From Citrus Groves to Charming Community: Unveiling the History of Orlando's College Park
Step into Orlando's College Park, and you'll be transported to a world brimming with historical charm. But this trendy neighborhood wasn't always bustling with cafes and art galleries. Its story winds through citrus groves, railroad booms, and a dash of real estate ambition – all with a unique connection to higher learning!
Check Out Chad’s YouTube Video About College Park!
Sweet Beginnings: A Citrus Empire
Imagine yourself in the 1800s, surrounded by fragrant citrus groves. That's what College Park looked like before houses lined the streets. John Ericsson, a pioneer citrus grower, claimed the land for his 80-acre orange haven. The tranquility wouldn't last long though. The arrival of the South Florida Railroad in 1880 signaled change. With it came settlers like James Wilcox and Marshall Porter, who saw the area's potential for more than just fruit.
The Great Freeze and a Change of Course
Just as College Park began to take shape, disaster struck. The Great Freeze of 1894-95 sent a shiver down Florida's spine, devastating citrus crops. The neighborhood's growth stalled for over a decade. But from the ashes, a new opportunity arose. The 1920s ushered in a real estate boom, and College Park was ripe for reinvention.
Enter Walter Rose: The Man Who Named the Streets After Colleges
This is where things get interesting. Enter Walter Rose, a developer with a vision. In 1921, he began carving out the neighborhood we know today. But what truly set his development apart were the street names – Princeton, Harvard, Yale – all prestigious universities. The legend goes that Rose, a college dropout himself, held these institutions in high regard. Thus, College Park was born!
Beyond the Names: A Legacy of Community
The university-themed streets were just the beginning. The 1920s saw a flurry of activity. Subdivisions like Rosemere and Dubsdread (home to the historic Dubsdread Country Club, still a local favorite!) sprung up. Affordable housing attracted a diverse mix of residents, from young professionals to families. College Park wasn't just a place; it was a community.
A Walk Through Time: College Park Today
Today, College Park retains its historic charm. Stroll down bricked streets lined with bungalows and Craftsman houses. Peek into trendy boutiques housed in converted storefronts. Refuel at a cozy cafe named after your alma mater (or one you aspire to attend!). The neighborhood actively preserves its past, with the College Park Historical Society ensuring its rich tapestry is never forgotten.
So, on your next trip to Orlando, ditch the usual tourist traps and explore College Park. It's a place where history whispers from every corner, and the spirit of community thrives. You might even leave feeling inspired to pursue that long-forgotten college dream – after all, you're surrounded by the right motivation!
Orlando Travel Mistakes: What to Avoid in the Theme Park Capital
Orlando is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, thanks to its amazing theme parks, attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment options. However, many visitors make some common mistakes that can ruin their vacation or make it less enjoyable. To help you avoid these pitfalls and have a memorable trip to the City Beautiful, I’ve prepared this video of 10 mistakes to avoid and some insider tips to make the most of your Orlando experience.
10 Best Roadside Attractions Near Orlando
Orlando is famous for its theme parks and family-friendly attractions. But if you're looking for something a little off the beaten path, consider checking out a few of the area's best roadside attractions.
In the 1920s and 30s as Florida's population grew and more people began to travel by car, a number of new roadside attractions sprung up along the state's highways. These oddball places broke up the long journey and allowed visitors to see something interesting.
Cypress Gardens made its debut in the mid 1930s, becoming famous for its water ski shows. By the end of the decade, Marineland had opened south of St. Augustine. This oceanside marine park was one of the first places in the world where visitors could swim with dolphins.
New quirky attractions continued to spring up around the state throughout the 50s and 60s as Florida’s tourism industry kept growing.
But the rise of the modern theme park in the 70s and 80s marked the beginning of the end for many of the smaller attractions. They just weren’t able to keep up with the times and travelers would pass them by on the way to Disney.
Fortunately for those nostalgic for a simpler time, a surprising number of classic roadside attractions are still open and continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
On this episode, we begin a new series highlighting the best roadside attractions near Orlando. The first installment covers everything from vibrant gardens and deep springs to vintage landmarks and even some newer places you can’t miss.
8 Best Things to See & Do in Windermere, One of Florida’s Most Affluent Communities
About a dozen miles from the Magic Kingdom is a charming small town known to be one of the most affluent in all of Central Florida.
With a population of just over 3,000, Windermere is on the Butler Chain of Lakes, popular for water skiing, boating and fishing.
Established in the late 19th century, this small lakeside town was in the heart of one of the largest citrus regions in the world. A few of the buildings from that era still stand beneath majestic oaks.
Windermere is a laid-back place to spend a day. On this episode, we’re showing you around this little community you might have heard about but never took the time to visit.
What’s New in Orlando in 2023
As you know, the city of Orlando is built on tourism. Known as the theme park capital of the world, the most visited destination in America never stops evolving.
2023 is destined to be a huge year for the travel industry in the City Beautiful. Making a trip from here to points like West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami will be easier and faster than ever when high speed train service makes it debut.
The theme parks are adding new attractions including two highly-anticipated roller coasters, the city’s premier performing arts venue has something new in the works and hip, stylish hotels are popping up everywhere, giving you more lodging options for your next visit.
On this episode, we down what’s new in Orlando in 2023, some of the top experiences you might want to add to your list for the next time you visit.
Best Hidden Gems in Orlando
Like the rest of Central Florida, the communities and neighborhoods that make up the Orlando area have a number of stunning natural wonders, impressive museums, mom and pop places to shop and some of the best eateries you’ll only find right here. In this video, we take you around the Orlando area to show you some of the best hidden gems the city has to offer. Our hope is you’ll add these places to your must-do list the next time you visit.
Best Stops Along I-4 Between Orlando and Daytona Beach
Starting on the west side of Florida in Tampa, running through the heart of downtown Orlando and terminating in the east with Daytona Beach is Interstate 4.
With the final stretch of the highway completed in 1965, it roughly follows the original path of the Sanford-Tampa Rail Line built by Henry Plant in the mid-1880s.
Spanning just over 130-miles, I-4 is known as one of the most heavily-traveled tourism corridors in the nation. The three major Orlando theme parks are just off the route along with other attractions, hotels, restaurants, and plenty more fun things to do.
In this video, we’re traveling a section of the highway to show you what we think are the best stops along I-4 between Orlando and Daytona. Well-known places and some maybe you’ve never heard of.
Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
For many people, Orlando is their happy place. Located in Central Florida, the City Beautiful is the undisputed theme park capital of the world. Millions travel here every year to experience the thrills and magic inside the attractions synonymous with the word “fun.”
But those of us who live here know you never have to step foot inside a theme park to experience this excellent, and sometimes underrated part of the Sunshine State. Travel outside the tourism corridor and you’ll find authentic Orlando. A city with pride and culture that thrives in the performing arts and a wealth of museums, marketplaces, and beautiful natural spaces.
This episode shows you the best things to do in Orlando besides the theme parks.
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Hours
8 a.m. until sundown, 365 daysFees
$6 per vehicleLocation
1800 Wekiwa Cir.
Apopka FL 32712 -
Museum & Performance Venue Info Available HERE.
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Showtimes and tickets available HERE.
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Information available HERE.
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2022 Daytime Garden Admission
Leu Members Free
Adult $15
Child (ages 4-17 years) $10
Active Military/Veterans - ID required $10
Children (3 years and younger) FreeMore information available HERE.
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Hours and Admission Prices
Monday-Saturday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday
Noon - 5 p.m.
On the Third Thursday of each month, we offer free admission from 6 to 8 p.m.
We are closed for certain events and major holidays, including Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Call 407-836-8500 for more information.
All History Center visitors with paid admission receive validation for two hours of free parking in the Library Garage at 112 E. Central Blvd. (one parking validation per party of visitors). Historical Society members receive validation for four hours of parking in the library parking garage.
General Admission Prices
Adults $8
Seniors (55+) $7
Students & Military $7* (with valid I.D.)
Children (Ages 5-12) $6
Children (Ages 4 and under) Free
Members Free
Orange County Employees Free
Florida Educators Free
(all levels of education, including colleges and universities)
Museums for All Ticket Free
AAA/CAA Members 15% off regular admission
OCLS Library Cardholders $2 off regular admission
Wells'Built Combo Ticket $10More information available HERE.
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Public Hours
Currently, the public hours of the Museum and the Museum Shop are:
Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Closed Monday and most major holidays
Admission
$6 Adults
$5 Seniors age 60 and older
$1 Students (with valid ID)
Free for children younger than 12
Free Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., November through April. -
Information available HERE.
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Information available HERE.
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More information HERE.
Why Lakeland is the Perfect Day Trip from Orlando
Looking to see more of Central Florida beyond the theme park bubble in Orlando? In this video, we tell you why the city of Lakeland makes the perfect day trip.
