The history of Celebration is one of a kind. Founded by The Walt Disney Company in the mid-1990s, this master-planned community was fashioned a er historical American small towns, with civic buildings designed by world-famous architects like Philip Johnson, Cesar Pelli and Robert A.M. Stern. Today, Celebration is a welcoming and charming town, with a character all its own (in fact, Forbes Magazine , named it one of America’s 10 prettiest towns). The picturesque downtown is compact and walkable. The community features a diverse and interesting mix of housing—condos, townhouses and grand “Estate Homes,” all of which are situated on attractive, pedestrian-friendly streets. Visitors can learn a lot about Celebration by taking the self-guided architectural walking tour (pick up the map at Town Hall). The tour covers Celebration’s downtown and explains the stories behind the town’s most architecturally interesting buildings (including the original Preview Center designed by Charles Moore, which once let prospective residents survey lots from its tower; the SunTrust Bank building by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown; and the post o ice by Michael Graves). You’ll pass some of Celebration’s restaurants (read more on pgs. 46, 48, 50) and cafes. A er your walking tour, rent a bicycle and explore Celebration’s miles of scenic trails. Celebration Bike Rental , located behind the Bohemian Hotel, will rent you a bicycle, hand you a map and a bottle of water, and direct you on an 8-to 10-mile journey along lakeside nature trails (where you’re sure to see wildlife), quaint residential streets and the brick-lined roads of downtown. unique shops, plentiful parks, public spaces The main shopping promenade in Celebration is Market Street , but shops can be found throughout downtown. Shopping options include a bakery for dogs; clothing boutiques for men, women and children; and the Market Street Gallery , which o ers home décor, jewelry and a year-round Christmas room. Downtown also o ers plenty of places to relax and enjoy the outdoors, including the tree-shaded Market Square Park , with its water fountain surrounded by benches. One of the most scenic spots in Celebration is the Lakeside Promenade Fountain , overlooking the huge Lake Rianhard. Surrounded by palm trees and benches, the fountain is interactive, which means kids love to splash and play in its three rings of water jets. Some of Celebration’s downtown structures were designed to encourage people to congregate. An example is a Philip Johnson-designed red brick building that previously served as a Town Hall and a Welcome Center. Its “forest” of white columns and sloping metal roof creates covered “porches.” 3 common myths about celebration MYTH: Celebration is part of The Walt Disney Company. MYTH: Celebration is a gated community. MYTH: The wildlife in Celebration is audio-animatronic. FACT: The town is located on a tract of land that once was owned by The Walt Disney Company, but it is now part of Kissimmee. FACT: There are no gated areas in Celebration—anyone is welcome to visit any part of the community. However, use of recreation facilities are restricted to residents. FACT: All the animals in Celebration are real. Visitors o en spot birds, turtles, fish, deer and alligators. Celebration o ers year-round events, including nightly snow falls during the holidays, car shows, concerts, food festivals and holiday happenings. To see what’s happening in Celebration during your visit, check out ExperienceKissimmee.com/Celebration ExperienceKissimmee.com 57
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