ESCAPE THE TOURIST TRAP!

Picture this...you just flew into Orlando International Airport, booked an all-inclusive resort right in the middle of all the touristy action, did Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, and now you have a few days left over in your Florida vacation before you head back home.

You’re probably thinking to yourself, “If I see another pair of Mickey Mouse ears or hear ‘It’s A Small World After All’ one more time…I’m going to PUKE!”

Is this all there is to do in Orlando?

Is there anywhere I can get away from all the crowds and just “chill” somewhere and experience the real Florida??

What if I told you there was a magical place just like that about an hour drive west of Orlando that would fit the “chill vibe” perfectly.

This place, that I call home, is a real, charming homegrown town that takes you away from all the crazed tourist fanatic traps of Orlando and lets you have some breathing room.

Welcome to Winter Haven, Florida!

More than likely you’ll make your way here by taking Interstate 4 West, exiting off of Highway 27 South, then traveling approximately thirty minutes to get here.

After you get acquainted with the layout of the land, start searching for something that interests you.

If you are a huge auto enthusiast, you can check out the FREE Classic Car Cruise that happens every 1st Saturday in downtown Winter Haven. It’s a good time!

The restored cars are a sight to see and just makes you want to buy one and drive it away. There are plenty of food vendors there if you feel like a yummy quick bite to eat.

Since you are already downtown, don’t miss out on all the local artwork on display. Large, 3D art sculptures line the town’s sidewalks under a canopy of sprawling oak trees. You never know what you will see as the art is rotated out every month or so to give all local artists equal exposure.

Once you’re done with the car show and viewing the local artwork, head on down to Lake Howard.

It’s only a mile away and well worth the drive!

You can pull off near the water canal near two hometown bar favorite hot spots, and hang out to enjoy the sunshine on your skin, talk to the local fisherman on their biggest catch, or just have a brew and watch the boats dock bar side and enjoy the sunset.

But if you want to cut loose and party then walk or drive across the canal to Caribbean Bay Nightclub, it’s my favorite out of the two. It’s a small hometown bar inside but outside is where the locals chill.

They have a huge built on tiki hut covering a back deck where it hosts weekly live bands that play all the classic rock you can imagine. There is plenty of seating either under the tiki hut or next to it.

We’re talking comfortable patio furniture with tables. You can kick your feet up and enjoy one of their signature drinks ‘The Rumrunner’. Let me tell you, it may cost $8 but it’s well worth it!

They mix a large amount of rum into a blender full of ice and fruit juice, pour it in a large styrofoam cup, then after putting the straw in the drink they top it off with more rum straight in the straw. So when you take that first sip, you are going to feel it!!

There is also a small dance floor to get down on after you had your first sip or two of your rumrunner. One thing, don’t get too drunk and fall off the side of their dock into the lake as there are no rails.

Although I have not seen one drunk person yet including myself fall in the water so I think you can manage it too.

After a night of partying, you’re probably going to get hungry.

I would recommend heading over to Tsunami Sushi. A close drive back to downtown where they are located.

Think of tempura meets Japanese flare.

The food is really fresh and delicious there. If you are a vegetarian, like I am, don’t worry. They have options for just about everyone!

I order their avocado rolls and the vegetable tempura. The meals come with miso soup and salad. The portions are huge. I end up taking half of it home for a next-day meal.

Now it’s probably time for you to catch your flight and head home.

Even though you will have fond memories of Central Florida, I know you will also take away awesome, hometown memories of Winter Haven, Florida too.

Have a safe flight!

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