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City in Florida, United States
Photo: Trad361991 (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Winter Haven is the second largest city in Polk County, Florida. The city was an agricultural center, but in the 1990s and 2000s, it has become a largely residential and manufacturing city. Winter Haven is home to Legoland and the "Chain of Lakes".
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The second Legoland park in the US in addition to Legoland in California. The park primarily caters to children and families and features rides, sculptures/scenes, and shows based on the popular Lego building blocks. The site was home to Florida's first theme park—Cypress Gardens—until 2008 and several elements of the former park remain, including the botanical gardens and it's canals, the water ski show which made Cypress Gardens famous, and the Island in the Sky platform which rises 150 ft to give you a 360-degree view of the park and Central Florida. From Orlando take I-4 east to U.S. 27 (exit 55), head south for about 20 mi, turn right (west) on Cypress Gardens Blvd (S.R. 540) and Legoland will be on the left at the 5th traffic light. If you're staying in Orlando, Legoland operates a shuttle from the Orlando Premium Outlets parking lot ($10/return) leaving at 9AM and returning at the time the park closes.
Great birding location along with nature walk trails. Periodic events held for families.
Semi-private 18-hole course. Lessons available, but no rentals.
Public 9-hole course. Rentals and lessons available.
Public 18-hole course. Rentals & lessons available.
A multi-use trail running from downtown to U.S. 17/92, near Lake Alfred. The trail is great for walking, jogging, biking, or rollerskating. The trail begins at the Chain of Lakes Downtown Trailhead Park (611 3rd Street NW), which has plenty of parking, on the northwest corner of Ave E NW and 3rd Street NW, near the bus terminal and city hall.
Casual Greek and American fare. Daily specials.
Classic diner with a great variety of food (burgers, chicken, seafood) at very reasonable prices. An entrée and drink costs about $6-8. Also on tap are over a dozen varieties of ice cream, sundaes, malts, milkshakes run around $1-3. On the NE corner of the building is a walk-up window for ice cream treats (in addition to ordering at a table inside). Cash only. No debit/credit cards accepted.
Organic raw vegan cafe.
Coffeehouse in same building as library. Typical coffee offerings, cookies, biscotti, muffins, and some light salads and wraps. Free wi-fi, comfy couches, and outdoor tables/chairs. Library allows drinks with lids so you can grab a cappuccino and take it in the library. Open after library closes.
Fresh plates served and daily specials.
A wide variety of fresh seafood served in a rustic restaurant overlooking Lake Ned. Steaks & chicken also available, but most of the menu consists of seafood. Parking is tight, the lot is usually full, and you may have to park precariously on the side of a busy road, but the food is worth it. Seniors are often seen lined up into the parking lot before dinner opening for the Early Bird Specials. No reservations accepted. Menu available on the website (here).
Chinese and other Asian food. Has a lot of seafood, chicken, pork, beef. Most food very fresh. Sushi quality is so-so.
Vietnamese food. Excellent quality, good service, very clean.
Seafood Review
Serves high quality Japanese food. Has sushi available.
Great steakhouse, with plenty of tasty seafood, chicken, and sandwiches also on offer. Early bird specials M-Th 4-6PM, consisting of a dozen entrees about $5 less than their usual price ($9-11). This place can get quite crowded around 5-7PM, with no parking and a long wait to be seated. Call ahead seating is available. Menu can be found on website.
Free wi-fi internet connection.
Complimentary breakfast. Pool. Pets allowed. Free wi-fi internet connection.
Pool. On-site restaurant. Free wi-fi internet connection.
Complimentary breakfast. Pool. Pets allowed. On-site restaurant. Free wi-fi internet connection.
Kitchen/efficiencies. Pool. Pets allowed. Free wi-fi internet connection.
Kitchen/efficiencies. Pets allowed. Free wi-fi internet connection.
Kitchen/efficiencies. Complimentary breakfast. Pool. Pets allowed. Free wi-fi internet connection. Includes a small, sandy beach on Lake Roy, but right against Cypress Gardens Blvd (a very busy thoroughfare in W.H.).
Hookups. Laundry. Pool. Pets allowed. Showers. Free wi-fi internet connection.
Hookups. Laundry. Pool. Pets allowed. Showers. Free wi-fi internet connection.
Hookups. Laundry. Pool. Pets allowed. Showers. Free wi-fi internet connection.
Hookups. Laundry. Pool. Pets allowed. Showers. Free wi-fi internet connection.
Pontoon boat rentals.
Water skiing lessons.
Water skiing lessons.
In the same building as the public library. Charity bookstore to support the library with donated books and volunteer staff. About 2/3 of the books are non-fiction and there are 2-3 sections half off rotated weekly. Almost every book is under $5 with lots of $2-3 books. Moderate selection but with such great prices, it's definitely worth a look when in town.
Located on the west side of US 27 about a mile south of the Cypress Gardens Blvd intersection and just a short distance out of town. Typical flea market with a fresh produce section, although some of the vendors purchase from wholesalers and aren't selling the local-grown stuff you'll find at the Farmer's Market.
Art gallery with art, prints, porcelain, jewelry, stained glass, and more for sale.
Homemade crafts, flowers, patchwork purses, and more.
Fine gifts and jewelry.
By train
Winter Haven is a stop along the daily Amtrak Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes.
By bus
By car
Winter Haven is easily accessible from U.S. 27, U.S. 92, & U.S. 17.
By bus
Winter Haven is served by two bus services. Winter Haven Area Transit (WHAT) has many routes throughout the town.
By car
As with most suburban towns in the U.S., the car is by far the easiest way to get around the city. Be careful of the city's grid system (see above).
By taxi
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Lakeland · Regional · LAL
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