as personal favorite. The first of its
kind in the area built for “talkies”
in 1935, it was completely restored
by the Winter Garden Heritage
Foundation and re-opened in 2008 to
offer residents respite from the harsh
Central Florida summers. Be sure not
to miss Robert Icke’s and Duncan
Macmillan’s theatrical rendition of
1984 this month (running March 1
through March 17), Encore 2019: An
Evening with Chita Rivera (March
9), and Leandro Hassum, a Brazilian
actor, comedian, writer, producer,
and comedian (March 22 through
March 23).
Wherever your Orlando adventures
take you this March, you can be sure
of one thing: you’re guaranteed to find
fearless, open, and hospitable folks
covers to get me further afield. What happened to the Banana Boat, you to entertain you along the way. It’s
ask? Well, she expired circa 1991 during a transmission fluid exchange gone true — Orlando is definitely where
horribly wrong. But that didn’t stop the carnival, oh no. There was soon a the magic happens, but it’s the people
faster, five-speed Nissan NX to take her place.
who live, work, and play there, year-
round, who truly bring it to life.
My friends and I had the greatest adventures over spring break, taking
turns deciding who would drive to New Smyrna, which depended largely Holly Hammond is a writer and editor
on whose parents (mine) had unwisely gifted her (me) a gas card. Of course in Lexington, Kentucky with fond
we stopped in Cassadaga and tried to find the I-4 Dead Zone along the way. memories of growing up on Orlando’s
Did you have an adventure in the NX Bubble Car? If so, please regale me. west side. She heartily apologizes to her
I’ve more than likely forgotten and would love a reminder. I’m on Facebook. favorite high school English teacher,
Mrs. Frauen, for any grammatical
In all seriousness, March in Central Florida has many merits. From Bok atrocities committed in this piece.
Tower to Mead Gardens, there’s always a reason to get outside and enjoy
the beautiful summer-like weather in spring. To go out at night and take
in the sights and sounds of Orange Avenue, downtown. And, now, to enjoy
everything Winter Garden has to offer.
Just a few months ago, I took my daughter – nine years-old as of this writing
– on a road trip (or a “Momventure,” as she likes to call them) and stopped
in Winter Garden. While this is not the first time I have been back since its
renaissance of the twenty-first century, it was the first time I could really
enjoy it. Jonathan Pluvinet’s French cafe, Rosallie, proved to be absolutely
glorious. If you haven’t tried at least three different iterations of his quiche
while sharing a bottle of rosé with friends on the patio, you’re doing yourself
a disservice. Likewise, The Whole Enchilada was a fun spot to land when
pitchers of margaritas and a scenic view was required. What I didn’t anticipate
this trip was spending a fairly large chunk of time conversing with the very
fine employees at the Pep Boys on Good Homes, but, shout out to them for
getting me back on the road on a Sunday.
I was horribly remiss in not revisiting The Attic Door during this trip,
which I heartily enjoyed back when it first opened. And, of course, the
historic Garden Theatre is always a sight to behold. With its deco flair
and excellent programming, this theatre has claimed a space in my heart
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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MARCH 2019