Winter Garden recognized as one of the top downtown areas in Florida

Winter Garden has been recognized as one of the top eight downtown areas in Florida for 2024 by the World Atlas. 

The list also features several other cities in the Central Florida area, including Winter Park and DeLand. 

According to the World Atlas, Florida alone attracts more than 120 million tourists every year, which makes the state one of the most visited in America.

To read the World Atlas' full report, click here.

ABOUT WINTER GARDEN

Today, Winter Garden is known for its incredible downtown district, excellent schools, beautiful neighborhoods and business community. But when settlers began arriving in the area in the 1850s, they saw potential not as a bustling city but as a perfect place for farming.

 In the fertile land bordering Lake Apopka, newcomers grew citrus and vegetable crops and lived in small settlements situated along the lake’s south shore. By the end of the 19th century, Winter Garden’s business district had grown alongside the two railroad lines that ran through the city. The commercial buildings were rebuilt with brick after two fires destroyed the wooden buildings and packinghouses that stood along Plant and Main streets.

Winter Garden was established in 1903 and incorporated as a city in 1908. The population of Winter Garden had grown to more than 1,000 people by 1920, and the city quickly became the center of commerce and agriculture in West Orange County. Lake Apopka’s emergence as “the large-mouth bass capital” attracted tourists, and the Edgewater Hotel opened in 1927 to accommodate these visitors. Early residents either owned or worked in the groves. As the citrus industry grew in importance and acreage, the commercial district continued to expand.  

Winter Garden’s rapid development slowed considerably in the late 1960s. Lake Apopka had become severely polluted, and the construction of major highways in the area drew businesses away from downtown.

Despite the challenges, Winter Garden’s architectural heritage remained intact. The establishment of the West Orange Trail attracted thousands of visitors eager to patronize the new shops and restaurants.

Today, Winter Garden’s Historic District serves as a successful example of historic preservation. Infill development, redevelopment, repurposed buildings, preservation, housing and businesses all converge to create a thriving downtown.