Full Bloom Blog

Our first full day in the Orlando area, we decided to go scope out Winter Garden. It came recommended by several sources and had a great reputation of a charming and historical downtown area. We stopped for brunch on our way there and spent our afternoon exploring the area.

Our brunch pursuits took us to The French Cafe in Hamlin . It’s not in Winter Garden, but it’s close so I’ll include it in the info. We really enjoyed it! Aside from the fact that it was in a strip mall, it was very cute and were pleasantly surprised at how good the food was. I was super pumped because they were making fresh squeezed orange juice and mimosas from this machine photo’d above. The only other place I’ve seen one like that was at a little market in Paris!

Erik and I both ordered the croque madame. When you can get a good one, there is nothing better. We were both pleasantly surprised by the size and quality of the “sandwich”. It actually had three layers of bread and LOTS of ham. I couldn’t finish mine, but for a rare change, Erik was actually full and satisfied with his brunch. Our sandwiches came with a side arugula salad with a vinaigrette dressing. We were also happy with the quality of coffee beverages. Erik almost always orders a double shot of espresso and I am all about the lattes. It was a great meal and we were both very pleased! We highly recommend that you check The French Cafe and order the croque madame!

As soon as we arrived in Winter Garden, we were immediately taken in by all of the beautiful details everywhere as well as the community/family friendly feel. Even upon first impression, it delivered all of the historical and charming downtown feels I was hoping it would!

Running directly through the middle of downtown is the West Orange Trail which is a wonderful 22 mile walking and biking path. It is surrounded on both sides by main street. It is VERY pedestrian friendly! It may have been my favorite feature of Winter Garden. All downtowns should have something like this! I also wish that we could have seen it at night, as you can see above (if you look closely) that there are lighted arches over the walk way. I’m not sure if that was in preparation for Christmas, or if they’re there year round, but either way, I’m sure it would make for a beautiful evening stroll.

Had our children traveled with us, I’m sure it would have been near impossible to keep them out of this fountain/ splash pad area. I loved the umbrella’s on both sides to shade and accommodate families. It’s a very thoughtfully planned and beautiful area right in down town! If you come with your family come prepared with swim suits or in the very least, towels! Looking behind the fountain area is a pavilion which has public restrooms and both covered and open areas with picnic tables to eat at. It would be such a fun area for a little meal with the family!

In the walk way down main street, there are several fountains all of which have little park benches or even bench swings to pause and relax at. Perfect spot for a “mask break” or to sip your coffee.

One of my favorite things about being married to a German is the standard practice of having an afternoon coffee and pastry sometime between lunch and dinner. On vacation, I could really get by with brunch, coffee stop, and dinner. Lucky for us, the Orlando area has no shortage of patisseries, cafes, and cutie little bakeries. During our stroll in town we enjoyed a stop into Rosallie Le French Cafe.

I’m not sure if normal people are like this, but I could window shop patisseries all day. I just love the beautiful and colorful displays. Eye candy feels like a cheap shot here, but let’s be real, it’s even visually delicious! And Rosallie’s pastry case did not disappoint. Of course we did not make it out of the shoppe without something tasty to try! I had the fruit tarte with almond frangipane. Ooooh it was so worth the zillion calories I’m sure were in it!

Just a couple blocks away from main street is Lake Apopka. Erik and I drove out just to see the water and were pleasantly surprised by a full playground near the waterfront complete with restroom facilities. (Side note, between being a mom and the fact that I’m *that person* that always has to use the restroom, I take notice of whether or not there are convenient facilities everywhere I go.) There is also a boat launch and a lovely little walking path around the lake. Two things you might want to know before you walk the paths 1. Lake Apopka is highly polluted and is not safe to enter 2. There is a TON of wild life! We were floored by all the cool animals that we saw that we don’t typically get in Michigan…..including alligators! Ha, seriously, we saw several sunning right by the path. Albeit, they were quite little, but still something to consider ahead of time… Especially if you are traveling with kiddos.

We could have spent a lot more time at the park than what we did. I was having fun playing “spot the baby gator” and the beautiful palm trees and flowers were so inviting. We did however wrap up our afternoon in time to head back to our hotel and then to dinner.

Winter Garden is such a beautiful and historical town. Some other areas to check out if you visit are: Adjectives; darling little shop on main street as well as Plant Street Market which is filled with several small artisan vendors. I think my perfect day *with my family* in Winter Garden would be: brunch at Rosallie, splash pad and fountain with the kiddos, a little shopping in town, dinner at Crooked Can microbrewery, and an evening stroll around Lake Apopka. Of all the small towns we visited on our trip, I could most see our family living in Winter Garden.

Have you visited Winter Garden, and what is your favorite thing to do in town!?