Find the Best Things to Do in Baldwin Park
By Sarah Sekula
About Baldwin Park
Photo courtesy of Baldwin Park
Lakeside Luxe: Baldwin Park
From 1940 to 1968, this trendy neighborhood served as an Army Air Corps and Air Force base and later as the Orlando Naval Training Center, sort of a college campus for sailors. Today, it has been completely renovated and is home to thousand of residents. Our favorite result of the transformation: Fifty miles of paths and trails and 200 acres of parks.
See & Do
If you’re looking to burn a calorie or two, rent a ride at Loco Motion bicycle shop and pedal down the 3.5-mile Cady Way Trail that weaves past tree canopies, bougainvillea vines and hyper-manicured lawns. (Note: call ahead to reserve a bike). Nearby in Blue Jacket Park, a 55-acre park, is track and field complex, lighted baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic areas with covered pavilions, two children's playgrounds, a great lawn for soccer and field games, fountain plaza and grand stairs. In other words, plenty to keep you busy.
Eat
The Village Center on New Broad Street is a foodie haven. Here, you can revel in a mix of restaurants,that offer everything from sushi to mexican cuisine. Top it all off with Ferris and Foster’s Famous Chocolate Factory. Unique treats include the Al Cappuccino, a truffle topped with light brown sprinkles, and the Marshmallow Puff Daddy, a fluffy concoction on a stick.
Party
At Winestyles Wine Bar & Market, wines are grouped by taste, not type. That makes it easy to find the wines you love. Most wines are less than $30. For something sans alcohol, head to Planet Smoothie where ingredients include fresh fruits, juices and yogurt. Chocolate Chimp and Billy Bob Banana are crowd pleasers.
Shop
BullFish, a lifestyle concept store, has unique gifts galore including nautical collectibles, gourmet foods and wine, green products, casual clothing and stationery. Better yet, each Friday night, the owners host a BullFish Wine Flight. Feel free to bring Fido, it’s a canine-friendly establishment.