A road trip doesn’t need to be long to be memorable. Case in point: a mini-adventure from Winter Park to Sanford, Florida. Situated just a hop away from Orlando’s Disney attractions, these towns offer a delightful blend of nature, gastronomy, and authentic Florida charm.
Day 1: Winter Park Wonders
Nestled amidst serene lakes and shaded streets adorned with Spanish moss, Winter Park exudes a classic charm.
Morning Bites in Downtown: Winter Park boasts an impressive array of bakeries. Top on the list? Choulala Fine Pastries. With its authentic French touch and delicacies made from scratch, you’ll savor every bite. Try the Park Picnic Box with eclairs, macarons, and cream puffs. Pair your treats with a coffee from Sanford’s Wavelength Coffee and take a stroll down Park Avenue.
Winter Park’s Green Oasis: The city is dotted with beautiful parks. Notable mentions include Central Park, Mead Garden, Howell Branch Preserve, and the Crealdé School of Art sculpture garden.
A Detour to Oviedo: Before Sanford, stop at Oviedo. Challenge your gaming skills at Arcade Monsters and later, treat your taste buds at Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Rest & Refresh in Sanford: Book a stay at the SpringHill Suites Orlando North/Sanford. For a delicious dinner, head to Olea Mediterranean Grill and delight in their fresh, handcrafted dishes.
Day 2: Exploring Sanford
Morning Nature Walk: Start your day at the Black Bear Wilderness Area. While you might not spot any bears, the trails are rich in other wildlife and offer a refreshing morning walk.
Historic Downtown Delights: Sanford’s historic center beckons with breweries for the adults and a unique marshmallow shop for kids. Don’t miss a meal at Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe. It’s a German food haven with a delightful range from brats to light chicken salads. They even have a special menu for the kiddos!
Day 3: Zoo Adventures
An Animal-Filled Morning: Start early at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. From lively otters to majestic big cats, there’s no end to the attractions. The rhinoceros encounter with PJ, the one-horned Indian rhino, is a unique experience you wouldn’t want to miss!
Bidding Adieu: Before heading out from Sanford, grab a refreshing snack from Raw Press Juice Co. The Blue Monster Smoothie is a kid-favorite!
Next on the Agenda? Downtown Sanford is strategically positioned – just 40 minutes from Orlando and an hour from Disney World. If you’re looking to extend your road trip, consider exploring Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, or Jacksonville.
Safety Tip: While on the road, always prioritize safety. Adhere to all road signs and rules, and keep in mind the valuable lessons from your DMV training. Safe travels!
