About Sanford

Photo courtesy of A.D. Thompson

Nestled on the shores of Lake Monroe, downtown Sanford, its buildings and brick-lined streets lovingly restored, is a 180-degree turn from the fantastic plasticity of the resort area. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the 1.2-mile lake shore walk, shop- and bistro-lined main drag and the postcard-perfect historic homes surrounding its commercial hub.

See & Do

Downtown Sanford's visual appeal notwithstanding, once you've lured people in to visit, it's in your best interest to keep them there. Between its Saturday farmer's market in Magnolia Square and regular evening cultural events such as Alive After Five and the Sanford Art Walk, town planners, along with local artists, musicians and business owners, have given us reasons to visit again and again.

Eat

High-brow foodies might insist on bringing foie gras and pheasant to the masses, but love of the small-town diner will never die. It's alive and well at Sanford's Colonial Room, in fact, where breakfast items like grits and country ham effortlessly deepen our fondness for the blue-plate special. Up the street at Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe, folks come from miles around for authentic German fare: sauerkraut, brats and beer (the latter sometimes served in a "boot")! Just say, "ja!"

Party

Downtown Sanford does not want for watering holes. Many, including the West End Trading Company and Alley Blues Bar are exceedingly casual. Others, like Ellen's Wine Room or Jason's Martini Club, move a notch or three up the dress-code flow chart. Little Fish, Huge Pond is something else: a hybrid of wine/beer bar, art gallery, music venue, hookah joint and some other wonderful public-house animal you won't quite be able to put your finger on.

Shop

Years ago, as Sanford began its re-gentrification, its main drag was end-to-end with antique shops. In subsequent years, other businesses like Washburn Imports and the Gallery on First, along with bistros and bars, have moved in to join the burgeoning commerce party, but antique enthusiasts and treasure hunters will still find fruitful shopping in places like Something Special & Antiques, The Tree House and more.