FLORIDA PLACES AND DESTINATIONS - SANFORD
Seminole County, just a 15-minute drive north of downtown Orlando, is a natural choice for a relaxing change from the hustle and bustle of the traditional Orlando attractions.
Sanford, one of area’s cities is full of attractions of its own.
In 1870 General Henry Shelton Sanford, former Minister to Belgium, purchased 12,535 acres of land and laid out his namesake community. General Sanford arranged for a colony of Swedes to settle the area, work an orange grove and experiment with fruits and flowers from all over the world.
Today, Sanford is the county seat of Seminole County, Florida, with a population of over 40,000.
The Sanford Museum allows one to step back in time and visit the family of General Sanford as well as get a glimpse of life in Seminole County in the late 1800s.
Another museum, The Museum of Seminole County History offers a glimpse at Seminole County's agricultural history as well as life of days gone by showcasing a vast collection of period antiques, historical photographs and exhibits of early Florida agriculture and transportation.
Another major Sanford attraction is the Central Florida Zoological Park. Encompassing 109-acres, the zoo features more than 400 animals like elusive cheetahs and clouded leopards, towering elephants, colorful mandrills, beautiful macaws and fascinating reptiles. Visitors stroll along elevated boardwalks while enjoying Florida’s natural beauty.
Entertainment in the old days came to Sanford by train - in the form of the circus. It is estimated that from the late 1800’s to 1950’s over 1,000 elephants trampled the streets of downtown Sanford. Today, entertainment is less heavy and takes its shape in the form of the Helen Stairs Theatre, incorporated in 1922, and located in the heart of historic downtown Sanford. The theatre features musical and theatrical acts from national and local talents such as the Wekiva River Players, the Orlando City Ballet, Seminole Community College and more.
Of course, no visit to Sanford would be complete without including the 350,000- square-foot Flea World, one of the nation's Top 10 flea markets. Covering 104 acres in Sanford and boasting more than 1,700 dealer booths, it is America's largest flea market under one roof.
Photo: Visit Florida
