Shopping is a Walk in the Park at Altamonte Springs

Shopping is a Walk in the Park at Altamonte Springs

We know shopping is close to the heart of many of our UK visitors, but did you know you can combine a healthy spot of retail therapy with a glorious walk in the park?

The place to go for this two-for-the-price-of-one experience is Altamonte Springs, just north of downtown Orlando, which has the wonderful benefit of being right next to Cranes Roost Park.

“Cranes Roost where”? you might ask. Well, in the spirit of highlighting many of Orlando’s superb off-the-beaten track attractions and locations, we’re pleased to showcase this latest local gem.

Where is Altamonte Springs?

It isn’t exactly a hidden secret as such, but it is very much a locals’ hang-out, and it makes a really pleasant, and less crowded, alternative to the bigger shopping destinations of Florida Mall or Mall at Millenia, especially if you visit on a weekday.

The city of Altamonte Springs is exactly nine miles north of Orlando and 40-45 minutes from the ChampionsGate villa community. Incorporated in 1920, it is officially part of rural Seminole County but feels more urban in its design and make-up.

At the heart of the city is Uptown Altamonte, which bills itself as “the city’s premier business and urban residential district,” and is home to the Mall, the 18-screen AMC Cinema and a nice selection of restaurants.

It is also easy to find as it is at Exit 92 off the I-4 Highway, turning right onto E. Altamonte Drive then first left onto Cranes Roost Boulevard for the park, or third left on Essex Avenue for the mall.

What’s at Altamonte Springs?

Altamonte Mall is the main attraction here, a glittering, modern, two-storey shopping centre with almost 150 shops and dining outlets, from big-name brands to independent local boutiques.

It offers both extensive outdoor parking and a multi-storey car park, right next to the AMC Cinema, which shows the latest movies and includes a high-tech IMAX screen with the latest audio enhancements.

Take your pick from department stores Dillard’s, JC Penney and Macy’s, as well as substantial outlets for Charlotte Russe, H&M, Shoe Carnival, Champs Sports and Build-A-Bear Workshop. There are also unique items to be found in the small-scale shops including Brighton, Francesca’s, Oceanology, Kay Jewellers and Miniso.

For dining, look out for the fun style Bahama Breeze, the elegant Seasons 52 and sports bar Friendly Confines for full-service options, while there are numerous snack kiosks and a food court with 11 different serveries, including Taco Bell, Villa Italian Kitchen and Mandarin Express. There are even more choices along the nearby Altamonte Drive.

What’s Outside?

This is the major bonus with any visit to Altamonte Springs. Step outside the mall from Macy’s or Dillard’s and you are a literal stone’s throw from Crane’s Roost Park, a scenic 45-acre urban park surrounding a lake and fountain.

It features a complete one-mile walking circuit along paths and raised boardwalks, with benches and covered seating to be able to sit and enjoy the view, which borders the I-4 Highway. The lake contains plenty of large-mouth bass and a variety of turtles that tend to hang around the boardwalk waiting for food!

The park is beautifully landscaped and boasts some eye-catching architecture, as well as the signature Cranes Roost sculpture on the north shore, called Nurture.

There is also the Eddie Rose Amphitheater with stadium-style seating and a floating stage for special events, which are numerous and well worth catching if you’re in town at the right time.

Why Should I Go?

When you’re looking for that ‘something different’ place to visit, and one that won’t cost a penny (outside your shopping, food and drink or cinema tickets), this is a lovely, relaxed place to spend a day.

It is definitely a chill-out spot during the week but at weekend it really does come alive, especially for special events – including one of Central Florida’s biggest Independence Day fireworks celebrations, called Red Hot & Boom, which is held on the nearest Sunday to July the 4th.

Bring a picnic and you have the makings of a truly blissful day out, away from the theme park frenzy – and much easier on your wallet!

For more details and events, check out Altamonte.org and AltamonteMall.com. For more shopping options, check out the Debbie’s Villas Shopping Guide.

What off-the-beaten-track gem have you discovered in Orlando? Let us know on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.