A picturesque lakeshore community.
Intertwined with the Butler chain of lakes, the Windermere community is a beautiful community with plenty of natural scenery. Windermere is a great place to see some of Florida’s traditional native plant species including the saw palmetto, and cypress and oak trees. Today, Windermere is a favorite of its residents not only for its scenic natural setting, but for the convenient proximity to Central Florida’s theme park attractions without the hustle and bustle of downtown life.
Windermere’s motto “Among the Lakes” comes from its position: centered on the Butler Chain of Lakes. The largest lake, Lake Butler, is located to the west, Lake Down to the east and Lake Bessie to the southeast. There’s something for every water enthusiast on Windermere’s crystal clear, sand-bottomed lakes whether that be fishing, swimming, boating, or skiing.
Windermere boasts a diverse mix of architectural styles; small cottages give way to sprawling estates. Well-maintained dirt roads continue to preserve the Town’s charm for the approximately 3,000 residents, just as they have since the Town was incorporated in 1925.
Despite the rapid growth surrounding the Town, Windermere has managed to preserve its natural beauty and strong, tight-knit community. Quality of life for its residents is one of the Town’s top priorities. Boasting twelve parks, three piers, a swimming area, two boat ramps, six tennis courts, three basketball courts, and a library, Windermere residents have a multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities. Shade is important to those outdoor activities, and the Town is proud to have been named a “Tree City USA” for its commitment to preserving the environment and urban canopy.
The Town is always seeking ways to enhance itself without diminishing the small-town charm residents and visitors love. Windermere will soon become home to a small, outdoor concert pavilion and the Windermere Ward Trail, which will allow pedestrians and cyclists to travel to and from parks, schools, shopping/dining, and municipal areas; safely away from traffic.
Windermere’s brick-paved, oak-lined Downtown District is the hub of all activity in Town. Families gather for brunch in the mornings, ice cream in the afternoon, and evenings during the multiple monthly events on Main Street – some that draw thousands of people from all over Central Florida.
Friday mornings, Windermere hosts a diverse Farmers Market where patrons can shop fresh produce, seafood, meats, baked goods, jewelry, soaps, leather, pastas, oils, seasonings, crafts, and more. The fourth Friday of each month also offers visitors the chance to sample any type of cuisine imaginable during the monthly Food Truck Night – with over 15 different trucks each month, even the pickiest of eaters will find something they enjoy!
Other events include the TreeBute/Arbor Day Celebration and the Windermere Wine and Dine in January; the Windermere Police Department Foundation St. Patrick’s Day event and PetFest in March; the Windermere Police Department Easter Egg Parade and the 5K/10K Run Among the Lakes in April; the 4th of July Pancake Breakfast in July; Cops & Bobbers fishing event and the National Night Out in September; the Craft Beer Fest and the Halloween Hayride/Costume Parade in October; Light Up Windermere in November; and the Holiday Movie Night and Holiday Social in December.
More than anything, Windermere’s best feature is its sense of community. Whether it’s neighbors gathering at the parks, families at an event downtown, Town Staff/WPD Officers on first-name bases with residents, or the all-volunteer Mayor, Council, and board/committee members: when you’re in Windermere, you’re home.
Events
Subscribe
Sign up for a weekly newsletter with the latest blog posts and exclusive content. In your inbox every Tuesday!