I have been trying to think of something travel related to write lately but I have not been traveling. So goes the dilemma. Then I realized maybe some of you might be tourists in or near Orlando some day and find yourself in Winter Park. I have been here on and off every few weeks for the last few weeks house sitting. I am literally on top of a restaurant! Not sure I want to tell you which one since I will be here for a while. But, I can tell you some good places to go nearby. I am going to start taking my camera with me around to give a picture tour at a later time.
Winter Park is North of Downtown Orlando down 17/92 or I-4. There are several pockets of areas within Winter Park.
Winter Park Village is an upscale urban shopping and dining area with a movie theater also. I believe it is also has I-max. I could be wrong though (obviously I do not go to the movies often). There are shops such as White House Black Market, Coldwater Creek, Ulta. There are two grocery stores, Publix and Chamberlains, which has more organic and natural products. I shop for groceries and at Ulta but do not spend much shopping at other places though.
There are a lot of upscale chain dining areas and several moderate dining areas. Cheesecake Factory, Brio, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Crispers, and several other places I have not tried yet.
Downtown Winter Park
Downtown Winter Park is directly east of Winter Park Village. You can take Fairbanks or Morse or any of the other streets over and find a cute brick pavers area with lots of green areas mixed between. The drive through the neighborhood down Park Avenue, even after you go through the shopping area is gorgeous. There are a lot of large houses that are not all cookie cutter. Made during different times of architectural influence it looks very nice.
The shops are fairly upscale and have chain stores to independent small businesses. I like walking along and window shopping, especially with some ice cream. There is a Kilwins, Tutti Frutti (frozen yogurt), Cafe 118, etc to get ice cream from. There are also a lot of wine bars I have not actually been able to sample yet. I might have to do some investigating.
Yoga
So far the only place I have gone to yoga in Winter Park is Full Circle Yoga. The biggest difference between this studio and others I have been to seems to be that this studio is always full to the brim. Get there early to get a spot! It is actually two studios. There is a hot studio and the main studio. For some reason the main studio reminds me of summer camp at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan (yes I am that geeky, I played the trumpet). Its has exposed wooden beams and screened door and I am not sure why, maybe its the color it is painted. It is open and airy.
I have been to three instructors and they all seem knowledgeable and there is a different flow from all teachers. They have a great variety of classes and class times. I will do a separate review of Full Circle Yoga under the yoga section.
Food
There are hundreds of restaurants in the area, or at least it seems that way. Here are a few of my favorites (in no particular order).
It’s a chain, but I do like it. Mind you I have only been twice. I am adding it because they have some of the freshest mixed drinks and an awesome happy hour where you can get their shrimp tacos 2 for $5. They are very yummy. They also had a jazz duo (or maybe trio) there one night though I have not heard them since.
I know another chain. And fast foodish. But I like it because I can get easy vegetarian food, the portions last me for two meals at least, and it is a fairly fresh option. Best Tex-Mex lunch option to me.
This one probably does not need an explanation. I mean really? Just in case, awesome, flaky, buttery, crunchy yet chewy, yummy, croissants. Plain or chocolate. Yum. Plus lots of other French desserts and sandwiches. Awesome baguettes. I try not to go there often simply because it could become a very unhealthy habit.
Just in case you want to offset your yummy croissants with something super healthy, right across the street is Cafe 118 degrees, which really means everything is cooked under 118 degrees Fahrenheit, or is raw. I have met the owner of the restaurant Joe, and he is really passionate about the restaurant and the entire concept of raw living. In fact, even though the food is amazing, the most impressive thing about the restaurant is how knowledgeable and passionate all the staff are about the food and concept. Ask away and you will get answers.
Like maybe, how do you make raw vegetables into lasagna and what is in the raw dairy and soy free ice cream. Really, I love the ice cream, it is my favorite place for ice cream in the area. Actually, I am not regretting not going and getting some after yoga.
They also serve fresh raw juice and smoothies and wine. I have not tried anything here I have not liked. I do have a hard time getting people to go though…
Also, I really like the music on the website. Just thought I would add that. Never listened to it before I looked up the link to add here.
For next time…
And this is just the beginning, more food, parks, and shopping coming later. Any suggestions of places to try?
Upcycled Bliss 