Orlando Real Estate Blog - Living Local Series

What Locals Do in Winter Garden, Florida on a Saturday

A real Saturday in Winter Garden, from the farmers market to Hamlin and everything in between

Blog Author: Jen Durben | The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty

There is something special about living in Southwest Orlando, and the way people spend their Saturday mornings, especially in Winter Garden, can turn an ordinary day into a weekly tradition you look forward to. So, what does one do on a Saturday in Winter Garden? It often starts with a leisurely stroll around the famous Winter Garden Farmers Market, coffee in hand, and maybe a breakfast sandwich, selecting your week's produce, and perusing the many booths. Later, life may take you south to Winter Garden Village or Hamlin for your weekly food shop or for any home project you are…

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Do Celebrities Live in Windermere & Dr. Phillips?

The Real Story Behind Celebrity Homes & Disney Executives Living in Orlando

Blog Author: Renee Funk | Co-Founder The Funk Collection, Speaker, Trainer

A frequently asked question when researching the Orlando area is: Do celebrities live in Windermere? The short answer is yes. Over the years, professional athletes, musicians, and public figures have owned homes in Windermere, Dr. Phillips, and the surrounding communities around the Butler Chain of Lakes.

But that answer only tells part of the story.

To really understand why high-profile residents are drawn to the area, you have to look back several decades to the development of Walt Disney World. Long before celebrity homeowners arrived, the Southwest Orlando area was quietly attracting…

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Living Local: Is This Local Doughnut Shop in Ocoee Spot the Best in Orlando?

From Windermere To Ocoee for Doughnuts?

Blog Author: Jen Durben | The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty

Not to discount any of the local bakeries in Windermere, there are some fantstic places to get a sweet treat, but there is a small shop in downtown Ocoee that makes the short drive worth it every time.

DG Doughnuts sits on McKey Street in downtown Ocoee, just 5.5 miles from downtown Windermere. What started in a home kitchen and later inside a gas station in Oakland has grown into a downtown staple.

DG Doughnuts built a following for its variety of specialty yeast doughnuts, known for rotating flavors that shift with the seasons and holidays. As demand grew, the show expanded into a larger space in downtown Ocoee, complete with…

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What Events Are Happening Near Orlando in January 2026?

Your Go-To Orlando Event Guide to festivals, races, parades, and more

Blog Author: Jen Durben | The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty 

January in Central Florida feels like a collective exhale. Locals know it means cooler mornings, and so much to do around Orlando and its surrounding communities. It's one of our favorite months to get out and explore. From races and cultural festivals to neighborhood gatherings and outdoor celebrations, January offers a taste of day-to-day life here. Not rushed. Not sleepy. Just active in the right ways.

Below is a curated look at some of the top January 2026 events happening across Orlando, Winter Garden, Oakland, Celebration, Disney, and nearby areas. The kind of events locals plan weekends around,…

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Living Local in Clermont, Florida

What locals say matters most when considering a move to Clermont

Blog Author: Jeffrey Funk | Co-Founder, The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty | ICON Agent

People often ask what living in Clermont, Florida, actually feels like, especially when comparing it to other Central Florida cities. Part of the answer shows up right away in the landscape. Rolling hills, lakes, and open views give Clermont a sense of familiarity that sets it apart from much of the region.

When people take the time to explore Clermont, it often feels less like a discovery and more like a place that already feels like home.

What does day-to-day life in Clermont feel like?

Daily routines in Clermont are shaped by access and convenience rather than constant…

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Giving Back in Our Own Backyard

A Disney Day with the Ranchers of Edgewood Children’s Ranch and Jeff & Renee Funk

Blog Author: Renee Funk | Exactly What to Say Certified Guide, Speaker, Trainer

For over a decade, Jeffrey Funk has had the honor of serving on the Board of Directors for Edgewood Children’s Ranch, a place committed to restoring families and giving at-risk youth the tools to thrive. Long before joining the board, the Funk family supported the Ranch because they believe deeply in helping children right here in our own backyard. When you can see exactly who is receiving the community’s effort, the impact becomes personal. That matters to the Funk Family. 

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Top Orlando Winter & Holiday Events for 2025

Your 2025 Guide to Orlando Winter and Holiday Fun

It's no secret Central Florida does the Holidays right. We don't need mountains and snow to celebrate (though we can tell you where to go to find snow in Florida). From light displays to festivals, and theme park events, Orlando loves a good holiday celebration. The Funk Collection is sharing a list of the must-see area holiday events in Orlando for 2025. Whether you're looking for local neighborhood events in your downtown or what's happening at area theme parks like Disney or Universal, the team has you covered.

Local Downtown Holiday Happenings

Downtown Windermere Holiday Events

• Nov 21 | Light Up Windermere & Food Truck Night | From 5:30pm to 9:30pm, take in the holiday lights in…

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Pros of Living in Dr. Phillips Florida | 5 Reasons Locals Love Living Here

Pros of Living in Dr. Phillips, Florida

Blog Author: Jeffrey Funk | Co-Founder, The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty | ICON Agent

If you're looking for a home in Orlando, you've probably wondered: "Which neighborhood is right for me?" The answer depends on what matters most to you. Is it lifestyle, home needs, commute time, access to a golf course, or finding a home with water access? That's where Dr. Phillips stands out. Here's five reasons locals love living in Dr. Phillips:

1. Unbeatable Central Location

There's no doubt that Dr. Phillips is a top pick for anyone looking for a central home base in Orlando. Whether you're commuting to Downtown Orlando, want the theme parks practically in your backyard, or just appreciate daily…

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Living Local: Breakfast Hot Spot at The Winter Garden Farmers Market

Where Can You Find One of the Best Breakfast Sandwiches in Winter Garden?

Admittedly, this isn't our first visit to this breakfast favorite at the downtown Winter Garden Farmers Market. Okay, maybe not even our second. So, what is this gem of a breakfast spot that draws a crowd? It's Eggdose, the colorful yellow-and-black booth serving up breakfast sandwiches in Winter Garden, FL. The delicious scent of crispy bacon and whiffs of maple syrup draw in locals and visitors alike.

What makes Eggdose a Must-Try?

Our favorite? Picture this: a fluffy, golden brioche bun with soft scrambled eggs, melty cheddar cheese, their signature Eggdose sauce (reminds us of hollandaise), and savory, salty bacon (or breakfast meat of your choice). Is your mouth…

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R.D. Keene Park & Boat Ramp Windermere

R.D. Keene Park & Boat Ramp is adjacent to the Windermere, FL community of Keene's Pointe. Set along the Butler Chain of Lakes, the spacious 52 acre park includes a covered children's playground, soccer fields (for league play and public use), and a picnic area.  

The park's most popular amenity is the public boat ramp on Lake Isleworth. The boat ramp facility at R.D. Keene Park has limited availability and parking spaces for vehicles with trailers. The park can accommodate up to 49 vehicles with trailers per day, and this ramp is one of only two public access points providing access to the exclusive Butler Chain of Lakes. 

R.D. Keene Park and Boat Ramp: 
10900 Chase Road
Windermere, Florida 34786
Phone Number: 407-836-6200

R.D. Keene Park and Boat…

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