Interested in exploring the towns surrounding UCF? Aside from Disney and Universal Studios, Winter Park is one of the most interesting tourists cites around Central Florida, and it’s way cheaper, too! Whether looking for a couple of hours to kill or a daily adventure, this town has it all.
Here’s an example of how to spend a day visiting some of the rare hotspots in Winter Park, Florida:
10:30 a.m.: Grab a “Cup o’ Joe” at Stardust Video & Coffee
A day’s adventure should begin with the first cup of coffee. Stardust is a relaxing place to drink coffee with friends and begin exploring. There are two separate areas: the small coffee shop portion and the bar/lounge. Filled with books, DVDs, board games and a vintage photo booth; Stardust provides endless opportunities.
If you’re a coffee addict, be sure to order “the stoner” beverage. You can thank me later. Be sure to bring dollar bills for the photo booth!
11:30 a.m.: Check out vinyl records and more at Park Ave. CDs
For audiophiles, this place is easily comparable to heaven. Right across the street from Stardust, Park Ave. CDs offers a variety of music from ABBA to Zappa. Park Ave. offers a range of products including vinyl, compact discs, cassette tapes, DVDs, books and more. Plus, you can save money buying used CDs or vinyl in perfectly good condition. They have sections that sell vinyl as low as three dollars.
12:30 p.m.: Take a stroll along the stores at Park Ave.
With brick paved roads and moss covered oak trees, Park Avenue is just as beautiful of a scenery and lively of a place as its boutiques, restaurants, museums, parks and farmers market. Here you will find specialty shops for cheese, chocolates, jewelry, spices, toys, clothes and much more. There are over a dozen restaurants to choose from ranging from American to Thai. There are many options for treats as well with chocolate, candy, coffee, frozen yogurt and French baked goods.
2:30 p.m.: Take the boat tour and see the sites
One of the best ways to see the beauty of Winter Park is on the water. Near the shops on Park Avenue, the scenic boat tour provides an hour-long cruise through the lakes and canals of Winter Park. On the tour you’ll see the beautiful mansions, Rollins College, and the tropical birds and plants. A long-lasting tradition in Winter Park, the scenic boat tour is a way to take beautiful pictures or to enjoy an hour on the water.
6:00 p.m.: Complete the day with a film at the Enzian theater
After a long day of shops and sites, it’s time to kick back and enjoy a film. At the Enzian, you can get cozy on a couch, order a pizza, and watch a film among friends. The theater provides both a full bar and menu, so you can enjoy your dinner or drinks in front of the silver screen.
I suggest going on Cult Classics night, which has aired both “popcorn classics” such as Zoolanderand critically acclaimed films likeEasy Rider. Cult Classics are held usually on the second and last Tuesday of the month.
From April 13-22, the Enzian will host the 2012 Florida Film Festival. Take the opportunity to attend and see great pictures, visiting filmmakers, and plenty of special guests.