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History

The Winter Garden Downtown Historic District is located in Winter Garden, Florida, United States. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, and it encompasses approximately 27 acres of the city's downtown area.

Winter Garden was established in the late 1800s as a citrus growing region, and by the early 1900s, the town had become a hub for the region's citrus industry. The downtown area was a bustling center of commerce, with shops, restaurants, and offices lining the streets.

In 1912, a devastating freeze destroyed much of the citrus crop in the area, leading many growers to abandon their orchards and move elsewhere. Despite this setback, Winter Garden continued to grow and prosper, and by the 1920s, the town had become a popular tourist destination.

During this time, many of the buildings in the downtown area were constructed or renovated, giving the district its distinctive architecture and character. The downtown area continued to thrive throughout the 20th century, but in the 1970s and 1980s, the area began to decline as suburbanization and the growth of shopping malls drew people away from traditional downtowns.

In the 1990s, however, the city of Winter Garden began a revitalization effort aimed at restoring and preserving the historic downtown area. The Winter Garden Downtown Historic District was established in 1996, and since then, the city has invested heavily in the area, renovating buildings, improving streetscapes, and attracting new businesses and residents.

Today, the Winter Garden Downtown Historic District is a thriving center of commerce and culture, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions. The district is home to numerous historic buildings, including the Edgewater Hotel, the Winter Garden Heritage Museum, and the Garden Theatre. It is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike, and it continues to play an important role in the history and culture of the Winter Garden area.

Top Tourist Attractions

Winter Garden's historic downtown district offers a variety of tourist attractions, from its charming historic buildings to its numerous shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions:

• Garden Theatre - This historic theater was built in 1935 and has been restored to its original Art Deco glory. It now hosts a variety of performances, including live theater, concerts, and movies.
• Winter Garden Heritage Museum - Located in the historic 1918 Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot, this museum showcases the history of Winter Garden and its surrounding communities. Exhibits include displays on citrus farming, railroads, and local military history.
• Winter Garden Farmers Market - Held every Saturday, this outdoor market features over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more.
• The Edgewater Hotel - This historic hotel was built in 1927 and has been restored to its former glory. It now serves as a boutique hotel with 15 rooms, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant.
• Crooked Can Brewing Company - This craft brewery is housed in the Plant Street Market, a food hall and artisanal market that also features a variety of other vendors.
• Winter Garden Art Association - This nonprofit organization promotes the arts in the Winter Garden area and hosts a variety of exhibits, workshops, and events throughout the year.
• West Orange Trail - This scenic trail runs through Winter Garden and offers a great way to explore the area's natural beauty. It is popular with cyclists, joggers, and walkers.
• Historic Downtown Walking Tour - Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the historic downtown district, which includes over 20 historic buildings and sites. A brochure and map are available at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum.

Climate

Winter Garden has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city is located in central Florida, approximately 14 miles west of Orlando, and its climate is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

In the summer months, temperatures in Winter Garden can be quite warm, with average highs in the mid-90s (Fahrenheit) and average lows in the mid-70s. Humidity levels are also high during this time, making it feel even hotter.

Winter Garden's winters are relatively mild, with average highs in the low 70s and average lows in the mid-50s. While snow is extremely rare in Winter Garden, frost can occur on cold winter mornings.

The city receives a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being June through September. Thunderstorms are common in the summer months, and hurricanes or tropical storms can occasionally affect the area during hurricane season, which runs from June through November. Overall, Winter Garden's climate is relatively mild and comfortable throughout much of the year, although visitors should be prepared for hot and humid conditions during the summer months.

Geography

It is situated in Orange County, approximately 14 miles west of downtown Orlando. The city covers an area of approximately 16 square miles, and it is situated at an elevation of 118 feet above sea level.

Winter Garden is located in the northern part of the Lake Wales Ridge, which is a geological formation that runs from the central part of Florida down to the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. The ridge is characterized by high, rolling hills that were formed millions of years ago during the Pliocene era.

The city is bordered by Lake Apopka to the east and the West Orange Trail, a popular biking and walking path, runs through the heart of the city. Winter Garden is also located within close proximity to a number of other popular Central Florida attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando.

The climate in Winter Garden is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, with a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year. The city's geography and climate have contributed to its development as a center for citrus farming, and it is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the area's natural beauty and recreational opportunities.