1st Street, Sanford – Where to Shop, Sip, Sup and Schmooze in Central Florida’s Best Riverfront Community
From World Celery Capital to Millennial Hot Spot
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Visitors who’ve had enough of Central Florida’s theme parks should swing through Historic Sanford, where the meals are always mouthwatering, the craft beer taps are flowing and the crowds non-existent. The historic city and county seat formerly renowned as “The Celery Capital of the World,” has transformed from a riverfront agricultural town to one of the “region’s hottest food scenes” according to the Orlando Sentinel, and is a favorite for Millennials seeking a walking neighborhood residential lifestyle. Just across from the St. John’s River waterfront is First Street, where shops, galleries, cafes and the unusual keep visitors pleasantly surprised.
Magpies Modern General Store – Take a peek into Magpies’ large display windows – specially designed as a nod to general stores of old – and visitors will find artisan soaps and apothecary items, well-crafted housewares and heartfelt gifts that are both funky and functional. As often as possible, the general store stocks its “nest” with goods made right in Central Florida. The Magpies shop believes in curating an environment that “seeks to support the common good” and strives to support local and outside craftsmen who believe the same. 215 E 1st St, Sanford
Rosie Lee Co. Boutique – This charming Victorian-themed venue is heavily inspired by vintage English apothecaries and “five and dime” stores. The shop stocks more than 80 loose teas from around the world as well as a selection of tea accessories, British provisions, novelty gifts, art pieces and fine soaps, including hand-crafted Savon de Marseille. 111 E 1st St, Sanford
Jeanine Taylor’s Folk Art Gallery – Founded by creative entrepreneur Jeanine Taylor, this art gallery hosts the best of contemporary folk art in an atmosphere of authentic Southern hospitality. Located in the charming historic district of downtown Sanford, this 5,000 square foot gallery serves as an incubator for visiting artists who enjoy their stay in sunny central Florida. The gallery not only represents homegrown Florida artists such as Ruby C. Williams, the Florida Highwaymen and Missionary Mary Proctor, but has expanded over the years to include nationally recognized folk artists such as Theresa Disney, Michael Banks, Purvis Young, John “Cornbread” Anderson and Butch Anthony. 211 E 1st St, Sanford
The Tennessee Truffle – The Southern-fusion restaurant – which started as a pop up — is renowned for its rave reviews, ever-changing menu and commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Chef Nat Russell puts a contemporary spin on Southern classics, dishing out plates such as: Nashville Hot Quail with scallion waffle, red onion chutney and smoked maple; Shrimp and Grits with grilled Florida shrimp, Antebellum Anson Mills grits sous-vied, a Lake Meadow Naturals farm egg, orange and celery salad and shrimp cuison; and Summer Pound Cake with macerated Plant City strawberries, buttermilk ice cream, popping sugar and lemon verbena syrup. This is not your grandmother’s Southern food restaurant. 125 W 1st St, Sanford
Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe – Book a one-way flight to Deutschland at this beloved authentic restaurant. In addition to serving a fantastic selection of imported German wines, beers and schnapps, the seasonal menu features traditional delicacies such as bratwurst platters, Wiener schnitzel and a giant pretzel known as a “riesenbreze.” Willow Tree also offers traditional beer hall entertainment and a gourmet German deli. Around the corner is their shop to purchase lederhosen and other alpine clothing and accessories. Prost! 205 E. First St., Sanford
Wondermade – Dessert lovers rejoice! Wondermade’s shop features a sweet array of Wondermade marshmallows and ice creams, including exclusive store-only flavors. Wondermade marshmallows come in childhood favorite flavors such as: s’mores, orangesicle, key lime pie, birthday cake, cookies & cream, and root beer as well as the more adult flavors of bourbon, fireball, gin, champagne, beer, mimosa and pina colada. Visitors can also get their hands sticky with hands-on family workshops, couples date night workshops and kitchen tours. 214 E. First St., Sanford
Boba Babes Gourmet Tea & Waffle Bars – Fill up on tasty waffles and gourmet teas at this fresh Sanford eatery. The milks, teas and ingredients are all organic, the honey is locally sourced and the restaurant’s organic sugar is made in house. 309 E 1st St, Sanford
And if the food isn’t tempting enough, the beers just might be! Four new breweries have opened in Sanford since the start of 2018, making it the unofficial king of the Central Florida beer scene. Deviant Wolfe Brewing opened its doors in early 2018 and has committed itself to “promoting balance in life through adventure, community and great beer.” 121 W 1st St., Sanford
Washburn Imports / Imperial Wine Bar and Beer Garden in Sanford is a furniture store by day known as Washburn Imports that transforms into an eclectic Bar from Tues-Sat at 5:00 p.m. Shop early, but stay late to party. 116 E 1st St., Sanford
Antidote Apothecary & Spa – Unwind with some of Antidote’s old-world, all natural spa treatments. The Sanford-based shop offers a range of unique services such as crystal healing facials, salt room therapy, infrared sauna sessions, Victorian foot baths and page of wands tarot readings. 111 E 1st St, Sanford
The Theater West End is also coming soon to historic downtown Sanford. This new venue will produce and present professional, high quality theater in an intimate historic setting. 115 W 1st St Sanford
Explore the entire length of First Street Sanford aboard the pedal-propelled LimoCycle. Tours features “Pub Crawls” through Sanford’s historic district. There’s also a Sunday Brunch Tour, Ghost Tours, Scavenger Hunts, and it can be booked for private parties. The tours wheel through First Street, the Riverwalk and Downtown Marina areas, and best of all beer and wine are allowed on board.
About Orlando North, Seminole County:
Teeming with old Florida charm and young Florida vibrancy, Orlando North, Seminole County offers visitors nature-based attractions, eclectic dining, an emerging micro brew scene, plus a year round calendar of festivals and events. With over 2,000 waterways, you’ll discover a wide array of thrilling outdoor activities from paddling in clear freshwater springs and rivers to airboating among alligators, or zooming through an aerial zip line course. It also features an array of sports and training facilities for amateur tournament play, including the 102-acre Boombah Sports Complex at Seminole County. And getting here is easy via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Orlando International Airport (MCO), aboard the Amtrak Auto Train, or via auto on I-95 and I-4; and you’ll save 30% on accommodations over Orlando hotels. All this and it’s just a short drive to area theme parks and beaches too. 1-800-800-7832 or 407-665-2900 or visit: www.DoOrlandoNorth.com