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For those who are visiting Central Florida, you should not miss out on a lovely gem if you want a relaxing escapade after the exhilarating atmosphere in Disneyworld. If your starting point is in downtown Orlando, the charming city of Winter Park is close to Orlando, only twenty minutes away.

Winter Park boasts a combination of beautiful streets, cozy boutiques, a scenic campus, and a safe and walkable downtown area. You should not miss out on the opportunity to explore everything Winter Park has to offer – first-class restaurants, vibrant arts and culture, bespoke retailers, and outdoor escapades. You can spend your entire day exploring the city. If you have not been to this lovely city, it is time to schedule a week-long or weekend retreat with family or friends.

A close look at Winter Park

Winter Park is roughly 20 minutes northeast of downtown Orlando. It is important to note that Winter Park acquired its name after the coming of the South Florida Railroad back in 1880. The opening of Rollins College followed which is Florida’s first four-year university. It heralded the refined future of the city. Rollins College is ranked as one of the most beautiful campuses in the US.

At present, the epicenter of Winter Park is Park Avenue which is a cobblestone street lined with trees offering a vast selection of celebrated restaurants, museums, and some of the best shopping venues in Orlando. The city also boasts a good selection that outdoor enthusiasts will surely love including a robust park system and a lovely chain of lakes.

If you want to make the most out of your stay in Winter Park, you should stay for a few days. Make your stay a memorable experience by booking at The Alfond Inn which is situated close to the historic Rollins College. It is owned and run by Rollins College and features 112 guest rooms with a variety of amenities and a captivating art collection that you should not miss out on.

Best Reasons to Visit Winter Park, Florida

Whether you want to go on a tranquil getaway or just to enjoy a change in scenery, Winter Park offers a quaint town feel that you will surely love. Visit the place by driving all the way or travel by train since it is one of the SUNRAIL train station stops.

Dining

During your stay in Winter Park, several restaurants are worth checking out. You can find restaurants that offer exterior seating to dine with an outdoor view. There are also many inside patio restaurants to check out.

Some of the top culinary artists in Orlando practice their trade in the city including James and Julie Petrakis of The Ravenous Pig which is a seasonal gastropub.

If you are craving innovative Italian cuisine, you should check out Prato. Both restaurants are owned by a key Winter Park chef, Brandon McGlamery.

Other local choices in the Park Avenue area include delectable steaks and seafood dishes at blu on the avenue and Umi Sushi. For French dishes, drop by at Chez Vincent and Hamilton’s Kitchen at The Alfond Inn.

If you want to unwind with coffee or tea, Barnie’s Coffee & Tea is a popular choice. Do not miss out on their flavored coffee or the great breakfast or lunch options including salads and tacos.

Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine is a lovely spot to escape the crowds of Orlando. If you are craving Middle Eastern food, it is worth the drive especially the lovely kebabs and hummus.

The Winter Park Fish Company is worth checking out if you want to enjoy fresh fish for lunch or dinner.

If want to enjoy a good selection of Spanish dishes, Bulla Gastrobar is the best choice. For seafood cravings, drop by at Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen. Lastly, do not forget to conclude your meal with dessert at The Glass Knife.

Shopping

During your stay in Winter Park, you should not miss out on the wide selection of retailers, where most are on and near Park Avenue. Some of the homegrown and unique shopping stores and boutiques such as Tuni and John Craig are the ideal destination for adults.

There are also outposts from popular retailers Lilly Pulitzer and J. McLaughlin. You can find both at Shops on Park which offers a vast space of shopping and dining on Park Avenue. If you are eager to upgrade your wardrobe, you can find more choices in Winter Park.

Check out specialty merchants such as Williams-Sonoma, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, and Writer’s Block Bookstore to name a few. During Saturdays, the city offers unique shopping at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market. It is an old restored train station situated in the middle of the park that dates back to 1913. Today, it serves as a farmer’s market that supports local farmers. Do not miss out on the weekend flea market for great finds that you can bring home.

If you have the time, take a short drive from Park Avenue to Winter Park Village. You will enjoy the outdoor shopping center that boasts a selection of stores and restaurants along with the best movie theaters.

Arts and culture

During your stay in Winter Park, you should check out the galleries and museums, including the Rollins College’s Cornell Fine Arts Museum. Check out up to 5,500 pieces from ancient to modern times. There are also annual events that you can attend that features the rich cultural scene in Winter Park.

Just nearby, you can check out the biggest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s creations at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.

For those eager to experience theater in Winter Park, you can book at The Winter Park Playhouse. It is the only professional musical theater in Florida.

The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens offers amazing sculptures created by Alkin Polasek, a multi-talented Czech sculptor living in Winter Park.

The Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Hannibal Square features the history of the African American community in Winter Park. It is an important center for African Americans in Central Florida.

Outdoors

Winter Lake boasts a chain of 12 lakes including 2,781 acres of pristine waterways. Do not miss out on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. It is a relaxing way to experience the lakes or as a great date idea spot. You will also see a variety of wildlife along with stately mansions as well as the Kraft Azalea Gardens and Rollins College.

There are 11-amenity-laden public parks maintained by the city with notable spots such as Kraft Azalea Garden, Mead Botanical Garden, Phelps Park, Lake Baldwin Park, and Ward Park. If you brought your furry companion along, these are great places to walk your dog.

For golf lovers out there, drop by at the Winter Park Golf Course, a 9-hole public course that is on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places.

Final thoughts

Winter Park is only a short distance from downtown Orlando. If you want a peaceful retreat from the excitement of the Disney theme parks, your drive to this city is truly worth it. With so much to see and do, you will truly love Winter Park. If you have not visited Winter Park before, it is time to add it to your bucket list to enjoy everything that the lovely destination has to offer.