Community Favorite Things List

Each year, the OCN team compiles a list of well-known and reader-submitted people, places and things in Greater Oviedo and Winter Springs that make this community a unique place to live. The list is not comprehensive. If you don’t see one of your favorites on the list, submit it to contact@oviedocommunitynews.org. 

Aligning with our nonprofit newsroom’s mission to help connect the community through information, we hope readers learn a new thing or two about their community or are reminded of a community gem that they should take time to enjoy. This list is OCN’s gift to its readers in the new year.

Editor’s note: Some readers made their submissions anonymously, which is why you’ll see that some submissions are attributed to a person’s name and others are not. If folks told us why they submitted something to the list, we included that as well.

The all-volunteer Oviedo Little League, which lays claim to being the oldest non-profit youth sports organization in Oviedo since its founding in 1969. Starting with kids age 4 and older their ethos is “to develop superior citizens rather than superior athletes.” One of our readers called them “family friendly, clean and positive.” 

Earlier this year one of our stories dove deep into the history of the namesake and man behind Oviedo’s historic Jackson Heights Middle School, which was mentioned as one of our readers’ favorite. They remarked on the school’s inclusivity and leadership of young students. 

Surprisingly few stores were mentioned this year, but the My Oviedo Store, owned by local Realtor Emma Reichert, made the list due to its local focus. One of our readers noted their local favorite items and their creative, unique fare. 

Speaking of Emma Reichert, reader Jean G., who had quite the list for us, said she deserved to be on ours. Reichert has been a champion of the community for a while now, whose Fred the rooster was well-known through the community. We wrote a profile story on him and Reichert in 2023. One of our readers called her “a community leader, a connector.” 

Jean also was a fan of Dave Pellar, whose exceptional professional photography helped our deep-dive collaborative project on the Florida WIldlife Corridor. She also mentioned the family-owned Oviedo culinary institution The Town House Restaurant. 

At the middle of the culinary epicenter of Oviedo in Oviedo on the Park, The Food Factory earned mention on our list from one of our readers. They said that The Food Factory’s diverse flavors, unique cocktails, music and comfortable atmosphere set them apart. 

Michael R. nominated Walls of Books, a new and used bookstore in Oviedo that’s been serving the community since 2019. He said the selection and quality of books, plus the friendly, courtesy ownership makes this store special.

Tabla Cuisine’s blending of Indian, Chinese and Thai under one roof hooked at least one of our readers, appreciating the local nature of the business and unusual flavor combinations. One of our readers liked that it’s not a chain while serving “delicious food!”

If you haven’t tried Lemongrass Thai Kitchen you might after reading from one of our readers, who said they serve the “best curry EVER” and with great prices. 

Partin Elementary School was described by a reader as a “sweet school that feels like home,” calling it “fun to be a part of.” That warmth poured from our story on Robyn Samuelson, the school’s music teacher who retired this year after 32 years on the job. 

With burning off some holiday calories on everybody’s minds, Momentum Fitness earned a mention from a reader who said that the gym had “personal touches,” the “best classes” and the “bessssst instructors” that made them want to support the local small business. 

Also on the diamond a reader mentioned Oviedo Babe Ruth Softball, saying that “the facilities are top notch” and “it’s family friendly.” 

Just down the road from Oviedo’s Sports Complex, Oviedo Bowling Center, an entertainment staple for decades in the area, earned a nod from a reader, who called it “a great local place to go for drinks and fun.” And don’t forget to stop by the unique blast from the past in The Pinball Lounge that’s right inside. 

Most of our reader favorites were for businesses, but in one case an individual was enough to merit mention on their own. Tabatha Leach, a massage therapist at Zen Space Wellness Studios, earned a shout out. “Truly an amazing and talented individual who is kind and easy to talk to,” they wrote.

Breakfast Club of Oviedo, tucked in just south of the Canterbury Retreat, also had some fans. 

Mainstreet Community Bank, a new bank on the corner of Mitchell Hammock Road and Central Avenue,saw mention by a couple of our readers, including Windi K. 

The newly opened The Crazy Cork Wine Bar in Oviedo on the Park and Winter Springs’ Hawaii Fluid Art both had a fan in our reader poll.

Imagine Performing Arts Center, which frequently earns a spot in our weekly event calendar, was a favorite of reader Angela H., who also liked the secret 50-year-old Argentinian recipe for Slam Dunk Sandwiches, in the Oviedo Lowe’s plaza.  

The senior-oriented Learning Institute For Elders at the University of Central Florida earned the applause of reader Rich S.

Seminole County’s Cross Seminole Trail bridge crosses over Howell Creek in Winter Springs – Photo courtesy Seminole County

Another reader liked the American Legion Post 243, ever-present in front of Oviedo High School. “They welcome anyone and everyone!” they said. That same reader also mentioned the old wooden converted train trestle crossing over the creek that’s a unique part of the Cross-Seminole Trail in Winter Springs. 

2023’s favorites list

Community Favorite Things List