🗺️Visiting Oviedo? Neighbors recommend these spots

OVIEDO, Fla. – The Town House Restaurant - 376 E Broadway Street

Family owned and operated and you’ll feel like family at this restaurant. The menu described as “classic diner food with a Greek influence.”

Many of the customers are regulars, like Michelle Young, who’s lived in Oviedo for over 25 years.

“We come here every week because they treat us well, the food is good and it’s nice and clean,” said Young.

The Town House is family-owned and operated with quite the history. It was Oviedo’s first restaurant, established in 1955, becoming a staple in the community.

Forty-three year resident Thomas Ohanlon said that while the restaurant and city have grown over the years, it’s still got it’s charm.

“When I moved here there were 2,700 people and one traffic light. This is quite different right now. But the small-town charm and sense of community of Oviedo over the past four decades has not really changed much. Most of us are still here,” said Ohanlon.

Oviedo on the Park - 299 Center Lake Lane

At the heart of this vibrant neighborhood is a park featuring walking trails, lush green spaces and a serene lake where guests can enjoy swan boat rentals. The park also includes a playground, splash pad, picnic areas and open spaces for community events and gatherings.

In addition to its natural beauty, Oviedo on the Park boasts a lively town center filled with diverse dining options, boutique shops and entertainment venues, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Regular events, such as outdoor concerts and farmers’ markets, foster a strong sense of community and engagement.

Lukas Nursery - 1909 Slavia Road

Lukas Nursery sells a variety of plants, gardening tools and yard decor. It’s also home to a 4,000-square-foot butterfly and bird conservatory.

“Fun fact, butterflies taste with their feet. They smell, touch and balance with their antenna and drink with their proboscis,” said Edna Kane, who works at Lukas Nursery.

A little juice on your finger encourages butterflies to land on you for a fun encounter.

The nursery is historic. The Lukas’ is one of the founding families of Oviedo establishing a farm on the property in 1912. The business now has an inventory of more than 60,000 native plants, gardening supplies, home decor and more.

“A lot of people don’t realize the Lucas’ are still running the nursery. They’re one of the hardest-working families I know,” said Kane. “We have given back to the community in educating people about the life cycle of the butterfly, monarchs being in decline and a lot of the different host plants that we sell. If it grows in Central Florida, we’re going to sell it. If it doesn’t grow here, we’re not going to sell it.”

Econ River Wilderness Area - 3795 Old Lockwood Road

The Econ River Wilderness Area is a 240 acre property located on the Seminole/Orange County line south of the city of Oviedo, on the west side of the Econlockhatchee River. A walk on the approximately 3 miles of trails will take you through habitats such as pine flatwoods, sandhill, and river swamp. Wildlife observed on this site includes the great horned owl, white-tailed deer, bobcats, northern bobwhites, raccoons and golden mice. Benches are provided at a bend in the river so you can rest and enjoy the quiet serenity of this little piece of natural Florida.

My Oviedo Store - 50 Smith Street

Looking for a unique gift? My Oviedo Store is a small hometown store located in old downtown Oviedo. It carries a wide range of products - Oviedo, Geneva and Chuluota items, candles, local honey, vintage and new decor plus so much more. (You’ll find a lot of chicken merchandise in there, fyi.)

The Pinball Lounge - 376 E Broadway Street

Need we say more? It’s full of vintage and unique pinball machines for your gaming pleasure.