Located just five miles north of downtown Orlando, Winter Park feels more like a town than a city, with walkable brick-paved streets and European architectural style. Boasting of idyllic nature trails, historic squares and boutique shopping, Winter Park is the perfect culturally-rich destination for young professionals, students and families alike. As you get comfortable in your new apartment in Orlando, let us introduce you to some Winter Park hot spots and must-sees.
Shopping and dining districts you're going to want to check out
Park Avenue – This is the main artery of Winter Park with tons of non-chain bars and restaurants. After dining at one of the many restaurants such as Boca or Prato, have dessert at Kilwins Winter Park or try some wine at The Wine Room, where you purchase a refillable card and swipe to sample wines. The Wine Room also offers charcuterie and flatbread pizzas to pair with your wine; just make sure you head downstairs to taste a few secret wines and see the old bank vault.
Winter Park Village – This open air mall has a movie theater, great shopping, well-known restaurants including Brio, PF Chang's and Cheesecake Factory and an assortment of hip bars such as Bar Louie and The Hangry Bison located just two miles from Maitland Blvd. apartments. Less quaint and a bit busier, this shopping square has an abundance of free parking spaces and a steady flow of visitors to fill them.
Foxtail Farmhouse – Foxtail has numerous locations sprawled across the greater Orlando area, but their industrial style Farmhouse is one of a kind. They roast their beans in-house, which are available for purchase alongside their infamous cold brew by the gallon. Also attached is Bear and Peacock Brewstillery. Take advantage of Florida's year-round sunshine in Foxtail's outdoor space with AstroTurf and tons of seating where you can sip your coffee.
Austin's Coffee – In need of a 3am pick-me-up near your Orlando apartment? Austin's serves up organic, fair-trade coffee 24/7. This eclectic, bohemian spot has nightly live entertainment with open mic nights, Jazz nights and board games available to play. A local favorite, this spot has been catering to the indie crowd and offering a stage for many up-and-coming artists and entertainers for years.
Nature trails and parks worth exploring
Central Park- Central Park is 11 acres of luscious green lawns and oak trees wrapping around Park Ave. and the Train Station. Numerous festivals and concerts are hosted in the park, but it is also known for lazy Saturday afternoon picnics and family frisbee games. Make sure to explore the rose gardens on the south end of the park!
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour- The infamous one-hour scenic boat tour has been running since 1938, and offers participants a beautiful time on the lake exploring wildlife, nature and history with an informative tour guide. This is definitely a great option for saving a boring Saturday.
Mead Botanical Garden- covered in towering oak trees, Mead Botanical Garden is a nature lover's wonderland. And with free entry, it's the perfect place to have a picnic or go for a stroll with your dog when he needs some time outside of your pet-friendly apartment.