Central Florida is home to many small town communities with rich histories. Winter Park is one of these historic towns. Today, this small town is one of the most desirable places to live in the Sunshine State. Winter Park continues to charm both locals and visitors with its many activities and fascinating history.
Located five miles from downtown Orlando, Winter Park has been a retreat for those looking to escape the hustle of the City Beautiful. In the 1800s, a group of wealthy northerners wanted a lakeside town in central Florida. Today, Winter Park is a small oasis for many locals and visitors.
Today, Winter Park continues to charm its residents. The downtown area features brick-lined streets surrounded by unique architecture in the Gothic style. When you are in the downtown area, make sure to check out all the fascinating buildings that line the streets. Park Avenue is the main roadway throughout Winter Park. This main artery runs for eight blocks as it connects Rollins College to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. The picturesque avenue slowly rolls into a residential neighborhood of moss-draped oak trees.
As you stroll along the streets, you will feel a sense of the history of the area. The Alfond Inn is one of those historic places. Originally known as the Langford Inn, it has been a popular hotel for the wealthy and elite of the nation. In fact, President Reagan and his wife celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at the Inn. The Inn saw a revival when Ted and Barbara Alfond purchased the property to house their extensive art collection. You can take a self-directed tour of the contemporary art collection on the first and second floors. If you are an art lover in Winter Park, the Alfond Inn is a must stop for you.
There are plenty of other activities in downtown Winter Park that showcase the town's rich culture. If you walk north on Park Avenue, you can find many restaurants, boutiques, and chain stores along the way. The Morse Museum offers free admission every Friday except during the summer season. This museum is home to the world's most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany. You must check out his original 1893 World's Columbian Exposition chapel. Once you are done marveling at the beautiful art pieces, you can grab a seat at many of Winter Park's outdoor cafes. If you are close to Central Park, check out the passing Amtrak trains while you smell the roses from the nearby gardens.
If you want to purchase fresh produce, you need to wake up early and stop by Winter Park's Farmers Market. The large market is located just two blocks west of Park Avenue. You can buy plants and produce from nearby farms. There are many food trucks and vendor stalls that offer their goods from smoothies to fresh bread.
For the history buffs, the original Winter Park train depot houses the town's History Museum. This museum offers self-guided tours, but the local volunteers are on-hand to answer any of your questions. The Winter Park History Museum features rotating exhibits about the town's past, including a retrospective on the local high school.
If you are looking to see the natural side of Winter Park, you are in luck. The town offers scenic boat tours that operate throughout the day. You can board from the east end of Morse Street for a beautiful lake tour of Winter Park. These tours have been operating since the late 1930s. You will travel across three of the town's lakes and get a great view of the sprawling homes of Winter Park's elite residents. The boat tour will even glide past the Rollins campus through a grove of mangrove trees. For a more spectacular trip, you might want to catch the last tour of the day. You can be treated to the view of a gorgeous Floridian sunset.
With so much to explore in Winter Park, it would be a shame to miss it because you have to do yard work. There is a solution to your problems. Lawn Love is here to help. Our team of lawn care professionals will take care of your landscaping issues. We make sure that your lawn is maintained throughout the year. You don't have to worry about back-breaking lawn work. Now you can enjoy all the festivities of downtown Winter Park. When you need more time for fun, call the professionals at Lawn Love.
