Sanford

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Sanford, Florida has a lot going for it, including an impressive collection of historic architecture. But the town's leaders are also looking towards the future. Wi-Fi hot spots have been set up throughout town to help the locals get more connected. Also, a huge repaving project is underway downtown. The asphalt on First Street—Sanford's Main Street—is being replaced with brick pavers. This follows the completion of the Riverwalk, a trail that runs along the shores of Lake Monroe, just a short walk from downtown Sanford.

But this doesn't mean that Sanford is not without its challenges. Although Sanford is the Seminole County Seat, the county has been slowly moving its administrative offices out of downtown Sanford and into newer, swankier digs on nearby Highway 17/92—a major blow to retail and restaurant business. Also, downtown Sanford has suffered 25% vacancy rates. These challenges can be surmounted over time especially as the economy slowly pulls itself out of a recession.

Even with the vacancy rates this doesn't mean that there isn't plenty for you to do in Sanford. Most of the action is on First Street with some spillover onto Palmetto and Park Avenues. And one bright spot is Magnolia Square where several new cafes and businesses have recently opened. The small square features a quaint fountain and even a Farmer's Market every Saturday morning. Other businesses in town include gift shops, jewelry stores, galleries and much more. In fact, Sanford is known for its large number of antique stores.

Despite some vacancies, you can easily fill an afternoon strolling through Sanford. One downside to Sanford is its lack of restaurants. Fortunately, several new eateries have recently opened. Hopefully this is a trend that will continue. The several vacancies in Sanford are an opportunity for the town to grow into its role as a major destination in Central Florida for shopping and antiquing. In fact, Sanford has been reinventing its downtown as an Arts District. And that's important to a town like Sanford that's still looking towards its future.

Retail Hours

Shops are open during the day but are usually closed by 5 or 6 p.m. Many—but not all—stores are open on Sundays.

Parking

The town provides plenty of free parking. Street parking on or near First Street is limited to two hours.

Visitor's Center

The Historic Sanford Welcome Center (230 First Street, 407-302-2586) is open Tuesdays through Sundays.

Attractions

The Riverwalk Trail gives visitors a chance to walk along the beautiful Lake Monroe waterfront. And it's just a short walk from downtown Sanford.

Fort Melon Park (600 East First Street, 407-688-5103) is great for kids. It features a playground and a splash pad.

The Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center (201-203 South Magnolia Avenue, 407-321-8111) features live music, shows, and other entertainment.

Events

On the second Thursday of each month, Sanford features Alive After 5, an event that features food, shopping, and live entertainment. Each event also has its own theme.

Every few months, Sanford also holds Fourth Fridays, which with a small donation, includes wine and a "Gallery Walk."

Go to the Historic Sanford Welcome Center web site for more information about both events.

Directions

Sanford is about 24 miles from Orlando, Florida and 36 miles from Daytona Beach.

From Orlando, take I-4 east towards Daytona Beach. Take exit 101C for state road 46. Turn right at state road 46. Follow for about four miles. This leads to First Street, which is Sanford's Main Street.

From Daytona Beach, take I-4 west towards Orlando. Take exit 101C for state road 46. Turn right at state road 46. Follow for about four miles. This leads to First Street, which is Sanford's Main Street.

External Links

sanfordinfo.com

Directory

Antiques

Antiques & Dustibles (218 East First Street, 407-322-8100)
Robin's Nest Antiques (104 East First Street, 407-322-4440)
Something Special (105 East First Street, 407-323-5332)
The TreeHouse (222 East First Street, 407-936-2394)
Yesterday & Today's Estate Furniture (204 East First Street, 407-302-9502)

Apparel

The Next Best Thing (108 East First Street, 407-322-2226)
Sassy Fashions (212 East First Street, 407-322-1532)

Arts and Crafts

Glass Addicts (104 South Park Avenue, 407-324-5636)
Mosaic Station (106 South Palmetto Avenue, 407-323-3555)

Books

Maya Books & Music (205 East First Street, 407-321-6504)

Coffee and Dessert

Taste of Thyme Cafe (108 South Magnolia Avenue, 407-865-0798)

Dining

Angelo's Pizzeria & Family Restaurant (107 West First Street, 407-320-0799)
Colonial Room Restaurant (115 East First Street, 407-323-2999)
Gourmet 2 Go (101 West First Street, Suite A, 407-322-3779)
Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe (205 East First Street, 407-321-2204)
Morgan's Burger Bistro (106 South Park Avenue, 407-688-0025)
Stones Throw Bistro (107 Magnolia Avenue, 407-688-2508)
Taste of Thyme Cafe (108 South Magnolia Avenue, 407-865-0798)
Two Blondes & A Shrimp (112 East First Street, 407-688-4745)

Florists

Everything Gifts (210 East First Street, 407-927-9217)
Sanford Flower Shop, Inc. (209 East Commercial Street, 407-322-1822)

Galleries

Art Affair Gallery (301 East First Street, 407-466-6365)
Gallery on First (211 East First Street, 407-323-2774)
Jeanine Taylor Folk Art (211 East First Street, 407-323-2774)

Gift Shops

Everything Gifts (210 East First Street, 407-927-9217)
Ruthie Lee's Gift Shoppe (108 South Park Avenue, 407-322-7482)
Sanford Flower Shop, Inc. (209 East Commercial Street, 407-322-1822)
Susan's Treasure Chest (110 South Park Avenue, 407-256-8705)

Home Furnishings

Glass Addicts (104 South Park Avenue, 407-324-5636)
The TreeHouse (222 East First Street, 407-936-2394)
Yesterday & Today's Estate Furniture (204 East First Street, 407-302-9502)

Jewelry

Susan's Treasure Chest (110 South Park Avenue, 407-256-8705)

Music

Maya Books & Music (205 East First Street, 407-321-6504)
Tuned Up Music Center (111 East First Street, 407-302-3166)

Sporting Goods

St. John's Cycles (116 South Palmetto Avenue, 321-363-4928)

Taverns and Clubs

The Alley (114 South Park Avenue, 407-328-0700)
The Black Swan (118 South Park Avenue, 407-268-9447)
The Tin Lizzie Tavern (109 West First Street, 407-321-1908)
The Wet Spot (112 South Park Avenue, 407-321-1900)

Wine

Sanford Wine Company (114 South Palmetto Avenue, 407-302-8620)