by Sandra Sheridan

Created on: August 05, 2011   Last Updated: August 08, 2011

Winter Park traffic signs request, “Please drive with extraordinary care.”  And that is the overriding atmosphere in the subdued and sophisticated city that is Orlando’s neighbor.  Park Avenue is the premiere place to visit, a manicured brick street that curves through the city center from the municipal golf course to the North to the resplendent Rollins College campus, that anchors the southern end.  The peaceful Central Park dominates one side of the Avenue, where paths wind among fountains, floral boxes and a magnificent, trellised Rose Garden.  Many independent boutiques offer unique infant gifts, chic accessories, “Earth Inspired” products and whimsical American arts and crafts. 

The entire Avenue renders a European feel, and that’s not by happenstance.  Years ago, the City Fathers called in a municipal planner to carefully design a town center that would preserve the golf and park green areas and include a variety of handsome architectural styles.  While shopping, you will want to stop in at one of the sidewalk cafes for a leisurely breakfast, or duck into a charming courtyard for a savory cup of Barnie’s Coffee.  Dining options range from fine, gourmet dining and delicious delicatessens to croissant sandwiches and wine tasting bars. 

Be sure to allow time to visit the unique Charles Hosmer Morse Gallery of American Art.  Including the world’s largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany works, the museum showcases room after room of Tiffany’s vibrant, leaded-glass windows, lamps, art glass and more; but the piece de resistance is  “…the chapel interior the artist designed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition  Chicago,” according to museum information.

Assuming that you are well aware of Orlando’s world-famous attractions, let’s move along to some less familiar local sites.  In the midst of the growing city skyline, the parks surrounding central Lake Eola give credibility to Orlando’s “The City Beautiful” motto.  It a favorite place to walk, to encircle the lake  (and dominant central fountain) and enjoy gardens and shaded benches, sidewalk cafes and swan boats gliding across the lake.  Children enjoy a sprawling playground at one corner, and real swans keep a careful eye on visitors to their territory.  The surrounding area includes Central Street boutiques and bistros, and the lively shopping and dining Mecca of Thornton Park and South Eola. 

Other city options include visits to the many cultural attractions surrounding the Loch Haven Park area.  The Orlando Science Center, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Repertory Theatre and Orlando Shakespeare Theatre all overlook the oak-shaded Loch Haven grounds to offer a stimulating roster of activities for every age and interest. 

And speaking of rosters, sports fans may want to take in an Orlando Magic basketball game at the stunning, new $480 million Amway Center.  The arena offers a rather extraordinary experience of its own!

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