Being the shopaholic that I am, I’m always looking for somewhere new to shop! Always good to explore and find somewhere new but also find some good buys!
We chanced on Winter Park a couple of years ago.
The shopping area has an upmarket feel to it. In fact the first time we went, it was the only time ever in Florida that we felt underdressed! We had been out for the day in our usual shorts and T-shirts when we came across what looked like an interesting shopping area. We parked our car and walked past a wine bar which was packed with young professionals enjoying a glass of wine on their way home from the office – all very smartly dressed in suits – I felt for a moment that we were back home in the city area of London!
There is a mixture of shops. I homed in on Liz Claiborne – one of my favourites! To my complete surprise there were items I had seen the day before at the retail outlet store which were considerably cheaper! About 2 hours later I emerged with my purchases (much to hubby’s annoyance and boredom! ). The staff are extremely helpful and keen to talk – they don’t get many Brits shopping there – in fact I didn’t hear another British accent! They will help by pointing out items you may not have seen and by making suggestions for co-ordination etc.
Next door is a large perfume shop which is probably the larges I have seen of its type. Last time we were there we called in and again made several purchases which, for good measure, included some free gifts. One of the gifts was a very nice bag which was perfect to use for our hand luggage for the flight home!
As far as my husband is concerned (and me too if I’m honest! ) the best way to finish off the visit is to dine at the Cheesecake Factory which is just adjacent to the car park. There are several of these eateries in the Orlando area and if you haven’t tried one it’s a must! The menu is very varied – far more than just cheesecakes! The quality is excellent and the portions gigantic! Make sure you leave enough room for a desert though – as the cheesecakes are the best you will ever see! Being a very popular restaurant you may find you have to wait for a table at peak times – would be worth reserving a table before hitting the other shops.
Enjoy!
We chanced on Winter Park a couple of years ago.
The shopping area has an upmarket feel to it. In fact the first time we went, it was the only time ever in Florida that we felt underdressed! We had been out for the day in our usual shorts and T-shirts when we came across what looked like an interesting shopping area. We parked our car and walked past a wine bar which was packed with young professionals enjoying a glass of wine on their way home from the office – all very smartly dressed in suits – I felt for a moment that we were back home in the city area of London!
There is a mixture of shops. I homed in on Liz Claiborne – one of my favourites! To my complete surprise there were items I had seen the day before at the retail outlet store which were considerably cheaper! About 2 hours later I emerged with my purchases (much to hubby’s annoyance and boredom! ). The staff are extremely helpful and keen to talk – they don’t get many Brits shopping there – in fact I didn’t hear another British accent! They will help by pointing out items you may not have seen and by making suggestions for co-ordination etc.
Next door is a large perfume shop which is probably the larges I have seen of its type. Last time we were there we called in and again made several purchases which, for good measure, included some free gifts. One of the gifts was a very nice bag which was perfect to use for our hand luggage for the flight home!
As far as my husband is concerned (and me too if I’m honest! ) the best way to finish off the visit is to dine at the Cheesecake Factory which is just adjacent to the car park. There are several of these eateries in the Orlando area and if you haven’t tried one it’s a must! The menu is very varied – far more than just cheesecakes! The quality is excellent and the portions gigantic! Make sure you leave enough room for a desert though – as the cheesecakes are the best you will ever see! Being a very popular restaurant you may find you have to wait for a table at peak times – would be worth reserving a table before hitting the other shops.
Enjoy!