A thank-you from West Orange Bite for sharing us with 3 friends. Here are a few of our favorite spots that most people drive right past.
Some are places to eat, and some are free places to explore.
A sandwich spot in the small town of Gotha. The Dog's Famous Pulled Pork Sandwich is $13.60, and most specialty sandwiches are $14.90 to $15.60.
1236 Hempel Ave., Gotha, FL 34786
407-296-0609
Open daily 11 AM to 9 PM
A small cafe on Main Street in Windermere, open since 2010. It is known for its Bananas Foster French Toast and custom pies. Breakfast here will not break the bank.
434 Main St., Windermere, FL 34786
407-217-5047
Tuesday to Sunday 8 AM to 2:30 PM. Closed Monday.
Homemade ice cream in the Summerport area. A great stop after dinner.
14387 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., Suite 110, Windermere, FL 34786
407-347-9183
Sunday 12 to 9 PM, Monday to Thursday 1 to 9 PM, Friday 1 to 10 PM, Saturday 12 to 10 PM
An Italian spot on Dillard Street with an "Under $20" menu. Half Lasagna is $15, Small Chicken Parmesan is $19, a cheese pizza is $15, and kids' meals are $13.
1041 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden
407-554-3622
Open 11 AM to 9 PM
Learn about Winter Garden history at this downtown museum. Free.
1 N. Main St., Winter Garden
407-656-3244
Tuesday to Saturday 11 AM to 3 PM
See train history, including a big display of dining-car china. Free.
101 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden
407-656-0559
Tuesday to Friday 11 AM to 3 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 3 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Special event: "It's About Time: How the Railroads Created the Time Zones," Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 AM to 3 PM.
Walk the trails and boardwalk to Lake Apopka and visit the small nature museum. Free, and donations are welcome. No pets, except service animals.
747 Machete Trail, Oakland, FL 34760
407-905-0054
Open every day, sunrise to sunset
Start a walk or bike ride on the paved West Orange Trail. Kids under 16 must wear a bike helmet. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
17914 State Road 438, Winter Garden, FL 34787
407-533-4732
Open sunrise to sunset
Free guides: Holiday Guide, Cheap Eats.
Towns: Winter Garden, Windermere, Ocoee, Horizon West.
Know a hidden gem we missed? Email [email protected].
Free every Friday: places to eat and fun things to do this weekend in West Orange.