Classy Winter Park

By Erin Marvin

Published: October 21, 2007

Text Size A A A

Like much of Florida, Winter Park was put "on the map" back in the late 1880s for its desirability as a warm-weather getaway for the northern elite. Today, Winter Park, home of Rollins College, remains a favorite retreat for those looking to escape the cold weather - and take a break from the fast pace of neighboring Orlando.

Park Avenue is the hub of this small city. Here, independent cafés, galleries and boutiques share space along brick-lined streets with upscale chain stores. Lush parks, hidden side-street gardens, sparkling lakes and a Saturday morning Farmers Market round out the downtown appeal. Also popular is the nearby Winter Park Village shopping/dining/entertainment development.

Down the road are the lovely restored homes and churches of artsy Hannibal Square, a historic African-American community.

Winter Park's star attraction is its collection of famed designer Louis Comfort Tiffany at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art; the elaborate Tiffany Chapel could make anyone a believer. No less remarkable, though lesser known, is the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens (open September through June). Two hundred works of art by Czech sculptor Albin Polasek are on display, though seeing his signature work, "Man Carving His Own Destiny," is alone worth the admission price. The Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College is yet another impressive collection.

For the past 60 years, visitors on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour have gazed at the multi-million-dollar, lakefront Mediterranean-style mansions while captains regale with tales of the rich, and somewhat infamous, residents. Don't leave town without taking this leisurely one-hour tour.


Eat:

Fuji Sushi: There's no view, and it's usually crowded, but the big portions, fair prices and fresh fish make it popular with locals and visitors. Try the Crazy Roll.

Fiddler's Green Irish Pub & Eatery: Traditional Irish food accompanied by live Irish music (some nights) in a cozy atmosphere.

310 Park South: Offering everything from gourmet sandwiches to filet mignon - and it's all delicious

Chef Justin's Park Plaza Gardens: Picturesque setting and food presentation; perfect for everyday or special occasion. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.


Side Trips:

Thornton Park: Stylish residential district in downtown Orlando with shops, restaurants and nightlife. Popular with young urbanites. Eat at Dexter's.

Eatonville: Historic African-American community that was home to famous Florida author Zora Neale Hurston. Self-guided walking tours available and guided tours are available if you make a reservation about a month in advance. Site of the annual multi-day Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities.

Lakeridge Winery (Clermont): Wine tastings and tours. Special events happen often; plan your trip around a harvest festival, music series or wine fest.

West Orange Bike Trail (Apopka to Winter Garden): Exercise and enjoy the scenery along this old railroad bed. Bike, walk or blade.

Stay:
Park Plaza Hotel: This upscale and intimate boutique hotel on Park Avenue was built in 1922. Enjoy its classic European style and convenient location just a short walk away from shopping, dining and museums.

The Regent Orlando in Winter Park, Spa & Residences: Luxury hotel (Orlando Regent International Hotel) scheduled to open in spring 2007.

Comments

Submission Guidelines  

 

Only your name and comment will be displayed to other users. See our Privacy Policy.

Have you seen...?