This past week Orlando celebrated all the “Best of” businesses as voted by the public. It was fun to see many of our favorite restaurants on the list.

This got us thinking, why not share with you the places we love most in and around Central Florida? It won’t be an exhaustive list, but enough to help those who live here try new places with confidence. Or if you are planning to visit The City Beautiful, you will have an idea of some great places to try.

Italian

• Antonio’s Market and Cafe in Maitland. This was our date night go-to during the pandemic. We ordered pizza to-go and enjoyed it on Lake Lily across the street.
• Francesco’s – the owner and chef is Sicilian which is where Tom’s Mom was from. The atmosphere reminds us so much of his family. Hard to explain, but the food is outstanding.
• Nonno’s – this is family-owned and when you walk in the welcome is like coming home. The pesto sauce served with fresh bread and is amazing.

Delicatessen

• George’s Hideaway on Park Avenue in Winter Park. This used to be Brandywines, a place we enjoyed while dating. In recent years George’s relocated here from Lee Road and we couldn’t be happier. Their cheesesteak is our personal favorite. But anything on the menu is delicious. And don’t forget his cookies! (It helps to know they catered our youngest daughter’s wedding reception.
• Yalaha Bakery located in Yalaha, Florida. German owners make this an authentic delicatessen. On the weekends they will often offer live music too. It’s a fun place and provides a long drive for good conversation. I love a good Reuben sandwich!

Burgers

• MOOYAH in Winter Park. Their burgers are large enough to share and it comes with a huge mound of fries. Their Lemonade with turmeric is a must try too!

Fish and Chips

• Fish Camp on Lake Eustis. A little bit of a drive from Orlando, but trust us it’s worth it. We go when the weather is mild to enjoy sitting on beautiful Lake Eustis. The place isn’t fancy, but the fish is fresh and oh so good.

Mexican

• Garabaldi’s in Apopka. This place is always crowded, but worth the wait. They have lots of seating inside and out and the service is impeccable.

Diner

• Johnnie’s Diner in Casselberry. This place has such a variety and it’s all so good. We especially love their breakfasts. The staff is incredibly friendly and efficient.

Seafood

• JB’s Fish Camp in New Smyrna Beach. Not only is the seafood fresh and delicious, but the outdoor seating is right on the Intercoastal Waterway. It faces west providing spectacular sunsets. They offer live music on an outdoor stage, a good happy hour and kayak rentals where you can row alongside manatees and dolphins.

Boat Rentals

• Hontoon Landing Resort and Marina – This is a family favorite whenever our grandkids are visiting. We rent a pontoon boat for 1/2 day and drive it to Blue Springs State Park. There we park the boat and walk to the spring via a nice boardwalk. You can rent a tube and float down the springs where the water temp is always 72°. We usually pack a picnic and make a day of it.

Wildlife Sighting

• Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive – This is a must see experience for anyone visiting our area. I was born here and am very familiar with this part of Florida. But if you’ve never seen a gator in the wild—this is that place. The drive takes about 2 hours to complete. It’s a one way drive on a one lane dirt road with water on both sides. Numerous species of water fowl grace the water and skies. Roll your windows down and let their calls lull your thoughts to sleep. This is the place to unplug and connect with nature. It’s even better shared with someone you love. Bring your cameras and binoculars and you’ll see so much more. Tom and I even spent a Christmas morning on this drive when none of our kids were living in state. It is a Christmas I’ll never forget. (Please note: The drive is only opened Friday-Sunday and on National holidays.)

Desserts

• The Glass Knife in Winter Park has a phenomenal selection of everything sweet. But it’s not what you’d expect. Each dessert is a work of art. They even use gold leaf on their cakes. The flakes are placed with precision taking the experience to the next level of WOW!
• Paris Baguette also in Winter Park. Here you are offered a cafeteria tray with tongs as you enter to select from the gorgeous display of pastries. Be warned—it’s hard to choose. They also serve excellent coffee which reminds me of an authentic Paris Cafe where life slows and each bite is an experience. Parking is in the back.

Farmer’s Markets

• Winter Garden Farmer’s Market in Winter Garden. There are no words to describe this experience. It happens every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. There is entertainment, crafts, plants, flowers, produce and lots of food choices. Come early and have breakfast.

Rails to Trails

• West Orange Trail – also in Winter Garden, you can rent bikes and take the trail as long as your body is able. Right through the middle of the town, the trail brings you to a beautiful fountain dedicated to Winter Garden’s citrus industry. It is surrounded by swings and cascading wisteria. Beautiful! If you want to experience the lazy side of Orlando, this is the place. Ride at your own pace and enjoy the many restaurants and ice cream choices in downtown Winter Garden.

Vineyards

• Lakeside Vineyards offers a beautiful view of gorgeous Lake County in Clermont. This is where Debi’s grandparent’s settled in Florida from Oklahoma in 1922. This is an enjoyable way to slow down and unwind. They offer tours of their facility daily.

We could go on and on, but this is an excellent list to start with. Of course you can always ask us for more suggestions.

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Tomorrow is our youngest granddaughter’s 1st birthday party. I’ve been busy today helping with the preparations. The theme is sweet one—and that she is. I love that she loves Papa as much as I do; her face lights up when she sees him. So sweet!

Have a blessed Labor Day weekend!

Tom and Debi ❤️❤️