Winter Haven

Legoland Florida

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.

Hours vary throughout the year·$65 (ages 13-59), $55 (ages 3-12, 60+)

Saigon Garden Vietnamese Cuisine

Vietnamese food. Excellent quality, good service, very clean.

11AM to 9PM every day·$7.95 to $12.95 for entrees

Street Audubon Center/Lake Region Audubon Society

Great birding location along with nature walk trails. Periodic events held for families.

Andy's/Andy's Igloo

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.

Entrées $5-8; Ice cream/milkshakes/sundaes $1-3.50

Art Cottage

Art gallery with art, prints, porcelain, jewelry, stained glass, and more for sale.

Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM

Buffet City

Chinese and other Asian food. Has a lot of seafood, chicken, pork, beef. Most food very fresh. Sushi quality is so-so.

Hours not posted online, but is open 7 days a week·$11 to $30, depending on order

Cypresswood Golf & Country Club

Semi-private 18-hole course. Lessons available, but no rentals.

Friends of the Library

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.

Mon-Sat 9AM-4PM

Harry's Old Place

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).

Lunch Tue-Fri 11:30AM-1:30PM; dinner Tue-Thu 5PM-9PM, Fri 5PM-10PM, Sat 4PM-10PM, Sun (Dec-May only) 4PM-8PM, closed between meals·$10-15

Manny's Chophouse

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.

Mon-Thu 4-10PM, Fri Sat 4-10:30PM, Sun noon-9:30PM·Entrees around $10-17

Richard's Fine Coffee

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.

Sunshine Flea Market

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.

Winter Haven Chain of Lakes Trail

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.

1st Street Diner

Fresh plates served and daily specials.

Andrea's Family Restaurant

Casual Greek and American fare. Daily specials.

Briscoe's Ride Center

Water skiing lessons.

Country Primitives & Homespun Crafts

Homemade crafts, flowers, patchwork purses, and more.

Tue-Fri 10AM-4PM, Sat 10AM-5PM

Crab Craze

842 6th Street NW (U.S. 17)

Don't forget the butter.

Harborside

Seafood Review

Daily 4-10PM·Dinners $15-25

Lake Bess Country Club

Public 9-hole course. Rentals and lessons available.

Little Studio Interiors

Fine gifts and jewelry.

Marine Supply

Pontoon boat rentals.

My Natures Delight Cafe

Organic raw vegan cafe.

Sakura Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar

Serves high quality Japanese food. Has sushi available.

Serves lunch and dinner every day

Tanners Lakeside Restaurant & Bar

1006 S Lake Howard Dr

Tsukiyomi Sushi Bar & Grill

317 W Central Ave

Willowbrook Golf Course

Public 18-hole course. Rentals & lessons available.

World Barfoot Center

Water skiing lessons.