Drawing attention to local businesses and smaller attractions remains one of my main goals for this blog. So far, I’ve succeeded in my quest to get to know Florida better, but I’ve excluded one important local area from the mix: mine.
In opening myself up to the local possibilities here in Davenport, I’ve discovered some of my favorite activities, restaurants, and businesses. This small city may not be the epicenter for all things hip and cutting edge, but we are growing–rapidly.
Enjoy this guide to my neighborhood including enjoyable activities, local eats and some other area favorites.
Things to Do (Local and Nearby)
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Rides
Davenport is home to one of the coolest things you can do in Central Florida: hot air balloon rides. Bob of Bob’s Balloons is a local legend in my eyes; he can be spotted up in the air by morning and supporting local restaurants by night. He’s an all around good guy and runs a super professional business.
Expect around 3 hours for your balloon ride experience which includes setup, flight time, and landing. Spending a morning watching the sun come up over Central Florida is an experience that just can’t be beat. You will not regret doing this, I promise!
The City of Davenport
Despite living in the area for 4 years, I’d actually never been to the real city. I didn’t quite know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised to find a tiny but growing city with several historical buildings, scenic parks, budding businesses, and a tight knit community. I do use the term city lightly, because Davenport is tiny and walkable from one end to the other.
I teamed up with a close friend, Denise, who also happens to be a code enforcer for the area to take a tour. We started at the city hall building which has been standing since 1927 and once functioned as city hall, a jail, and the fire station all in one. The area is also full of unique homes, several other historic buildings, and small walkable parks. It’s exciting to see this little corner growing!
Bok Tower Gardens – Lake Wales
Bok Tower Gardens is a peaceful spot to visit when friends and family are in town, and something I recommend to locals and tourists alike. The gardens are large – 250 acres – with the gorgeous singing tower as a pretty backdrop.
Although it’s a bit of a drive (45 minutes) from Davenport to Lake Wales, it’s worth it for a half day spent wandering the quiet paths, listening to the carillon bells which can be heard all throughout the park, and enjoying the scenery. This is such a beautiful place in Central Florida, but it easily gets lost in the noise of large theme parks.
Lake Louisa State Park
I owe the discovery of this park to my mom (thanks Mom!). Lake Louisa has since turned into my go-to spot for a day in nature. Located on Highway 27 near Clermont, Lake Louisa is a scenic park filled with pine trees, lakes, hiking trails, equestrian trails, cabins, and other camping options. There’s also a small beach area with tables – great for a picnic or a day spent lounging by the water with a good book.
Other local attractions include Legoland (Winter Haven) and Cinepolis (words cannot express how excited I was when we finally got a movie theatre – AND it has a bar inside!).
ALSO TRY:
• Hang gliding at Wallaby Ranch
• Day trips to nearby cities like Celebration (15-20 minutes), Lakeland (30 minutes), Winter Haven (30-45 minutes) and Plant City (45 minutes)
Where to Eat: Local Favorites
Ovation Bistro and Bar
This is my local hangout of choice; great for date night, girls night, and everything else. Since opening their Davenport location, Ovation has expanded to Winter Haven and will soon open a third location in Lakeland. The menu is American fare with a specialty in BBQ (they smoke all of their own meats in house).
My favorite item on the menu is hands down the Bravo Tacos (are you surprised?) with pork and yummy cucumber salsa. BBQ meats can be found in a variety of dishes including tacos, flatbread, sandwiches, potato skins, loaded nachos and more. I may or may not have tried all of those aforementioned options already. (And this is why I work out.) If you visit soon, give the Cucumber Mint Lemonade cocktail a try–holy yum.
Ovation is Veteran owned and it’s not uncommon to see the owner, Joel, visiting every single table to chat with guests. It all adds to that welcoming neighborhood vibe which can be a little hard to find in this area. If I had to choose just one restaurant nearby to recommend, it’s this one.
The Fish and Chip Shop
Another discovery I owe to my mom (should I start paying her?) who noticed the sign while we were driving around Champions Gate. The space was once Paris Express-my favorite place to get breakfast-so they had big shoes to fill. They do NOT disappoint!
Traditional options like haddock (my fav) and cod are available along with fresh chips and mushy peas. I also never pass up a side of potato salad. John is a big fan of the handmade pies, which are also delicious. The space is small but inviting, and I always enjoy watching the video playing on a loop on their TV of scenes around England and beyond.
Sh-Booms Ice Cream & Sweets
Sh-Booms is an adorable 50s/60s music themed ice cream shop complete with a variety of flavors, diner-style digs, a jukebox, and vintage music decor featuring Elvis, The Beatles, and more. It’s also just a few doors down from Ovation if you’re looking for dessert after your meal.
This ice cream shop definitely gets bonus points for atmosphere – it’s easy to feel like you’ve fallen back in time as soon as you walk in the door. If you want good homemade ice cream, this is your jam. If you prefer soft serve, check out Twistee Treat nearby, which is another favorite of mine.
Mannino’s Pizza
A Davenport guide is not complete without mentioning Mannino’s Pizza. You know when you just really want some greasy, delicious, farthest thing from healthy NY style pizza? (Every Friday night for me.) Mannino’s is my number one answer to satisfying that craving.
It’s a local favorite and a best bet next time you’re craving pizza. Also, you can fully expect this to be dinner at least one night if you’re visiting me. Other options for pies include Mia Pizza (thin crust) and Dulcetto (yummy, but sometimes their service can be slow).
NEW EATS
• Adler’s (beware, the burgers are addictive)
• First Watch Champions Gate (it’s a chain, but our best option in town for breakfast)
• 4Corners Tavern
• Axum Coffee at the Orlando Cat Café (their sandwiches and pastries are to die for, as are the signature drinks. Plus, you can play with cats in the cat café next door!)
Other Local Favorites
Cenoté Day Spa
I’ve been going to Katelyn’s spa ever since discovering it a few years ago and can’t recommend it enough. Located in the Bahama Bay Resort, Cenoté is a full-service spa that’s local approved. I’ve been for massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures and highly recommend it if you’re looking for a personalized spa experience. Cenoté has an additional location at Regal Palms Resort down the street.
COMING SOON: New Horizons Yoga studio (yes, Davenport is getting a real yoga studio. I cannot wait!)
Still convinced Davenport is a forgetful stop somewhere between Orlando and Tampa? Me neither. 🙂
Post last updated August 2018
So informative! I didn’t know much about Davenport but Ovation & Sh-booms sound like musts!
It’s pretty quaint 🙂 But it’s been fun to find the great spots hiding here! Both Ovation & Sh-Booms are right off I-4 at the Highway 27 exit. Super easy stop if you’re on your way to Tampa and want some lunch or ice cream. Thanks for reading!
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Thank You for this!
My fiance and I are in our mid-twenties and looking to buy our first home in Davenport. Looking forward to exploring based on these recommendations!
That’s so exciting…congratulations! I’m really glad this post was helpful to you. I actually need to make some updates, as a lot of new things have opened. There’s now a great movie theater in Posner Park (Cinepolis) that has a bar in the main lobby area. ChampionsGate is also booming with the addition of new apartments and dining/retail. First Watch is a wonderful spot for breakfast (even though it’s a chain), and two new local restaurants are opening very soon. Osteria is an Italian kitchen, and Blue Coast is Asian fusion. In the Four Corners area, we also have a lovely coffee shop, Axum Coffee, located inside of the Orlando Cat Cafe. Cenote Day Spa also now has a second location at Regal Palms just a few minutes away from their other location.
If you’re totally new to the area, I’d recommend doing some day trips as well! Lakeland, Winter Haven (Grove Roots Brewing is awesome if you’re craft beer fans!), and Plant City (Parkesdale Market, Two Henry’s Brewing/Keel Curley Winery, The Corner Store all great stops) have plenty to offer. I also LOVE going into Celebration, which is only about 15 minutes from Davenport. It’s a great spot for biking, walking, and dining. And they have an edible cookie dough shop!
Clearly, I need to make some major updates to this post 🙂 Happy exploring and I wish you a warm welcome to the area once you find a home!
Hi. We are new to the area. Any good fishing or kayaking spots nearby? Thanks
Hi Crystal, and welcome! For fishing, I’m not too sure but a few years ago my boyfriend and I went out on Lake Toho with a bass guide and had a ton of fun. It’s in St. Cloud/Kissimmee area, so not too far. For kayaking, I believe Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont has kayaks for rent and you can bring in your own if you have them. They have some nice big lakes to explore. You might also want to check out the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. Right here in Davenport, I’m not sure of many spots, but I do know there’s a boat ramp at Northeast Regional Park in the Four Corners area for access to Old Lake Davenport. Other than that, I always find it worth the trip north of Orlando to gorgeous spots like Rock Springs Run and Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Love your post. My daughter and I are looking at a home in Davenport. She will be attending Full Sail and we didn’t want to live right in Orlando or Winter Park so this seems like a good location. Can’t wait to check out some of the places you mentioned.
Hi Jackie! Thanks for taking the time to read this post and comment. I have some serious updates to do as New Horizons Yoga opened late last year (I LOVE it!) and I really want to highlight some of our new food spots too. Davenport is rapidly growing with a lot of new housing and retail developments being built and in the works. We’re even getting a Chipotle and a Home Goods! Haha :). While traffic in the area has definitely grown, we do have access to the Poinciana SunRail station which offers a very easy commute via train (weekdays only) into Winter Park, several places in Orlando, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Sanford and even as far north as DeBary. I often prefer riding the SunRail to driving because I-4 can get hectic. Good luck with your home search and feel free to send me any questions you may have!