Hey y’all, Westly here! If we haven’t met, I’m the charming, handsome, and humble orange character you’ve been seeing around town with my friends at Healthy West Orange. You can’t miss me!
Who else is feeling ready for a fresh start in 2024? As we’ve learned in the last couple years, sometimes a new year doesn’t happen the way we think it will. But I know one thing’s for sure, our community is awesome! Whether your goals involve getting active, eating healthy, relaxing, or all of the above, there are places in our community to do it all! So come along on my tour of some healthy spots right in our backyard. I’ve got a few tips on hand that you might not know about. PLUS, read along until the end where you’ll learn about my 7th Annual Virtual 5K happening all month long! It’s free, family-friendly, and has a virtual and in-person option. You’ll be ready to take on 2024!
West Orange Trail, Workouts Your Way
There’s no way you can stroll around Winter Garden and not see folks zooming down the West Orange Trail on bikes, rollerblades, and on foot. I’m talking 22 miles of paved trail, from Apopka, through Ocoee, Winter Garden, and Oakland. It’s definitely the best way to get around town! But have you seen how many workout groups, activities, and events happen along the trail? You can rent a bike from Wheelworks, snip fresh herbs at my community garden in Oakland, or join a local exercise group like the West Orange Trail Sole-Mates or Winter Garden Runners! I love seeing folks get active together; it adds motivation and encouragement to a workout, and not to mention making new friends! You can totally train for a marathon, or take a relaxing walk with your pup, which is personally my favorite way to enjoy the trail. You can even see me at the Oakland Outpost cheering folks on! Stop by and snap a healthy selfie with me in 2024!
Winter Garden Farmers Market, More to Explore
Speaking of traveling the town on the West Orange Trail, one of my favorite stops off the trail is the Winter Garden Farmers Market! This is my go-to for fresh fruits, veggies, and more! But it’s more than just buying produce; I love chatting with local farmers about what’s in season, how to cook it, what items hold up best for meal-prepping, and even how to grow my own backyard garden! So be sure to stop and talk with the vendors. For instance, I had never heard of microgreens before, and now I pick them up every Saturday to put on all my salads! A top goal of mine for the new year is to add one more fruit or vegetable to my plate at each meal. Picking up my groceries from the market gets me so excited and motivated to eat healthy! An orange a day keeps the doctor away - something like that, right?
Tucker Ranch, A Growing Treasure
Life can get busy here in our community. Between early school mornings, commuting, and long days in front of computer screens, everyone needs a mental wellbeing break once in a while. Picture this: you’re walking under the shade of beautiful oak trees, listening to the birds sing, and watching the water ripple along a lake. This isn’t imaginary, this is real life at Tucker Ranch Recreational Park and Nature Preserve over on Avalon Road! 10/10 recommend for a dose of relaxation. Did I mention they have an awesome playground too? Parents – bring the kids to get their energy out and have a picnic, it’s sure to be a wellbeing boost for the whole fam! There are exciting additions coming to Tucker Ranch soon, stay tuned!
So, ready for your fresh start? Join the community and get active with Westly’s 7th Annual Virtual 5K and walk, run, bike, or even skateboard your way to 3.1 miles all January long, wherever you like. You can also join our awesome community group to complete your 5K in-person on Saturday, January 27 in Oakland on the West Orange Trail. I’ll be here to cheer you on! Register at HWOEvents.org
