Sunday Drive

Exploring Paradise - A Sunday Drive

By Gretchen Losi

The beauty and wonder that is Central Florida is quite literally, around every corner. So grab those keys and let’s hit the roads for some Sunday drives. Like turning the pages of a fairy tale, each scenic street becomes more enchanting than the next. Whether on a motorcycle, minivan or convertable with the wind whipping your hair - a scenic drive in these parts can happen on any day ending in “Y.” The options are miles long but locals like to start on the Florida Turnpike. It begins just South of Ocala in Wildwood and will take you all the way to Miami, which I am sure is stunning and beautiful - but it can’t be more charming than the central coast. Along the turnpike you’ll find yourself entering scenic drives by the carefully placed signs. But even if you miss them you’ll realize it when you begin to notice the bountiful lush beauty suddenly surrounding you in small enchanting towns like Groveland and Webster. Suddenly you’ll notice those long winding dirt roads laced with colossal trees stretching towards the heavens. These charming tree lined streets transport you back to a simpler time when kids were playing in backyard forts and the milkman was your morning greeting. If you go north to Ocala, one can expect to be mesmerized by the falling hooves of its horses amid the open fields and pastures. It makes you feel as though you are missing a mint julep in your hand on the way to the races. There are hundreds of thoroughbred horse farms peppering this glorious countryside. The homes aren’t too shabby either. Hollywood seems to agree, as many celebrities including John Travolta and Mel Tellis call it home. A bit south of that and your Sunday drive will have you cruising through Winter Park where you’ll find a very different pace of scenery. Hot tip: Always stop for oranges! Florida is known for producing delicious varieties and the bragging rights are well deserved. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

HALF HORIZONTAL 10” X 5.7361”

Winter Park is filled with the manicured beauty of multi-million dollar estates that still somehow maintain a personal charm in a small town of museums and culture. Drive slowly and you might spot notable residents like Shaq or Carrot Top walking a casserole over to a neighbor. Orlando Magic basketball player Vince Carter is said to have recently purchased the most expensive home in the area at a whopping $9.92M for his 20,000 sq-ft. Winter Park home. Most drives on the turnpike will land you near some fresh agriculture in the form of a farmers market or roadside fruit stand. Groveland has a great fruit stand that includes fresh pineapple. And Apopka has a cute little fruit and veggie store called, ‘Taters and Maters’ that boast the best boiled peanuts in town along with several unique Amish treats. If you happen to be still driving at sunset, go find yourself a lake or spring to sit next to and enjoy the show. The Florida sunset bouncing off the water is a treat for anyone. The reflective colors dance and glisten creating a few striking moments of water ballet with the sunsets colors bouncing between the clouds on the water. Central Florida was made for taking to the open road. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Cap off a Sunday drive with a gorgeous sunset view at one of the chain of lakes in Clermont. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)