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 working on. Whether you are a longtime resident or someone considering a move to Southwest Orlando, this is what a real Saturday looks like here.
Where to Park in Downtown Winter Garden on A Saturday
First things first, where do locals park in downtown Winter Garden? There are plenty of options, and they are mostly free as well. A go-to parking spot is the ideal location not only for the farmers market, but also for the rest of downtown, and that is the parking garage at 160 South Boyd Street. Adjacent to the farmers market, it's three levels, shaded, and offers select charging spots for electric vehicles, along with an elevator for easy access.
There are several free lots and street parking in downtown, including the newest lot, located in west Winter Garden at 695 West Plant Street, with 54 spots and is 0.3 miles to the Plant Street Market.
For locals who live in the Winter Garden golf cart district, Saturday mornings are made for this. Rolling up to downtown in your golf cart is common and has recently grown in popularity with the district expansion. So, if your dream is golf carting for errands or to dinner, Winter Garden may just be for you. Truly gives a small-town feel with casual energy that is just simply more fun.
Pro Tip >> Getting to the market early will help you get a prime spot in the garage, as it tends to fill first. You'll also have a quieter market (and the first pick of produce).
The Winter Garden Famers' Market: What to Expect
Where: South Lakeview Avenue and Tremaine Street in downtown Winter Garden, south of Plant Street
When: Every Saturday, rain or shine, from 8 am - 1 pm
There is no shortage of Farmers Markets' in Central Florida, but the Winter Garden version is arguably the most popular, even voted America's Favorite Farmers Market in 2016. The first stop is always coffee, and don't worry, there are several options to pick from, including Piccolo Coffee, Black Brew Bros, Axom, and Three Birds Cafe coffee cart. Now that you have your fuel, it's time to meander.
Local Produce
The local produce at the market is a real draw. From local seasonal fruits like strawberries and watermelons to rows of vegetables, including potatoes (of every variety), fresh herbs, peppers, and so much more. Don't forget to check out the Winter Garden Facebook page for weekly updates on which produce is heading to the market for the week. It's a well-oiled machine with several cash registers (including a cashless payment option). The line keeps moving, so you can go on to the rest of your morning. This past Saturday, sunflowers were at the market, and it felt like every third person had a bundle of the beautiful flowers in their arms.
Arts & Goods Made Locally
Beyond the produce, there are local artists selling everything from jewelry to original artwork, vendors with homemade breads and pastries, including salted pretzels (a must-grab). The homemade guacamole, hummus, and hot sauce vendors always have a loyal following for good reason. We recommend not skipping the Bailey Bleus booth with delicious homemade dressings, including their original bleu (although we're partial to their rich ranch variety).
Eating at The Farmers Market
By now, you've worked up an appetite, and there are some tasty treats to choose from, including breakfast sandwiches from the popular Eggdose and the new Egg Boi booths (check out our blog post about Eggdose for more on why we love them so much). For an in-between-meal snack, the Tornado Taters are a newer addition to the market with their signature twisted potatoes on a stick.
Pro Tip >> Park in the shaded garage and bring a cooler with ice packs to keep your purchases cool while you meander around town or grab lunch.
Moving into Downtown: Lunch, Centennial Plaza, and Plant Street Market
After the market, the next move is yours, whether it be stopping with kids at the popular fountain and splash pad to let out some energy (and cool off), heading down Plant Street for lunch at a local eatery, or to the popular Plant Street Market for a local brew.
Plant Street is truly the heart of downtown Winter Garden. The West Orange Trail runs right through the middle of it, which means on any given Saturday, you will see cyclists, joggers, and families utilizing the trail. For more on the trail itself and some of the must-see stops along it, check out our full guide: [A Local's Guide to the West Orange Trail: 9 Hidden Gems, Food, and Favorites].
Centennial Plaza
Located directly in the middle of Plant Street, this is where small-town vibes take over (cue the Hallmark movie energy). Wrought iron benches and swings circle the plaza's icon fountain and it is the ideal location to bring a book, or our favorite, people watching. It's truly the kind of place where you sit down with your market finds or your cup of coffee and just watch the Saturday morning unfold around you.
There is no shortage of downtown restaurants for lunch. There are two standout lunch options are The Whole Enchilada, serving Mexican food (don't miss the rooftop terrace for sunset views over downtown). Another option is AJ's Pizza Joint, which features a variety of pies, including New York, Detroit, and Sicilian styles, so no matter what style of pizza is your favorite, AJ's likely has a slice for you.
Plant Street Market
Heading a bit further west on Plant Street is the Plant Street Market. With most food stalls opening around 11am on Saturdays, the market comes alive with those looking for a bite to eat or a local brew. This enclosed food hall is anchored by the Crooked Can Brewing Company, which alone is a reason to show up.
Just a taste of food options inside the market include:
- Norigami Sushi Bar, an 8-seat Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized restaurant three years running (2023, 2024, and 2025)
- Michael's Ali Coal-Fired Pizza
- Jam Hot Chicken (a new vendor and a must-try)
- Sir Benji's Mini Donuts
- Nosh Popcorn
- And SO much more
There is seating inside and out, and parking is nearby. You'll find many people from the farmers' market making their way over after finishing at the market.
Shopping Along Plant Street in Winter Garden
There are several local shops to pop in and out of in downtown, and this Saturday, we stopped by the LiveTrends store at 279 Tremaine Street (adjacent to the market). This boutique shop is filled to the brim with live plants, succulents, home goods, candles, and tasty treats (we suggest trying the Colombian chocolate bars). It's the kind of store where you go in for a succulent and leave with four things you didn't know you needed. There is so much to explore and is great for grabbing a gift for a friend or graduation.
Winter Garden Village: The Practical Side of Saturday
Leaving the slow Saturday start at the market, it's likely time to make that Target run or head to Lowe's for your next household project. Winter Garden Village is a shopping hub for making everyday life happen. Big box stores are found here, so you can get all of those weekly food shops completed, and don't forget some fun shopping along the way. Here are just a few of the stores you'll find at WGV:
- Target
- Lowe's
- Best Buy
- Burlington
- J. Crew Factory
- World Market
- Ulta
- Macy's Marshalls & HomeGoods
- Old Navy
- PetSmart
Dining options abound with quick-service and sit-down options, including Bonefish Grill, Pizzeria UNO, First Watch, and coming soon, Seasons 52 (just to name a few). Across Daniel's Road, you'll find even more restaurants. Directly behind is the AdventHealth Winter Garden Hospital and Medical Services.
Heading South: Hamlin & Horizon West
Further south on SR-429 is where the newer side of Winter Garden lives. Over the last several years, incredible growth has occurred here, and Hamlin Town Center is the central hub for the greater Horizon West community. Here, this everyday life hub has a little something for every need. Saturdays here can mean completing your weekly grocery stop, exercising, sitting down for a meal, or having a bit of fun too.
- For groceries: Publix and a Walmart Supercenter are your weekly stops for stocking up.
- For shopping & services: There is a stand-alone Sephora and Ace Hardware. You can get your nails done, work out, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries. (Check out the Maple Street Biscuit Company or Home State Brewing)
- For entertainment: Cinepolis has been an original staple here and is a luxury cinema, Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, and PopStroke
- For Fitness: Anytime Fitness, Cyclebar, and a proposed Life Time Fitness
Horizon West Regional Park: Getting Outdoors
Saturdays are becoming a lot more active in Winter Garden now that phase 1A of the Horizon West Regional Park is complete. Located north of the town center in Hamlin, this park will feature over 200 acres upon completion.
Location: 4715 Hamlin Groves Trail, Winter Garden
Hours: 8 am - 6 pm
What is open now?
- An inclusive playground with shade sails
- Approximately 6 miles of Trails
- Picnic Shelter & Event Pavilion
- Public Restrooms
- Paved Parking Lot
Phase 1B is expected to bring a splash pad, farmer's market hook-up, and a kayak/canoe launch.
One More Thing: Saturdays Are for Disney Fans
For those considering a move closer to the Magic, locals know that Winter Garden residents often spend their Saturdays at Walt Disney World. Being so close to the parks means sneaking away for a morning at the parks, an evening out to dinner at Disney Springs, or closing out the day with fireworks. One of the greatest perks of living in Winter Garden is the accessibility to Disney, and there's something so special about having it in your backyard.
For residents in South Horizon West, heading to Disney via Western Way gives easy access to the western side of the resort. From downtown Winter Garden, SR 429 is a direct route to the parks. It is one of those quiet perks that tends to seal the deal for many people when they are weighing Southwest Orlando against other parts of the metro. You have a hometown base with the bonus of Main Street as your second home.
Ready to make Winter Garden Your Saturday Destination Year-Round?
There is a reason locals love living here so much. From the farmers market to the trail, breweries to the small-town feel, proximity to everything (including the parks), Winter Garden really has the full package for residents.
The Funk Collection specializes in Southwest Orlando real estate, with deep roots in Winter Garden, Windermere, and Dr. Phillips. Jeff and Renee Funk have spent years working in these neighborhoods and know the communities, the homes, and the nuances that do not always show up in a listing description. As local Windermere residents, neighbors to Winter Garden, they know the area inside and out (even the top neighborhoods to watch fireworks from).
If you're curious about the neighborhoods that make up Winter Garden and Horizon West, explore the community pages on RealtyInOrlando.com. Find current homes that are available, community amenities, what's close by, market stats, and even what's sold in the last year.
Taking the next step can be as simple as starting a conversation to find out if Winter Garden is the right fit for you. Schedule a 1:1 with Jeff to take the next step.
Posted by Jen Durben on
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