Sanford: A surprising Florida find in Central Florida

Nestled 20 miles northeast of Orlando, an artistic community awaits in Sanford.

It presents travelers with a dedicated historic district, a walkable riverfront on the southern shores of Lake Monroe at the head of the beautiful St. Johns River, and the celebrated Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café. It is a town not to miss.

Sanford is also home to Florida’s Auto Train, which you can hop on in Orlando and be in Sanford in under an hour.

Experience the charm and ambiance of Sanford's 19th-century buildings, pristine waterfront, unique shops and restaurants. The downtown Riverwalk features antique and collectible shops, all located within a two-block radius of Magnolia Square. And, for entertainment, visit the restored Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, one of Florida's newest facilities for the performing arts.

Unlike Orlando, Sanford has a slow, Southern-style stroll. During the past decade, the area has built a reputation as an artistic, bohemian enclave with a dollop of Florida history.

Museum choices: Historical and artist emporiums

Some top picks to put on your bucket list while traveling to the area include:

• The Henry Shelton Sanford Memorial Library and Museum, located at 520 E. First St., is like stepping back in time. Founded in 1901 by Gertrude Sanford, wife of Henry Sanford, the city’s founding father, is an excellent way to learn how the city originated. This history museum is full of stories about the citrus industry, the baseball industry and, of course, there are two rooms dedicated to the establishment of the city. Best of all, the museum is free. Hours vary, so call or search online for updated information.

• Jeanne Taylor Folk Art Museum, located at 211 E. First St., is a bohemian chic art museum where local artists display their works. Visitors will be delighted as onsite artists actively create works of art right before your eyes.

During the holidays the museum embraces the season, offering unique one-of-a-kind holiday finds such as decadent ornaments and crafts for sale, plus a grand Christmas display that will have both children and adults alike oohing and ahhing.

The treasures you will find here are not only unique and handmade, but they also support local artists who live and work in the community — sustainable shopping at its finest! Hours vary so call or search online for updated information. Admission is free.

• Hot Pots, located at 1071 WP Ball Blvd., is more of a ceramic studio than a museum. It’s a fantastic place to take the family for a fun afternoon wrapped in art. Guests can create ceramic works of art — everything from colorful plates to happy puppy figurines. The bonus is crafting memorable souvenirs that tell a story. Hours vary so call or search online for updated information and pricing.

• Gallery on First an eclectic gallery featuring a heaping dose of Southern hospitality while benefitting the historic downtown. The gallery collaborates with professional and emerging artists, and travelers are invited to shows, events and intimate conversations with working artists.

• Hollerbach’s Art Haus is a place to find genuine German clothes, shoes and hats plus purses and some amazing jewelry. Jewelry enthusiasts may want to stop as they also offer jewelry-making classes for the crafty customer.

Grab a bite

After all that “museum-ing” you and your travel mates will be looking for a good meal. There is no shortage of places to dine in Sanford. With a variety of mom and pop restaurants in the area, it can be hard to choose. A few ideas to get you started:

• Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café, located at 2015 E, First St., has received a 4.5-star rating from TripAdvisor. It’s known as one of the top German restaurants in Florida, and people come from across the state to get a taste of the spicy sausage and sauerkraut and, of course, German beer. And you won’t want to miss the potato pancakes, simply delicious. Hollerbach’s has become a landmark in Sanford since opening in August 2001 with only seven employees. Today the restaurant has more than 90 employees and has opened two other retail operations: Magnolia Square, a German deli with generous sandwiches, beer and wine, and Outfitters, a place to pick up genuine German apparel and accessories. Check online for hours, menu options and pricing.

• Christie’s, located at 107 W. First St., is another family-owned-and-operated eatery, serving up Italian, Greek and diner fare. The portions are generous, and the prices are affordable. A locals’ favorite and a place where family-owned shines through in all they do. Tip: The stromboli is a best bite! Check online for hours, menu options and pricing.

• St. Johns River Steak & Seafood is located at 550 N. Palmetto Ave. and serves up the expected steak and seafood combinations with a New Orleans twist. If you are a crab cake or gumbo enthusiast or looking for the perfect scallop entrée, this is the place to be. The restaurant offers vegan options as well. The menu is infused with a New Orleans vibe with takes on jazzy rice, etouffee-infused fried chicken and po’boys. Check online for hours, menu options and pricing.

Center stage: Riverwalk

The town’s hub is the iconic Riverwalk, which extends for miles from the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens to the more popular stroll extending from the marina to the Veteran’s Memorial Park and Museum. The promenade is punctuated by benches and plenty of green space for picnics, fishing or relaxing on a bench swing. If you only do one thing while in town, make it a visit to the Riverwalk.

Holiday fun

'Tis the season, and Sanford is all aglow for the holidays. The holiday parade of homes is a wonderful way to enjoy the magic of Christmas as many of the area’s historic homes are decked out for the season. Plus, the Riverwalk is all alight for the season as are the many boats docked at the marina.

Small town with a lot of charm

Sanford is a small town with a ton of Southern charm and a growing craft brew scene. Don’t miss Celery City Craft (this brewhouse pays homage to the area, which was once known as the celery capital of the state), Sanford Brewing Co. and Wops Hops Brewing. And of course, artisan cocktails are also a growing art in the area. The art scene is eclectic and bohemian and appears to be importing top talent from Orlando and beyond who enjoy the slower pace the area offers.

You’ll need a few days to really explore the area, which offers a variety of outdoor activities: Katie’s Wekiva River Landing for kayaking; Zoom Air Adventure Park for ziplining, and Black Bear Wilderness Area for untouched Florida fauna.

Like most cities, the area offers a bevy of chain hotels or travelers can opt to stay at The Alling House, a bed-and-breakfast with a charming vibe or the historic Cassadaga Hotel, a 90-year-old property with a spiritual bent; book a stay and then schedule a reading with a psychic.

Visit the city’s website, https://www.sanfordfl.gov, to learn more.

Sanford is a rare find in Central Florida.

Zapala is a travel and lifestyle writer, based in the South.