Winter Garden....a Neighborhood

Winter Garden....a Neighborhood

Coming to central Florida almost eleven years ago, so much has changed.  Time does not stand still nor does progress.  Soon after we arrived, what became known as the Great Recession spread over the country, Florida was not spared. The ebb and flow of life was quite evident and in what seemed to be a blink of an eye, all things returned to normal.  Real estate is again booming, traffic in the major tourist areas, clog the already too small interstates even though upgrades to the roads are continual.......time to rewind!     

With so much to see and do in our lovely area, it's easy to see why so many visit and more are becoming permanent residents. Aside from the major theme parks, life in this area offers variety. 

We recently visited a Saturday farmers market in historic Winter Garden. This eclectic market offers a wide variety of organic and conventional foods, interesting ethnic cuisine and entertainment, all nestled in amongst the bricked streets of this historic downtown.  Older buildings give way to coffee shops, sidewalk bistros, art galleries and other local business, making this area a relaxing place to visit while offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who call central Florida......home.  
Located in the middle of Plant Street is an enormous pergola covered in large delicate lavender blooms of older and interesting wisteria vines. These vines have witnessed years of growth and change.  Their twisted shapes, supporting the oversized blossoms are a testimony to survival. A beautiful and relaxing area to sit, sip a beverage and enjoy life, is located beneath the the beauty of the wisteria on comfortable benches.  A refreshing ornate fountain provides small birds a place to play and entertain visitors stopping for a relaxing moment.


This town, only twenty minutes northwest of the theme parks, has grown by leaps and bounds.  It's outskirts over the last eleven years, unrecognizable from our first visit, yet its determination to survive as a neighborhood, a small town with the American way of life, is most evident.  It close proximity to the tourist areas, a draw, yet its citizens are not defined by them. They are as unique as the shops, foods, art and entertainment that make this a thriving neighborhood.

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