Apopka is also known as the “inner foliage capital of the world” due to its multi-billion dollar foliage industry. In the 24.9 square miles of the city, much of the land outside the commercial and residential area is still used for agriculture. Located in Orange and Seminole counties (but predominantly Orange County), Apopka borders Altamonte Springs and is also 12 miles northwest of popular tourist destination, Orlando. The estimated population is 37,000, and Apopka stands out as the home of the 2001 Minor League baseball champions.
government
The city government is led by Democratic Mayor Joe Kilsheimer, who defeated the city’s last mayor, John H. Land, after a 55-year term. Mayor Land was honored in 2011 as the longest-serving mayor in the United States.
Story
The area was inhabited by Seminole Indians who lived along the banks of the Apopka River. The word Apopka comes from the Timucuan Indian language and means big potato. The area was settled by non-natives in 1842. In the 1850s, the settlement began to grow due to the agricultural opportunities available in the area. The area continued to grow rapidly in the 1860s and 1870s and was incorporated as a city in 1882. Apopka is currently one of the fastest growing areas in Central Florida due to new construction at Florida State Road 429 (Daniel Webster Western Beltway), a major highway in the area.
Visitor information and notable places
While Apopka is a quieter city than the larger destinations in central Florida, there are still plenty of things to do in the city for visitors. There are quite a few lodging options for guests, though many are popular chain hotels like the Hampton Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express, as well as local motels. There is a greater variety just outside of town in Altamonte Springs.
There are several attractions in the area, such as the Museum of the Apopkans, housed in the historic Carrol Building that was built in 1932, which teaches visitors all about the history of the city, and Wekiwa Springs State Park and Kelly Park / Rock Springs State Park. where you can walk, swim or just relax outside.
For a walk on the wild side, be sure to stop at the truly unique CATalyst, where guests have the opportunity to come face-to-face (but safely through fences) with several different species of big cats, including lions and tigers, and learn how to let go of stress instantly.
There is a great diversity of types of restaurant cuisine available. From steakhouses like the Back Room Steakhouse to Italian cafes like Caffe Positano and the influence of Cuban cuisine at Herbers Cuban Cafe, no matter what your taste buds are, there is something here in town for you. Seafood restaurants are popular too, and you can also find traditional Irish pubs, Chinese food, sushi restaurants, steakhouses, and much more!
