DOWNTOWN IS OUR STAGE

Quality of life is essential . We know you want opportunities to live more, drive less, and make memories Look no further than Winter Haven . We have the smalltown heart you’re looking for with big-city amenities . Our downtown core, named the #1 Great Place in Florida 2019 by the American Planning Association of Florida, is walkable, has over 15 different dining options, a weekly farmers market, numerous destinations for live music, locally brewed beer, professional water ski shows, plentiful parks and recreational activities and local coffee shops Oh, did we mention our downtown is sandwiched between two popular lakes, one of which has a dock for your boat or seaplane? Yeah, we’re that cool

Memories are not only created in the outdoors of our walkable downtown We are also a place of varied arts and cultural experiences from multiple art galleries and interactive artistic experiences, locally-owned artisan restaurants, retail, a restored downtown business district, and the revival of locallygrown music at Gram Parson’s Derry Down and the historic Ritz Theatre . And we can’t forget one of Florida’s best community theaters, Theatre Winter Haven

Small businesses are the foundation of the Winter Haven economy and are a significant presence in the Downtown core . Our lovely downtown boasts endless shopping opportunities, including antique shops, clothing stores, as well as niche markets such as Carlton Music Center, Andy Thornal Company (Outdoor, Clothing, Skiing, etc .), and so much more

We use the phrase “Downtown is Our Stage” because it truly is a platform for our community to celebrate our culture, heritage, and ingenuity . Keep reading to learn why Downtown is our stage for music, art, local favorites, events, and so much more!

For Local Favorites

One of the best ways to visit a community is to hang out where the locals do . Downtown is the heart of the Winter Haven community . It is our stage for delicious food, fantastic music, innovative businesses, unique shopping, recreation, local favorites, culture, and arts Some residents joke that it is our very own “Epcot World Showcase” in terms of dining options . Winter Haven has a little bit of everything from Italian cuisine, southern BBQ, locallyowned coffee shops, Thai food, sushi, Japanese-inspired menus, American favorites, Mexican, bakeries, healthy smoothies, and much more .

Aptly described as Winter Haven’s backyard party, Grove Roots Brewing Co is Winter Haven’s first and only craft brewery Grove Roots’ theme pays homage to our history rooted in the citrus industry but with a modern twist . Whether you are a craft beer aficionado or someone that just likes live music, delectable food trucks, trivia nights, craft business markets, and a safe space for family members of all ages to enjoy – Grove Roots is a great stop on your visit to our community . Don’t forget to stop into our other local watering holes, including local, but out of this world wine bar, Obscure Wine, and a destination to listen to live music and have great drinks at Jensen’s Corner Bar

For Art

One of the highlights of a trip downtown is the modern murals peeking through the alleyways and sides of buildings . Some of these are from local artists, and others were commissioned by internationally recognized artists . They are not your grandmother’s murals! Our downtown canvas is a favorite for family and engagement photo sessions

The City of Winter Haven’s culture art advisory committee commissioned local artists to paint all the electrical boxes in downtown Winter Haven in 2017 . Ridge Art Association and the Polk Museum of Art are also great spots for those who prefer indoor artistic experiences .

Our community theatre, Theatre Winter Haven, is Florida’s most award-winning community theatre and continues to enrich the lives of residents and visitors with its talented actors, experienced staff, and exceptional productions . Annually, they transport you to the streets of Broadway with musicals, plays, and special performances . They also offer programming that includes a 55+ acting troupe, a children’s theatre academy, dance classes, and a community choir .

The historic Ritz Theatre brings additional entertainment downtown with live shows, movie and cocktail nights, and more throughout the year Polk State College also stages many excellent performances and music productions, along with studentcreated visual arts showcased throughout the year

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For Events

South Central Park is the newest addition to outdoor event spaces downtown and has made our ‘stage’ significantly bigger! South Central Park is located between 5th Street SW and 4th Street SW, with a grassy area surrounded by beautiful brick pavers, swinging benches, nighttime lighting features, and ample parking

An interactive information kiosk located in the park assists guests in enjoying our walkable downtown . Our events, festivals, art show, farmer’s markets, and family events have dramatically enhanced with this new park!

Main Street Winter Haven presents many of our downtown events such as Oktoberfest, Art Walk, Craft Beer Crawl, Starlight Nights, Wine, Chocolate & Cheese, and Carols in the Park . Annually, the Chamber of Commerce presents CommunityFest and Taste of Winter Haven CommunityFest is a FREE family festival with games, food, and entertainment Taste of Winter Haven is an evening event that allows guests to taste the local fare and craft beer and wine . Winter Haven is truly a center for community events, thriving fine arts, and diverse culture

FOR LIVING MORE, DRIVING LESS

Walkability is a crucial component to a successful downtown Walkability from your door to your business, your door to your dinner, and your door to your entertainment is even better Downtown developers are focusing on creating a live-workplay community In 2016, the first major residential developments in the downtown core for over 30 years opened the RainGarden Apartments and Tupelo Vue Apartments In 2019, 20 more units were added, and over the next five years, over 500 more units are currently planned, including over 100 units at RainDance opening in Spring 2023 . In addition to new construction, developers are focusing on revitalizing the surrounding downtown neighborhoods, including the Downtown Lake Howard Oaks District and the Lake Martha Neighborhood . Entrepreneurs are bolstering livability by opening a 24-hour gym, yoga studio, and coffee shops For entrepreneurs who work remotely, memberships to The Lodge coworking space are available .

The City of Winter Haven has made sizeable investments into the downtown core, including rails-to-trails bike and running paths, a new Winter Haven Tennis Center, and renovated Senior Recreation Center In October 2020, we cut the ribbon on a new skate park and amphitheater on Lake Silver . 2021 brought additional renovations to the Martin Luther King Jr . Park on the shores of Lake Silver . The Lake Howard Dock, just one block from the downtown core, features boat slips, floating docks suitable for seaplane docking, a fishing pier, and relaxing benches . Imagine leaving the

LEGOLAND® Hotel on a water shuttle to downtown via the Chain of Lakes . It could be a reality in the near future .

For Music

Winter Haven’s musical history boasts hometown artists like Jim Stafford and Gram Parsons, and its present-day also includes young artists making their mark . From open mic nights to concerts, Gram Parson’s Derry Down gives everyone a chance to be a part of Winter Haven’s musical soul Once a teen nightclub in the 1960s, this restored venue is once again giving young musicians an opportunity to hone their craft . Many of our downtown restaurants and bars also host live music Wednesday through Sunday and host special musical concerts and festivals . No matter where you choose to be exposed to music, arts, and culture, Winter Haven has many venues from which to choose

Downtown Businesses that routinely host live music:

• Fire Restaurant

• Gram Parsons Derry Down

• Grove Roots Brewing Co

• Harborside

• Haven Coffee Roaters

• Jensen’s Corner Bar

• Jessie’s

• Old Man Franks

• Tanner’s Lakeside

• Winter Haven Farmer’s Market