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The Hidden Secrets of Winter Park, Florida

February 16, 2009

Winter Park is a gorgeous city full of character and countless activities. Over the years I have discovered so many new and exciting places and activities in Winter Park that you can’t and don’t learn about until a local points them out to you. Coming from up north I knew nothing about the area until I got here. Although the fear of the unknown was half of the excitement and anxiousness of going “away” to college, it was also the intimidating part.

Not only was I moving away from home, living with a complete stranger, and having to walk around campus aimlessly trying to find my classroom, I also had no idea where to find anything outside of the boundaries of campus. In the last year or two I have discovered some of the greatest places on or around campus that I wish I knew about my freshman year. With that being said I have created a list of what I like to call some of the “hidden secrets” of Winter Park. This list consists of many of the places that I find unique to Winter Park and that I am going to miss dearly upon graduation. I hope you enjoy ….

First and foremost, one of my favorite places in Winter Park: The Farmer’s Market. The market is located at the old train depot that has been restored into an historical landmark (off of Park Ave) and is open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.. It is a popular community gathering location that provides fine produce, plants, baked goods, kettle corn, and much more. It is a short 5 minute walk from campus and is a great place to hang out with your friends on a sunny Saturday morning. The Farmer’s Market is also a great resource for students that live on campus and don’t have a car. The Winter Park Farmer’s Market is claimed to be the number one produce and plant market in Central Florida – it’s a must go!

Also within walking distance of campus are many restaurants and coffee shops that are unique to the area and are great places to go hang out with your family and friends. Palmanos Roastery & Espresso Bar is a quaint coffee house tucked away in a courtyard on Park Ave that has coffee beans shipped fresh and roasted onsite. Alongside their amazing coffee they serve hot European-style breakfast, pastries, fruits, and more.

The Bistro is another tucked away restaurant on Park Ave that is found in a hidden garden area that is perfect for a quiet, intimate dinner. The European like setting, phenomenal menu, and delightful atmosphere make it an excellent place for any meal!

On the theme of restaurants there are a few places that are not within walking distance of campus, but are some of my favorites. Mellow Mushroom is the place for pizza, sandwiches, salads, and calzones in Winter Park. They are especially known for their spring water pizza dough and their hot parmesan, salted, or honey basted pretzels. Located just down the street from Rollins, but worth the drive!

If you’re looking for a fun place to go out with your friends, and if you’re anything like me and live for chocolate, Farris and Fosters Chocolate Factory is going to become your new obsession. At Farris and Fosters you become a chocolatier and can design and create your own chocolate delights. With your choice of milk, dark, or white creamy chocolate and any fruit, nut, candy, cookie, snack, etc you can think of, you can make the chocolate of your dreams! Grab a friend and stop in or plan a girls night out, a birthday party, a team building event, or attend “date night” with your significant other. It is a great experience and you get to walk away with a pound of chocolate that you made! (what more could you ask for?) Oh, and I can’t forget to mention that you’ll get to taste samples made by the professionals before you start making your own creations!

Another great place that is located off campus is Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. There is nothing more refreshing on a hot, sunny Florida day than a cup of Italian ice, gelati, or plain soft serve ice cream. Jeremiah’s has over 40 flavors of Italian ice made with fresh fruit and can be swirled in any order with layers of gelati. With its fun and upbeat atmosphere it is a great place to have dessert and relax with your friends!

My next few must know locations in Winter Park are all located within walking distance from campus and are great for students who don’t have a car. Right across the street from Rollins is Millers Hardware Store. I have never met a hardware store as fully stocked as Millers – you name it, they’ve got it. They have great ideas for spicing up your dorm room and all the supplies to do it!

Another great store to know about is Ram’s Tayloring. He is located right across the street from Rollins and right next to Millers Hardware. He does a great job on alterations, is quick and reasonably priced. You never know when mom is going to send you some new clothes in the mail that need to be altered!

Perhaps you and your girlfriends just survived the week of mid-term exams and papers and its time to treat yourselves. Pia Esthetics Day Spa and Body Shop is where you need to head! Pia provides professional body, skin, waxing, and nail care services in an elegant and cozy environment and it is located just across the street from campus! It is a great place to hang out with your friends and relieve the stress of school.

If you feel like experiencing the serene side of life, take an afternoon to enjoy the Chain of Lakes Boat Tour that tours the Huron Chain of Lakes. You will get to see another side of Winter Park that is definitely not taught in the classroom. Experience the nautical architecture and homes, quiet inlets, waterfront property, relaxing open waters, scenic river views, and all of the wildlife living in our backyard. It is a journey that you must embark before leaving the wonderful city of Winter Park.

Another place that one must attend while in Winter Park is the Enzian Theatre. It is Central Florida’s only full-time, non-for-profit alternative cinema that is a unique movie-going experience. It is located in a beautiful courtyard just off of Hwy 17-92. Each week 6-12 independent films are offered in addition to an occasional live show. At the Enzian they combine the traditional movie experience with a casual full service dining menu so you can enjoy dinner and a movie!

Lastly, when you need a quiet place to go study but want to enjoy the great outdoors, head to Kraft Azalea Gardens, a scenic park located on Lake Maitland not far from campus. It is a great place for a picnic, a group gathering, or a place to go alone and get some solid studying done.

Winter Park has so much to offer and so many exciting activities to partake in. It is a city full of character, uniqueness, and culture. Knowing that I will be leaving this city very soon saddens me, but also reassures me that I will be back to visit quite frequently!

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