La ciudad de Winter Garden

Nestled on the banks of Lake Apopka, Winter Garden is a robust city built around small businesses and a thriving downtown area. Centered around Plant Street, it is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. It also offers museums and access to the 21-mile West Orange Trail.

Winter Garden’s downtown district is centered on the main thoroughfare, Plant Street, which features historic architecture and some of the Orlando area’s best dining and entertainment. The centerpiece is Plant Street Market, a community hub with 20 vendors offering organic eats and handmade products — including Norigami, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand sushi counter.

Top Winter Garden dining options also include Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, Market to Table, X Sushi, LIME Fresh Mexican Grill and 4 Rivers Smokehouse, as well as one of Central Florida’s finest dining experiences at Chef’s Table at the Edgewater.

Plant Street Market is anchored by Crooked Can Brewing Company. The acclaimed craft brewery’s creations are nicely complemented by the market’s array of dining options, including pizza, sushi, burgers and vegan fare, all of which can be enjoyed in Crooked Can’s taproom.

Other places on Plant Street to grab a drink or two (or three — you are on vacation, after all) include Pilars, a martini-focused piano bar with 1930s art-deco decor, and The Attic Door, a wine bar with live music. South of Plant Street but still in Winter Garden, New York Beer Project is a gastropub that celebrates New York City’s rich brewing history with a glorious recreation of the Atlantic Garden Beer Hall, circa 1892.

You will find numerous bespoke retailers in Winter Garden, particularly on Plant Street. Just 10 minutes away by car, Winter Garden Village is home to top national retailers, smaller shops and dining options. And every Saturday, the Winter Garden Farmers Market is a great source for locally produced goods.

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

Nearby, the Heritage Foundation’s Central Florida Railroad Museum is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in train travel. Artifacts here include a caboose, a velocipede handcar, a 1938 Fairmont motorcar, and an extensive collection of dining car china and silver. Last but not least, stop by downtown Winter Garden’s SOBO Art Gallery & Studio, a historic building and former firehouse that hosts monthly exhibitions and events.

Housed in Winter Garden’s original fire station from 1938, the SOBO Art Gallery is headquarters for the Winter Garden Art Association. Inside, explore and experience the arts in a dedicated space where local artists showcase their work. They also offer programs that nurture the individual and foster growth in the arts.