Even though Winter Park is located close to Orlando's major parks, it gives the impression of being in another world.
Winter Park, Florida, is characterised by its cobblestone lanes lined with restaurants that have been awarded Michelin stars and locally owned shops, lakes that provide guided boat trips, and grassy places where children may play tag and hang kites. This town, which was established in 1887, offers additional forms of excitement in addition to its proximity to the theme park scene in Orlando. The New Englanders who established it did so in order to get away from the cold weather and it still serves that purpose today. Since then, however, the city that spans 10 square miles has developed into a popular tourist attraction throughout the entire year. The people who live in Orlando have a soft spot for the location, but they can't keep it a secret much longer. No matter what brought you to the Orlando region, taking a break at Winter Park for a few days before travelling back home would be a much-appreciated treat. In point of fact, given all of the positives associated with the location, we believe that it is deserving of a trip on its own.
The best location to be in the downtown area is on Park Avenue, which features notable eateries and small boutiques scattered throughout the brick walkways. Rollins College, a tiny liberal arts institution that was established 135 years ago and is located just off Park Avenue, adds to the town's rich variety of cultural events. The water's edge is just a few minutes' stroll from the heart of the city and features six lakes and canals that boats can travel through. Are you prepared to make travel arrangements to visit this enchanting city? Below is the information that you require.
The Top Attractions and Activities in Winter Park
Winter Park is going to become one of your go-to places if you enjoy shopping, nature, and culture. The 11-acre Central Park on Park Avenue is the location of many of the city's festivals and events, such as the holiday celebrations and the Olde Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. The park also features a rose garden and lovely fountains. In addition, it is the ideal location to bring children to let off some steam in between bouts of shopping or just before heading back to the hotel.
The Morse Museum is located on Park Avenue and has a huge collection of Tiffany works in addition to other American art. The museum is even more amazing than you could possibly dream. It is imperative that you take the time to visit the breathtaking chapel that was built for the Chicago World's Fair.
Take the one-hour Scenic Boat Tour around Winter Park's many lakes when you're ready to take a breather from all the walking you've been doing. Along the way, you'll get to see some stunning residences and find out more about the history of the city. On the pontoon boats that seat 18, children of any age are not only welcome, but actively encouraged to join in on the enjoyment. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and other forms of water sports are also very common in and near the lakes.
At the Saturday Farmers' Market, which takes place every Saturday morning, hundreds of sellers sell their wares, including produce, bread, pastries, and more. Before heading out to a park for a lunch picnic, this is the ideal location to pick up the necessary ingredients.
Make sure you have enough space in your luggage so that you can buy something special for yourself from one of the numerous unique stores that can be found in Winter Park. In Rifle Paper Co.'s very own store, you'll go crazy for the creative decorative products and stationery that will make your heart skip a beat (the brand is based in Winter Park).
A thrift shop that is spotless, well-organized, and offers items at prices that won't break the bank, Avalon Exchange is a favourite shopping destination for local high school and college students. Visit Love Thyself Rocks if for no other reason than to take a picture of yourself on the crystal chair with wings that is located at the front door. The children's and adult sections of the Writer's Block bookstore have been thoughtfully curated (plus a fantastic name).
Winter Park Hotels
Although visitors visiting Winter Park have a limited selection of hotels and motels from which to choose, the surrounding area offers a wide range of potential accommodations.
The Alfond Inn at Rollins, which first opened its doors more than 130 years ago, just keeps growing better with time. The lobby was recently remodelled, and the result is a design marvel that encourages family bonding thanks to its assortment of seating options and a chess set tucked away in a nook. The lobby is also adorned with amazing artworks on loan from the Rollins Art Museum. The completion of an expansion that will bring the total number of guest rooms at the inn up to 112 is anticipated to take place before the end of the current calendar year. The location, which is only a few blocks away from Park Avenue, is fantastic.
The sole location to stay on the illustrious Park Avenue in the city is the Park Plaza Hotel, which features 28 guest rooms, some of which still have their original brick walls. There are suites and rooms with balconies available, perfect for people watching.
The oldest residence in the greater Orlando area may be found at Sonder Wellborn, which can be found approximately eight miles away from Winter Park. The suites are available at reasonable rates and offer ample space; in addition, the property features a Victorian garden.
The AC Hotel by Marriott Downtown Orlando is an excellent option to consider reserving for your stay in the city of Orlando if you plan to combine a trip for business to the Orlando Convention Center with a vacation to Winter Park. The eight-story building contains a total of 180 guest rooms and features a SkyBar Rooftop Terrace with breathtaking vistas of the city. It's only a little over ten kilometres away from Winter Park.
Best Time to Visit Winter Park
Although you'll have a good time at Winter Park whenever you go, certain months are better than others due to the weather and the particular events that are offered.
In spite of its name, the springtime is the most pleasant time to visit Winter Park; the earlier in the season you go, the better. The best weather of the year may be found in March, with temperatures reaching roughly 76 degrees Fahrenheit on average and the lowest humidity levels of the entire year. It is not a surprise that the city's organisers of the annual Sidewalk Art Festival, which draws in an attendance of 350,000 people, choose the month of March for the festival. Although though February is slightly colder and April is slightly warmer, the weather is still very good. April is the second-least rainy month of the year, so you shouldn't expect to see many showers in Winter Park during this month.
We think lower than expected crowds in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge have more to do with people avoiding its opening months due to fear of high crowds (ironic) than substantive quality. This is one of the best theme park lands in the world. pic.twitter.com/KB8Gy10Gav
— Disney Tourist Blog (@DisTouristBlog) July 21, 2019
If you are travelling with children, the holiday season at Winter Park is one of the most enchanted times to go sightseeing in the park. During the first weekend of December, there are two significant events that take place. Central Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland this Friday thanks to an event called "Winter on the Avenue," which will feature snow slides, s'mores, and strolling carolers. To celebrate the lighting of the Christmas tree and the menorah, everyone gathers in the centre of the room. The Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade takes place the following day, and the streets are filled with music. The parade has been a tradition for more than seven decades, and some of the highlights of the procession include marching bands, fire engines, and Santa Claus. The typical high temperature in December in Winter Park is in the mid-70s, which places it light years ahead of the weather at the North Pole.
It's possible that families who have to organise their vacations around their children's school calendars and practise times will have no choice but to come during the summer. If you plan your outdoor activities for the morning or evening, it will be less likely that Florida's unpredictable summer weather will get in the way of your enjoyment, despite the fact that it is often hot, humid, and wet during this time of year.
Where to Get Something to Eat and Drink
Winter Park is a popular destination for residents of the Orlando area who are looking for unforgettable meals, whether they are bringing the whole family or searching for a romantic table for two. The best restaurants in Winter Park offer a diverse selection of dishes and atmospheres for diners to enjoy.
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Locals wait in line at the most famous restaurant on Park Avenue, Briarpatch, for mimosas and the restaurant's delectable brunch dishes (think: brown butter Belgian waffles and raspberry lemon cream pancakes.) The carrot cake, chocolate layer cake, and red velvet cake that are all baked in-house are as photogenic as they are delicious. You have the option of eating your meal at one of the outside tables overlooking Central Park or selecting one of the seats within the dining room, which exudes Southern ambiance.
Soseki is a Japanese restaurant with only ten seats that has recently been awarded a Michelin star. They specialise in providing a magnificent multi-course dining experience that is centred on the finest products that the local farmers, fishermen, and cheese purveyors have to offer.
The Ravenous Pig is a gastropub that serves a range of appetisers, hand-helds, unique cocktails, and other dishes in addition to having husband-and-wife chefs who have been nominated for James Beard working in the kitchen.
Prato is the ideal restaurant for your family to visit if your children have a craving for pizza. Make a reservation for a seat on the patio (doesn't eating outside calm down youngsters in some way — couldn't it be the fresh air?). Then order them a slice of the margarita pie to share as you choose from among the other contemporary Italian dishes that are crafted with ingredients obtained locally.
Getting to That Point
Both a car and an aeroplane are good options for getting to Winter Park. Once you are within the city, you won't need your car as much as you did before.
The ride will not be too long for those of you who are coming from one of Orlando's theme parks. On Interstate 4, Winter Park is located around 45 kilometres to the north of Disney's Magic Kingdom and 20 kilometres to the north of Universal Florida. The cities of Tampa, Jacksonville, and Melbourne are all within two hours' drive of one another.
Winter Park is located around a half-drive hour's from Orlando International Airport, which is the nearest major airport. In the latter part of the year 2023, the airport station of the Brightline Train will establish a connection between the city and Miami, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. You would still only have approximately a half-hour drive even if you flew into the Orlando Sanford International Airport, which is far smaller than Orlando International Airport and also much less busy.