Central Florida is a hotspot for many tourists in the Sunshine State. These local communities are hidden treasures in the area. Oviedo is close to all the main attractions, but it still retains much of its small-town charm. You can discover the quaint community of this central Florida city.
Located 20 miles from Orlando, Oviedo is close to the action with a rustic feel. Oviedo has a few residents with feathers and beaks. The famous chickens roam throughout the city's downtown area. The small community was founded in 1865 when a few homesteaders settled by Lake Jesup. Today, Oviedo is a city that has a small town atmosphere despite its growing population. From hiking trails to local artisan studios, Oviedo has plenty to offer residents and visitors.
Within the city limits, there is a state park and other trails for you to explore — Oviedo borders along the shores of the Little Big Econ Wilderness area. The forest is named for the Little Econlockhatchee River and the Econlockhatchee River. If you are looking for outdoor activities, you can travel the trails by horseback, bike, or foot. For those wanting to hit the water, the river is a beautiful place to canoe and see the local wildlife. You can even set up a tent and spend the night in Little Big Econ. Popular hiking trails like the Florida National Scenic Trail and the Barr Street Trailhead are located near Oviedo.
If you want to stay within the city, Oviedo has plenty of local parks for you to explore. Boston Hill Park is a local athletic field with facilities for basketball, softball, and soccer. Dog lovers can take their furry friends to Center Lake Park. This park is one of the crown jewels of Oviedo, and it has become a gathering place for the community. A marina and boathouse are available for those who want to hit the lake. The boathouse offers paddleboat rentals as well. The amphitheater and cantina regularly hold summer concerts. Children can enjoy the splash pad and playground area. For those wanting to take a morning or an evening stroll, the lakeside promenade gives you some of the best views of the city. Finally, Friendship Park has picnic facilities and a colorful playground for all residents of Oviedo to enjoy.
Many lakes surround Oviedo. If you want to explore the nearby area, you need to see the natural landscape by airboat. You can find a variety of airboat tours from eco-tours to private tours. Many places offer a chance to view the local alligators and wading birds in the lakes. You may even get an opportunity to head over to Bird Island. There are over 512 different species of wading birds cataloged on the island.
Locals and visitors enjoy Florida strawberries. In February, you can find many strawberry, blueberry, or blackberry patches in Oviedo. Pappy's Patch U-Pick Strawberries will allow you to pick your own bushel of fresh fruits. In the summertime, tall sunflowers line their strawberry patches. Pappy's Patch even has the opportunity for you to pick your own vegetables during the warmer months. If you would rather purchase produce instead of picking it, check out the local Farmer's Market in downtown Oviedo. The Farmer's Market is available every Saturday of the month.
For more handmade treasures, you will want to visit the Artistic Hand in historic Oviedo. Nestled among the green palms and shady oak trees, this artisan shop will take you back to the days of old Florida. The Artistic Hand is housed in a charming cottage. The art gallery continues to be owned by a local family. Inside the building, you will find crafts and art from over 100 local artisans. If you want to try your hand at creating a masterpiece, the Artistic Hand is a working art studio that offers workshops for children and adults.
Oviedo is a city that is meant to be enjoyed by residents and visitors. You don't want to waste your time cutting the grass or trimming the trees. There is a solution to your problem. You can call the lawn care experts at Lawn Love. Our team of landscaping professionals will keep your green space looking great throughout the year. Don't spend another minute with tedious outdoor landscaping work. At Lawn Love, we can help you enjoy the beauty of Oviedo without worrying about maintaining your lawn.
