Historic Downtown Avon Park
A charming historic district revitalized by HGTV, offering a laid-back atmosphere, unique shops, and eateries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Historic Downtown Avon Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming historic district revitalized by HGTV, offering a laid-back atmosphere, unique shops, and eateries.
"Discover a charming historic district with a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing stroll and local treats."
🚶♀️ Stroll the Circle
Take a leisurely walk around the downtown circle; it only takes about 5 minutes to see everything!
☕ Grab a Treat
Enjoy a milkshake at the Soda Pop Shop or try empanadas and pastries at Sophie's Cafe.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hotel Jacaranda
Downtown Avon Park Circle
The 'gracious lady' of Avon Park, a historic 1920s inn with a storied past, once hosting celebrities.
Revitalized Downtown Circle
Central Avon Park
Experience the results of HGTV's Hometown Takeover, featuring colorful chairs, benches, and a central park with music.
Sophie's Cafe
Downtown Avon Park
A popular spot for delicious empanadas and a variety of pastries, known for its reasonable prices.
Soda Pop Shop
Downtown Avon Park
A nostalgic stop offering a wide selection of unique and classic sodas, perfect for a refreshing treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hometown Charm
Timing is Key for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll the Circle
Take a leisurely walk around the downtown circle; it only takes about 5 minutes to see everything!
☕ Grab a Treat
Enjoy a milkshake at the Soda Pop Shop or try empanadas and pastries at Sophie's Cafe.
New Hometown Takeover
🚗 Easy Parking
Plenty of free parking is available on the side streets around the downtown area.
🏨 Historic Stay
Consider a stay at the historic Hotel Jacaranda for a unique, vintage experience.
We went to Sebring, FL after Home Town Takeover (S3) - AMA!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll the Circle
Take a leisurely walk around the downtown circle; it only takes about 5 minutes to see everything!
☕ Grab a Treat
Enjoy a milkshake at the Soda Pop Shop or try empanadas and pastries at Sophie's Cafe.
🚗 Easy Parking
Plenty of free parking is available on the side streets around the downtown area.
🏨 Historic Stay
Consider a stay at the historic Hotel Jacaranda for a unique, vintage experience.
🛍️ Explore Local Shops
Discover local boutiques and shops that have been revitalized, offering unique finds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Historic Downtown Avon Park for its charming, laid-back atmosphere and the visible impact of the HGTV Hometown Takeover. The revitalized circle, historic Hotel Jacaranda, and unique local eateries like Sophie's Cafe and the Soda Pop Shop are frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects. While some businesses have changed since the show, the overall experience is considered a pleasant and worthwhile stop.
"We discovered this charming historic district while driving through the city. It's recently gone through a renovation on the popular television network, HGTV. You cannot drive through the without wanting to stop and relax. The laid back atmosphere is just beckoning tired individuals to come and grab one of their colorful chairs or benches and just sit for a while...Do nothing or you can choose to have a cold bottle of soda/ice cream from the soda shop, a cold ale form the ale house, or even an ice coffee from the spot around the corner. If you're ever in sebring, just go. You will not be disappointed. There's a historic inn, multiple restaurants, and even a soap shop. It takes about 5 minutes to walk the entire circle. Have fun!🙂❤️"
SHAZAM LIFESTYLE
"It was interesting to see the results of the hometown makeover. Several stores were out of business and others were closed.
The Sebring Soap Co has already relocated. The mural and swing was still at the old location.
We went to the soda pop shop. There were a lot of different sodas to choose from. Some I haven't seen in decades. Nothing made by them though. Had a milk shake, it was ok.
Got some lunch at Sophie's Cafe. It's small and gets very busy. The beef empanadas were very good. They had a lot of different pastries to try. Kinda hard to know what to get for pastries when you don't know exactly what they are? A had a canoli and another filled pastry. They were good. Very reasonable prices.
Walked around a bit. There's a little park in the center with music playing. Probably an hour is all the time you need. Plenty of side street free parking. Weekdays are much less busy."
Scott Davis
"I went down to Sebring to see first hand what HGTV Hometown Takeover had achieved. Wonderful little town. Everyone was friendly and excited to answer questions and share their experience with HGTV being in town almost a year ago."
Douglas Allen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Historic Downtown Avon Park is easily accessible by car. It's located in the heart of Avon Park, Florida. Many visitors find it convenient to drive and park on the side streets around the downtown circle.
Public transportation options directly to Historic Downtown Avon Park might be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. If you are in a nearby city, consider ride-sharing services.
There is ample free parking available on the side streets surrounding the downtown circle. This makes it easy to access the shops and attractions.
Yes, the downtown circle is very walkable. It takes only about 5 minutes to stroll around the entire circle, making it perfect for a leisurely exploration.
Absolutely! Historic Downtown Avon Park is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering a charming experience with its shops, eateries, and historic sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Historic Downtown Avon Park. You can freely explore the downtown circle, parks, and public areas.
The downtown area itself is always accessible. However, individual shop and restaurant hours may vary. It's best to check the specific hours for any establishment you plan to visit. Weekdays tend to be less busy.
There are no entrance fees for exploring the general historic district. However, specific attractions like the Hotel Jacaranda might have their own policies regarding tours or access.
While there might not be official guided tours readily available, the walkable nature of the downtown circle allows for self-guided exploration. You can learn about its history as you wander.
The areas revitalized by HGTV's Hometown Takeover are part of the public downtown space and do not have separate admission fees. You can enjoy the improvements freely.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the historic Hotel Jacaranda, the revitalized downtown circle with its colorful seating, the unique Soda Pop Shop, and Sophie's Cafe for delicious food.
You'll find a mix of boutiques, specialty shops, and local businesses. Some stores may have relocated or changed since the HGTV makeover, but the charm remains.
Yes, the downtown circle features colorful chairs and benches, perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the atmosphere.
The central park area often plays music, contributing to the laid-back atmosphere. Keep an eye out for any local events or festivals that might be happening during your visit.
The vibe is very laid-back and charming, with a strong sense of community. It's a place to unwind and enjoy simple pleasures after its revitalization.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sophie's Cafe is highly recommended for its empanadas and pastries. The Soda Pop Shop offers a wide variety of unique sodas and milkshakes.
Options may vary by establishment. Sophie's Cafe might offer some vegetarian choices with their empanadas and pastries. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurants.
You can find a wide array of sodas at the Soda Pop Shop, coffee shops, and potentially local ales at an ale house mentioned in reviews.
Most of the dining options, like the Soda Pop Shop and Sophie's Cafe, are generally family-friendly, offering casual and approachable menus.
Prices are generally considered reasonable, with many reviewers noting good value for money, especially at places like Sophie's Cafe.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charm of the revitalized downtown circle, the historic Hotel Jacaranda, and any remaining murals or unique architectural details. The colorful seating areas are also great for photos.
Yes, the area is very walkable and offers many picturesque spots. Weekdays are ideal for photography as there will be fewer people in your shots.
The Hotel Jacaranda is a prominent landmark. Look out for any public art, murals, or the distinctive colorful chairs and benches that are part of the downtown's aesthetic.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting. However, the colorful nature of the downtown makes it photogenic throughout the day.
It's always polite to ask permission before taking photos inside private businesses. Most shops and cafes are welcoming, but it's good practice to check.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Sophie's Cafe provides kid-friendly food options like pastries, and the central park area with music creates a pleasant atmosphere for everyone. The overall laid-back vibe makes it easy to relax and enjoy a simple outing without the stress of large crowds, especially if you visit on a weekday.
💰 Budget Travelers
Dining at places like Sophie's Cafe offers good value with reasonable prices for empanadas and pastries. The Soda Pop Shop provides affordable treats. While the historic Hotel Jacaranda offers a unique stay, simply visiting and enjoying the atmosphere is a cost-effective way to experience the town's charm.
couples
Consider a visit to the historic Hotel Jacaranda for a touch of old-world romance, even if just to admire its architecture from the outside. The laid-back atmosphere provides a perfect backdrop for conversation and connection, making it a delightful escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The HGTV Hometown Takeover Impact
The results of the makeover are visible in the revitalized downtown circle, featuring colorful seating areas and a more inviting atmosphere. While some businesses may have changed or relocated since the show aired, the core improvements have left a lasting positive impression on visitors. The project aimed to create a welcoming space for both residents and tourists to enjoy.
Visitors often come specifically to see the impact of the show, and many are impressed by the transformation. The laid-back vibe and the visible improvements contribute to a pleasant experience, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in community revitalization projects or simply seeking a charming small-town atmosphere.
Exploring the Historic Hotel Jacaranda
Over the decades, the Hotel Jacaranda has hosted a remarkable list of notable guests, including sports legends like Babe Ruth and Hollywood icons such as Clark Gable and George Burns. This rich history adds a layer of intrigue and allure for visitors interested in the stories held within its walls.
While the hotel is a functioning establishment, its historical significance makes it a key point of interest for anyone exploring Historic Downtown Avon Park. Its presence contributes significantly to the area's vintage charm and offers a glimpse into a bygone era of Florida hospitality.
Culinary Delights in Downtown Avon Park
For a unique beverage experience, the Soda Pop Shop is a must-visit. It boasts an extensive selection of sodas, including many hard-to-find and nostalgic options. Visitors can also enjoy milkshakes, making it a fun stop for all ages.
Beyond these specific recommendations, the downtown area offers a variety of dining options that contribute to its laid-back atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a more leisurely meal, the food scene in Historic Downtown Avon Park provides satisfying choices for every palate.
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