A Central Florida Hidden Gem - Park Avenue in Winter Park

Most people when traveling to Orlando think of theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World and while these are great places to visit in the Central Florida area, there are other hidden areas that many people don't know about that can provide a great deal of enjoyment. One of these areas is Winter Park, Florida. Winter Park can be found just to the northeast of Orlando. The Park Avenue area of Winter Park is in essence a throwback to old time Main Street USA and is a stone throw from Rollins College. The main streets paved with brick instead of the standard asphalt that we are all used to in this day and age. As you walk down the street you will find people sitting at tables on the sidewalks outside of the coffee shops, people walking their dogs, or folks just taking a stroll. The atmosphere really takes you back to a time where the world wasn't such as a hustle and bustle type of environment. The shops and restaurants along Park Avenue range from the simple to the trendy and provide an environment for a wide range of people.

Along with the shopping experiences that are available, there are other attractions that may draw you in. On the weekends, there is a farmers market just one block up from Park Avenue near the Amtrak train station. This farmers market contains a large variety of wares with everything some kettle corn to freshly made bakery items. You can stroll through this area free of charge and even sample some of the various items that are available for purchase.

On your way to the farmers market, you also have the ability to stroll through a lovely rose garden which when in bloom, provides a wonderful backdrop for photo opportunities or even that potential engagement. The rose garden links up with a nice open park area where you will find kids playing, dogs running, and people lounging around just enjoying the outside air.

Another local attraction is the scenic boat tour which can be found roughly three blocks from the Park Avenue area. This hour long boat ride will take you through the lakes and canals of the surrounding area. The boat guides provide some fantastic information of the area and even point out some of the famous celebrities who actually live on the lakes in this area of the state.

So if you are looking for something different from the typical theme parks and want to find a quiet locale, try the Park Avenue area of Winter Park, Florida. With shopping, parks, and other local attractions, you certainly will not be disappointed and will have the opportunity to enjoy one of Central Florida's hidden gems.