Central Florida is a region rich in history and culture, with many cities that offer visitors a glimpse into the past. Here are five cities in central Florida that have an “old town feeling.”
Mount Dora: Located on the shores of Lake Dora, this charming city is known for its quaint downtown area filled with antique shops, art galleries, and cafes. Visitors can stroll down the brick-lined streets, admire the historic architecture, and take in the beautiful views of the lake. Mount Dora also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Mount Dora Arts Festival and the Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts.
Sanford: Situated on the banks of Lake Monroe, Sanford is a historic city that was once a major hub for steamboat travel. Today, visitors can explore the city’s rich history by taking a stroll through the historic downtown area, which is home to many well-preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Highlights include the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, the Sanford Museum, and the weekly Sanford Farmers Market.
Winter Park: Located just north of Orlando, Winter Park is a picturesque city with a charming downtown area that features tree-lined streets, brick-paved sidewalks, and historic architecture. Visitors can explore the city’s many boutiques, art galleries, and museums, or take a scenic boat tour on the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. Winter Park is also home to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, which houses the largest collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world.
DeLand: Known as the “Athens of Florida,” DeLand is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, including the DeLand Museum of Art, the African American Museum of the Arts, and the Museum of Florida Art and Culture. The historic downtown area features many well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the Athens Theatre, which was built in 1922 and is still in use today.
Celebration: Located just south of Orlando, Celebration is a planned community that was designed to evoke the charm and ambiance of small-town America. The downtown area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, as well as many well-manicured parks and public spaces. Visitors can also take a stroll around the picturesque lake, which is surrounded by beautiful homes and gardens.
In conclusion, central Florida has many cities that offer visitors a glimpse into the past with their charming downtown areas, historic architecture, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re looking for antique shops, art galleries, museums, or scenic parks and lakes, there is something for everyone in these five cities with an “old town feeling.”
