Hi,
I'm going with my husband to Orlando, Florida for a convention in Mid-November. One of the "spouse" activities is a trip to Winter Park. Any one have any information on this area? Is it in Orlando or just near there? I've read there are museums,shops, restaurants. All pretty fancy. Should I dress up to visit there?
Thanks for any information.
ELLEN

Ellen...that must be on the meeting planners list of "things to do and places to see other than Disney" as that was also an activity during our Orlando meeting, and the one I chose the day my husband was on the golf course. Do you also have options for the Space Center and Leu Gardens?

I loved Winter Park! It probably took us a half hour to get there (obviously will depend on traffic) from the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress--it's a bit north east of town.

We began with a barge tour of the lakes and canal system which was very very enjoyable, and a unique experience. Our next stop was a tour of the Morse Museum with its Tiffany glass collection..plus art and pottery also by Tiffany and others. It was surprisingly enjoyable, and something I'd probably not have done otherwise.

The shopping was excellent (and I'm a Shopper's shopper as we lived in Dallas for 17 years and it gets in your blood there)--small boutiques, unusual clothing, objects d'art etc. I've vowed to go back (we only live an hour away) and drag my husband around this time as I even think he'd enjoy it. Downtown, as well as having decent shopping (esp for FL!), is quite pretty.

We were there in September, and most of us wore sundresses or nice slacks. I wouldn't really call it "fancy", but maybe a cut above the norm. You'll enjoy it.

Ellen: You will enjoy Winter Park. We try to walk "Park Avenue" whenever we visit Orlando. Yes, it's considered part of Orlando (like Coral Gables would be considered part of Miami). It is more centrally located, not near the Kissimmee/Disney area. You certainly don't have to dress up to go there. Orlando is a casual city and in the summer people walk Park Ave in everything from shorts & sandels to sundresses. The streets are brick and many of the shops are names you will recognize, although there are some up-scale speciality shops too. The only department store type is called Jacobsons - nice store for women & children. Many good restaurants and a big park if you want to sit & "people watch". Call their Chamber of Commerce to find out when boat tours are offered. I understand the boat tour is quite inexpensive & most enjoyable. It will give you a chance to see some of the homes along the waterway. Have fun!!

Hi again,
Thank you for your responses. I believe the tour I'm going on includes the boat tour and Morse Museum. The Space Center was offered as a "spouse trip" but I've been there before so opted for Winter Park (I was really hoping for some snow skiing! Ha Ha!) I don't think Leu gardens was offered. They have a Jacobsons near our home but I've never been there. I'm not much of a shopper but it will be fun to browse the shops at Winter Park, I bet. I'm going to Epcot one day on my own and my husband is cutting out one day so we can see Universal Studios together. We'll save Islands of Adventure for a time when our teenage son can go with us. Thanks again for the info.
ELLEN

If you go to Winter Park, eat lunch or dinner at Houston's. The ribs there are spectacular - the meat literally falls off the bone. The restaurant is located on a lake. Nice scenery and delicious food!!!