Meet some of Winter Garden's merchants

What happened to the Winter Garden Diner? Not good enough for a mention?

The Thai restaurant is very good. Also, check out the art gallery across the street. Mark Pulliam, an artist to the stars, has opened a small gallery.

They also have a nice little history center there. I just hope the renovated movie theater will show classic MOVIES there on occasion in addition to plays and concerts.

"I just hope the renovated movie theater will show classic MOVIES there on occasion"

They do. Go to www.wgtheatre.org and click on the movies link for the schedule. I am looking forward to Roman Holiday on September 6th.

All I can say is be careful Winter Garden, you have a very bad element to the East that creeps in on occasion. You need to address this so you dont become the new Metro West

I grew up in Winter Garden. I remember the old Card Store there but can't remember the name?? I recently was there in January and couldn't believe the changes downtown. I do miss seeing Shirley's Antiques as you come into town. Winter Garden has done good to redevelop their downtown.

And when downtown don't forget the Attic Door, a classy, intimate wine and coffee bar with live music Wed--Sat and monthly wine pairings.

Downtown Winter Garden is definitely a place my family and I go to dine. We also love the farmer's market on Saturday mornings.

What a bunch of male bovine excrement.
Winter Garden, like other antiquated small towns in Florida, is DOOMED - big time! Welcome to the future Pine Hills West.

Too bad the article did not mention the visionary businesses who helped make WG downtown what it is today, many who are being forced out because of greedy landlords and higher rents.
Gotta love these downtown fathers who spend 14 mil on a the new megalithic ego sized city hall yet allow the east area (less than 1000 yards or so away) continue to deteriorate
Dillard Street still looks like downtown Pine Hills
The "prettification" only happens where it can benefit wealthy property owners

I live here,it reminds me of the small farm town i grew up in KS.like everything else,good stuff and bad stuff.good kids and bad.i really don't have any answers for this.just ride it out,maybe the EASTside will be next?

Many Congrats to the downtown merchants. I drop by weekly to enjoy the new additions and discover new favs. I am hoping that Downtown Clermont can get it together to bring another success story to West Central Florida. Downtown is looking great WAY TO GO.
Bob Bowman VP Downtown Clermont Partnership.

Wasn't it The LR who recommended to buy in Winter Garden and UF Adumb said that was stupid? You better stay in your cubicle boy and refrain from givin out real estate advice.

Felipe Jalapeno Enchilada wrote:

What a bunch of male bovine excrement.
Winter Garden, like other antiquated small towns in Florida, is DOOMED - big time! Welcome to the future Pine Hills West.

LOL!

What the heck is a mooncricket? I googled it and the first dozen entries indicate that it is a racially perjorative term. I do not want to fall into the abyss of political correctness but could the owners or some other knowledgable person tell me the plain meaning so I can get past this.

John is right, and it's what I was going to post... "Moon Cricket," though obscure, is an offensive term for African Americans. Anyone have knowledge on why the owners chose that name? Has there been any outcry from the community?

How on earth have you left out one of the old landmarks of the city one block off of the main strip? The Winter Garden Restaurant. That is the name of one of the best old fashioned home style restaurants still left in Orange County for that matter for a good old fashion breakfast or lunch. Maybe you didn’t know but it is a true landmark in the city for visitors and locals. It surprises me that new businesses are being spoken about but a landmark that has been around since the 1960’s and maybe earlier was ignored. There have been different owners of the Winter Garden Restaurant over the years but the food has never been better and with the economy now hitting everyone hard I find it disappointing that the Sentinel would leave out one of the little guys that make up the dynamic atmosphere of the small town of Winter Garden. I know there were other businesses that weren’t mentioned but I was shocked to see the Winter Garden Restaurant left out when they are right off of the main drag and are a staple of the city. I encourage anyone to give them a try and see for yourself.
Thanks- Pat

I love Downtown Winter Garden and go there often with my family. I especially love the convenience to just walk around the farmer's market on Saturday mornings.

yes it was so sad to see the winter garden left out in that. The new owner Catherine Klauzowski has worked so hard to make it a good family restaurant, she has put her hopes and dreams to the test and it has been tuff for her....
You sould really do another peice and make it up to her.

Yes I can not believe that a Great news service like the Orlando Sentinel would ever miss a land mark like the the Winter Garden Restaurant.I have eaten there numerously and found their food one of the best of west Orange county.I too would like to see a reprint with a mention of what they missed when they wrote it up.Cathy has been a pillar of the community and has done her fair share donating her time to the community.