Living in Florida we have the opportunity to take a day trip so many amazing locations. Theme parks, Florida State Parks, beaches, all a short drive away. When I find a new place that I love, that we can easily take a short drive to it makes me so happy. Not too far from Orlando and all the theme parks and craziness is an adorable town with so much to offer, Winter Garden.
Winter Garden has wonderful restaurants, a Food Hall, Train Museum, great coffee and more. If you enjoy biking you can bring along your bikes to do a ride for as long as you want (up to 22 miles) on the West Orange Trail or even rent bikes from Wheel Works. This paved biking trail takes you through tree lined paths to even more small towns & the Oakland Nature Trail Preserve you can explore. My family biked 5 miles from Killarney to Winter Garden and truly enjoyed it.
There’s Lots to do in Winter Garden
After biking we grabbed lunch at the Hangry Bison, which is our personal favorite place to eat where we are never disappointed with our order. Amazing burgers, salads, and everything yummy. Right beside it is a large turf covered area to let the kids run and play while waiting for a table or just to get some energy out.
Nearby is Foxtail Coffee in case a dose of caffeine is all you need before or after your ride. If your family or group has different tastes for lunch or dinner, head to the Plant Street Market. Inside you can find everything from sushi to specialty mac and cheese and coal fired pizza. In the back is Crooked Can brewery for those looking to enjoy a brew. With plenty of seating outside and some inside the market is a great place to go.
Plan to Spend the Day
After lunch we walked through town checking out the bookstores, Central Florida Railway Museum, clothing boutiques (including a gently used clothing store that had a whole section of Lululemon my teen loved), antique stores and just all this adorable city had to offer. For dessert you can grab a delicious cupcake from Sweetland Bakery and Tea House or a handcrafted popsicle from Paleteria inside the Plant Street Market.
This little town is perfect for the foodie, the shopper or those who love a pretty place to walk, run or bike a paved trail and definitely worth a day trip.
Melody is a graduate of Jacksonville University, married a Jax Beach resident, moved away for 12 years, then returned to the area in 2016. Together they have two girls. Melody works as owner/photographer of Melody Coarsey Photography, she loves yoga, family, traveling, dining with a view and the ocean.
