Culture and charm are not words that immediately come to mind when you think of Orlando, but if you visit Winter Park, an historical alcove in North Orlando, you’ll find both in abundance. This wealthy community emerged in the early 1900s when wealthy Northerners came to Winter Park by train to escape the harsh winters. Over the years, these seasonal ‘cottages’ became posh year-round residences.
Since many of the sprawling mansions of the affluent are hidden away on the shores of Lake Osceola and Lake Virginia, one of the best ways to see it to take a scenic boat tour www.scenicboattours.com.
A glimpse of a different world unfolds as we cruise the genteel lakes and canals taking in the varied architecture and meticulous landscaping. Every property has a story whether it’s a classic American author, a famous basketball player or an influential turn- of-the-century businessman, and our guide regales them with gusto.
We cruise by Rollins College. Founded in 1885, it is Florida’s oldest institution of higher education and home to the Cornell Fine Arts Museum – www.rollins.edu/cfam/ one of the most notable collection of art in the state with more than 6,000 objects.
Fred Rogers of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” is an alumni of Rollins and is rumoured to have lived on one of the nearby lake front properties.We dream about living in his neighbourhood as we float through the romantic narrow, winding canals. The vegetation is thick with overhanging branches draped with Spanish Moss. There’s even an otter frolicking in front of the pharmacy giant Mr. Walgreen’s stately home.
Winter Park’s charm extends beyond the lakeshores, though. The brick streets are lined with sidewalk cafés, restaurants, salons, and one of a kind boutiques and galleries. Museums include the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art – www.morsemuseum.org , famous for its Tiffany collection, and the Albin Polasek Museum www.polasek.org –, known for its exquisite outdoor sculpture gardens.
Sipping cappuccino on a patio watching well-heeled, well-coiffed designer clad shoppers walk by, we agree that Mr. Roger’s neighbourhood is indeed a nice one and if you can’t live here, visiting is the next best option.