Today I had a chance to visit the new Winter Garden Village shopping area (in the Orlando suburb of Winter Garden). While this shopping complex won’t hold its official “Grand Opening” until November 10, several of the stores and restaurants in this outdoor shopping Mecca are already open for business.

Those of you who followed any of the press coverage of the building of this center will already know that this district caused quite a controversy among local residents. Many debates were held between outspoken locals who didn’t want big developers coming into the region, and those who were for the idea of having commerce and other such conveniences brought into this ever-growing residential area. Personally I think the area was in dire of need of places to eat and shop, though driving through the Village today I did notice that it looked less like the similarly-named, upscale Winter Park Village atmosphere the developer had promised, and more like “The Loop” shopping plaza in Kissimmee… In other words, you’re more likely to find Old Navy than Banana Republic, and more inclined to see Longhorn Steakhouse than Morton’s. Plus, walking through this massive, open-air shopping plaza would be killer on the feet, and would be somewhat dangerous in terms of maneuvering through traffic. No, this complex has more of a drive and park (then drive to the next store and park) feel to it.

Once the Winter Garden Village fully opens next month (and in the months after that when more and more stores and restaurants begin to open) I do think traffic will be a beast. But, this only proves that such a complex was needed in this area of town. Overall, I think it will make life (or at least running errands) a lot easier for the residents of Winter Garden, Windermere and the surrounding areas. Heck, from a mileage standpoint this is probably even the closest mall to my house (located 20 miles away in the suburb of Clermont), which shows the far-reaching impact of this shopping center.

Like it or not, I think this change is a good one for the region. I know I’ll be heading back there in the future. I’m sure I won’t be the only one.

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