Page 40 - DreamScapes Magazine | Fall/Winter 2022

Savour the Flavours of CENTRAL FLORIDA
BY SUSAN B. BARNES
From theme parks to world-class dining and an upcoming anniver- sary for a certain preschooler’s favourite character, a visit to Central Florida this fall and winter will quickly show you why this part of the Sunshine State is known as “Florida’s Sweetest Spot.”
A PIRATE’S LIFE
If you and your family have ever wondered what it’s like to live a pirate’s life, wonder no more: in Winter Haven, the brand new Pirate River Quest is making a splash at
LEGOLAND Florida Resort. The swashbuck- ling, family-friendly boat ride sails past natural waterways with Calico Jade, the newest LEGO pirate friend. The one-of-a- kind canal tour follows an all-new story filled with exotic LEGO creatures, including bright flamingos, mischievous monkeys and even a kraken.
FOR THE FOODIE
The small-town charm around Central Florida’s communities is due in large part to charming local restaurants that serve not only a variety of dishes, but also a heaping serving of warm welcomes and sweet, southern hospitality.
PHOTOS: VISIT CENTRAL FLORIDA
Step back in time at Andy’s Igloo Drive-
Lakeland, there’s a pair of yummy options In Restaurant, a Winter Haven favourite for
in the treats department. Try Born & Bread over 70 years. Comfort foods like ham-
Bakehouse that specializes in slow dough, burgers, fried chicken, thick milkshakes
and Charlie’s Mini Donuts in Lakeland. If and ice cream sundaes are all on the menu.
you’d rather go for a sipping experience, For dishes that feature locally sourced
check out citrus-centric microbreweries, ingredients, opt for Nutwood, also in
which are all the rage in Central Florida. Winter Haven, where a seasonal menu is
There’s Front Page Brewing Co. in Bartow, served alongside a curated wine selection.
Grove Roots Brewing Co. in Winter Haven
At Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille, this
and Swan Brewing in Lakeland.
Lakeland staple for over 20 years teases diners’ taste buds with spicy New Orleans cuisine. In addition to Creole, Cajun and other southern flavours blended to perfec- tion, Harry’s menu also features pastas, hamburgers and steaks, not to mention its signature Oreo beignets.
Now if you’re hankering for interna- tional dining like Cuban, Spanish and Peruvian cuisine head to another Lakeland dining favourite, Nineteen61. Considered one of Central Florida’s premier restaurants, locals know to find a spot at the bar to enjoy tapas before dinner.
The sweet tooth really gets a work out at The Cookie Jar Bakeshop & Eatery in Bartow, where desserts are baked daily. Over in
A PARTY FOR PEPPA PIG
Finally, it’s hard to believe, but our favourite pink pig is already celebrating a year of star- ring at her very own Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven. Stay tuned to learn about ways to celebrate everyone’s favourite pre- schooler. DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For more information on Central Florida, visit visitcentralflorida.org
40 DREAMSCAPES FALL/WINTER 2022