Meet Amanda Ladner— College Park Hospitality Expert
Hi, my name is Amanda! I’m a Florida native, born and raised. I’m a double graduate of the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and moved down to College Park after getting my Master’s degree in Business Administration last year. I was drawn to the community because of the character of all of the homes, how many local shops/restaurants there are and I love being so centrally located!
On a typical weekend, you can find me at the Winter Park farmer’s market first thing in the morning. After hauling my veggies and plants home, I’ll go to Ollie’s to catch a Gator game and maybe hit a few thrift stores on the way home. I love to end the day with a wine/cheese and game night at my house, surrounded by friends. Perfect day!
A few of my favorite things: Plants, my cat, embroidering, coffee, farmer’s markets, hiking/camping, budget traveling (I love a good deal!), thrifting, wine, more plants, more wine…specifically, drinking wine in my Florida room, surrounded by plants. I’ve also started composting and have a garden started in the backyard…wish me luck!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m the youngest of 2! My parents live down in Port St Lucie and sister is in Tampa. My daughter is a 3 year old rescue cat named Sprinkles (panicked with picking a name and landed on this).
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I work for Wyndham Destinations in their Inventory department. Without boring you with the details, I love working for a hospitality company with a great culture.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
RusTeak (great happy hour!), Digress Wine, Christo’s Café (Dad’s personal fav)
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I just passed my one year mark in June!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Sarah, the super sweet owner of the Good Crowd shop! She sources so many unique and fun products and supports local businesses, black owned businesses and women entrepreneurs. She knows the backstory for all of her vendors and it adds such a special touch when shopping for gifts (or myself, let’s be real).
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
No budget: New Zealand (so much to do and so much beautiful scenery); Budget: Oregon (hiking, fresh air, coastline, breweries)
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Schitts Creek is my new favorite! I think I’ve overdone The Office through quarantine.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
The Lumineers
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Zach Galifianakis and I would want him to treat me like I’m on his Between Two Ferns show, because he’s hilarious. He seems like a casual guy, so we’d probably go to The Local.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
What drew me to live in College Park is how walkable it is. Whether it’s a walk on the cobblestone street to get outside or a 10 min walk to Publix, it’s so nice to have so much close by without having to jump in the car!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’ll probably still be in my house in College Park (but with 2 bathrooms instead of 1), with either a husband/partner or 3 more cats.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I don’t like naps. I almost always wake up more groggy. Give me a shot of espresso instead.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Costa Rica…the rainforests are so beautiful!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Very generic answer…but I love Christmas. I’m with family, I love watching people open gifts and the neighbor throws a pretty decent Christmas party.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Publix’s Carrot Cake
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coffee and Christmas Trees!!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, Warmth, Plants
