Winter Park, Florida

Originally a refuge from the cold for wealthy northerners, Winter Park has survived a century of change and remains today a refuge from the ordinary. Today's Winter Park is known for its stately trees, brick streets, fine shopping, abundant lakes, outdoor fun and as a center for culture and art. Bach Festival Society. Winter Park offers a host of things to see and do for residents and guests alike. Nestled on the north shore of Lake Virginia is Rollins College, rich in Mediterranean Architecture. The college offers a variety of lectures, sports and leisure events. There is also the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpure Gardens and the shops and restaurants of picturesque Park Avenue nearby. The Cornell Fine Arts Center Museum is free and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of Fine Arts houses the world's largest collection of Tiffany Art, including a recently restored Tiffany chapel.

The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival is one of the most prestigious outdoor fine arts festivals in the United States. The city also had an unusual claim to fame in 1981 when a sinkhole swallowed an entire city block. The city has since stabilized the shore of the sinkhole and created a popular children's playground and recreation center on adjoining land. Today, Winter Park is enjoying an improved Park Avenue as well as a rebirth of retail shops, restaurants, and services along U.S. Highway 17-92. The Saturday morning farmer's market just west of downtown is also a weekend tradition for many local residents.