Ever dreamed of cruising down the scenic canals of Venice, Italy? Well, you can… in Florida! And no, we’re not just talking about an exceptional Italian restaurant that will transport your tastebuds. We’re actually talking about the lesser-known city of Winter Park, just outside Orlando.
Deemed the ‘Venice of America,’ the city nearly four hours away from Miami is mainly known for its ever-stretching network of lakes known as the Chain of Lakes. They consist of Lake Osceola, Lake Virginia, Lake Mizell, Lake Minnehaha, Lake Maitland and Lake Nina.
Why is Winter Park called the Venice of America?
Similar to Venice’s historic canal network, Winter Park has a natural chain of lakes connected by narrow canals that allow for picturesque boat rides. While Fort Lauderdale often gets credit for that moniker in Florida, Winter Park hosted a boat tour as far back as 1938 called the “Venice of America” tour. It was run by Walt C. Meloon, who actually kicked off the whole canal tour industry there.
What to do in Winter Park
There are many ways to explore the Chain of Lakes, such as booking a boat tour, renting a kayak or joining a guided paddleboat tour. A popular attraction is the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, which is located on Lake Osceola and opens daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (tours leave every hour). Their boats cruise through three of the lakes and two of the canals, offering stunning views of the lush scenery from tall cypress trees to tropical florals, or even alligators if you’re lucky!
Other activities along the canals include fishing, wildlife viewing and admiring the lush vegetation.
What is there to do in Winter Park beyond the lakes?
Apart from the canals that channel Italy, Winter Park has also been compared to European cities in general! Its site boasts “world-class museums, upscale boutiques and shopping, fine-dining restaurants, sidewalk cafes, and luxury accommodations,” so you can definitely make a weekend of it.
In addition to grabbing delicious Greek bites at AVA MediterrAegean or transporting yourself to France at Flûtes Champagne Bar, you can visit the Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art for its Tiffany glass collection or the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens to see Czech-American sculptor’s work. There’s also the Winter Park History Museum, which offers a glimpse into the area’s past.
What is the history of Winter Park, Florida?
Chartered in 1887, Winter Park was initially a resort town for those up North to escape the winter chill, according to the city’s official website. The six serene lakes offered a waterfront paradise alongside beautiful tree canopies and wildlife. According to Winter Park Mag, the canals had been constructed by the 1940s connecting the lakes, in order to help transport building materials. Widening and deepening the canals was even part of FDR’s Federal Emergency Relief Administration during the Great Depression.
Today, the city is known for preserving its historic and small-town feel while also offering incredible museums, fine dining and being a nature lover’s paradise.