Orlando’s Dreamy Secret : Winter Park

Have you ever wondered if there was anything to Orlando beyond the theme parks?

Head just north of downtown Orlando and you will find the small city of Winter Park, and nestled in the heart of it: a picturesque street known as Park Avenue.

Park Avenue has harbored so many memories for us over the years, it’s hard to not want to share its magic with everyone. From small business shops and cafés to more commercial brand storefronts, to a sprawling green park and amphitheater to beautiful boutique hotels and old churches, there is something for everyone! … Psst — even Mr. Rogers claimed Winter Park as his neighborhood! 

Let’s take a stroll down Park Ave to get a quick glimpse of the magic that lies within this cozy town, and consider fitting this into your agenda the next time you visit Orlando!

You’ll find the avenue is decorated with a unique mix of modern and antiquated-style storefronts, and some gardens to sit and enjoy a nice cup of coffee or just take in the warm Florida sunshine. 

 

 

Park Avenue also houses plenty of bars and restaurants to celebrate the good times with your loved ones. The Wine Room (shown below) is actually an old bank, and includes an area downstairs in the old vault of the bank! 

 

 

Boutiques are abundant, as are the beautiful floral decorations to acknowledge each season to the fullest and provide pedestrians with a charming landscape to take a stroll. 

 

 

Straight ahead exists Central Park, which also houses the train station to travel between cities throughout the Orlando metro area. Movie nights, art festivals, and other seasonal festivals are held here year-round!

 

 

The “Hidden Garden”, where you can find a pocket of shops and restaurants just off the main walk, is my favorite place to sneak away!

 

Due to its beauty, Park Avenue is also a popular wedding destination!

 

Just adjacent to Park Avenue is Hannibal Square, where you can find more cafés and dining options with lush landscaping and warmly-lit corners to have a cozy beginning – or end – to your day.

 

 

Capturing the beauty of Winter Park – let alone Orlando – is seemingly impossible as there are so many beautiful little spaces to appreciate.  This cozy pocket of Winter Park is at the top of my list for must-experience’s, and I hope you get to immerse yourself in this scene, too!

 

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