wherever I was lucky enough to find space on the street. There are some larger free parking lots and garages in town, too.

Heading down Morse Avenue, I find more temptation. Bulla Gastrobar, on Morse and Orlando Avenues, is my favorite for tapas. I drool over the treats at the popular nearby cakery, The Glass Knife, offering not only desserts and pastries, but also breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, coffee, tea, wine and beer. I may cross Orlando Avenue to visit Trader Joe’s or Shake Shack, sitting outdoors appreciating the view of Lake Killarney, or I’ll head farther north to grab a bite at The Hangry Bison.

With so much to see and do in Winter Park—boat tours, movie theaters, festivals, concerts, museums, and more—one Saturday is not enough time to see and experience it all. So, I always have something new to look forward to when I return.