There’s so much to do in Sanford that there is no way to do it all in one day, or even two. You really could spend days exploring and finding entertainment, food, art, and drinks all around town. Luckily, this is right in Orlando’s backyard, and it welcomes families with open arms. Check out these other great places that are family-friendly in Sanford!
THE YARDERY
The Yardery is one of the newest additions to Sanford and it’s one that you must add to your travel list. This spacious outdoor eatery and bar feel like your own backyard at home. You can sit under the big oak tree or under the pavilion in the shade while you grab a bite to eat with the family, or you can grab a bucket of beers and kick back by the bar.
There’s a tire swing, corn hole, and other games to play to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy the day.
Sink your teeth into some of the savory barbecue sliders with crispy onions on top and wash it all down with a local craft beer. Here, they have Central 28 Brewing on tap, so I chose to sip on a crisp beer. They also have a list of crafted cocktails that are as nice on the eyes as they are on the tongue. If that isn’t tantalizing your taste buds enough, try out the Yardery Burger or the crispy shrimp–both choices can do no wrong!
The Yardery is one of the most family-friendly spots in town, so check them out the next time you’re around.
HOLLERBACH’S WILLOW TREE CAFE
One of Sanford’s most beloved businesses, Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café, is a well-known, one-of-a-kind restaurant in town. This authentic German restaurant holds so much culture and German beer, you’d think you were right in the heart of Deutschland.
The seating here welcomes large parties and families and they have an extensive menu that is as close to Germany as it gets. There are two floors with both indoor seating and outdoor seating.
Take the family out for lunch or dinner and choose from small plates, schnitzel, potato pancakes, sausage, sandwiches, and so much more.
The Riesenbreze-Aufschnitt is a charcuterie-filled soft and salty pretzel with various cheeses, salami, and liverwurst. It is very filling and perfect for a family to snack on while you wait for your mouth-watering entrees.
The Sauerbraten and Eisbein dishes are must-haves on the menu. Tender cuts of meat that are “haus” marinated paired with side dishes that will remind you of a good, homemade meal, just like mom makes!
The Sauerbraten is a dish of marinated, tender roast beef with a rich gravy made with red wine and ginger snaps to give it a tangy zing with notes of spice and ginger. The roast beef is paired with spätzle and sweet red cabbage. Mix it all together and get a taste of everything and take your tastebuds on a journey of flavors.
The Eisbein consists of a pan-seared skinless, bone-in pork shank that is juicy, tender, and paired with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. This plate will captivate your eyes and your mouth.
Grab a beer over at the gorgeous bar, pieced together and made with wood from Germany, or drink some beers and have a bite to eat at the rooftop overlooking picturesque Historic Downtown Sanford.
Don’t miss out on this outstanding and memorable place, or you will regret it.
DEES BROTHERS BREWERY
Another recommendation, and one of my favorite places to go for local beer, is Dees Brothers Brewery. Dees Brothers has food, beers, and games! Everything you need to keep the family entertained on a day out.
Their menu has tasty sandwiches and small bites for the kiddos that are sure to please. Grab a roast beef, grilled cheese, or a savory beer cheese appetizer that’s sure to please. They also have boiled peanuts, a Southern classic snack that’s not often seen around town.
Have a seat inside the taproom and take in the beauty of the brewery or sit outside on the patio with your furry friends. There’s also a beer garden with plenty of room for the kids to stretch their legs and hang out on a sunny afternoon.
Take a look at their tap list, start thinking about your flight of beer, and get in your car. After taking all this in, you’ll be itching to get to the brewery!
HENRY’S DEPOT
North Orlando has so much to explore, and my last recommendation here is Henry’s Depot! This food hall and bar has a large wrap-around porch with outdoor seating and a patio deck out back. Follow your nose to what you desire most. Is it pizza? Coffee? Ice cream? There’s something here for the whole family.
Henry’s Depot is one of Sanford’s old train stations and it’s “off the rails.” You will often find events, live music, and other fun things happening here, so you’ll have to follow them on social media to see what’s coming up next.
One of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat here is Salvatore’s Sandwiches. The sandwiches here are often raved over, and you can see why. Every single bite is bursting with flavor-–and it goes great with a drink in hand!
Henry’s Depot also has two vegan vendors: Dixie Dharma and Greenery Creamery! I got to watch the ice cream cones get made fresh off of the iron. The kids also loved every bite and ate their ice cream before it melted into a puddle. The Greenery Creamery undoubtedly will win over any sweet-tooth craving for sugar and sprinkles on top.
The Basin is the bar in the very back of the food hall. Check this place out if you’re thirsty for a beautifully crafted cocktail.
NORTH ORLANDO: YOUR NEXT TRIP IS HERE
Click here to check out the last blog post for more places to go here.
This little town has endless amounts of fun and more than what’s been mentioned. Go where the locals go and spend some time in some of Sanford’s watering holes and feast on local fare.
Ditch the theme parks and go on a tour, play, and explore Sanford and Orlando North!