The state of Florida is opening back up. Most businesses can now operate while following the new guidance, including distancing and wearing masks. Until that changes again of course. With our new found freedom, I was actually craving to just go out and explore the area. With that goal, we set sail to a small scenic town about a 1/2 hour away: Winter Garden Florida!
First Venture Out
We just barely dipped our toes into the water of our usual level of exploration. While something as normal as walking the historic downtown district seemed very strange indeed. I was not really knowing what to expect. I just knew that things are now very different.
Very few people were wearing masks while strolling along the streets. Some were dining in the restaurant’s outdoor section. All were observing the distance rules. It became a little narrow walking on the sidewalk when people were coming the other way. I would usually take the wide path around them. This is just plain strange.
I did not go into any of their buildings. Just walked around the historic downtown section. We are not particularly in an at risk category, but I’m approaching this reopening somewhat cautiously. Let all of the healthy under 65 youngsters lead the way and blaze the trail. It has been over two months since we were inside of any store at all, until today. It’s a different world out there with one-way signs and Plexiglas protectors at the checkouts.
The history and railroad museums were closed as was the art museum. I’m not much for browsing through little shops either, but we used to do some of that as well. I suspect not much browsing in the near future.
Closed Until Further Notice
Winter Garden, Florida
Winter Garden, just west of Orlando and its theme parks, is known for its old Florida style and charm, and a great place to visit in Central Florida. With a population of 45,000 people and located 14 miles west of Orlando it has the same subtropic climate that Pat and I have been enjoying in Clermont. The town has a very well done historic downtown section. Many shops and restaurants with landscaping and flowers planted to brighten it up.
We have discovered many towns/cities that were founded along railroad routes. 
Cabooses are only seen in museums these days.
From the town’s website: Winter Garden is the commercial and cultural capital of West Orange County with regional amenities such as the Garden Theatre, the SoBo Gallery and Art Center, several museums and the Downtown Pavilion, which is home to the Winter Garden Farmers Market that is held every Saturday morning. The farmers market has been recognized nationally and is one of the top regional farmers markets in Florida. Unfortunately, they were all still closed due to the virus.
Lake Apopka
The town was established in 1908 just on the edge of lake Apopka, the 4th largest lake in Florida. Through the 1940s, Lake Apopka was one of Central Florida’s main attractions. Anglers traveled from throughout the United States to fish for trophy-sized bass in Lake Apopka, and 21 fish camps lined the lake’s shoreline.
Union Lightning Detector – Only works in certain months 
Dock to Infinity 
Fishing With Waders On 
A Perfect 10 Landing
The picture is the image of Old Florida.
And that was our first venture back out into the world. Not very exciting, but very much the small town that we would like to further explore when things are normal and fully open again.
Thanks for following along. If you have been out and about leave a comment below as to what you found and how normal are you finding things. What are your observations?
Take care and God Bless.
Great to see you out and about. Don’t miss the chance to visit some more sites before you head out. We never know how long it will be before get back to places.
Travel safe!
Robert