Take a Break From Florida Theme Park Crowds in This Charming Town Near Orlando

If you fancy an idyllic walk on cobblestone streets dotted with locally owned shops and Michelin-recognized restaurants, enjoy boating in clear lakes, and have grassy fields for your kids to play in, Winter Park is the perfect spot for you. Located near Orlando in Florida, this gem of a 10-square-mile town is a welcome respite from Orlando’s crowded theme park scene. A favorite of residents, this town merits a trip on its own with so much to do.

Best Things to Do

The Park Avenue at Winter Park near Orlando is a haven for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and shopaholics, and is a hot spot for festivals and events. The ‘Olde Fashioned 4th of July Celebration and the holiday festivities are the most popular events hosted here. The spectacular Morse Museum features art and a large collection of Tiffany works. Many lakes of Winter Park offer kayaking, paddle boarding, and hour-long scenic boat tours. The Saturday farmer’s market is ideal for grabbing seasonal produce and freshly baked goods. Furthermore, Avalon Exchange is a must-visit for all thrifters!

Best Places to Eat

With a range of cuisines, the dining scene of Winter Park near Orlando offers memorable meals. Oozing Southern charm in its décor, Briarpatch at Park Avenue is one of the most iconic eateries in the town. The venue serves delicious brunch items like raspberry lemon cream pancakes, brown butter Belgian waffles, and different housemade cakes that are Instagrammable and yummy. For a divine multi-course fine-dining experience, head to the intimate 10-seater Japanese restaurant Soseki, which recently earned its first Michelin star. James Beard-nominated husband-and-wife chefs run the kitchen of The Ravenous Pig, hitting the spot with a wide range of delectable food. Also, enjoy tasty pizzas and various modern Italian dishes at Prato.