Pictured: The Banyan House, offering upscale modern American cuisine along the lake, opens April 24. Photo courtesy of Wellen Park.

April ushers in more highly anticipated business openings in Downtown Wellen, including The Banyan House, the flagship lakeside restaurant, and the first retail store, Naples Soap Company. Also coming in April are Kind Vibes Outfitters, Bright Ice Scoop Shop, Dr. Jeffrey Seymour Smiles Orthodontics and Capstan Financial Consulting Group. Located in Wellen Park, one of the fastest-selling residential communities in the U.S., Downtown Wellen is the region’s vibrant new must-visit destination, presenting unique opportunities for socializing, outdoor fun and a waterfront vibe within an inspiring setting of green spaces and lawns, gathering areas and wide-open water views across 80-acre Grand Lake. The Banyan House, offering upscale modern American cuisine along the lake, opens April 24. The restaurant features a large bar and lounge and dedicates 2,000 square feet to alfresco dining with prime lake and sunset views. It’s also the exclusive caterer for Solis Hall, downtown’s elegant rental event venue for private parties, milestone celebrations and black-tie soirees. Kind Vibes Outfitters opened its doors April 1 as Wellen Park’s one-stop-shop for renting kayaks, paddle boards, bicycles and e-bikes. Bright Ice Scoop Shop introduces Wellen Park to small-batch super-premium ice cream and gourmet flavors with the April 22 opening of its first ice cream parlor south of St. Petersburg. Naples Soap Company, specializing in natural and organic skincare products, brings shoppers a close-to-home location opening April 17 for the beloved women-owned brand, started in Southwest Florida. Professional and medical offices opening in April include Capstan Financial Consulting Group, a firm providing wealth management, investment, estate and retirement planning opened its doors April 3, and family orthodontist Dr. Jeffrey Seymour, who will welcome his first patients April 19. These businesses join Villani & Co. Steak Seafood Raw Bar, Florida Lakes Spa and Florida Lakes Vein Center, which debuted in March. Downtown Wellen’s pedestrian-friendly outdoor areas are fully open, including The Yard, a casual dining and entertainment center featuring gourmet ballpark fare from Atlanta Braves-affiliated Pop Dawgs and New England-style seafood at Claw & Co. served from retrofitted shipping containers. Rolling openings in the fully leased first phase of Downtown Wellen continue through summer with Oak & Stone Artisan Pizza Craft Beer, Foxtail Coffee Co., DanaTyler jewelry and fashion boutique, Breakwater Home Fashions, Paint Nail Bar, RWA Engineering, Agility Physical Therapy and Acqua Pazza making their debuts in coming months. For a complete list of openings and businesses, visit wellenpark.com/shop-dine. Patrons are encouraged to call businesses in advance to confirm operating hours. 

Pictured: The Banyan House, offering upscale modern American cuisine along the lake, opens April 24. Photo courtesy of Wellen Park.