Once out of the museum take a look round the town itself. You will find somewhere which is completely different from the Disney area. Walk back along the sidewalk toward Central Park. Notice the lovely gardens, plantings, fountains and seats provided to while away a few minutes of your day contemplating the activities of the squirrels as they dash between the old Live Oak trees. Often there will be exhits in the Park. Continue across the street and stroll along admiring the many shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants as you go. Cheap it is not in Winter Park - this is where the real money of Orlando lives! You will see designer casuals everywhere, custom and classic cars, expensively-indulged children, teenagers and beautiful young wives. You can look for free - it may cost more than you can afford to buy ! Once place we discovered the Ice Cream Parlor and Coffee Shop just off Park Ave. , at Morse Boulevard, probably the best value item you will find in Winter Park.
Having said that if your visit is on a Saturday you will find a small but delightful market, mornings only. If you want to catch the bargains you will have to get up early. There is food, plants, artisan goods and other craft items to tempt you.
Walking on there are even more shops but also interesting restaurants, some with external dining areas off the pavement (these often being the province of anti-social smokers). Choose your cuisine - there is something for every palate. Explore the side alleys where you will also
find little courtyards with gift shops, wine shops, and, yes, even more restaurants and cafe' s. You will even find everyone’s favourite of The Cheesecake Factory.
There are two special times to visit Winter Park, one is for ‘Carols in the Park. This takes place in December. Locals join with visitors to sing carols accompanied by an orchestra. This is something we have yet to experience, intending to go last year but I am afraid the weather won that day. Apparently some of the Tiffany glass is brought out for all to enjoy. There is food and wine to enjoy.
Secondly, the ' Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival' takes place the end of March each year when the whole of Central Park and Park Ave. , become the setting for a tented show of works by artists, sculptors, glass-workers, potters, craftsmen and all manner of other creative artists. Lots of food stalls also cook great ' finger-food' too !
Having said that if your visit is on a Saturday you will find a small but delightful market, mornings only. If you want to catch the bargains you will have to get up early. There is food, plants, artisan goods and other craft items to tempt you.
Walking on there are even more shops but also interesting restaurants, some with external dining areas off the pavement (these often being the province of anti-social smokers). Choose your cuisine - there is something for every palate. Explore the side alleys where you will also
find little courtyards with gift shops, wine shops, and, yes, even more restaurants and cafe' s. You will even find everyone’s favourite of The Cheesecake Factory.
There are two special times to visit Winter Park, one is for ‘Carols in the Park. This takes place in December. Locals join with visitors to sing carols accompanied by an orchestra. This is something we have yet to experience, intending to go last year but I am afraid the weather won that day. Apparently some of the Tiffany glass is brought out for all to enjoy. There is food and wine to enjoy.
Secondly, the ' Winter Park Sidewalk Arts Festival' takes place the end of March each year when the whole of Central Park and Park Ave. , become the setting for a tented show of works by artists, sculptors, glass-workers, potters, craftsmen and all manner of other creative artists. Lots of food stalls also cook great ' finger-food' too !