florida – LAUREN ALEXANDRA

A Brief History

Sanford sits on the south shore of Lake Monroe at the head of the St. Johns River. During the Seminole Wars of the 1830s, the area was the site of a U.S. Army post named Fort Mellon. As settlers moved into the area, the town of Mellonville was established. With the advent of commercial steamboat service, the town became a distribution point for goods essential for the growth of Central Florida. When Orange County was created in 1845, Mellonville became the county seat.

In 1870, Henry Shelton Sanford purchased the land west of Mellonville. He planned a new city “The Gate City of South Florida,” which he believed would become the transportation hub for all of South Florida.

By the first decade of the 20th century, Sanford was one of the largest vegetable shipping centers in the United States and received the nickname “Celery City” for the most successful crop.

On April 25, 1913, Seminole County was officially established with Sanford as the county seat. In the boom and bust years that followed, Sanford shared in the growth of Central Florida.

(Excerpt is taken from SanfordFL.gov)

The Imperial at Washburn Imports

The Imperial is “a neighborhood bar specializing in boutique wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails. Come enjoy a relaxed evening in one of our comfortable yet elegant surroundings. Orlando’s leading furniture provider for one-of-a-kind pieces you’ll cherish for a lifetime.“

This place is so unique! Not only do you get to have a delicious drink, but you can also admire all the furniture and art around you. The top of the bar is simply mesmerizing!

The vibe: International quirky, yet local historic. An art and furniture lovers dream!

The Sullivan Public House

The Sullivan Public House is “a full-service, classic Irish Pub. They serve the finest of Irish beers and whiskeys, as well as classic Irish plates and feature live Irish folk music.”

This traditional Irish Pub has everything you are looking for. The intricate woodwork houses dozen of whiskeys. Although they have many booths and a very long bar to sit at, you’ll want to check out one of the coziest seats in the house. You and your friends will have your own snug space attached to the end of the bar, complete with a service window. How cool is that?!

The Vibe: Traditional Irish Pub with lots of fun games to play. (Check out their team puzzle nights!)

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe “serves the freshest expertly prepared German Food in Central Florida. Theo, Linda, and Christina Hollerbach invite you to share our goal of providing you with a memorable meal and to experience German Gemuetlichkeit. Gemuetlichkeit is a sense of well-being and happiness that comes from enjoying the company of friends and family while savoring good food and drink. We offer traditional menus items found in Gasthauses across Germany as well as American favorites and original menu creations. Our recipes include many old world traditional, and family specialties. All of our dressings are made fresh in our kitchen as well as our soups and desserts. We strive to use only fresh ingredients and avoid pre-processed food. You can truly taste the difference.”

This place shouts all things, German. Willow Tree is a very popular place to meet in Historic Downtown Sanford. Whether you show up hungry for a traditional meal, or just looking to grab a beer, you won’t be disappointed. And they’re expanding! They will be completing the amazing build-out to extend into Magnolia Square where they will utilize the second story. Follow them on social media for more info! #ProjectHollerblock

They also have a huge Oktoberfest street party every year. German food, German beer, wine and Schnapps, polka music, people dancing in Lederhosen and Dirndls. You can’t go wrong.

The Vibe: Fun, energetic, authentic German

Magpies

Magpies Modern General Store is just as cute as can be. The large display windows draw you into a bohemian store filled with (mostly) local treats such as jewelry, stationery, plant-based soaps, housewares, and more. Everything about this store is amazing; the products, the design, the thoughtful displays, the plants, the hardwoods. They have a large chalkboard calendar in the front window with local events around the downtown area; a wonderful way to build community between the businesses.

The Vibe: Boho, affordable

Maya Books & Music

This local bookstore has been downtown for some time but recently moved down the street. Because it’s mostly filled with used books, as you enter you’ll notice “old book smell”. It’s cluttered, yet charming. Books cover the walls. You can feel the history all around you. There are all genres of books. Upstairs is the music loft. A book-lover can easily spend hours in here and walk out with an armful of books for less than $30.

The Vibe: Cluttered, yet charming; old floors and shelves (like Grandma’s house)

Historic Sanford Welcome Center

Let me just say by I am so thrilled that my little home town has a welcome center. It has clean bathrooms, cold water, snacks, a shop area, maps, restaurant menus, and a super helpful and friendly concierge. I love the fact that they have Sanford T-shirts, hats, koozies, keychains, etc. Visiting the welcome center is something I highly recommend even if you’re a local. I hope you get a chance to visit and walk around the historic downtown. Whether it be day or night, I promise it will be a treat.

This is only a sample of businesses located in downtown Historic Sanford. Here are some more to explore!

Happy Sanfording!

Xo Lauren

Tag: florida

My Home Town: Sanford, Florida

A Brief History

The Imperial at Washburn Imports

The Sullivan Public House

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe

Magpies

Maya Books & Music

Historic Sanford Welcome Center

Restaurants

Breweries, Beer Gardens, and Wine Cellars

Cocktail Corner

Theatre

Art

Live Music