Park Avenue Shops in Orlando will make your heart race, especially if the thought of shopping for contemporary designer clothing and gifts gets you going. While staying at Bluegreen’s Orlando Sunshine Resort or The Fountains, you’re just a short drive away from world class shopping on Park Avenue, Winter Park.

Winter Park is an upscale enclave just north of downtown Orlando and minutes from both Bluegreen resorts. Home to Rollins College and several authors and artists, this tiny village, which sits among a chain of lakes, is anchored by Park Avenue and is bevy of boutiques.

Park Avenue store windows tempt, with apparel, accessories, books, art and gifts. Nearly everything a woman could want to wear, carry, give or receive can be found along this gracious but busy thoroughfare. There’s a heavy emphasis on contemporary designer labels, including shoes, so if you miss your Manolo Blahniks, fear not. You can try on another pair.

There’s little doubt that Winter Park shopping is an upscale destination event: sports cars line the street, and power deals are taking place at countless outdoor bistro tables. The city even hosts its own Fashion Week in early October; boutiques along Park have trunk showings of new lines the entire week prior. Then excitement builds, as a giant tent is erected in West Meadow, the lush green park adjacent to downtown. Just like at Bryant Park, the latest high-end looks debut on the runway for locals and visitors during this special event.

Every day is special on Park Avenue Shops in Orlando, though, as friendly boutiques are more than happy to introduce patrons to the latest fashion trends and designers who are making waves. The buyer at Ginger has amassed an impressive collection of designers – Patricia Green, Min Young Lee, Linda Loudermilk, Julie Brown – and goods by a host of smaller independent clothing labels. Tugboat and the Bird is a darling childrens’ store tempting its patrons with the cutest of clothing and décor.

Some names will be familiar to you as you shop Park Avenue: Bebe, Lilly Pulitzer (pink and green, anyone?) Eileen Fisher, Jacobsen’s. And in case you’re wondering, there are puh-lenty of things to keep the fellas amused, in case this is a day trip for two.

When it’s time for a break from shopping, or you want to walk off a delicious bistro lunch, stroll up Park Avenue to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Here you’ll find the world’s largest collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the renowned glass artist, as well as room after room of beautiful collectibles and furnishings. The Park is also a great place to enjoy a little fresh air and make final buying decisions.

The Park Avenue Shops in Orlando could well become your new favorite reason to take a break from the Disney Parks!