Winter Garden is a beautiful city just outside of Orlando that is filled with hidden gem communities offering unique dining, art, shopping and entertainment. Just 20 minutes north of Walt Disney World Resort, it’s a must-visit destination in its own right for foodies, art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to visit on their next trip to the theme park capital of the world.

The historic downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a favorite destination, with stores and restaurants located along the award-winning West Orange Trail, part of the 250-mile Coast to Coast (C2C) connector trail through Central Florida. If you’re a cycling enthusiast, Winter Garden, a designated trial city, is the place for you.

Winter Garden is the cultural capital of west Orange County, with live performances at the Garden Theatre, live music throughout downtown on weekends and visual art at the SoBo Art Gallery. Saturdays buzz with the award-winning Winter Garden Farmers Market, featuring a wide selection of vendors, from locally grown produce and baked goods to homemade soaps and fresh flowers, and live entertainment each week.

Winter Garden, nestled along the beautiful Lake Apopka, is a former citrus city founded in 1908, with more than 40,000 inhabitants. It has a great historical and natural wealth.

15 things to do in the Winter Garden

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation operates two museums in Winter Garden, starting with the Winter Garden Heritage Museum. Inside you’ll find photographs and memorabilia dating back to pioneer times, Native American artifacts and a replica citrus warehouse. Outside, a caboose, a 1950s fire truck and antique tractors and equipment are available for interactive play.

You’ll also find numerous custom stores in Winter Garden, especially on Plant Street. Just a 10-minute drive away, Winter Garden Village is home to major national retailers, smaller stores and numerous dining options. And every Saturday, the Winter Garden Farmers Market is an excellent source for local produce.

Winter Garden has even more to offer when it comes to dining, including Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Thai Blossom Restaurant and Urban on Plant Kitchen & Bar, as well as one of Central Florida’s best dining experiences at Chef’s Table at the Edgewater. You can also enjoy a taste of New Orleans at The Big Easy, sample Southern fare at Country House Restaurant or dine on authentic Italian food at Bella Italia Ristorante.

A recommended destination for all travelers to Florida, we at Citilennial give a 5-star rating to a magical place stopped in the clock of time in its central plaza.

@alex-martinez Source: Visit Orlando