One of Florida’s “Winter” Sanctuaries

Florida has long been a popular place to escape northern winters—so much so that it has five municipalities with “winter” in their name (only twelve total in the United States).

On the west side of Orlando is the charming community of Winter Garden.

Downtown Winter Garden, Florida

Jerry and I hadn’t been to Winter Garden in decades when we decided to check it out this past summer. We ventured out on July 5. Remnants of the Independence Day celebration and street party were evident in decorations and signage, but the city was clean—kudos to the local government.

We were there early in the day to avoid the worst of the summer heat, so many of the stores and restaurants weren’t open, but we had fun window shopping and chatting with the folks who were out and about. We strolled the full length of the downtown historic district and marveled at this successful example of historic preservation.

Settlers began arriving in the area in the 1850s, and Henry Harrell established the town of Beulah along the south shore of Lake Apopka. Most of the area’s residents were involved in citrus and vegetable farming and the business district grew up alongside two railroad lines that ran through the city. A train depot built in 1902 was in continuous use until 1967, when it was converted to house the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and retail businesses. Today it’s the home of the Winter Garden Heritage Museum.

Devastating fires in 1909 and 1912 destroyed many of the city’s wooden buildings; commercial buildings were then rebuilt with brick, giving the city the charming look that still appeals to residents and visitors.

The restored Lake Apopka is a haven for wildlife and a jewel for the public.

As was the case with many Florida towns, Winter Garden’s growth was rapid in the first half of the 20^th century. Pollution of Lake Apopka (which has since undergone a remarkable restoration) and construction of major highways slowed development in the late 1960s. Revitalization in recent years has made Winter Garden a destination again.

Downtown Winter Garden offers an abundance of dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences. The West Orange Trail, a 22-mile multi-use paved trail enjoyed by pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, horseback riders, and more runs through downtown Winter Garden. The award-winning Winter Garden Farmers Market has been repeatedly voted best in the state and the nation, and it’s on our list of things to do when we go back.

Click here to see more of Jerry’s photos from Winter Garden.