You and your family have come to Florida to enjoy the world-famous theme parks, sunny skies, incredible shopping and beautiful beaches. However, all that is frankly exhausting!
Take time out to step away from the hubbub of Orlando, and the frantic pace of visiting amusement parks, to see what gems are hidden out of the spotlight.
Farmers Market
Located just 15 minutes west of Walt Disney World®, Winter Garden Farmer’s Market is noted as being the “best farmers market in the State of Florida and in the USA”. With over 100 vendors displaying their wares, you can be sure of finding sustainable produce, gifts and exclusive crafts. The market operates every Saturday from 8am until 1pm and is located in the market pavilion on S Lakeview Avenue in Winter Garden.
Kids will enjoy the market too as there are plenty of sweet treats, drinks and crafts that will appeal to children of all ages. Well behaved dogs are welcome and plentiful. You might even see parrots, cats and goats too!
Parking is free in the multi-storey car park located just off Lakeview Avenue and if that is full, there are plenty of other spots for your car – also free.
Splash Pad
Next door to the market is the Winter Garden Splash Pad. An entirely free water experience for children and the young at heart. A multitude of spraying jets, surrounded by umbrellas and benches. The perfect place to bring a picnic and watch the children wear themselves out.
PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK
If hunger beckons, why not try out one of the many quality restaurants located in or around Downtown Winter Garden.
Crooked Can
Synonymous with Winter Garden, the Crooked Can Brewery was built in 2014 and has been a rocketing success. Delicious and refreshing craft beers are brewed on-site, plus they bring in a selection of their favourite beers from other Florida breweries.
Their building also hosts the Plant Street Market. A variety of small vendors produce delectable bites and plates for your enjoyment. Everything from BBQ, pizza, sushi, teas, coffees, mac n cheese, donuts, ceviche, Swiss Raclette cheese, popcorn and popsicles. There’s something for the whole family.
Also located within the market is a top-class butcher serving quality meats, as well as a selection of cooked sides. They also serve made-to-order sandwiches. Try the Lobster Suzi. It is a thing of beauty!
Hangry Bison
If burgers are your thing, then they don’t come much better than at Hangry Bison. The bar staff are friendly and knowledgeable and can whip up a variety of tasty cocktails and craft beers for your enjoyment.
Indoor and outdoor seating is available, plus you can also dine at the bar. It is a good idea to book a table in advance, as it can be busy at the weekends.
Try the ‘make your own burger’. A choice of proteins including Bison, Turkey, Chicken,, Salmon, Impossible® Burger and Portobello Mushroom are on offer. Then customize your burger and sides as you would like. The Fried Green Tomatoes are a Southern favourite as are the Pretzel Dunks with Beer Cheese Sauce.
The Whole Enchilada
Serving fresh, Mexican cuisine in a relaxed setting, The Whole Enchilada is sure to be a family favourite. Pre-order your food, take a seat and enjoy a tasty Burrito or Quesadilla, while sipping on a Margarita or a classic Mexican beer from their fully licensed bar. Their open-air, roof top bar is a nice spot to enjoy a bite to eat on a warm Florida evening.
Rosalie French Cafe
If you want a hot and frothy coffee, a cup of tea, a freshly squeezed orange juice, or even a glass of wine, stop by Rosalie Cafe. This cute and authentically designed cafe has indoor and outdoor seating and serves a variety of small, traditional French sandwiches, hot bites, beautifully made cakes and croissants.
Attic Door Wine Bar
The Attic Door has been a Winter Garden favourite for many years and is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Winter Garden. Originally half the size, one side of the restaurant is reminiscent of a Bedouin tent, whilst the other side, a more recent addition, resembles a French Cafe.
Only beer, wine, cider and canned seltzers are served but they have an admirable wine selection and a decent selection of local craft beers.
Their menu consists of light bites but there is a specials menu serving chef crafted meals to make your mouth water. The Ribeye Steak is delicious and if you’re seriously hungry, go for the meatloaf!
Lake Apopka
A short walk from Downtown Winter Garden you will find Lake Apopka, Florida’s 4th largest lake. This beautiful, 30,000 acre, natural, spring fed lake has undergone many changes and, unfortunately, not all of them good. 40 years ago the lake was polluted and had virtually no wildlife. These days conservation efforts have ensured that the lake is well on it’s way back to full health. The stocks of fish are back as are a multitude of wading birds, turtles, alligators and even manatees.
After dinner take a 5-10 minute stroll to the lake edge and enjoy watching the sun go down over the water. There is a dock so you can walk down over the water and photograph the wildlife and the glorious Florida sunsets.