Winter Garden , FL January 2021 by City Lifestyle

JA N UA RY 2 02 1

PREMIERE ISSUE ALSO SERVING HORIZON WEST AND WINDERMERE

Extraordinary times. Extraordinary service.

T hank you!

Windsor at Celebration thanks our incredible residents, employees, their families, and the community for their support during this time of global crisis. We are proud to be part of the extraordinary town of Celebration. Senior living this amazing could only be in Celebration. To learn more about securing a plan for the future, call (407) 218-8301

(407) 218-8301

to schedule your personal virtual tour. 1370 Celebration Boulevard | Celebration, FL 34747 WindsorAtCelebration.com

#AL 13202

TWO INDUSTRY LEADERS JOIN FORCES IN HAMLIN

JOHN R. GORDON, P.A. REALTOR®

John.Gordon@PremierSIR.com | 407.488.8802 14422 Shoreside Way, Suite 100 Winter Garden, Florida 34787

EXPERIENCE MATTERS C O N TA C T U S F O R A P R I VAT E C O N S U LTAT I O N

Give your home the protection it deserves. Your home is where you make some of your best memories, and it’s worth protecting. I’m here to help.

LET’S TALK TODAY C Martin Ins and Fin Scvs Inc Craig A Martin ChFC, CLU, CLF, Agent 14416 Shoreside Way Winter Garden, FL 34787 Bus: 407-656-1040 Craig@CraigMartinInsurance.com CraigMartinInsurance.com 1708136

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JANUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Anthony S Adams | anthony.adams@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

3, 2, 1, Launch - A New Magazine and Year!

Michelle Sanchez | michelle.malaysanchez@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall

WELCOME TO THE PREMIER ISSUE OF WINTER GARDEN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

L AYO UT DESIGNER

(ALSO SERVING HORIZON WEST & WINDERMERE), WHERE WE ARE TRULY

Jayme Emery

INSPIRED BY OUR COMMUNITY AND YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Austin Arthur, Michelle Sanchez

You hold in your hands our labor of love, and as you flip through these pages, you’ll be drawn to our insightful stories and incredible images as we dive into the events, people, and places that call our amazing and diverse community home.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rainey DeLima, Austin Arthur, The Gordon Group, Michelle Sanchez, Austin Adams

From the carefully crafted food and beverages being served up at local restaurants like The Chef’s Table at the Edgewater and Crooked Can Brewery, to a secret recipe from Chef John of Tres Amigos Salsa; from successful business expansions into our community such as John Gordon of Sotheby’s Premiere Realty, to Austin Arthur’s interview of Winter Garden Historian Jim Crescitelli, our goal is to share the stories of everything and everyone Winter Garden, Horizon West, and Windermere has to offer—and the things that matter most to you, our readers, for whom we produce this magazine each month! We also want to thank our Advertising Partners. We support Buying Local! Every one of the businesses and organizations you see advertising in our magazine

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

has been vetted by us and have the same involvement and dedication to our

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

community as we do. Also a quick shout out to Rainey DeLima (@oneraineyday),

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

who just moved to our community from Alaska, for the beautiful cover image of

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Downtown Winter Garden!

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Thank you for inviting us into your home and sharing your lives with us. Here’s to you and your family as we cross into 2021; live boldly, enjoy our community, be involved, and truly Live Your Best Life! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAINEY DELIMA @ONERAINEYDAY 4

Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

Proverbs 3:5-6 Winter Garden Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Winter Garden area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Winter Garden Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE JANUARY 2021

FEATURES 14 Your Hamlin Real Estate Experts The Gordon Group of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Make Hamlin Its Home

23 Two Experiences, One Roof The Chef’s Table and Tasting Room dazzle locals and world travelers alike

26 Hot Spot - Crooked Can Brewing Company Crooked Can Brewing Company is a Winter Garden destination

26 14

30 Winter Garden’s Rarely Told History Austin Arthur Sits Down with Winter Garden Historian, Jim Crescitelli

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Locals Only

20 Culinary Creations 23 Locally Owned 26 Hot Spot 30 Local Limelight 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Local’s Choice

GOOD TIMES 1.

Mission:SERVE2020 The Mission:SERVE2020 event hosted by Mosaic Church spreads love with neighbors and brings a positive impact to the community. This yearly event awards the opportunity to serve the community as a collective. 350 volunteers came out to serve on 21 different projects. They have accomplished everything from landscaping and beautification projects to building homes and even opening a community center.

1. Integrity Care Youth Ranch | 2. Sophia Belmar at New Beginnings | 3. Tildenville Elementary | 4. Liza Goncalves Faro Corte, and Julienne Gamble make Christmas Gift Bags for Children’s Homes in Guatemala | 5. Alison Archer at Winter Garden Community Garden | 6. Do Good Farm

Mayor Buddy Dyer Visits Charlie's Bakery Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer visited Charlie's Bakery for National Dessert Day! Charlie's Bakery has been an Orlando staple for nearly fifty years! Since its opening in 1971, this family-owned bakery has specialized in cakes, cookies, pastries and more!

1. Charlie’s Bakery Owner, Gary Hawks and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer | 2. Charlie’s Bakery Owner, Gary Hawks and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer | 3. Mel, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Gary Hawks, and Christine | 4. Susie Pinson Galloway Shields, Alexis Sammons, Lisa Rain, Gary Hawks, Caylah Hall, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer 8

Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

Southern Hill Farms Hosts Annual Festival In Clermont, Florida, Southern Hill Farms hosted its annual festival with food, drinks, and family fun. The Festival featured local food trucks, live entertainment and performances, and their famous apple cider donuts! Family activities include tours of the farm, a jumping pillow, cutting your own fresh sunflowers, and visiting their pumpkin patch.

1. Rows of Blueberry Plants | 2. Sunflower Fields | 3. Singer Christina Aldonifi Performs on the Live Stage

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CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

AROUND TOWN

WINTER GARDEN CHEESE BOARDS PARTNERS WITH LILY GRASS AND PINE

seasonal flavors in their freshly made pastas! These handcrafted pasta varieties include bucatini, rigatoni, fettuccine, ziti, orecchiette, elbows, and ravioli.

Local cheese and charcuterie extraordinaire, Gina

New flavors include truffle pastas and beetroot

McNeil, owner of Winter Garden Cheese Boards, is

ravioli with goat cheese filling. Custom wholesale

collaborating with Lily Grass and Pine, a mom and

orders are available for pre-order. Find Orlando

daughter woodworking team based in Oakland,

City Pasta at the Winter Garden and Winter Park

Florida, to create the ultimate holiday board! The

Farmers Markets every Saturday.

customizable wood and resin board topped with a

Contact: OrlandoCityPasta@gmail.com.

charcuterie bounty is the gift that keeps on giving – grazing for guests, and a gorgeous keepsake to cherish! Contact Winter Garden Cheese Boards to

WINE & WILLS WORKSHOP MEETS VIRTUALLY EACH WEEK We all know the value of having our Last Will &

order. Delivery available within 10 miles of Downtown Winter Garden. (407)-720-4462.

Testament as well as other estate planning doc-

Photo by: Annemarie Walcott, Walcott Creative,

uments in place. Let’s face it, very few of us like

www.walcottcreative.com.

to talk about it. We spend all of our lives making

ORLANDO CITY PASTA CREATES SEASONAL FRESH PASTA Orlando City Pasta of Winter Garden features

sure our families are taken care of while we are here, let’s come together virtually and learn how to create our last love letter to our families to make sure they are taken care of long after we are

24Hr SerViCe CallS ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Installation & Service All Major Brands 30 Years Experience Residential & Commercial

HONEST, FAIR AND RELIABLE

407-683-6677 Licensed, Bonded & Insured | CAC #1817219 10

Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

Family Owned & Operated

gone in an easy and affordable way. Thursday’s at 6pm via Zoom. Contact Tracey Forrester tracey@traceyforrester.com

HUNGER STREET TACOS COMES TO THE PLANT STREET MARKET Family owned and Winter Park based, Hunger

ORLANDO HEALTH HORIZON WEST HOSPITAL

Street Tacos is best known for their Al Pastor Tacos and Birria Machete. The popular local restaurant has announced they will be moving into the Plant Street

Opening January 30, 2021, Orlando Health

Market in Spring of 2021! Their menu will expand to

Horizon West Hospital is set to become West

include new specials as well as classics. Vegetarian

Orange County’s newest state-of-the-art care

and vegan menu items are available daily.

facility. By offering minimally invasive treatment like robotic and Mako™ surgery, Orlando Health brings advanced options closer to home. And if you need a trusted team today, our freestanding ER and medical pavilion already offer a full range of services for all stages of life. Care is always available, so if you or your family needs medical attention, don’t delay.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would

More at OrlandoHealth.com/HorizonWest.

love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle. com/WinterGarden using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

COOKIES // PASTRIES // CAKES // PIES BIRTHDAY // WEDDINGS // SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Charlie’s

has been known for their excellent product and continued quality. Gary continues to follow his father’s recipes and use only the finest ingredients to create all the delicious cookies, cakes, pies and pastries. The decorators create memories that are shared for years by your family. That’s what we’re here for, to share your memories. To be a tradition, whether it be waiting in the lines at Thanksgiving and Christmas, having made your wedding cake 45 years ago, and now making your childrens’ children cakes.

With Love from Charlie’s!

Nearly 50 Years in Business

12 Full-Time Employees

Friendly Sales Staff

We take the responsibility of making your occasion very special! (407) 898-9561 | www.CharliesBakery.com 3213 Curry Ford Rd Orlando, FL 32806

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

REVEL I N YO U R RETIREMENT No long-term contract. No maintenance. No worries.

WINDSOR

At Celebration.

WindsorAtCelebration.com | (407) 801-3712 1370 Celebration Boulevard, Celebration, FL 34747

LOCALS ONLY

Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

ARTICLE ANTHONY S. ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY THE GORDON GROUP

John Gordon

n i l m a H s t r r u e p o x y

e e t a t s e l a re

THE GORDON GROUP OF PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY MAKE HAMLIN ITS HOME

2020 HAD DELIVERED A LOT OF CHANGES IN OUR PERSONAL LIVES AS WELL AS THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IN TERMS OF NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION AND RECORDHIGH SALES. Throughout it all, living in a lifestyle community has made a significant difference in our quality of life and provided an amazing base for our local business. One of the shining stars of growth and activity is Hamlin! “Hamlin is one of the five mixed-use villages surrounded by greenbelts and is located in the center of Horizon West, the third fastest-growing master-planned community in the nation,” said Orange County Representative Betsy VanderLey. This sustainably designed 900+ acre development with more than 2,000,000 square feet of planned commercial space features a 10-screen luxury theater, a future boutique hotel, Class A office space, single-family residences, luxury 55+ apartments, shopping, dining, and soon to come waterfront restaurants and entertainment. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

LOCALS ONLY (CONTINUED) Premier Sotheby’s International Realty and the Gordon Group entered the Hamlin scene in 2019. “The lifestyle in this community is second to none and this is truly a live, work, play community. Our schools are the best in the state, if not the country”, said John Gordon. The Gordon Group specializes in luxury real estate and new construction homes. They are currently representing existing home sales and new developments such as Ravenna by Park Square Homes, Cagan Crossing and Hamlin Groves Professional Plaza, as well as cultivating relationships with over 25 new developments in the Horizon West and Winter Garden areas. “We are currently the only real estate company in Hamlin and are the number one real estate brokerage in Florida,” Mr. Gordon continued, “We chose our location because it was the epicenter of Horizon West and offered the best opportunity for growth and lifestyle for our clients and team members. Hamlin has so much to offer and even more to come”. Those soon to arrive include a luxury 55+ adult active-living apartments from Overture by Greystone, The Blake an assisted living and memory care center, a 220-acre sports and recreation park, the $100-million Provision

n Hamli

Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

Sales

Galler

y yy GGaalllleerr SSaaleless n n li li m m HHaa

Proton Therapy Cancer Center, and a 22,00 square-foot lakefront food hall, to name a few. The Gordon Group specializes in residential and commercial sales, leasing, and property management. They handle land acquisition, new home building and design, as well as relocation and investment properties. “I am an expert in real estate contracts and financing. I hate to lose on any level and am laser-focused on getting the deal closed, which makes my clients more successful." Mr. Gordon added, "I have great partners to bring to the table such as Fidelity National Title, State Farm Insurance, Hamlin Retail Partners, Graystone, Blake Management Group, and others to ensure success. I am your Local Expert and Experience Matters!”. The Gordon Group | Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

n Hamli

Sales

Galler

(407) 488-8802 14422 Shoreside Way, Suite 100 Winter Garden, FL 34787

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

Visit Our Sales Gallery! 14422 Shoreside Way, Suite 100 Winter Garden, FL

EXPERIENCE MATTERS! Central Florida Significant Sales $ $

13.7

Million

Daytona Beach, Florida

Million

Orlando, Florida

7.3

Million Stuart, Florida

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each off ice is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.

407.946.2369 | gordongroup@premiersir.com CALL US BEFORE BUYING OR SELLING A PROPERTY

Total Sales Volume 2019 $

5.2

Billion

Over 40 Locations throughout Florida and North Carolina

These properties were not all listed and/or sold by Premier Sotheby’s International Realty and were listed and/or sold by various MLS participating offices. Information deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

CULINARY CREATIONS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE SANCHEZ

CHEF’S SELECTION TRES AMIGOS SALSA’S SECRET RECIPE!

Mango Salsa and Chips 20

Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

MANGO

TRES AMIGOS SALSA WAS BORN FROM THE PASSION OF CHEF JOHN KRESL. He enjoyed making homemade salsa and became known for it. John began selling his salsas at the Winter Garden Farmers Market more than eight years ago, in August 2012. Tres Amigos Salsas and Quesos offers a wide variety in their retail product lineup, including Verde, Smoky, Hot, Original, and Kicked up Queso. John’s salsas and queso are available across Central Florida in The Fresh Market stores, the Winter

TOMATO

Garden Farmers Market, Lake Nona Farmers Market, Orlando Farmers Market, and Apopka Farmers Market. Chef John has recently opened his own restaurant, Tres Amigos Grill at 1025 S Dillard Street, Winter Garden, Florida. Tres Amigos Grill specializes in Tex-Mex style, locally sourced, marinated skirt steak, wild caught shrimp, chicken, and vegetables grilled over an open flame. Tres Amigos salsas will be available for purchase.

CILANTRO

Chef John still has his favorite at home recipes that are not in production, and he is sharing his at home Mango salsa recipe with our readers. This Mango salsa is a perfect way to enjoy seasonal mangoes.

RED ONION

MANGO SALSA INGREDIENTS + 2 Cups Fresh Mango + 1 Cup Fresh Tomato + 1/2 Cup Fresh Cilantro

JALAPEÑO

+ 1/3 Cup Red Onion + 1/4 Cup Jalapeño + 1 Tablespoon Fresh Garlic + Juice of 1 Lime + 2-3 Pinches Good Quality Sea Salt to Taste

INSTRUCTIONS GARLIC

For the best results we started with a trip to the Winter Garden Farmers Market to buy the freshest local ingredients! 1. Remove the seeds and soft flesh of the tomato and jalapeño. 2. Dice the tomato, mango, red onion, and jalapeño. Red onion and jalapeño should be finely diced. 3. Chop the cilantro and garlic. 4. Combine all diced and chopped ingredients into a bowl. 5. Squeeze the juice of one lime into the bowl. 6. Add 2-3 pinches of good quality sea salt to taste.

LIME

7. Mix ingredients until evenly distributed. 8. More jalapeño can be added if you like to kick it up a little!

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

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Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

AFTER

LOCALLY OWNED

two experiences, one roof

THE CHEF’S TABLE AND TASTING ROOM AT THE EDGEWATER HOTEL

ARTICLE MICHELLE SANCHEZ CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

DREAMING OF AN INTIMATE DINING EXPERIENCE WHERE LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS MAKE EVERY COURSE SHINE? The Chef’s Table at the Edgewater will not only elevate your taste buds, but will treat you to a dining experience sought after by foodies around the world. Kevin and Laurie Tartar had a dream to open up their own restaurant, with thirty years each in culinary experience. While it may not have been the best time to open a three-course prix fixe fine dining establishment in 2008, they made their dream a reality by opening The Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel located on Plant Street in Downtown Winter Garden. They became an instant success, with magazine and media features just six weeks after opening their doors. As the restaurant thrived, David Lampman, who had started at The Chef’s Table as a prep chef in 2009, worked his way through the ranks to become the new Chef de Cuisine. David developed his own style, with a focus on seasonal dishes that feature fresh and local ingredients. The Chef’s Table and The Tasting Room have been highly rated by local food critics, media outlets, and were featured in Open Table’s Top 100 Restaurants in America. A few years after the opening of The Chef’s Table, the florist located in the front room of the building moved and the space became available. Shortly after, The Tasting Room was born, and took over the space. The Tasting Room offered a contrasting experience to The Chefs Table prix fixe menu, with tapas style light bites, ala carte dinners, and craft cocktails. The Tasting Room offers a great gathering space for locals, and is known for classics such as the Mini Beef Wellington Trio, Duck Fat Fries, and Andouille Mac & Cheese. With new challenges facing the restaurant industry this year, the team at The Chef’s Table took the opportunity to adapt, by supplying the new demand for take away style family meals, adding brunch three days per week, and partnering with Uber Eats for delivery. The team at The Chef’s Table is always seeking excellence, asking “How can we be better today?” says Laurie. The greatness shines through in the quality and creativity of the food they serve each day. It is difficult to find a gem as bright as The Chef’s Table and The Tasting Room, especially under one roof. If you have yet to frequent this establishment, be sure to add them to your next date night out or celebratory dinner. 24

Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

Mini Beef Wellington

Deep Dirty South

Chef's Salad CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

HOT SPOT

Crooked Can Water Tower

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE SANCHEZ

Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

Crooked Can Barrel Room Exterior

“THE SPACIOUS OUTDOOR PATIO AND GREEN BOAST THE LARGE CROOKED CAN BREWING COMPANY WATER TOWER AND AN ASSORTMENT OF SEATING OPTIONS.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)

Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

Crooked Can Patio

‘FREE SPIRIT, LAID BACK APPROACH

comes in at 9.3% ABV. The diversity in the

BUT WITH A PURPOSE.’ These words not

spread of craft beer available makes it effort-

only represent the brand, but the atmosphere

less to meet everyone’s taste.

and overall feel of Crooked Can Brewing

The Crooked Can Brewing Company’s

Company’s craft brewery and onsite tap-

touch on Downtown Winter Garden contin-

room located inside Plant Street Market in

ues to expand along the Plant Street Market

Downtown Winter Garden. Founders Jared

with the creation and opening of the Barrel

Czachorowski, Andy Sheeter, and Robert Scott

Room. The Barrel Room is located on the

crafted the idea for Crooked Can Brewing

North End of the patio, and features a full bar

Company while on a ski trip in Colorado, where

with taps of specialty batches of Crooked

they frequented unique and inspirational

Can’s award winning beer. The Barrel Room

breweries. Their vision came to life, and The

is available for private events, with audio and

Crooked Can Brewing Company was founded

visual capabilities, private restrooms, and

in 2014. The Crooked Can Brewing Company

a private entrance. This is a more intimate

offers a venue for all ages to enjoy a craft beer

tasting experience, with a much smaller

amongst family and friends.

footprint than the main taproom.

Located right along Plant Street, this

When you’re ready for a bite to eat or to

is a perfect pit stop to grab a pint of the

take home some specialty fresh foods, you

core, small-batch, and seasonal varieties of

can venture into the Plant Street Market.

creatively named craft beer. The spacious

This open air style venue houses nearly

outdoor patio and green boast the large

twenty vendors that showcase natural,

Crooked Can Brewing Company water tower

organic, handmade food, and artisan goods.

and an assortment of seating options. The

Coal fired pizzas, poke bowls, and freshly

patio area is pet friendly and shows the his-

made miniature doughnuts are just a few of

torical charm of Downtown Winter Garden

the available options to treat your taste buds.

with brick buildings and streets. Indoor seat-

The Plant Street Market adds a great draw to

ing grants a view of the brewing tanks and

The Crooked Can Brewing Company, allow-

equipment, as well as the main bar.

ing visitors to dine onsite while continuing to

The main bar houses more than twelve

enjoy their libations from the brewery.

different taps on any given day. The Core

The Plant Street Market is open seven

Brands feature the High Stepper American

days per week to drive fresh local prod-

IPA, Florida Sunshine Lager, Cloud Chaser

ucts through their doors. The vendors

Hefeweizen, and the McSwagger’s Own

at the market each have their own set of

Amber Ale. The High Stepper American IPA

hours of operation. The independently run

is a favorite among patrons. With 7.0% ABV

businesses bring something special to the

and 75 IBU’s this citra hopped ale is great

market and Downtown Winter Garden as

for any craft beer aficionado. The Florida

a whole. Many vendors have gone on to

Sunshine Lager comes in as an easy drinker,

expand upon their real estate in the mar-

with 5.0% ABV and 10.8 IBU’s. One of the

ket as they become popular among market

newest beers to the Crooked Can lineup is

guests. Whether you are looking for a bite

the Purple Cow Pastry Ale. This ale is named

to eat, or a drink to sip on, The Crooked

after Violet, the purple cow installed in front

Can Brewing Company at the Plant Street

of Purple Cow Productions, located next

Market will foster an environment that the

door to the North End of the Crooked Can

founders aspired for - ‘Free spirit, laid back

Patio. This bold, sour, yet slightly sweet ale

approach, but with a purpose.’

CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

W IN T E R GAR DEN’ S RA RELY TOLD HISTORY AUSTIN ARTHUR SITS DOWN WITH WINTER GARDEN HISTORIAN, JIM CRESCITELLI YOU'RE AN IMPORTANT PERSON FOR WINTER

THAT IS STILL OPERATING. CAN YOU TELL US

GARDEN’S PRESERVATION. WOULD YOU TELL US

ABOUT THIS?

HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED WITH THIS ADVENTURE?

Yes, in 1927 they built the Edgewater hotel to accom-

I finished college in 1978 and was attracted to Florida. I

modate tourists coming to Lake Apopka, which was the

came to Winter Park and explored. I was very curious about

Largemouth Bass Capital of the World at the time. The hotel

the area outside of Park Avenue, Disney, and Downtown

had fish gutting sinks where you could clean your catch,

Orlando. People would say, “You really don't want to go to

then hand it to the cook to prepare for your dinner! That was

West Orange County. It's very rural. They're different peo-

the first project of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation

ple.” I said, “Well, now you've given me reason to get in the

actually, to keep the Edgewater from being demolished. You

car and go exploring…” and I did. It led to a fascination with

can now stay in the Edgewater, it’s a bed and breakfast.

the history of West Orange County. WINTER GARDEN HAS A RICH HISTORY BUT THERE HOW DID WINTER GARDEN GET ITS NAME? Farmers came here after the Three Seminole Wars,

WERE PERIODS WHERE IT WASN'T THAT WAY, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT?

mainly from the Deep South in the mid-1800s. It wasn't

It's really a story of resurrection and renaissance, after

until the two railroad lines finally came through by 1899

the freezes of the 1980’s, nothing much was happening

that downtown Winter Garden formed along Plant Street.

here. But people said, you know, this is our hometown.

There are stories of train workers spitting tomato seeds

It should be alive. So in the early 1990’s they applied for

into the soil. When they returned a few weeks later, there

grants with the Main Street Program. They did improve-

were tomato plants! They would send postcards to their

ments downtown and some festivals. By 1994 the West

families telling them it's beautiful and not cold in the win-

Orange Trail came through and almost at once, tens of

ter. They wrote, “You can have a garden in the winter!”

thousands of people started biking through. By 2003,

Yeah, Winter Garden. We were a whole working commu-

they had landscaped the center and placed the Winter

nity incorporated by 1908.

Garden Clock Tower and Centennial Plaza. It took a small group of people to spread the word to a larger group of

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN HAS BUILDINGS

people, that this town is worth saving and investing in…

OVER 100 YEARS OLD, INCLUDING AN OLD HOTEL

and it happened.

ARTICLE AUSTIN ARTHUR

Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

Jim Crescitelli

Historic Downtown Winter Garden

“IT’S REALLY A STORY OF RESURRECTION AND RENAISSANCE, AFTER THE FREEZES OF THE 1980’S, NOTHING MUCH WAS HAPPENING HERE. BUT PEOPLE SAID, YOU KNOW, THIS IS OUR HOMETOWN. IT SHOULD BE ALIVE.” CityLifestyle.com/WinterGarden

JANUARY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

4,11,18,25

Arts, as well as featured artists. This

host nearly fifty celebrity golfers.

yearly festival is held from January 8,

For tickets, visit DiamondLPGA.

FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA

2021 to February 22, 2021. Park tickets

com/Tournament/Tickets

and reservations required.

101 W Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL, 34787 7:00PM - 9:00PM

Enjoy live music each Friday night on the Plaza in Downtown Winter Garden at the Centennial Plaza Gazebo.

5,12,19,26

16 & 17 YOUNG STAR MUSICAL THEATRE PRESENTS PETER PAN

23 OPEN HOUSE: ORLANDO HEALTH HORIZON WEST HOSPITAL 17000 Porter Rd., Winter Garden, FL

445 South Magnolia Avenue Orlando,

34787 10:00AM - 2:00PM

FL 32801

Join us for a Community Open

Peter Pan, the high-flying, Tony

House at Orlando Health Horizon

Award-winning musical will be at

West Hospital. More information,

the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr.

including enhanced safety measures

104 S Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden,

Phillips Center January 16th and 17th

that will be in place, is available at

FL, 34787 8:00AM - 1:00PM

with various show times available.

OrlandoHealth.com/HorizonWest.

The Winter Garden Farmers Market

For tickets, visit www.drphillip-

occurs each Saturday at the Downtown

scenter.org/events/tickets/2021/

Pavilion in Historic Winter Garden. The

ysmt-peter-pan

WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET

market features local produce, baked

goods, and specialty items.

8-FEB 22 EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

3451 Golf View Dr,

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

200 Epcot Center Dr,

The Diamond Resorts Tournament

Would you like to get in touch with

Orlando, FL 32821

of Champions will return to Tranquilo

us? We would love to hear from you!

Epcot

Golf Course at Four Seasons Golf

International Festival of the Arts, fea-

and Sports Club Orlando from

WinterGarden using the Get In Touch

turing Culinary, Performing and Visual

January 21-24, 2021. This year will

link and let us know what you think.

Immerse

DIAMOND RESORTS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

yourself

Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

LIFESTYLE

(also serving Horizon West and Windermere)

READ

DINE

SHOP

PLAY

During this time, we’ve brought our print publication to you. Now, we’re adding a new way to share good news! + INTRODUCING +

CityLifestyle.com YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

W H AT G O T M E T H R O U G H 2 0 2 0, AND WILL INSPIRE 2021

LOCAL’S CHOICE LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 Land Rover Orlando 199 South Lake Destiny Dr. Orlando, FL 32810 407-695-9100 https://www.landroverorlando.com/

Anthony S. Adams, Publisher

BOSPHORUS TURKISH CUISINE LA PALINA BLACK LABEL https://www.cigar.com/p/la-palinablack-label-cigars/1489816/

16418 New Independence Parkway, #140 Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-554-2242 https://www.bosphorousrestaurant.com/

PICCOLO COFFEE 18 North Boyd Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 https://www.piccolocoffeeco.com/

BLANTON’S GOLD BOURBON https://www.buffalotracedistillery. com/our-brands/blanton-s-singlebarrel/blantons-gold.html

WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET Every Saturday from 8am to 1pm Downtown Winter Garden Pavilion https://www.wintergardenfarmersmarket.com/

SOUTHERN HILL FARMS 16651 Schofield Drive Clermont, FL 34714 407-986-5806 https://southernhillfarms.com/

Winter Garden Lifestyle | January 2021

SIMPLE. INNOVATIVE. VERSATILE.

ORLANDO’S EXCLUSIVE

STRUXURE – D E A L E R –

ORLANDO OUTDOOR LIVING IS CHANGING THE WAY YOU ENJOY THE OUTDOORS. With our products, family gatherings, parties and cookouts can be successful in any weather conditions – whether rain or shine. We place a high value on creating functional and beautiful designs tailored to each home environment. This is only possible through our close collaboration with clients. Orlando Outdoor Living’s attention to detail and regard for our clients’ requirements results in an outdoor experience that not only honors each client’s unique style, but also creates a comfortable space that they can enjoy for years.

BRINGING THE COMFORT OF INDOORS, OUT! (407) 720-4774 | ORLANDOOUTDOORLIVING.COM | INFO@ORLANDOOUTDOORLIVING.COM 1501 ROBIE AVENUE MOUNT DORA, FL 32757

COMING SOON Hospital Opening January 30, 2021

EXPANDED CARE FROM

A TRUSTED NEIGHBOR. Because our community is ever-growing, we’re committed to care that builds. To continue our tradition of compassionate healing in our community, we’re expanding care with a new state-of-the-art facility, Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital. We are proud to bring you care you can trust, the kind that’s been there, like a friend, year after year.

OrlandoHealth.com/HorizonWest

HAVE AN EMERGENCY NOW? VISIT OUR ER, OPEN 24/7.