From white picket fences to old-fashioned lanterns, this Florida town perfectly captures the heart of small town America from years gone by.
With an upbeat name like Celebration, it’s no surprise that this picture-perfect town near Orlando was created by Disney. Neatly trimmed hedges line the thriving village streets, while children ride colorful bicycles down the sparkling sidewalks. It’s hard to know whether you’re in a real town or you’ve wondered into the Magic Kingdom.
Rest assured, it’s a real town. The palm trees may be spaced evenly apart, the names of the shops might include fairytale words like “enchanted,” and in the winter, fake snow definitely falls at perfectly timed intervals, but we promise that the people you pass by are residents, not actors.
Local homes range from bright condos to sprawling estates. One of the main streets, Celebration Boulevard, keeps the area looking modern in its art deco style. Take a look at the street signs to note the helpful names, such as Front Street and Market Street, which takes you straight through the heart of downtown.
Looking for old-fashioned fun? Visit during the holiday season. The halls are well and truly decked, with lights strung up around the entire town and carol singers making their way through the streets, wearing elf ears and spreading Christmas cheer. A synthetic, Florida sun-proof ice rink provides an afternoon of fall-over fun for the whole family.
During the rest of the year, the best way to understand the cultural flavor of Celebration is to experience the actual flavors, from authentic Tex-Mex to scrumptious sushi to comfort food favorites. Finish each day with a drink on the tavern by the lake, or bike off all the calories with a sunset ride through the manicured trails.