Millions of visitors flock to Florida every year to experience our pristine beaches and world-class theme parks, but our state has so much more to offer. From historic towns to crystal-clear springs and sprawling state parks, below are a few places to explore in Central Florida this spring.
Winter Park
Just north of downtown Orlando, a world away from the theme park crowds, lies the idyllic suburb of Winter Park. Established in 1882, Winter Park’s epicenter is the cobblestoned Park Avenue District that offers a blend of historic buildings, charming boutiques, delectable eateries and gorgeous landscaping.
View the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including the famed Tiffany Chapel, at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of 
American Art. On the nearby, 140-year-old campus of Rollins College, walk amongst the stunning Spanish Mediterranean architecture, visit the Rollins Museum of Art and snap a selfie with the sculpture of notable alumnus Fred Rogers. Just up the road from Rollins, The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens showcases the works of Czech-American sculptor Albin Polasek and offers stunning views of Lake Osceola.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Winter Park’s robust parks system. Highlights include Central Park in the heart of downtown, Kraft Azalea Garden, Mead Botanical Garden (featured on our cover) and Harry P Leu Gardens.
Or take to the water with The Scenic Boat Tour company, which offers visitors the chance to explore three of the seven lakes and two narrow manmade canals of historic Winter Park. Learn more about all this charming suburb has to offer at winterpark.org/welcome-center.
Micanopy and Paynes Prairie State Park
Founded in 1821, Micanopy (pronounced mi•kuh•now•pee) is the oldest inland town in the state. Tucked between Ocala and Gainesville, this town of 600 residents is
named after a Seminole Chief and has been recognized as one of America’s Top 10 Historic Small Towns. Start at the Micanopy Historical Society Museum and then wander the charming main street, Cholokka Boulevard, that is lined with historic buildings and antique shops. If the town looks familiar, it’s because it was featured in the 1991 film “Doc Hollywood.”
There are several excellent dining options where you can enjoy Florida favorites. Grab a Cuban sandwich and a slice of Key lime pie at Old Florida Café, Micanopy’s oldest restaurant. Or dive into delectable barbecue options at Pearl Country Store and Barbecue. Just a 15-minute walk away from downtown, explore Tuscawilla Preserve, a 600-acre nature park that is home to a wide variety of plants and animals along the 1.5 miles of trails.
Across the street, Micanopy Native American Heritage Preserve offers an additional .8 miles of trails on the grounds of a centuries-old Native American village. The highlight of this area for nature enthusiasts is nearby Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. The park features eight walking trails of varying lengths and habitats, where visitors can spy bison (yes, bison!) and wild horses roaming the prairie land.
Head to the top of the park’s 50-foot observation tower for the best wildlife spotting and panoramic views. Stop in the beautiful Visitor’s Center to get an update on wildlife sightings and be sure to bring your binoculars!
Learn more about the area at visitgainesville.com/communities/micanopy.
DeLand and the nearby springs
Situated between Orlando and Daytona Beach, DeLand is a vibrant art community that oozes Old Florida charm. Enjoy the spring weather along the Historic Mural Walk and the DeLand Sculpture Walk; learn about the history of the area at the DeLand House Museum and along the DeLand Black Heritage Trail; experience the Gilded Age at the Stetson Mansion; explore a rich collection of fine arts at DeLand’s Museum of Art; and enjoy a show at the historic Athens Theatre. At Stetson University, peruse the Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center and The Gillespie Museum of Minerals. DeLand is also home to an eclectic mix of breweries, wineries, pubs and other craft beverage producers that make up the CoolCraft Beverage Trail.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of options nearby. To the south, visit Blue Springs State Park to take a dip in the crystal-clear water or view manatees from the boardwalk above. To the north, DeLeon Springs State Park offers the opportunity to explore over 6,000 years of cultural and natural history. While you are there, be sure to stop for a bite at the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, which is housed in a 100-year-old replica of the state’s first water-powered sugar mill. You can even cook your own pancakes! Learn more about DeLand and the surrounding area at visitflorida.com/places-to-go/central-east/deland.