Hold on to your hats, Polk County! There’s a new destination in Central Florida and it’s right in your backyard. If you’ve driven down Highway 27 between Haines City and Dundee recently, you may already be waiting with delightful anticipation to find out what’s been brewing on big Lake Hamilton. The answer: beer, coffee, and family fun for all ages. Port 27 is set to open in early spring and is sure to become a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.
Nestled on the shore of Lake Hamilton, where Kokomo Road meets Highway 27, Port 27 promises an experience like no other. There’s a brewery, a coffee shop, multiple food vendors, watersports AND shopping! The brainchild of owner and designer Luis Sosa, this exciting establishment has been years in the making. Luis, his wife Monica, their daughter Nicole, and literally every other local member of the Sosa family, have worked tirelessly to turn this dream into reality. I spoke with Nicole Sosa-Thurdekoos to find out more about this unique spot and what guests can expect when they visit.
The Sosa family, originally from Venezuela, relocated to Central Florida fifteen years ago and began searching for the perfect location. “We’ve always been in the food service industry,” Nicole said. “Originally, my grandparents are from Europe, so we had restaurants in Europe and then in Venezuela, and now here.” They knew they wanted something on the water with the potential to grow with their business. “It took years until we found the right place, and we fell in love with this lake, so that’s why we chose here,” explained Nicole. “I feel like this place… it’s just magical,” she added.
Perched on the lakeshore and partially tucked into a canopy of oak trees, Port 27 is reminiscent of a quaint Nantucket beach town, fashionable and charming. An arched bridge leads you past a wall of greenery and a massive wooden deck meanders through multiple clapboard buildings where something exciting awaits with every turn. There is outdoor seating galore, play areas for children, a white sandy beach, and even a sunken garden of sorts for relaxing. The family has also built a pier for easy boat docking and jet skis are available for rental. In addition to the beautiful outdoor space, each building offers its own specialty.
Port 27 Brewing Co. occupies the only pre-existing building on the property and overlooks the lake, a large outdoor stage, and the Tiki Bar. The cozy and inviting taproom offers handcrafted ales and lagers made with specially selected premium ingredients, as well as exciting seasonal selections and sours. (Dole-whip sour, anyone? Yes, please!) If beer isn’t your thing, the Tiki Bar will offer refreshing cocktails on the lakefront, along with a breathtaking view of the sunset.
If you’re hungry, Port 27 has several options to satisfy every palate. Antica Trattoria, a quick service stop, offers customizable, piping hot brick oven pizzas, as well as salads and pasta in a chic and casual setting. For those with a taste for something else, Burger Bar is serving up mouthwatering classic and gourmet-style burgers and fries, along with other traditional pub fare. The more health-conscious patron can order from Juice It, the cute and trendy juice and smoothie bar, and even customize their own smoothie to accommodate any dietary restrictions. In addition, there will also be three micro-restaurant food wagons offering crepes and waffles, tacos, and Asian fare.
Coffee lover? Sweet tooth? No problem. Van de Walle Artisan Chocolate and Café Roastery (named after the family patriarch) offers expertly brewed, house-roasted coffee, as well as decadent handcrafted chocolates made in their enormous, sparkling confection kitchen. For guests on the run, there is even a drive-through window for a quick morning coffee! If you’re looking for something a little cooler, the Ice Cream Shop offers a variety of hand-crafted gelato and popsicles, including classic and inventive flavors, all made in-house.
In addition to food and drink, there are several shops to satisfy almost every interest. The Vintage Studio showcases antiques and reclaimed and refurbished pieces, including vintage clothing, accessories, and décor. At the Soap and Candle Factory not only will guests be able to purchase hand-crafted soaps and candles, but they will also have the opportunity to watch the artisans as they work. Classes and workshops will be offered for guests who want to learn and craft their own candles and/or soaps. You can also snag Port 27 merchandise at the General Store and browse vinyl records at the Crow’s Nest, which will boast a radio station with podcast recording capabilities!
For those interested in activities, Port 27 has covered all the bases. At the Gallery and Local History Museum, visitors can learn about the area’s past and perhaps even browse the collection of a local artist. There’s an Arts and Crafts Station for family fun and children’s activities like face painting and lawn games. There will also be live music and trivia on certain days. For those looking to enjoy the weather and water, Port 27 has taken full advantage of the stunning lakefront property. From a brand-new pier (for those arriving by boat), a white sand beach, jet ski rentals if you prefer to cruise the lake and make some waves, or simply watch and wave from a lounge chair on the shore, you will not be disappointed.
The goal was to create not just a destination but an experience. Nicole said, “It is very much the detail that makes the experience.” No detail has gone unnoticed, from the reclaimed wooden doors, to the lush landscaping, to the plethora of options for food, drink and activities. “You can come here and you can spend a whole day here,” said Nicole. “You can bring anybody in your family, from young kids to people that are older, people that enjoy drinking [or] people that enjoy coffee. There’s something for everybody.”
In the future, Port 27 hopes to not only grow with the community but enhance it as well. Plans for both a fine dining restaurant and a private events venue are underway. “We think it’s going to be great for the area, kind of help into that growth,” said Nicole. “We [also] try to get involved with local farming,” she added. In fact, the brewery already donates its leftover wheat to local farmers, giving back to the community AND reducing waste.
Port 27 has been a dream of Luis Sosa’s for a long time. With the help of his family, that dream has taken shape and truly become a family affair. “Everbody [in the family] that lives here, is involved in one way or another,” said Nicole. That might be what makes this place so special. It’s an entire family, coming together, using their individual talents and skills to create a space for others to gather and enjoy. “He finally found the place, and people that supported his dream, and we’re here,” Nicole added. Port 27 is exciting, magical and charming; trust me when I say you want to be there, too!
Whether you’re looking for a day out with the family, a place to take visiting friends, or even just a place to unwind after a long day, on behalf of the Sosa family, fair winds and following seas to Port 27! Find more information at port-27.com.
Photography by Amy Sexson & Provided
