Horizon West In Hamlin Its What's Happenin'

For such a lovely and idyllic area, the village of Hamlin’s history is surprisingly rooted in a time of hardship. The land that Hamlin covers was once filled with beautiful orange groves. After these groves faced a damaging set of freezes in the 1980’s, the owners gathered together and from their loss came a new idea for Horizon West and what a revolutionary Florida community could look like. Their hope was to create a faction of villages, all within walking distance of each other, that could foster a sense of unity. Forty years later and the dream that those original founders had is being fully realized. So much has grown since that time and the current residents of Hamlin in Horizon West and surrounding villages are reaping the benefits of these founders’ words.

The village of Hamlin is a seamless blend of mom and pop shops and beloved brands. There is a wide variety of cuisine and dining types to satisfy whatever cravings and convenience one may need. Looking for a quick bite that’s not the usual burgers and fries? The French Cafe offers quick service and unique cuisine. Want to sit in luxurious settings and have an authentic Mediterranean meal? Try Bosphorous, serving Turkish cuisine and excellent happy hour drinks! If you’re looking for a way to close out a date night, Cinepolis is a luxury multiplex within walking distance of most communities that features reclining seats and a gourmet menu. (While Cinepolis is currently closed, they are making plans to begin reopening soon and have outlined their plan on their website). These and many other new offerings are in the process of being built, like Ford’s Garage and others to satisfy your needs and desires.

The walk to and from surrounding communities and the Town Center also offers wide sidewalks and well-maintained parks for the little ones. Hamlin is the perfect place if you want a wholesome and unique community to raise your children in and call home. Not only are there numerous top-rated grade schools to choose from, there are also several new pre-K centers opening to assist with your little ones. In Hamlin and Horizon West there are always family events going on to keep the you and your family busy.

If there is one thing that is indicative of almost all human beings, it is the need to gather together and be sociable. Although our world’s current circumstances may make this difficult, we will always find ways to come together and socialize. Hamlin is no different. This community is built around the idea of being close knit and has adapted wonderfully to safety concerns related to COVID19. It’s expected that in time the local community Food Truck nights and larger community gatherings will be back going, but for now we will have to settle with the many social media community pages most that require you to live in the area to be connected, also seeing our friends in passing or by other means.

The local Winter Garden Library has moved all their scheduled events online and looking through the available offerings, it’s hard not to find something for the whole family! From crafting for preschoolers to Photoshop classes to “Ask An English Teacher” question and answer sessions, kids who have been cooped in the house will find numerous ways to expend that extra energy.

One excellent example of local adaptation in the face of current events is the Winter Garden Farmer’s Market. Open from 8 AM to 1 PM every Saturday in the historic Winter Garden downtown, this local treasure has been voted Best Farmer’s Market in America. The Farmer’s Market has instituted new rules to ensure the safety of shoppers, including new hand sanitizing stations and only allowing the sale of prepared food.

Many Hamlin events have moved online to reduce in person contact. Venardos Circus is a traveling animal cruelty-free show that features magic, Cirque Du Soleil style clowns and gymnastic feats that has graced the Hamlin Town Center several times in the past. The outbreak of coronavirus has prevented them from traveling to Winter Garden, however they are selling tickets to an online stream of their enchanting show on Venardoscircus.com.

For those looking to network, Horizon West Magazine has moved their networking events to a virtual Zoom meeting, to allow young professionals to safely continue making contacts within their community. The first and third Wednesday of each month, these professionals meet to discuss how the community can safely begin reopening. Also offered is a Horizon West Community Lunch Meetup, every Thursday at noon. While more casual, it is a good way for local residents, professionals and community leaders to chat about local events. The meeting information for both of these events can be found via the Horizon West Magazine website.

So what is next for Hamlin? This community refuses to let the coronavirus slow it’s progress and the newest member of the Hamlin family will be A.G. 's Market! Named for one of Hamlin’s founders, Arthur George Hamlin, A.G.’s Market will hold numerous food and drink vendors including burgers, sushi and dessert options. There will also be an outdoor lawn area where the Disney fireworks will be visible. While the project’s end date has been pushed back, the opening date is set to be in the final quarter of 2020. A.G.’s Market will surely be a bright spot in the future that Hamlin & Horizon West residents can look forward to!

Difficult times have been known to bring communities closer and Hamlin is no exception. The way this quaint village has adapted and grown from hardships is truly inspiring, and they’re just getting started. Those looking for the newest hotspot for food and fun should keep an eye out for Hamlin.

Mike Spicer local Realtor, lives, works and enjoys Horizon West daily. If you ever have questions about the neighborhoods or homes in the area feel free to reach out to Mike directly, he would love to help. This blog was written by, the Michael Spicer, P.A. Team.

Michael Spicer, P.A.

Assoc Broker

License BK3377446

Keller Williams Realty at the Lakes

407-705-2232

Mike@MikeSpicer.com