Hidden Gems: Winter Park, Florida

The state of Florida has no shortage of sunny spots. But it's not all about Miami (athough I love South Beach and will soon be giving you 10 good reasons to go)... There are the unexpected surprises like Pensacola, and my more recent discovery - The City of Winter Park.

Fill your basket with gourmet cheese, olives, pates and spreads and enjoy!

MORE EATS

HUE Orlando real estate mogul Craig Ustler opened Hue (inspired by Mercer Kitchen in New York) and it's got those cozy confines that couples often look for. Just a short drive away on 629 East Central Boulevard in Orlando.

THE RAVENOUS PIG Known as the finest American gastropub in the area, The Ravenous Pig offers fine micro-brewed beers drawn from a custom designed tap, as well as an extensive wine list and full bar. Guests will also be amazed by the extensive seasonal menus, ranging from pub fare to raw bar offerings and creative salads to house-made pastas. 1234 North Orange Ave.

BOSPHOROUS
Classic Turkish cuisine comes to a new level, offering a sultry ambiance for a romantic meal out on the town. Traditional Turk dishes like baklava are a must, as well as some new choices with a twist including Turkish pizzas, which feature exotic toppings like kasari cheese. 108 South Park Ave.

SWEET! By good golly miss holly

Celebrity Chef Hollis Wilder left the glamorous life in LA cooking for the likes of Rolling Stones and Jay Leno, to open her own cupcake shop in the Waterford Lakes Town Centre. The café is worth the short drive for it's LA chic vibe with art hung by local artists and, of course, the biggest, best tasting cupcakes (and tart frozen yogurt) in town!

SEE
THE CHARLES HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (445 North Park Ave.) Featuring the world's most comprehensive collection of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany.

CORNELL FINE ARTS MUSEUM AT ROLLINS COLLEGE (1000 Holt Ave.) European and American art from the 19th century to today.

CENTRAL PARK (on Park Ave.) Home to beautiful rose gardens, a shady canopy of oaks and special events including "popcorn flicks," jazz concerts and an old fashioned 4th of July celebration.

HANNIBAL SQUARE HERITAGE CENTRE (642 West New England Ave.) Boasting a permanent collection of exhibits documenting the history and contributions of the African American residents of Winter Park.

WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE (711 Orange Ave.)
An intimate, professional theatre specializing in musicals with live musicians and comedies from Broadway and Off-Broadway.?

WHAT ELSE IS ON THE WINTER PARK CALENDAR?

TASTE OF WINTER PARK involves all of the local restaurants and takes place late April. The WINTER PARK ART FESTIVAL is held every March and is also another great time to visit.
The FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL -floridafilmfestival.com- is held each spring and showcases some of the best American independent and foreign films. Winter Park has two of the four theatres involved, and the festival has been ranked eighth in the U.S., by the Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide! ?

FUN FACTS
Florida welcomed 2.7 million Canadians in 2009 - this is one instance where you want to be a statistic! Check out VisitOrlando.com/Canada or VISITFLORIDA.com for travel information on the SunShine State.

By Sara Graham

Sara Graham, Fashion Forward
		About the author:
		When Malcolm Gladwell talks about “connectors,” he’s talking about Sara Graham. This gal-about-town made her mark spending five years in (and out) of publishing as Editor-in-Chief of Canada’s top teen magazines Vervegirl and FUEL. During the out part she created, designed and managed all aspects of Sister Underwear – a collection that was not only embraced by the Canadian fashion network of buyers, media and the public, but enjoyed repeat orders from boutiques located in the U.S. Although no longer deep in the publishing or fashion trenches, Sara remains curious and connected via her insatiable appetite for culture and travel. Sara also continues to produce fashion shoots through Project, her brand management company.