Page 50 - DreamScapes Magazine | Fall/Winter 2025

Foodie Magic in
CENTRAL FLORIDA
BY SUSAN B. BARNES
rom theme parks to world-class dining, a
F
visit to Central Florida this fall and winter
will quickly show you what this part of the
Sunshine State’s “Real Florida Magic” is all about.
COME AND ENJOY THE “SEA LIFE”
A brand new world beneath the surface officially
opened to families as SEA LIFE Florida celebrated
its grand opening inside LEGOLAND Florida Resort
in June. This interactive, family-friendly aquarium
marks the first theme park under the sea, giving
water critter lovers a fully immersive underwater
experience designed especially with kids in mind.
Inside SEA LIFE Florida, more than 150 species
and 3,000 creatures from graceful stingrays and
curious pufferfish to mysterious jellyfish thrive. The
big show stopper? Try a 180-degree ocean tunnel
that's like a 'theme park under the sea.' It's designed
so even little ones can stand eye-to-eye with sharks
and rays as they glide overhead.
FOR THE FOODIE
The small-town charm around Central Florida’s com-
munities 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.
Step back in time at Andy’s Igloo Drive-In
Restaurant, a Winter Haven favourite for over 70
years. Comfort foods like hamburgers, fried
chicken, thick milkshakes and ice cream sundaes
are all on the menu. For dishes that feature locally
sourced ingredients, opt for Nutwood, also in
Winter Haven, where a seasonal menu is served
alongside a curated wine selection, under the direc-
tion of owner, executive chef, and MICHELIN-star
rated chef Steven Rojas.
At Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille, this 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 perfection, Harry’s menu also features pastas,
hamburgers and steaks, not to mention its signature
Oreo beignets.
Now if you’re hankering for international dining
like Cuban, Spanish and Peruvian cuisine head to
another Lakeland dining favourite, Nineteen61.
Considered one of Central Florida’s premier restau-
rants, 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 Lakeland, there’s a
pair of yummy options in the treats department. Try
Born & Bread Bakehouse that specializes in slow
dough, and Charlie’s Mini Donuts in Lakeland. If
you’d rather go for a sipping experience, check out
citrus-centric microbreweries, which are all the rage
in Central Florida. There’s Front Page Brewing Co. in
Bartow, Grove Roots Brewing Co. in Winter Haven
and Swan Brewing in Lakeland.
DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For more information on Central Florida,
visit visitcentralflorida.com
50
DREAMSCAPES FALL/WINTER 2025
PHOTOS: VISIT CENTRAL FLORIDA