Welcome to Lake - 2023

Minutes Matter: Trust Central Florida’s #1 ER

Heart Attack Experts in Lake County

In an emergency, minutes matter. That’s why AdventHealth ERs provide emergency heart care every minute of every day. Our cardiac experts use the latest technology and specific treatment plans to give our patients a better chance for a full recovery. If you experience any of the symptoms below, call 911 or go to your closest ER immediately.

• Feeling weak, light-headed, nauseous or faint

• Pain or discomfort in the chest, jaw, neck or back

• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders

• Shortness of breath

With 26 locations throughout Central Florida including two in Lake County, the #1 ER in Central Florida is always near you.

YourTrustedER.com

Lake County’s Only ‘A’-Rated Hospital.

Orlando Health South Lake Hospital has received an ‘A’ safety rating from the Leapfrog Group for the ninth consecutive time. We are the only hospital in Lake County, to receive an ‘A’ during the fall 2022 grading period. Our commitment to you, your safety and quality care has been proven for over 75 years, and we are proud to continue delivering top-level service for all. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/SouthLake

The Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Score Program, Fall 2022.

OUT ON THE TOWNS

Lake County’s quaint towns haven’t transformed into tacky tourist traps. Instead, you’ll find charming main streets with fantastic dining and shopping opportunities.

WATER WORLD

From spring-fed rivers to pristine lakes, our waterways make a big splash when it comes to fun-filled recreational opportunities.

DESIGN: MICHAEL GAULIN

PHOTO: NICOLE HAMEL LOCATION: SKI BEACH BAR & GRILL

DIRECTOR

Enjoy endless outdoor adventures and old-fashioned Southern hospitality.

Whether it’s the Florida breeze through your hair as your kayak paddle hits the water or the fresh squeeze of local produce, the Land of 1,000 Lakes immerses you in a destination experience your family will never forget.

Lake County offers visitors a unique Central Florida vacation, encapsulating charming small towns, high-flying adventures and the slower pace of life, all with Southern hospitality. Located just 30 minutes from metro Orlando, Lake County allows you to skip the manufactured fun for authentic Florida memories.

If you find yourself walking one of our many quaint downtowns or you’re here for a competitive sporting event, we hope that Lake County will quickly become your home away from home.

Among our lakes you can fill your time with water activities galore. Explore Tavares, America’s Seaplane City, or dive into Alexander Springs, a natural mineral spring, where the water is always 72 degrees. From birding to bass fishing, let our Florida nature leave you in awe. Then, get your blood pumping with a monster truck ride through citrus groves or a high-powered boat ride.

The sunsets and the sips of southern tea make life a little sweeter here. Our staff at Discover Lake County truly hope

you receive the fullest Lake County experience while visiting. Ready to explore? You’ll find a wealth of resources about the county and its unique cities, cuisine, adventures and accommodations within this guide or right at your fingertips at www.DiscoverLakeFL.com.

Hope to see you in Lake County soon,

PRESIDENT | DOUG AKERS doug@akersmediagroup.com

PUBLISHER | KENDRA AKERS kendra@akersmediagroup.com

EDITORIAL

JAMES COMBS james@akersmediagroup.com

ROXANNE BROWN roxanne@akersmediagroup.com

CYNTHIA MCFARLAND cynthia@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

GARY CORSAIR

DESIGN

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR | MICHAEL GAULIN

GRAPHIC DESIGNER | SHAWNEE COPPOLA

GRAPHIC DESIGNER | ALEJANDRA DJERMANOS GRAPHIC DESIGNER | BRITTANY FOGT

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY NICOLE HAMEL AARON WOCKENFUSS

ANTHONY RAO

BERNARD BRZEZINSKI

CINDY PETERSON FRED LOPEZ

ADOBE STOCK CITY OF ASTOR

CITY OF CLERMONT CITY OF MOUNT DORA

CITY OF TAVARES LAKE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY VISIT LAKE FL

SALES & ADMINISTRATION

Ryan Ritchie

DIRECTOR OF DISCOVER

LAKE COUNTY, FL

VP OF SALES AND MARKETING | TIM MCRAE tim@akersmediagroup.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING | MELANIE MELVIN melanie@akersmediagroup.com

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE | AUBREY AKERS - SIMMONS aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

OFFICE MANAGER | EMILY GAULIN emily@akersmediagroup.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT | SHAENA LONG shaena@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER | FRANK SUAREZ frank@akersmediagroup.com

AKERS

LEESBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TAVARES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SOUTH LAKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

08 WELCOME TO LAKE COUNTY

REMEMBER THESE DATES

Cities and towns throughout Lake County are home to a vibrant array of festivals and events focused on music, food, culture, sports, and arts.

APR.

6 - 15, LAKE COUNTY FAIR

The fair is officially 102 years old this year and the family-friendly event promises to be better than ever with free entertainment, livestock shows, carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, and games. Don’t forget to bring your appetite, as funnel cakes, Philly cheesesteaks, corn dogs, and elephant ears await.

Lake County Fairgrounds • 2101 County Rd 452, Eustis

28 - 30, LEESBURG BIKEFEST

Visitors enjoy live music, biker games, biker shows, and poker runs, as well as meeting people from all over the country who share a love of motorcycles. This event has earned the title of “the largest three-day motorcycle and music event in the country.”

Gator Harley-Davidson 1745 US-441, Leesburg

29 - 30, MOUNT DORA

BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL

Blueberries, long hailed as a powerful antioxidant super food, are celebrated in all their glory. Fresh-picked blueberries from local fields will take center stage, along with vendors showcasing blueberry baked goods, blueberry-themed crafts, and blueberry wine and beer.

Downtown Mount Dora 530 N Donnelly St, Mt. Dora

JUN.

6, TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN AND JERK FESTIVAL

Clermont’s Waterfront Park is filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the Caribbean during a multicultural experience of Jamaican-style jerk food, live music by Caribbean bands, spectacular costumes, and island rhythm dances.

Waterfront Park

100 3rd St., Clermont

SEP.

16, SIPS & SALSA FESTIVAL

This unique event at Clermont’s Waterfront Park introduces cultural cuisine through a variety of exquisite dishes, live salsa music and dancing, a chihuahua race, domino tournament, and a kid’s zone.

Waterfront Park

100 3rd St., Clermont

FLORIDA WILDLIFE FESTIVAL

The festival increases awareness and promotes the safe coexistence of humans and wildlife by fostering community appreciation of the Florida black bear and other native wildlife species.

Cadwell Park, Umatilla

JUL.

4TH OF JULY

Mount Dora, Eustis, Leesburg, Clermont, and Groveland celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang as fireworks illuminate the night sky.

13 - 15, PIG ON THE POND

Visitors to Clermont’s Waterfront Park enjoy delicious barbecue, thrilling carnival rides, extravagant fireworks, live entertainment, and homemade crafts.

Waterfront Park

100 3rd St., Clermont

14 - 15,

MOUNT DORA BICYCLE FESTIVAL

Several hundred cyclists of varying skills participate in Florida’s oldest and largest bike festival.

Downtown Mount Dora

28 - 29, MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR

Several hundred crafters from all over the country display and sell wares and handiwork. Craft enthusiasts will find everything from sculptures and ceramics to paintings and woodworking.

Downtown Mount Dora

3 - 5, 11 - 12, LADY OF THE LAKES RENAISSANCE FAIRE

Attendees enjoy period props and real-life costumed characters as much as the jousting tournaments, storytellers, fortunetellers, bagpipers, and dance performances.  12835 County Landfill Rd., Tavares

11 - 12, MOUNT DORA PLANT AND GARDEN FAIR

Features Central Florida’s top growers and more than 12,000 plants. View and purchase butterfly-attracting perennials, herbs, roses, camelias, begonias, and tropical plants. Garden antiques, festive flags, and unusual containers are also prominently featured.

Donnelly Park

530 N. Donnelly St., Mt. Dora

NOV.

CRAFT BEER, WINE, AND FOOD FESTIVAL

Attendees travel from station to station in Towne Square sampling over 25 different craft beers, wines from around the world, and a variety of food from the region’s best restaurants.

Waterfront Park

100 3rd St., Clermont

CITRUS TOWER LIGHT UP

A celebration and countdown as thousands of lights bring The Citrus Tower to life with a mesmerizing light show synchronized to music. Kids will also enjoy crafts, peppermint, cotton candy, and falling snow.

141 S Hwy 27, Clermont

DEC.

MAIN STREET

CHRISTMAS PARADE

Downtown Leesburg offers an evening of holiday entertainment and fun for the entire family with performances by local groups, dazzling Christmas light displays, festive food, and carnival rides.

Downtown Leesburg

LIGHT UP CLERMONT

A live Christmas tree at City Hall is the focus of the lighting ceremony. The evening event also includes carolers, live music, food trucks, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Downtown Clermont

GROVELAND CHRISTMAS PARADE AND STROLL

The parade is comprised of schools, churches, and community organizations. The parade is followed by light-up festivities.

Downtown Groveland

MINNEOLA MOONLIGHT CHRISTMAS PARADE

Illuminated participants delight attendees as they walk down Main Street towards Minneola City Hall, where activities, crafts, food, and Santa await families.

800 U.S. Hwy 27, Minneola

LIGHT UP VENETIAN GARDENS AND BOAT PARADE

City leaders and residents will be treated to the season’s first glance of the spectacular lights and festive decorations people admire each year, followed by a fun boat parade on the water.

109 E Dixie Ave, Leesburg

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION AND PARADE

A community celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event includes a parade leading to Clermont’s Waterfront Park, where food, live entertainment, and games are enjoyed by families.

Waterfront Park

330 3rd St., Clermont

MARTIN LUTHER KING

JR. PARADE/MARCH

A multicultural parade/march of walkers, floats, cars, motorcycles, bands, choirs, armed services, animals, etc. to commemorate Dr. King’s memory and teachings. Held in downtown Leesburg.

Downtown Leesburg

FEB.

GEORGEFEST

Founded in 1902, GeorgeFest is the second-longest running event in the nation celebrating George Washington’s birthday.

Downtown Eustis

LEESBURG MARDI GRAS

Street performers, musicians, stilt walkers, jugglers, tightrope walkers, and fire eaters bring the sights and sounds of New Orleans to downtown Leesburg.

Leesburg Town Square

MOUNT DORA

ARTS FESTIVAL

The country’s most talented artists proudly display paintings, photography, ceramics, watercolors, digital art, mixed media, and much more.

Downtown Mount Dora

AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

This event celebrates cultural, educational, civic, and charitable contributions to the community with live performances, music, food, arts and crafts, and more.

Carver Park

2214 E. Bates Avenue, Eustis

You’ll find fun, food and adventure from one end of Lake County to the other. With more than 1,000 lakes, the water activities are endless, from kayaking, fishing, boating and canal tours to taking a leisurely cruise on a rented pontoon boat. Prefer a land-loving adventure? Enjoy a visit to one of the many quaint downtowns, featuring unique shops, historic museums, art galleries, local theaters and picturesque waterfront dining.

FOREST GATEWAY

The quaint towns of Altoona, Umatilla and Astor offer a refreshing escape from the noise and hustle associated with big city living. Being located within, or near, the sprawling Ocala National Forest, these small communities feature peaceful settings where much of the focus is on outdoor living close to nature. The immensity of the forest provides almost endless opportunities to create memories at the area’s many lakes, springs, rivers, trails, and campgrounds.

PHOTO: BERNARD BRZEZINSKI

ALTOONA • UMATILLA • ASTOR

ALTOONA

Population: 103

Size: .5 square miles

Altoona is touched by the grandeur of the Ocala National Forest, which spans 607 square miles, so it’s no surprise that the town of features outstanding options for outdoor recreation on land and water. A prime feature is Alexander Springs, one of only 27 first-magnitude springs in the state, meaning it gushes 100 gallons of water per cubic second from underground. Its stunning crystal-clear waters attract divers from as far away as Europe. Novice and experienced divers alike enjoy exploring 72-degree waters where they can spot bluegill, catfish, turtles, kelp-like vegetation and rock outcroppings.

Alexander Springs Recreation Area also offers ideal options for camping, canoeing, swimming, hiking, birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

Lodging options outside the park campground include nearby Fiddlers Green RV Ranch, which borders the Ocala National Forest and offers both RV sites and villas for rent.

Altoona is also home to the McTureous Homestead and Museum, located in a 19th-century Cracker house that was the childhood home of Robert M. McTureous, Jr., a U.S. Marine and WWII Medal of Honor recipient who was mortally wounded during fighting on Okinawa. WWII buffs and other history lovers will appreciate visiting this historical site.

UMATILLA

Population: 3,810 |

A quaint community serenely tucked away from the hustle and bustle, Umatilla defines “small-town.” Covering just over three-square miles within the city limits and boasting not quite 4,000 residents, Umatilla offers open spaces to decompress away from high rises, freeways and traffic.

S.R. 19 is flanked by an array of waterways, charming older homes, and locally-owned businesses that project the warm ambience of Old Florida.

In the heart of town, Cadwell Park features nature-themed tree carvings, a skate park, picnic space, large playground, and pavilions. The Cadwell Park Community Building is air-conditioned and may be rented for an assortment of events, including reunions and celebration gatherings. The newly renovated public swimming pool provides refreshing recreation to residents and visitors from May to September.

The Umatilla Municipal Airport offers a paved, 2,875’ x 60’ runway and serves an important role in aviation-related education, with multiple opportunities for current and aspiring aviators to learn about the flight industry and

Size: 3 square miles

refine their skills. A flight school is on site, and the airport offers local high school students the opportunity to attend ground school using flight simulators, or join an aviation club that meets weekly to build aircraft. Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1632 conducts Young Eagles fly-ins to cultivate an interest in aviation among younger students.

This rural, low-crime Central Florida gem, also known as “Nature’s Hometown,” boasts abundance of sites for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching, and local springs. Families enjoy outings at a variety of local U-pick farms and orchards for fresh berries and peaches. The area is also replete with photo ops in fields of lavender, sunflowers, and wildflowers.

Visit the North Lake Community Park for your pick of sports facilities and a 1.4-mile fitness trail featuring outdoor gym equipment and a .75-mile nature trail. Be sure to stop at Sunsational Farms for local treats and an old-time roadside citrus stand. A visit to “Nature’s Hometown” is sure to leave you feeling nostalgic about bygone days.

ASTOR

Population: 1,819 | Size: 2.3 square miles

You can’t go farther north in Lake County than Astor, where the St. Johns River is truly the heart of the town. A premier hideaway for outdoor recreation, fishing, hunting, and proximity to nature, Astor was literally built around Florida’s longest river, one of the few in the country that actually flows north.

Anglers are right at home in Astor, where a half dozen boat ramps make it easy to get on the water. The area is host to numerous fishing tournaments. The St. Johns River and nearby Lake George are known for some of the best fishing in the state, especially if you’re going for catfish and trophy largemouth bass.

Boaters love the St. Johns, which provides a much different experience from typical lake outings. Whether you bring your own boat, or rent one, the river welcomes you to explore.

Paddlers are in for a treat on Blue Creek Run, the four-mile scenic adventure from Astor to the St. Johns River, home to a rich array of wildlife and natural beauty.

If you’d rather just relax and take in the sights, a two-hour eco-tour with St. Johns River Tours is the way to go. Kick back on a covered pontoon boat and enjoy seeing

Florida native birds and animals in their natural habitat. From playful otters to sunbathing turtles, alligators emerging from the depths, herons standing statue-like on the riverbank, and manatees quietly feeding, you’ll have a front row seat to it all.

Bluffton Recreation Area is a haven for hikers and birdwatchers on its .75-mile nature trail.

There are several “Old Florida” fish camps on the river in Astor, including Parramore’s Campground and Powell’s Campground. Both are popular due to offering a variety of options for weekend getaways, family reunions, corporate retreats — or just an escape from the noise and hustle of the city. Some visitors come for a few days, others for the whole winter.

Area festivals include the Spring Fling every April with its famous rubber duck races, and the Astor Lighted Boat Parade sponsored by the Blackwater Yacht Club and area merchants on the first Saturday of December.

On the first weekend of November, the Country Jamboree is held at

the Barberville Pioneer Settlement just six miles away. Many festival attendees come to Astor to enjoy the river and fill up on local cuisine at area restaurants featuring the best fingerling catfish, frog legs and gator tail in the state.

PHOTO: CITY OF ASTOR

TRIANGLE

ASTATULA • EUSTIS • HOWEY - IN - THE - HILLS TAVARES • MOUNT DORA • YALAHA

Known as the “Golden Triangle” of Lake County, Mount Dora, Eustis and Tavares offer an abundance of outdoor activities. In the southern part of the county, Astatula, Howey-in-the-Hills and Yalaha form a smaller triangle. Both triangles are favorites of anglers and boaters who find plenty of action on the area’s waterways. Visitors and locals alike are drawn to a variety of different festivals held throughout the year.

ASTATULA

Population: 2,409 | Size: 3.2 miles

Hailed as the geographic center of Central Florida, the town of Astatula was settled in the 1880s and incorporated in 1927.

Situated on the eastern shore of Little Lake Harris, the area is known as one of Lake County’s finest sites for fishing and boating.

Outdoor activities are the heart of the town’s appeal. Hikers, bikers, and birdwatchers appreciate the Clay Island Loop, which features over six miles of multi-use trails. A variety of birds and wildlife are often visible from the trails and three observation towers.

Stanley Pond Adventure Farm offers family-friendly fun, including catch-and-release fishing, jumping pillow and super slide, U-pick sunflowers and zinnias, and Halloween and Christmas celebrations.

The Astatula Community Center, completed in 2020, is a multi-use facility used for all manner of community events.

Astatula launched its annual Cruisin’ Tunes event in 2022. This two-day Memorial Day weekend festival features a car show, live music, outdoor vendors, food trucks, and fun for all.

EUSTIS

Population: 23,595

Size: 12.5 square miles

This welcoming city boasts a variety of festivals and fairs. Eustis may be best known for Georgefest, a 121-year-old celebration honoring our nation’s first president each February. The annual week-long event commemorating George Washington draws over 30,000 attendees. Georgefest is the second longest continually running festival of its kind in the country. The celebration features musical acts, parade and “dog jog,” carnival, chili cook-off, a bass fishing tournament and more.

Eustis has been home to the AfricanAmerican Heritage Festival since 1993. Held every February, the event features a parade, entertainment, food, fashion, arts and crafts.

The Lake County Fair is officially 102 years old in 2023. Originally known as the Florida Sportsman Exposition, the April event includes an array of traditional fair entertainment and activities, including carnival games, food vendors, educational exhibits, and competitions in baking, cooking, crafts and livestock.

Music and street performers take center stage at the Eustis Busker Festival each spring.

Local history enjoys a prominent role in the city. Ferran Park, the city’s first public park, was named after Eustis pioneer and businessman Edgar L. Ferran. It is a perfect place to watch beautiful sunsets throughout the year. Situated along Lake Eustis, the park and historic Alice McClelland Bandshell host big events and holiday celebrations.

The downtown area is also home to the Bay Street Players Theatre, unique shops, and restaurants. Works of art make a statement throughout downtown and Ferran Park.

The city’s earliest homesteaders and their stories are honored through the Eustis Historical Museum. Visitors and citizens can learn about the Clifford House, Citrus Museum and the Unity Bell Pavilion.

LAKE EUSTIS

PHOTO: AARON WOCKENFUSS

ASTATULA COMMUNITY CENTER

HOWEY-IN-THE-

Population: 1,878 | Size: 3.7 square miles

Founded in 1925 by William John Howey, who built the state’s first citrus juice plant in that area, the village’s name also recognizes the picturesque topography. This rural town is surrounded by lakes, gently rolling hills and the natural beauty of Griffin Waterfront Park and the Sara Maude Mason Nature Preserve.

Classic architecture from the 1920s is predominant in the town, which promotes itself as a quiet, safe community focused on family living. Because Howey-in-the-Hills is located on Little Lake Harris, boating and fishing are popular activities.

The Howey Mansion, built by the town’s founder in the 1920s, remains a landmark.

TAVARES

Population: 19,600

Size: Over 14 square miles

Tavares continues to capitalize on its branding as “America’s Seaplane City.” On any given day, visitors to Lake Dora can enjoy watching seaplanes taking off or splashing down for a landing on the water, even while they dine at Puddle Jumpers and other eateries along the downtown waterfront. They can also arrange a seaplane ride with Jones Brothers Air and Seaplane Adventures for a spectacular birdseye view of the area’s beauty.

In addition to seaplanes, the Tavares downtown waterfront has

three hotels, several restaurants, wine bar, entertainment district and live music, boat rentals, old-time New Orleans-style luxury paddlewheel boat excursions on the Dora Queen, kayak rentals, Dora Canal natural boating experiences and trails.

Seaplane-A-Palooza is a flyin event hosted each spring, and the annual Planes, Trains & BBQ festival is typically hosted in February or March. Wooton Park and the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake, a beautiful events

venue, are sites often utilized for special occasions, weddings, barbecues, dragon boat races and professional competitions.

Tavares Ecological Park, part of a recent beautification project, features a scenic eight-acre walkable park with five small retention ponds that filter out stormwater pollutants before water is discharged into Lake Dora. Paved trails and wooden bridges over retention ponds were designed to attract visitors to the park, the first of its kind in Florida.

PHOTO: CITY OF TAVARES

MOUNT DORA

Population: 17,129 | Size: 9.3 square miles

Possibly the most well-known city in Lake County, Mount Dora offers a unique shopping and sightseeing experience. Lake Dora is the ideal setting for scenic walks and boat tours. Around town, picturesque city parks and numerous one-of-a-kind shops invite visitors to support small businesses and pick up memorable souvenirs.

Mount Dora is a hotspot for upwards of 250,000 visitors annually who attend the 30-plus festivals held throughout the year. The Mount Dora Art Festival, Scottish Highland Festival, and Florida Storytelling Festival are just a few of the many experiences you can immerse yourself in. Whether you’re interested in the arts, culture, food, or music, it’s almost guaranteed

YALAHA

Population: 1,547

Size: 14.5 square miles

Settled in the mid-1800s, Yalaha is situated on the shores of Lake Harris and was once a shipping port for goods headed farther north.

Two namesake familyowned businesses are synonymous with the town, and both are located on County Road 48.

that you’ll find what pleases you in Mount Dora.

The city is a shopper’s haven offering a tantalizing array of exceptional handcrafted gifts, arts and crafts, sculptures, spices, wines, bath and body products, clothing, items for pets, flags, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Art lovers appreciate the variety at Mount Dora Center for the Arts and multiple art galleries along the downtown streets.

Mount Dora Live hosts touring singers and musicians, dueling pianos, Broadway shows, murder mystery dinners, and more. The Mount Dora Community Building Theatre features a state-of-the-art sound system, making it the ideal venue for nationally-acclaimed performers and tribute bands.

Yalaha Bakery has drawn rave reviews for high-quality German-style foods since opening in 1995. Organic products, including old-world German breads, European cakes and pastries are baked daily. The deli serves breakfast and lunch, and the menu features schnitzel, German sausages, homemade sauerkraut, juicy Reuben sandwiches on pretzel rolls, and much more. Yalaha Bakery is open seven days a week and features live music in the Beer Garden on weekends.

Yalaha Bootlegging Co. Is located at Blue Bayou Farms, a certified organic blueberry farm. In addition to offering U-pick blueberries in season, this craft distillery makes and sells its own moonshine, brandy and rum. Enjoy a tasting at the distillery and shop their country store for delicious Amish cheese, Lake County honey, Cedar Key clams and freshly made pies, ranging from blueberry (of course!) to apple, tomato leek, chicken pot pie and more. There’s live music every Saturday afternoon.

PHOTO OF LAKE DORA FROM THE SHORE OF GILBERT PARK BY CONTEST WINNER PROVIDED BY CITY OF MOUNT DORA

YALAHA BAKERY

LADY LAKE • FRUITLAND PARK • LEESBURG

Small-town charm welcomes those seeking a quieter pace that still offers all the conveniences of modern living. The communities of Northwest Lake appeal to families and retirees alike. The region’s scenic lakes and parks make ideal settings for numerous festivals, concerts, parades, and outdoor pursuits. Boating and golf are high on the list of favorite activities for both visitors and residents.

LADY LAKE

Population: 16,042 | Size: 9 square miles

The picturesque streets of Lady Lake are lined with moss-draped oaks planted in 1986 and ’87. The stunning cathedral arch formed by massive oaks on Lady Lake Boulevard remains as breathtaking today as it was in a photo in the Saturday Evening Post in 1929.

Driving into Lady Lake on U.S. Highway 441, visitors are greeted by a historic log cabin built in 1935 that served as the original town hall. Nearby, the old train depot houses the Lady Lake Historical Society Museum, which displays artifacts and educational exhibits dating back to the area’s early Native American inhabitants and pioneer families. The museum also features a model train display depicting how Lady Lake appeared in the 1940s and ’50s.

The town focuses on attractive developments with shopping,

restaurants, and new housing to benefit citizens and neighbors alike.

Uncle Donald’s Farm, which opened over 40 years ago, is one of the town’s oldest and most memorable attractions. Situated on 50 acres, it is both a working farm and tourist site. The owners sell fresh eggs and farm products like goat’s milk soap. Visitors can enjoy an up close and personal encounter with many animals, and even milk a goat, pet a pig, and feed the cows. Among the resident animals are Jersey Giants, the largest chicken breed in the U.S. (which can weight up to 15 pounds), a Nubian goat, Florida Panther, miniatures horses, and a 200-pound African tortoise.

The popular Lady Lake Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays at the Rolling Acres Sports Complex is known for an array of farm fresh products,

and handmade items from artisans, crafters and tradesmen.

Golfers appreciate the 18-hole course at Harbor Hills Country Club with its scenic elevations and fairways lined with stately oak trees. Water Oak Country Club & Golf offers an escape from city living and promises a dream lifestyle.

The Corkscrew Winery is a unique winery and brewery where you can enjoy a relaxing evening with live music or participate in a group wine making class.

HERITAGE PARK

FRUITLAND PARK

Population: 8,605

Size: 6.8 square miles

A peaceful town known for welcoming neighborhoods, Fruitland Park features older houses rich with history among a sprinkling of modern homes.

Fruitland Park is the site of Lake Griffin State Park, a 620-acre oasis that invites visitors to explore and enjoy pristine beauty. Anglers, hikers, paddlers, and birders all find inviting opportunities here since Lake Griffin and the Ocklawaha River connect to the Harris Chain of Lakes.

The park boasts two hiking trails totaling two miles in length and provides an up-close view of natural Florida habitats, including swamp and sandhill terrain. Visitors may see raccoons, bobcats, squirrels, opossums, and hawks. Don’t worry about the sizzling summer heat,

as Spanish mossdraped oaks provide generous shade.

Lake Griffin State Park is also home to Florida’s second oldest oak tree. Estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old, the majestic tree shelters several species of birds. Historians speculate it may have been a landmark for Timucua Native Americans who frequented the area before white settlers.

In the mood for a casual, yet elegant dining experience for lunch or dinner? You’ll find it at The Rose Plantation overlooking scenic Fountain Lake.

The boutique restaurant is situated in an historic mansion built in 1917 by a wealthy Massachusetts newspaper publisher. Patrons rave about the grilled salmon, crab cakes, rack of lamb, and prime rib.

LAKE GRIFFIN STATE PARK

LEESBURG

Population: 28,234 | Size: 45.16 square miles

A world of beauty awaits in Leesburg, known as the Lakefront City. Leesburg’s charming downtown features historical buildings, quaint restaurants, gift shops, and antique stores. The downtown area also hosts some of the county’s largest events, including Leesburg Bikefest, which draws 250,000 visitors, and Leesburg Mardi Gras.

Venture a few blocks from downtown and explore Venetian Gardens, a hub of activity with lush landscaping, picturesque wooden bridges, nature trails and stunning lakeside views. The park on the shores of Lake Harris is home to many city amenities. You’ll find the Kid’s Korner playground and splash pad and pavilion. Venetian Gardens has a full-service marina and the city’s 15,000-square foot Venetian Center, a multi-purpose

facility designed to host any event. New to the lakefront is the Ski Beach Bar & Grill restaurant, which is accessible by car and boat.

For sports enthusiasts, historic Pat Thomas Stadium (where Pete Rose, Rollie Fingers and other greats played minor league baseball) is now home to the Leesburg Lightning, a Florida Collegiate Summer League (FCSL) baseball team. The Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex hosts year-round softball tournaments, including The Spring Games featuring college teams from across the country. Several professional bass fishing organizations stage tournaments from Ski Beach and welcome spectators to their events.

One of the city’s newest facilities is the H.O. Dabney Aquatic Center, a state-of-the-

art complex with an eight-lane competition pool and zero entry multi-purpose pool featuring a two-story slide and play area. The city is also host to the Teen Enrichment Center developed in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida.

History comes alive at the Mote-Morris house built in 1892 by developer E.H. Mote. Known for its Victorian Revival architecture, the home features period furnishings and a fourstory turret (small tower). The home is available for tours and events.

Lovers of the great outdoors can immerse themselves in Lake County’s unspoiled nature by visiting several parks and preserves located in Leesburg, including Flat Island Preserve, P.E.A.R. Park, and Bourlay Historic Nature Park.

VENETIAN GARDENS

CLERMONT • GROVELAND • MASCOTTE

MINNEOLA • MONTVERDE • FOUR CORNERS

The lush rolling hills of South Lake County surprise those who thought the Sunshine State was flat from Lake City to Key West. Visitors will encounter welcoming small towns and friendly residents in an area that features a wealth of outdoor activity options for all ages.

FLORIDA SCRUB JAY

CLERMONT

Population: 44,687 | Size: 19.1 square miles

Known as the “Choice of Champions” because of its international reputation as a training ground for elite and Olympic athletes, Clermont is also recognized for a championship spirit shared by those who live, work, and play here.

Located between Lake Minneola and Lake Minnehaha, Clermont offers lakeside beaches, rolling hills, endless trails, and stunning sunset views. It is a Florida Trail Town at the exact middle of Florida’s Coast-toCoast Trail.

Lake County’s largest city boasts 14 lakes and 24 parks featuring ample and appealing sports facilities and outdoor venues.

Champions Splash Park and the Clermont Boat Ramp at Waterfront Park, the award-winning Champions Pointe Disc Golf Course located at the 220-acre Lake Hiawatha Preserve, tennis and pickleball courts, ballfields, kid-favorite and parent-approved playgrounds,

and dog parks provide avenues for all types of recreation and fitness activities.

The 5,000 square-foot Clermont Boathouse, located on Lake Minneola, has propelled itself as a premier destination for competitive rowing events. In addition to hosting regattas, Clermont will also serve as a training site for collegiate rowing teams in the Northeast that could not otherwise train during winter.

Clermont hosts numerous athletic events, including cycling and rowing competitions, foot races of various distances, and triathlons. Events that promote family and community such as popular annual celebrations like “Red, White & Boom,” “Pig on the Pond” and the award-winning “Light Up Clermont” are part of Clermont’s charm.

The implementation of an award-winning downtown master plan made Clermont a desired destination for business owners, entrepreneurs, and private investors

who have been enticed to open breweries, trendy shops, indoor food markets, and sit-down restaurants. A weekly farmer’s market and a monthly food truck event keep downtown energized. The city, in partnership with Lake County and private landowners, is developing 15,000 acres for Wellness Way in the southern part of the county. The corridor will feature multiple master planned residential and commercial areas, as well as sports training, health/wellness and entertainment venues. Once completed, it is expected to become a hub for high-tech, high-wage jobs.

Also worth visiting: Clermont Performing Arts Center, the county’s largest performance hall; the Clermont Historic Village museums; the Florida Citrus Tower; Lakeridge Winery & Vineyard; the President’s Hall of Fame; Southern Hill Farms, the Florida Scrub-Jay Trail, and Lake Louisa State Park.

CLERMONT SPLASH PAD ON 4TH OF JULY

VICTORY POINTE

GROVELAND

Population: 21,596

Size: 28.5 square miles

The city of Groveland is nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of South Lake County. The area is well known for its scenic lakes and thriving community. Known as the “City with Natural Charm,” it is regarded as one of the safest and fastest-growing cities in Central Florida.

The city is celebrating a variety of community additions, including a new Public Safety Complex, aquaponics farm, wildflower rain garden, splash pad, enhancements to the South Lake Trail, community gymnasium, and a City Strategic Plan to help balance and plan for smart growth, that leads to complete and naturally charming communities.

Incorporated in 1922, Groveland celebrated its centennial anniversary in March 2022 with a series of weekend festivities for the community to enjoy.

Groveland recently welcomed high-tech Kroger and Amazon Fulfillment Centers. City officials predict these companies will provide huge boosts to the local economy, creating hundreds of employment opportunities for locals, while attracting other private businesses and investors.

Despite rapid expansion, Groveland continues to maintain its charming close-knit family feel.

Groveland decision makers remain focused on prioritizing the natural topography, conserving natural resources, and adding low-impact development community-based objectives. Example: the recent adoption of a new Future Land Use Element to protect wildlife habitats through strategic growth practices. The plan will conserve more than 50 percent of natural land within approximately 53 square miles by clustering development into walkable, mixed-use towns, villages, and hamlets.

Ever want to feel the sheer exhilaration of hang gliding? Then visit Paradise Airsports in Groveland, where you’ll experience the world from a bird’s-eye view. The company

MASCOTTE

Population: 7,200

Size: 11.38 square miles

Located just west of Groveland on SR 50, the City of Mascotte is surrounded by acres of beautiful farmland befitting the small, rural town dedicated to celebrating community and culture.

The Mascotte Park Road Complex has four lighted softball fields, a basketball court, soccer field, playground equipment, and a small park with two pavilions overlooking Sunset Lake. It’s a great spot to

is conveniently located at Wilotree Park, which offers primitive camping, RV hook-ups, and suite rentals.

Groveland’s newly renovated downtown Lake David Park is the place to be on the second Friday of each month, as local vendors and business owners line the streets for families to grab food, a beverage, or discover a unique find for their home. This market is free and open to the public with live music 5-9 pm. Looking for charm? Look no further than Groveland’s residences, gorgeous landscapes, and flourishing agriculture. To stay connected with news from Groveland, visit www.groveland-fl.gov or follow on Facebook and Instagram with the tag handle: @CityofGroveland.

watch the morning sunrise and evening sunset. In the coming year, the City of Mascotte will commit roughly $1.7 million dollars to the redesign of the Mascotte Park Road Complex and Sunset Park. The Tedder/Thomas Civic Center playground and the Palmetto Drive Park also offer outdoor activities. Recently, the city expanded on its annual Light Up Mascotte Christmas holiday event with a holiday market and a free breakfast with Santa. The weekend of festivities features Santa, local market vendors, a free family breakfast, lots of fun, and free crafts for kids. The event ends with the local police department’s

LAKE DAVID

holiday patrol through the city’s subdivisions with Santa and decorated utility and safety vehicles.

City officials, in partnership with the local police department, business owners, and residents, foster a sense of community by hosting other events, such as the Mascotte Trick-or-Trunk, Autism Awareness, and the Mascotte Police Department’s “Cruiser for a Cause” fundraising for cancer awareness. Mascotte, in conjunction with the Lake County Fire Department, will be remodeling and renovating the city’s Fire Department this year. The renovation will include space for a new fire truck and ambulance.

Despite the growth and expansion, Mascotte remains a community of families where residents want to live, work and play. Drop by the Rainbow Family Restaurant, which has been in existence since 1964, and you will meet the friendliest folks in all of South Lake County.

MINNEOLA

Population: 16,446

Size: 10.34 square miles

Minneola is home to “Central Florida’s High Point,” Sugarloaf Mountain. At 312 feet above sea level, it’s the most prominent point in the Sunshine State. Visitors enjoy memorable views from Lake County’s Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead where hikers and cyclists can take advantage of the enticing trails.

Since incorporating in 1926, Minneola has become popular with both year-round and winter residents. U.S. Highway 27 intersects the town, providing convenient access to nearby attractions and venues.

Construction continues on the large Hills of Minneola project, which will feature commercial, medical and industrial space, hospitality options, and a charter school. Within the Hills of Minneola, construction is also underway at the Del Webb 55+ gated community development of 4,000 residential units. The entire area will be served by the new Hills Crossing Shopping Center anchored by Publix, located just one-quarter mile south of Exit 278 off the Florida Turnpike.

The bustling plaza currently includes Starbucks, Dental Care of Minneola, UPS Store, Vystar Credit Union, Jersey Mike’s, Papa John’s,

Encore Nails, and Great Clips. McDonald’s is under construction and more retail shops and restaurants are expected to open in the near future.

Minneola is home to a growing number of restaurants, shops and businesses. A new library on Main Avenue, across from the existing Schoolhouse Library, is currently in the design stages. The city also has plans to convert the current library into a museum showcasing Minneola’s history.

Conveniently located on U.S. Highway 27 is Minneola’s City Hall, which hosts many community activities, classes and WXW wrestling shows. The site will also house the town’s new Public Safety Complex.

The city proudly boasts popular outdoor venues, including the

Minneola Athletic Complex, featuring a variety of sports fields, playgrounds and volleyball court, concessions and more. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to 17-acre Minneola Trailhead Park with its playground, basketball court, ball field, skate park and BMX bike course.

Local residents appreciate the opportunity to grow and harvest their own organic food at the community garden on Chester Street.

Annual community events include Kids’ Safety Night Out on Halloween, where families enjoy free games, food and an old-fashioned hayride, and the Christmas Moonlight Parade on Main Avenue featuring floats and costumes decorated with lights, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and children’s activities at City Hall.

RAINBOW FAMILY RESTAURANT

GREEN MOUNTAIN SCENIC OVERLOOK

MONTVERDE

Population: 2,088 | Size: 1.8 square miles

Known for its charming rural character and easy-going lifestyle, Montverde is situated on the western shore of Lake Apopka, one of Florida’s largest lakes at more than 30,000 acres. Tradition has it that the town’s name hails from the area’s rolling green hills. Incorporated in 1925, Montverde lies just 30 miles from

games, vendors, and familyfriendly fun such as a cakewalk, pony rides, petting zoo, chili cook-off, kids’ games, and more.

Popular sites include Harper House, which was built in 1881 is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is thought to be the oldest building in Montverde.

homes in a quiet setting just 30 minutes from Walt Disney World. There’s no shortage of celebrated athletes in South Lake County, and Montverde Academy, a private college prep school, has produced its share, including a handful of current NBA players. The girls varsity soccer team won the

BELLA COLLINA GOLF CLUB

FOUR CORNERS

Population: 56,381 |

Size: 50.1 square miles

This aptly named censusdesignated place is unique in that it is the only community in Florida where four counties meet. Four Corners is the quadripoint of Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties. This popular area expects to see its population increase by 15.1 percent in the next five years.

Also known as Citrus Ridge, the area’s boundaries are north along U.S. Highway 27 to Lake Louisa State Park, south along U.S. 27 to Heart of Florida Hospital, west to S.R. 33, and east to Walt Disney World.

An interesting bit of trivia: Florida has long been called the “Lightning Capital of the United States,” and Four Corners has the highest number of lightning events per square mile in the state.

Showcase of Citrus is a popular attraction for all ages. The familyowned venue is a working citrus and cattle operation covering 2,500 acres. Guests can take a monster

truck journey through the ranch, pick citrus, mine gems using a real sluice box, and visit animals. This family-friendly adventure is open 365 days a year.

Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve includes 560,000 acres of wetlands, flatlands and ridgelines filled with different habitat types and a wide variety of native flora and fauna. Its intact ecosystem makes the preserve a favorite destination for birdwatchers and school groups.

The Town Center at Cagan Crossings is home to Orlando Cat Café, which works with SPCA Florida (in Lakeland, Polk County) to find homes for rescue cats and kittens. Approximately 12 to 20 cats and kittens are in the cat play area at any given time, and all are available for adoption. More than 2,000 fortunate felines have been adopted since 2016! If planning a visit, you can call ahead to reserve your space.

Revolution Adventures, located off State Road 33 in Clermont, approximately 15 minutes west of Walt Disney World, offers its own world of excitement for avid outdoor enthusiasts––a world where visitors can ride a fleet of motorized vehicles through mud puddles and lakes, shoot flying clay pigeons out of the air, and catch largemouth bass weighing over 10 pounds.

At Southern Hill Farms, families can spend a day together immersed in nature while picking their own blueberries, strawberries, peaches, zinnias, and sunflowers. The family-owned farm also hosts weddings and monthly movie nights.

Lake-Sumter State College is slated to open classroom and office space at The Town Center at Cagan Crossings just around the corner from the cat café. Plans call for the project to be open by next fall.

SHOWCASE OF CITRUS

DOWNTOWN DESTINATION

Clermont Main Street in the business of promoting all the great things its downtown has to offer.

Whether mid-week, on the weekend or during a special event, downtown Clermont is hustling and bustling with activity and places designed to appeal to the entire family.

If not familiar, members of Clermont Main Street—starting with the organization’s President Kimberly Grogan—are ready, willing, and very eager to ll people in on what its downtown has to o er.

more than 40 years, was started locally in May 2020 when it replaced the Clermont Downtown Partnership. It is comprised of downtown business owners, as well as city-wide businesses and individuals passionate about investing in the historic heart of Clermont. We’re adding colorful murals to the exterior of buildings as well, to welcome people to town.

From there, Main Street works closely with the city, leading e orts to bring people downtown to discover its charm and keep them coming back for more.

for a little while, or one with an entire days-worth of things to do.

“As for retail, there are shops focused on bridal, shing, tea, cookies, candy, running shoes, women’s clothing, books, antiques, plants, records, and the list goes on and on.”

She says downtown Clermont is also home to three venues with multiple vendors and entertainment all under one roof—the Montrose Market, the Galleria at SOMA, and the Downtown Exchange— which people love.

Clermont Main Street, part of a national organization that has been helping to revitalize older and historical commercial districts for

“We are now accredited as a Main Street community and are acting and operating and such with ways for the community to get involved in growing and elevating our downtown,” Kimberly says. “With that, and with so many new businesses and entertainment coming in, our downtown is really becoming a destination with all kinds of things to do and places to visit.”

Kimberly says what she likes best about downtown Clermont is the number of specialty shops, restaurants, bars, breweries, beauty salons/barbershops and more, and that most of them are locally owned. She says what’s also unique is that it’s a place where people can hang out

Kimberly says she and all the Main Street o cers and board members are excited about what’s available currently and more so, what’s still to come.

“We have the Village (open air) Market and adjoining apartments opening next to the Clermont Historic Village, and we have the Salt Shack, a Tampa-based restaurant taking over what once was Lilly’s on the Lake,” Kimberly says. “We just signed a

“Downtown Clermont has undergone an exciting transformation in the past three years, going from a quieter, sleepier place to one with many amenities and specialty experiences to enjoy,” - KIMBERLY

“We have more restaurants, wine and cocktail bars, more breweries and sweet shops than ever before in downtown Clermont and it’s still growing,” Kimberly says.

contract with a new Farmer’s Market production company and expect to see new vendors, more produce and live entertainment every Sunday! It’s a very exciting time for downtown Clermont right now.”

And if that’s not all, there are plenty of outdoor/lakefront amenities near downtown for people to enjoy, including the South Lake Trail, Victory Pointe Park, the Clermont Historic Village Museum, an awardwinning disc golf course at Hiawatha Preserve, and Waterfront Park which includes a splash pad, swings, a basketball court, picnic tables, a beach, pavilion, and boat launch.

“There are a lot of outdoor activities people can take part in either before or after coming into the downtown area and discovering all it has to o er as well,” Kimberly adds.

Additionally, for those into special events, Main Street is behind about 70 of them, from a weekly Farmer’s Market, monthly food truck night and annual Mega Food Truck rally, to large spring, fall and winter festivals.

Perhaps one of the most popular events each month is the wine stroll, which allows guests to purchase a glass, then walk from store to store sampling di erent wines sold

SPECIAL EVENTS

downtown, and all while shopping and mingling with others.

“The wine strolls are a fun and vibrant way to see downtown, visit shops and have a fun- lled night out with friends and family,” Kimberly says. We’ve found most of the guests coming to our Wine Strolls are actually not from Clermont. They come to enjoy the stroll and return for our other events and activities.”

“In partnership with the city of Clermont, downtown Clermont will continue to add more exciting amenities and experiences that people won’t want to miss, making it a place they’ll want to visit frequently.”

“There are just so many cool things in our downtown district and all the business owners are very honed-in on what they should be carrying,” - KIMBERLY

“It’s all about; a lot of people doing small things that all together can make a big difference for everyone.” - KIMBERLY

To become a Clermont Main Street member, to sign up for newsletters, or to see what’s happening in downtown Clermont, visit www.clermontdowntown.com.

*Dates are subject to change

Main Street is responsible for hosting over 72 events a year

Vacations promise muchneeded reprieve from the stresses of everyday life — a time to rest and recharge.

At least that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Taking a break from work can sometimes be as taxing and stressful as work itself. A typical Florida vacation day of fun, thrills, and excitement often end in physical exhaustion, sunburn, and aching, blistered feet.

Fortunately, tourists can choose a “natural”

way to put their stress on vacation by escaping to Lake County for one day or, a weekend retreat, or, even better, extended stay. Lake County’s thriving waterfront scene, “Florida’s Lakeside Escape,” pairs exceptional dining opportunities with entertainment, shopping, and adventures galore.  Savor the taste of buttery crab legs while enjoying a beautiful sunset worthy of an Instagram story. Wake

up the next day and take a boat ride through the subtropical Dora Canal, dubbed by a famous writer as the “most beautiful halfmile of water in the world.” Afterward, stroll through quaint, historic downtowns visiting unique boutiques and shops.

That’s just one of thousands of refreshing scenarios. Simply put, our blissful Central Florida escape is full of fun-filled activities for the family.

STORY: ROXANNE BROWN, JAMES COMBS

PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL, ANTHONY RAO

Plenty of choices for waterside fun, food, and relaxation.

ALEXANDER SPRINGS PHOTO: BERNARD BRZEZINSKI

ON THE WATER

Lake County offers a cascade of options for water adventures. Whether you want to soar high, desire a peaceful cruise, or a fast-paced ride, call one or more of the following places to reserve your good time. Then, get your gear on, grab your camera, and have some fun!

BOAT TOURS

CLERMONT

CATBOAT ESCAPES Enjoy a two-hour tour of the Clermont Chain of Lakes narrated by a friendly, knowledgeable tour guide while you captain your own two-person catamaran.

352.587.0442

www.catboatescapes.com

MOUNT DORA

PREMIER BOAT TOURS Take a two-hour tour through the Dora Canal and Harris Chain of Lakes.

352.434.8040

www.doracanaltour.com

RUSTY ANCHOR MOUNT

DORA Enjoy tours of the Dora Canal, including the popular sunset tours.

352.383.3933

www.rustyanchormountdora.com

CATBOAT ADVENTURE

TOURS Have fun driving a 2-person powered catamaran through Lake Dora and into Lake Eustis.

352.325.1442

www.catboattour.com

TAVARES

DORA QUEEN

Dora on an 80-foot New Orleans-style paddlewheel boat that offers a full bar, lounge seating, and music.

352.533.3380

www.doraqueen.com

CRUISIN’ TIKIS LAKE DORA

Various tour options are available on this floating tiki bar on Lake Dora. You can bring any food or beverage you like!

866.845.4286

www.cruisintikislakedora.com

NATIVE TOURS Explore the majestic Dora Canal with Captain Ray, who offers sunset tours and private tours.

352.223.1806

www.captainraynativetours.com

UMATILLA

AIRBOAT RIDES UNLIMITED

Enjoy a unique airboat ride and view lots of wildlife as you travel the Ocklawaha River into Lake Griffin.

352.636.4060

www.justins-jungle.com.

352.508.1800

www.jonesairandsea.com

Eager to experience a seaplane ride? Jones Brothers Air and Seaplane Adventures offers several seaplane tours, including a 15-minute flight around several area lakes, a Splashand-Dash (touch and go on the water) and aerial views of Mount Dora and Tavares.

A longer, 35-minute ride over the Harris Chain and River Run, allows visitors to see Lake Eustis and the wilderness of Lake Griffin and Ocklawaha River. The pilot will do a splash-and-dash on the river while looking for alligators and then head back to Lake Dora and fly low over Lake Harris.

A 30-minute Sunset Celebration flight allows guests to enjoy breathtaking sunset views across vast areas of Lakes Harris and Griffin on the way to the wilderness of the Ocklawaha River and Ocala National Forest. Then, the seaplane turns back across Lakes Yale and Eustis in time to fly straight into the sunset across Lake Dora.

SEAPLANE PHOTO: CITY OF TAVARES

WATERFRONT DINING

EUSTIS

THE CRAZY GATOR

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm, FridaySaturday 11am-10pm,

What sets them apart: This popular sports bar/tavern has televisions galore. There is also indoor and outside patio seating overlooking Lake Eustis and boat rentals for added fun.

If you only order one entree: Crazy Wings, fried or grilled, tossed in your favorite wing sauce, served with ranch or bleu cheese dressing.

Full bar and longer hours after kitchen closes.

Dine-in, take-out, banquet room available for parties, meetings, and events. Dock access for boat parking and boat rentals available in four- and eight-hour increments.

LAKE EUSTIS

WATERFRONT GRILLE

350 Lakeshore Dr., Eustis 352.602.7446 lakeeustiswaterfront.com

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm, FridaySaturday 11am-11pm.

What sets them apart: This two-story restaurant offers inside and outside seating downstairs, and scenic windows upstairs for a panoramic, beautiful view of Lake Eustis.

If you only order one entree: Macadamia Crusted Haddock topped with a key lime beurre blanc sauce, served with cilantro rice and asparagus.

Spirits: Two full bars, one on each floor, featuring signature drinks, wine and beer. Happy Hour: upstairs bar and lounge only, Monday-Thursday 4-6pm.

Services: Dine-in, take-out, call-ahead seating, can accommodate large parties and special events. Dock

access for boat parking, underground walkway to restaurant from designated parking area across the street. Adjoining boat repair shop.

HOWEY - IN - THE - HILLS

JB BOONDOCK’S BAR & GRILL

704 S. Lakeshore Blvd., Howey-in-the-Hills 352.324.3600

jbboondocks.com

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9:30pm, Sunday noon8pm. Closed Monday.

What sets them apart: More than 20 boat slips on the western shores of Little Lake Harris to accommodate boaters, and there’s enough room for seaplanes to land. Beautiful sunset views.

If you only order one entree: Grandma’s Meatloaf, an old family recipe made with love, served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Spirits: Full bar complete with signature/seasonal cocktails.

Services: Dine-in, pick-up, online ordering, and event space. Vacation apartment and boat slip rentals available.

Entertainment: Live music on select Saturdays and Sundays.

LEESBURG

SKI BEACH BAR AND GRILL

21 Dozier Circle, Leesburg 352.973.0793

Skibeachleesburg.com

Whether you arrive by land, water, or air, Lake County’s lakeside restaurants have whatever floats your boat.

SKI BEACH BAR AND GRILL

THE CRAZY GATOR

Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm, FridaySaturday 11am-midnight.

What sets them apart: Ski Beach is the first true lakeside venue in Leesburg. Not only does it feature gorgeous views of Lake Harris, but Florisiana cuisine—a fusion of Cajun, Creole, low country, barbecue, and Spanish flavors.

If you only order one entree: Pork Osso Bucco consists of towering pork marinated and slow roasted for a falloff-the bone experience, served with smashed potatoes and vegetables.

Spirits: Full bar featuring beer, wine, champagne, mimosas, and non-alcoholic drinks. A ‘buy a drink, keep the glass option’ available.

Services: Dine-in, curbside pickup, online ordering, no delivery. Dock access on Lake Harris available for boat parking.

Entertainment: Live music Fridays and Saturdays starting at 7pm.

GATOR BAY BAR & GRILL

10320 CR 44, Leesburg

352.365.2177 gatorbaybar.com

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-9pm, Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-8pm. Closed Monday.

What sets them apart: Located on beautiful Haynes Creek. And hungry boaters can tie up at the boat ramp or in covered boat slips and enjoy lunch or dinner in a relaxing atmosphere on the outdoor patio.

If you only order one entree: The Florida Catfish Basket comes with fresh boneless Florida catfish lightly breaded and deep-fried and is served with coleslaw and steak fries.

Services: Dine-in, take-out, indoor and outdoor seating, third-party delivery, catering.

Venue can host private events. RV sites and boat slip parking available.

Spirits: Full bar and daily happy hour specials.

Entertainment: Fridays, Saturday and Sunday select times.

TAVARES

BUSTER TUBBS TAVERN

110 N. New Hampshire Ave., Tavares 352.742.7676

www.facebook.com/ BusterTubbsRestaurant

Hours: Tuesday 7am-9pm, Wednesday 7am-10pm, Thursday 7am-9pm, FridaySaturday 7am-11pm, Sunday 7am-7pm. Closed Mondays.

What sets them apart: Buster Tubbs Tavern on Lake Dora is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and no matter the time of day, staffers take pride in amazing homestyle food and great service.

If you only order one entree: The Roll Tide comes with crabcake, cod, grouper fingers, shrimp, fried hush puppies and slaw.

Spirits: Full bar featuring fancy signature cocktails.

Services: Dine-in, take-out, indoor and outdoor seating, Senior discount of 15 percent on Thursday nights.

Entertainment: Karaoke 6pm Wednesday. Live music starting at 7pm Friday and Saturday.

HURRICANE DOCKSIDE GRILL

3351 W. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares 352.508.5137 hurricanedockside.com

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am- 9pm, FridaySaturday 11am-10pm.

What sets them apart: A tiki hut provides outdoor

seating and a spectacular view of the Dead River.

If you only order one entree: Island Grilled Shrimp consists of shrimp skewers seasoned in a smoky mesquite rub, then drizzled in garlic parmesan sauce.

Spirits: Two outside bars and one inside bar featuring beer (on tap and bottled), hard seltzers and specialty cocktails.

Services: Curbside pickup, third party deliveries, meeting/banquet rooms, outdoor seating.

Entertainment: Live music Friday 5-8pm and all day Saturday and Sunday.

Services: Dock access for lakeside boat parking along Lake Dora. Can call in orders from boats before docking for quick pick-up. Outside seating only.

Spirits: Full bar, Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 4-7pm.

Entertainment: Thursday 4-9pm during Steak Night, Saturday-Sunday 1-4 pm or as announced on Facebook.

KALUA BEACH BAR

181 S. Joanna Ave., Tavares 352.609.5910 Facebook.com/ kaluabeachbar

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm, FridaySaturday 11am-midnight.

What sets them apart: A laidback bar and restaurant with fun beachside seating along an area of sandy beach behind the restaurant overlooking Lake Dora. Steak Night (10 oz. flame-grilled sirloin with two sides for $15.99) Thursday 4-9pm.

If you only order one entree: Bacon Black and Blue Burger consists of a Black Angus patty cooked to order, blackened, with crumbled blue cheese, smoked bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion.

LAKE HARRIS HIDEAWAY

11912 Lane Park Rd., Tavares 352.343.3585 lakeharrishideaway.net

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm, FridaySaturday 11am-9pm.

What sets them apart: The family-owned restaurant and bar is accessible by water, land, or air and offers seating on an outside deck that overlooks beautiful Lake Harris.

If you only order one entree: Hideaway’s Lilly Pads consist of tender sirloin medallions on a piece of garlic bread, topped with teriyaki sauce.

Spirits: Full bar inside and a tiki bar in the dining area outside.

Services: Pet friendly outside dining area. Dine-in or pick-up only. No delivery.

Entertainment: Live music Thursday and Friday 5-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 1-5pm.

PUDDLE JUMPERS

LAKESIDE GRILL AND BAR

111 W. Ruby St., Tavares 352.508.5862

puddlejumperslakeside.com

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 11am-9pm.

What sets them apart: Great views of sunsets and seaplanes landing on Lake Dora. The two-story restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating and bars on both floors.

If you only order one entree: The ‘Crash Landing’ comes with two crab cakes, peel-neat shrimp and mahi bites.

Spirits: Full bar featuring sangria and specialty drinks. Happy Hour at the bar all day and 3-7pm at the table Monday-Friday. Wine down Wednesdays feature free taste testing upstairs, plus 2-for-1 drafts and $1 off drinks.

Services: Private room available for special events and parties. Dine-in and take-out. Accessible by land, sea, and air.

Entertainment: Live music on select Saturdays and Sundays.

RUBY STREET GRILLE

221 E. Ruby St., Tavares 352.742.7829

Rubystreetgrille.com

Hours: Opens daily at 11:30am, seven days a week.

What sets them apart: If you like the nightlife, Ruby Street Grille is hopping with live music Wednesday-Sunday

evenings with seating and dancing on a large, covered patio outside.

If you only order one entree: Ruby’s Turkey Club comes with oven roasted turkey, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo stacked on toasted sourdough bread.

Spirits: Full liquor bar, wine, bottled beer and ice-cold drafts.

Services: Indoor and outdoor seating. Dinein or pick-up. Venue available to host parties.

Entertainment: Live music Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 7-11pm and FridaySaturday 8pm-midnight.

TIKI WEST RAW BAR AND GRILL

118 W. Ruby St., Tavares 352.508.5783 facebook.com/ tikiwestrawbarandgrill

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am-8pm.

What sets them apart: The family-owned seafood restaurant features an oyster/ raw bar and a diverse menu with a twist on Southern classics with Caribbean flair. If you only order one entree: ‘Low Country’ seafood pot features peel-n-eat shrimp, crawfish and andouille sausage.

Spirits: Full bar with an assortment of beers, wine, and cocktails.

Services: Dine-in, take-out, indoor and outdoor seating.

FISH CAMP LAKE EUSTIS

901 Lakeshore Dr., Tavares 352.742.4400

Fishcamponlakeeustis.com

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-8pm.

What sets them apart: The restaurant offers daily seafood specials along with standard menu items, all made using local meats and vegetables. Décor throughout the restaurant consists of paintings by local artists.

If you only order one entree: Steamed Cedar Key middleneck clams over linguini smothered in house-made scampi sauce.

Spirits: Full liquor bar, featuring margaritas and distilled craft beers from throughout Florida. Thirsty Thursdays/Ribeye Night drink specials.

Services: Dine-in, pick-up, and catering. Online and phone reservations accepted. Boat parking available.

Entertainment: Live music Saturday 1-4pm.

MINNEOLA

sesame peanut sauce, with an order of golden tiki tots.

Spirits: Full bar featuring beer, wine, and mixed drinks.

Services: Dine-in, outside seating, pick-up. Boat docking available just feet from the restaurant.

MOUNT DORA

PISCES RISING

239 W. 4th Ave., Mount Dora 352.385.2669 piscesrisingdining.com

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 11:30am-9pm, Tuesday 5-9pm, FridaySaturday 11:30am-10pm, Sunday 11am-9pm.

What sets them apart: Relax on a sunny patio with a view of Lake Dora as you enjoy delights made with fresh ingredients from local farmers, craft cocktails with infused liquors, or a Sunday brunch menu. The restaurant is wrapped around a Florida cracker bungalow style home built in 1919, which gives off historic vibes.

If you only order one entree: Shrimp & Grits, made with blackened shrimp, corn grits with pepper jack cheese, andouille, peppers, onion, spinach, and white wine garlic cream sauce.

THE TIKI BAR AND GRILL

508 S. Main Ave., Minneola 352.394.2232 lakeminneolainn.com

Hours: Open seven days a week, 11:30am-midnight (kitchen closes at 10pm Monday-Thursday and 11pm Friday and Saturday).

What sets them apart: A beachside theme with outdoor dining at umbrellacovered tables (with tiki torches at night). Great sunset views over Lake Minneola.

If you only order one entree: 6 oz. sushi grade tuna sandwich (grilled or blackened), served with

Spirits: Full bar featuring margaritas, mojitos, and more. Happy hour daily at select times, and all-day happy hour Mondays, plus $15 unlimited mimosas and sangria with Sunday brunch.

Services: Dine-in, pickup, catering, private and semi-private areas available for group dining and large party events.

Entertainment: Live music Thursday 6-9pm, FridaySaturday 7-10pm, Sunday noon-3pm on outside deck overlooking Lake Dora (weather permitting).

ACCOMMODATIONS

It doesn’t matter whether you plan to lodge or camp near one of Lake County’s pristine waterways, you can find a perfect retreat with stunning sunrises and sunsets.

LA BELLA INN

101 W. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares

352.343.4666

KEY WEST RESORT ON LAKE DORA

199 W. Ruby St., Tavares

352.508.5344

LAKESIDE INN

100 Alexander St., Mount Dora 352.383.4101

BIG RIVER MARINA AND LODGE

1575 W. Hwy. 40, Astor 386.749.4407

PARRAMORE’S CAMPGROUND

1675 Camp South Moon Rd., Astor 386.749.2721

POWELL’S CAMPGROUND

25716 Powell Dr., Astor 352.759.2010

LAKE LOUISA STATE PARK

7305 U.S. Hwy. 27, Clermont 352.394.3969

WEKIVA FALLS RV RESORT

30700 Wekiva River Rd., Sorrento 352.383.8055

ALEXANDER SPRINGS RECREATION AREA

495225 CR 445, Altoona 352.669.3522

CLEARWATER LAKE RECREATION AREA

24511 CR 42,

In the center of it all

Location, location, location is the business cliché and Leesburg has been the center of commerce in the heart of Florida for more than a century. The city is ideally located immediately northwest of Orlando and within easy proximity to Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville.

Leesburg is a diverse business and residential community with 28,000 residents nestled among the Harris Chain of Lakes with a pleasant average annual temperature of 71 degrees. The area a racts 50,000 people to work each weekday with a large hospital and medical office community, a regional shopping mall, growing industrial development and aviation-related businesses at the city airport. Workforce training is provided through Lake-Sumter State College and the University of Central Florida in Leesburg as well as Lake Technical Center in nearby Eustis.

The area is intersected by major highways including U.S. Highways 27 and 441 and Florida’s Turnpike, which connects locally to Interstate 75. Florida Central Railroad is a few miles away. Leesburg International Airport features an office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, which allows for international flights to be inspected and cleared here in the city.

Leesburg offers fast and efficient, single-point access to government services – a big benefit to get your project started quickly and smoothly. A full complement of utilities includes

electric, water, wastewater, treated reuse for irrigation and natural gas. The city also provides solid waste collection. Economic development and tax incentives are available to businesses that create high-paying jobs. Florida has no state tax and tax advantages are available to make your business dollars go further.

Leesburg’s leadership is looking toward the future with additions to the local budget, capital improvements and an emphasis on economic

development that includes grants to encourage businesses to update their façade, signage, and landscaping. These are small changes that can be big for business and money is available to help business owners make the changes.

Quality of life for residents is also an integral part of planning for the City’s future. The renaissance of Venetian Gardens, the “Gem of the City” offers a splash pad, state-of-the-art Kids Korner playground, covered pavilions, boat docks and enhancements to the Ski Beach area including a walking trail and boat ramp. Venetian Gardens is also home to the beautiful Venetian Center, a nearly 15,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose facility on the shores of Lake Harris. The new H.O. Dabney Aquatic Center which includes an 8-lane competition swimming pool and a zero-entry pool with play features and slides opened in spring 2022. Leesburg’s marquee events such as Mardi Gras Party in the Street, Leesburg Bikefest, 4th of July celebration, Second Saturday Car Show and professional fishing tournaments draw thousands of visitors to the City each year.

With residents, businesses and city leadership working together and innovative plans well underway, Leesburg is headed to a great future filled with partnerships, performance and progress.

CITY OF LEESBURG GATEWAY

DOWNTOWN LEESBURG

Business and tourism go hand in hand in Florida, and Leesburg offers the perfect place to grow your business.

PAID PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Explore Explore

Mount Dora

Lake County is home to over 1,000 named lakes. Boating safety is important on every one of them. Check all your safety equipment regularly. Per Florida Statute, these items must be in your boat when you are on the water:

• A life jacket in the appropriate size, in usable condition, for each person on board a vessel.

• A Current Copy of your Boat Registration

• Sound Producing Device

• Fire Extinguisher

• Vessel Lights

It is also recommended that you equip your vessel with an anchor, a de-watering device and an oar or alternate means of propulsion. If you’re out in the middle of the lake and decide to jump out to cool off, MAKE SURE you securely anchor down before you jump out – even if someone is left in the boat.

PEYTON C. GRINNELL, SHERIFF

LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

SLEEP DANCE EXPLORE JUMP SWIM PLAY

DINE STAY LET’S STAY

Discover accommodations in Florida’s lakeside escape. With a range of places to stay that includes high-end resorts, family-friendly inns, bedand-breakfasts, vacation rentals, RV parks and cabins in the great outdoors, Lake County welcomes tourists to kick off their shoes and stay awhile.

HOTELS

and resorts

Whether visitors are looking for economical family-friendly accommodations or luxury pampering, the hotels and resorts in gorgeous Lake County are part of a landscape of lakefront views and watersports, golf courses and spas, popular attractions and fine dining.

ANGELINA LAKESIDE INN

21726 US Hwy 27, Leesburg

352.787.8876

BEST WESTERN PLUS CHAIN OF LAKES INN & SUITES

1321 N. 14th St., Leesburg 352.460.0118

BUDG ET LODGE

18730 US Hwy 441, Mount Dora

352.383.2181

BUDGET INN

926 N. Bay St., Eustis

352.357.3433

CANDLELIGHT MOTEL

1306 S. 14th St., Leesburg

352.787.6588

THE CASTAWAYS ON THE RIVER

25131 Blackwater Ln., Astor

352.759.3422

COLONIAL INN MOTEL

1000 S. Bay St., Eustis 352.357.4874

COMFORT INN & SUITES

1380 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares 352.253.2378

EXPLORIA EXPRESS

105 Summer Bay Blvd., Clermont 855.849.2205

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES

1750 Hunt Trace Blvd., Clermont 352.394.6585

GROVELAND MOTEL

896 E. Myers Blvd., Mascotte 352.429.2655

HAMPTON INN & SUITES CLERMONT

2200 E. SR 50, Clermont 352.536.6600

HAMPTON INN 9630 US Hwy 441, Leesburg 352.315.1053

HAMPTON INN

19700 US Hwy 441, Mount Dora 352.383.4267

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS

1810 US Hwy 27, Clermont 352.243.7878

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES

3601 W. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares 352.742.1600

HOME 2 SUITES BY HILTON, CLERMONT

1450 Champions Way, Clermont 352.227.2900

INN ON THE GREEN

700 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares 352.343.6373

KEY WEST RESORT ON LAKE DORA

199 W. Ruby St., Tavares 352.508.5344

LA BELLA INN

101 W. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares 352.343.4666

LAKESIDE INN

100 N. Alexander St., Mount Dora 800.556.5016

MICROTEL INN & SUITES BY WYNDHAM LADY LAKE

850 S. US Hwy 27/441, Lady Lake 352.561.8038

MICROTEL INN & SUITES BY WYNDHAM LEESBURG

9700 US Hwy 441, Leesburg 352.315.1234

MISSION INN RESORT & CLUB

10400 CR 48, Howey-in-the-Hills 352.268.9574

ORANGE MOTEL

800 S. US Hwy 27, Minneola 352.394.3595

QUALITY INN

1392 W. North Blvd., Leesburg 352.787.6363

QUALITY INN & SUITES

16630 US Hwy 44, Mount Dora 352.383.3400

SIENA AT BELLA COLLINA

16300 CR 455, Montverde 407.469.4992

SLEEP INN

2476 N. Citrus Blvd., Leesburg 352.326.9002

SUMMER BAY ORLANDO BY EXPLORIA RESORTS

17805 US Hwy 192, Clermont 855.849.2205

VILL A LAGOON INN

1051 Lake Shore Blvd., Tavares 352.343.3377

WOODSPRING SUITES

16311 SR 50, Clermont 407.877.2634

FOR A COMPLETE LIST, GO TO VISITLAKEFL.COM

B&Bs and HOMES vacation

For a home away from home, Lake County offers cozy stays in quaint bed-and-breakfasts, or spacious rental houses for the perfect vacation. Visitors can enjoy all the wonderful sights and activities in the area, then come “home” at the end of a long day of fun.

B&Bs

ADORA INN

610 N. Tremain St., Mount Dora 352.735.3110 • AdoraInn.com

FARNSWORTH HOUSE

1029 E. 5th Ave., Mount Dora 352.735.1894 • farnsworthhousebb.com

GRANDVIEW BED & BREAKFAST

442 E. 3rd Ave., Mount Dora 352.383.4440 • grandviewbb.net

THE HEIRLOOM INN

644 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora 352.408.9667 theheirloominnmountdora.com

MISSION INN RESORT & CLUB

HERON CAY

LAKEVIEW B&B INN

495 W. Old US Hwy 441, Mount Dora 352.383.4050 • heroncay.com

LAKE MINNEOLA INN

508 S. Main Ave., Minneola 352.394.0134 • lakeminneolainn.com

LE PETIT SUITE

1174 E. 5th Ave., Mount Dora 305.338.9931 • lepetitsuite.com

VACATION RENTALS

AWARD VACATION HOMES

1536 Sunrise Plaza Dr., #100, Clermont 407.501.2990

CLERMONT CABANAS

875 W. Osceola St., Clermont 352.978.5856 clermontcabanas.com

THE EVER AFTER ESTATE

9512 Oak Island Ln., Clermont 352.978.8730 everafterestate.com

MAGNOLIA INN

347 E. 3rd Ave., Mount Dora 352.735.3800 • magnoliainn.net

MOSS GATE BED & BREAKFAST

210 Rose St., Umatilla 352.669.3557 umatillachamber.org/mossgate

MOUNT DORA COTTAGES

615 N. Tremain St., Mount Dora 352.638.0257 mountdoracottages.com

MOUNT DORA HISTORIC INN

221 E. 4th Ave., Mount Dora 352.735.1212 mountdorahistoricinn.com

SIMPSON’S BED & BREAKFAST

441 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora 352.383.2087 • simpsonsbnb.com

FOX DEN COUNTRY INN

27 S. Central Ave., Umatilla 352.669.2151 foxdencountryinn.com

LAKE LOUISA VILLA EVENTS & RESORT

11450 Nellie Oaks Bend, Clermont 407.625.4655

lakelouisaeventsresort.com

OUR FLORIDA CONCIERGE

PO Box 120749, Clermont 863.420.4092

ourfloridaconcierge.com

SWEET ESCAPE MANSION

11207 Guilford Rd., Clermont 352.250.4220

sweetescapehouse.com

SWISS VACATION HOUSES

13114 Skiing Paradise Blvd., Clermont 352.429.2178

swissvacationhouses.com

TREMAIN STREET COTTAGES

615 N. Tremain St., Mount Dora 352.638.0257

tremainstreetcottages.com

CAMPGROUNDS & cabins

Lake County is known for its beautiful natural amenities, which is why it is home to numerous parks and campgrounds offering opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities and overcrowded theme parks and beaches. Enjoy the tranquility of its rivers and lakes and Spanish moss dangling from majestic oak trees while viewing birds and a variety of animals in their natural habitat. CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

STAY

CAMPSITES

ALEXANDER SPRINGS RECREATION AREA

In addition to a 67-unit trailer campground and sites for tents, campers can swim or canoe in the crystal-clear spring. Restroom and shower facilities available.

49525 CR 445, Altoona

352.669.3522

ASTOR LANDING RV RESORT & MARINA

This campground, RV resort, and marina is on the banks of the St. Johns River and surrounded by the Ocala National Forest. Accommodations include a campground with full hook-ups, boat docks with water, sewer, and electric, a boat ramp on the river, a boat and RV storage yard, and a bathhouse with hot showers.

25934 Holmar Dr., Astor

352.759.2121

BEE’S RV RESORT

Bee’s offers a range of amenities for visitors, including the “Beehive” activities center, recently renovated pool with new patio furniture, and the HoneyPot Eatery, known for its all-you-can-eat chicken, and seasonal all-you-can eat fish.

20260 US Hwy 27, Clermont

352.429.2116

BLACK HORSE RESORT RANCH

The resort has accommodations for RVs and horses. Enjoy horseback riding in a scenic location. The ranch also offers riding and shooting clinics.

22651 SE CR 42, Umatilla

352.434.1204

CLEARWATER LAKE CAMPGROUND

This relaxing campground offers 42 tent spaces and bathhouses with warm showers under shady oak trees. Guests can hike nature trails, rent canoes, enjoy a kayak ride across the lake, or go mountain biking.

24511 CR 42, Paisley

1.877.444.6777

DOE LAKE GROUP SITE

A beautiful campground provides a large dining hall with full kitchen, shaded tent sites, and a bathhouse with hot showers.

Ocala National Forest, Umatilla

1.877.444.6777

HAINES

CREEK RV VILLAGE

Leave your stress behind and immerse yourself in unparalleled relaxation at Haines Creek RV Village. Enjoy a drink while listening to the sounds of bullfrogs and insects in the evenings in the country park just three miles from city shopping and restaurants.

10121 CR 44, Leesburg

352.728.5939

HOLIDAY RV VILLAGE

Offering 935 oversized pull-thru sites with full-service hookups, this is the perfect location for an RV visit long or short.

28229 CR 33, Leesburg

352.787.5151

LAKE DEATON RV PARK

Surrounded by natural beauty, this 81-site park offers a friendly atmosphere, private docks for fishing or boating, and proximity to Lake Sumter Landing, Spanish Springs Town Square, and Brownwood, in The Villages.

4855 CR 146, Wildwood 352.748.2397

LAKE GRIFFIN STATE PARK

This 40-site campground allows visitors to canoe and kayak, hike nature trails, fish, and see one of the state’s largest and oldest live oak trees.

3089 US Hwy 441/27, Fruitland Park 352.360.6760

NELSON’S OUTDOOR RESORT

Spacious campsites are available for both RV and tent camping. Enjoy some of the best freshwater fishing in Florida on the Ocklawaha River and nearby Lake Griffin.

19400 SR 42, Umatilla 352.821.3474

OCALA FOREST CAMPGROUND

This family-friendly campground nestled in the picturesque Ocala National Forest offers excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, and horseshoes.

26301 SE CR 42, Umatilla 352.669.3888

SOUTHERN PALMS RV RESORT

Family-friendly fun for residents and guests alike. Activities will keep you busy, from evening dances to daytime bocce games.

1 Avocado Lane, Eustis 352.357.8882

WEKIVA FALLS RV RESORT

More than 800 RV sites and 40 tent sites are available. Enjoy canoeing, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and a water park at the beautiful river locale.

30700 Wekiva River Rd., Sorrento 352.269.6615

WILDWOOD RV VILLAGE

1520 SR 40, Astor 386.749.3995

FOR A COMPLETE LIST, GO TO DISCOVERLAKEFL.COM

SHOP. SLEEP DANCE

EXPLORE JUMP SWIM STAY DINE PLAY PLAY LET’S

Kayaking down a river. Shopping for hard-to-find antiques. Playing a challenging game of golf. Exploring art galleries brimming with creativity. Lake County is home to all of these fun-filled activities and many more.

SWING In full

Do you have the “drive” to get out and experience Lake County’s 99 miles of fairways and greens? The county boasts 26 golf courses that are popular with both residents and tourists. The unique layouts—including tree-lined fairways, sweeping vistas, sloped greens, and strategically placed bunkers—will excite and challenge novice and experienced golfers alike.

Whether you’re looking for some leisure, beauty, or spirited competition, be sure to book your tee times to fine-tune your game on some—or all—of Lake County’s most beautiful golf courses.

KEY $ = $25 or less | $$ = $25-50 | $$$ = $50 or more

CENTRAL

ARLINGTON RIDGE GOLF CLUB

4463 Arlington Ridge Blvd., Leesburg

352.728.4660 • arlingtonridgegolfclub.com

$$ Designed by pro Gary Koch. Lots of nuances on course featuring winding river and centuries-old oaks.

4,877 yards from front tees, 6,610 from back tees

Rating 71.2 with slope of 117

THE CLUB AT PENNBROOKE FAIRWAYS

32900 Countryside Blvd., Leesburg

352.728.3200 • pennbrookefairwaysgolf.com

$$ Two executive nines and one regulation nine.

MISSION INN RESORT & CLUB – EL CAMPEÓN

10400 CR 48, Howey-in-the-Hills

352.324.3885 • missioninnresort.com

$$$ One of the oldest courses in Florida (1917), 85 feet of elevation change breaks the mold of traditional flat Florida courses. Signature hole is No. 17, a par-5 double dogleg full of obstacles.

6,923 yards, par 72

Rating 74.2 with slope of 135

MISSION INN RESORT & CLUB – LAS COLINAS

10400 CR 48, Howey-in-the-Hills

352.324.3885 • missioninnresort.com

$$$ Nominated as Best New Resort Course and rated four stars by Golf Digest. Recognized as Top Fairways by Golf for Women. Plenty of water hazards. Signature hole is No. 12, a 493-yard, par-5 along a tree-lined fairway.

6,867 yards, par 72

Rating 73.3 with slope of 132

MONARCH AT ROYAL HIGHLANDS

5325 Saint Andrews, Leesburg

352.314.9000 • monarchgolfclub.com

$$ Member owned, semi-private course. Striking elevation changes and beautiful views.

6,018 yards, par 72

Rating 68.9 with slope of 119

MISSION INN RESORT & CLUB - EL CAMPEÓN

PLANTATION AT LEESBURG – CRANES ROOST

4720 Plantation Blvd., Leesburg 352.365.0526

plantationleesburggolf.com

$$ Four tees challenge all skill levels.

6,005 yards, par 71

Rating 68.0 with slope of 118

PLANTATION AT LEESBURG – OTTER CREEK

4720 Plantation Blvd., Leesburg 352.365.0526

plantationleesburggolf.com

$$ Four tees challenge all skill levels.

6,264 yards, par 72

Rating 70.0 with slope of 127

NORTHWEST HARBOR HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

6583 Lake Griffin Rd., Lady Lake 352.753.7000 • harborhills.com

$$ Rated 4 stars by Golf Digest. Spacious layout. Hilly terrain is challenging but not overly difficult. Harbor Hills has hosted numerous high school state playoff tournaments and National Golf Association tour events.

6,910 yards, par 72

Rating 72.5 with slope of 126

LAKES OF LADY LAKE GOLF COURSE

503 Canopy Ln., Lady Lake 352.750.4474 • golf-fla.com

WATER OAK COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES

106 Evergreen Ln., Lady Lake 352.753.3905 • watoakgolf.net

$$ Situated among 300 acres of unique terrain and large oak trees with 14 treelined holes and emphasis on accuracy.

5,944 yards, par 72

Rating 68.4 with slope of 117

EAST

BLACK BEAR GOLF CLUB

24505 Caluso Blvd., Eustis 352.357.4732 • blackbeargolfclub.com

$$ One of the premier championship layouts in Central Florida. P.B. Dye design worthy of seven U.S. Amateur Public Links tournaments. Practice facility boasts complete double-ended driving range and 40,000-square-foot short-game area.

7,002 yards, par 72 Rating 74.7 with slope of 134

COUNTRY CLUB OF MOUNT DORA

1900 Country Club Blvd., Mt. Dora 352.735.2263 • ccofmtdora.com

$$ Water comes into play on 16 holes. Raised greens present challenges.

6,571 yards, par 72 Rating 72.1 with slope of 125

DEER ISLAND COUNTRY CLUB

18000 Eagles Club House Way, Tavares 352.343.7550 • deerislandcc.com

The course designed by renowned architect Joe Lee opened in 1994. In addition to experiencing 18 wonderful holes, golfers enjoy beautiful views of Lake Dora and Lake Beauclair, as well as majestic magnolias and towering oak trees.

6,852 yards, par 72 73.8 with slope of 133

EAGLE DUNES GOLF CLUB

24000 Marbella Dr., Sorrento 352.357.0123 • eagledunes.com

$$ 4-star rating by Golf Digest. Elevations and beautiful fairways.

7,024 yards, par 72

Rating 73.7 with slope of 135

MOUNT DORA GOLF CLUB

1100 S. Highland St., Mount Dora 352.383.3954 • mountdoragolf.com

$$ Opened in 1945.

5,719 yards, par 70

Rating 67.9 with slope of 114

RED TAIL GOLF CLUB

26026 Member Ln., Sorrento 352.383.2700 • redtailgc.com

$$ Located in Red Tail Luxury Golf Community. Private, non-equity course.

7,152 yards, par 72

WEDGEWOOD GOLF COURSE

12635 CR 44, Grand Island 352.589.0072

$ Opened in 1989.

1,400 yards, par 27

SOUTH

BELLA COLLINA GOLF CLUB

15920 CR 455, Montverde 407.469.4691 • bellacollina.com

$$$ Premium course designed by pro Nick Faldo. Valley-style layout features open fairways but provides a true test.

7,500 yards, par 72

CLERBROOK GOLF & RV RESORT

20005 N. Hwy. 27, Clermont 352.394.3551 • clerbrook.com

$ Opened in 1981.

5,154 yards, par 67

Rating 63.4 with slope of 108

GREEN VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

14601 Green Valley Blvd., Clermont 352.394.2133 • gvcountryclub.com

$$ Founded as nine-hole course in 1967, expanded to 18 holes in 1989. Member-owned, semi-private club with full driving range.

6,645 yards, par 72

Rating 71.8 with slope of 128

KINGS RIDGE GOLF CLUB

1950 Kings Ridge Blvd., Clermont 352.242.4653 • kingsridgegc.com

$$ Course capitalizes on naturally rolling terrain. Greens are a true test of putting skills.

6,269 yards, par 71

LEGENDS GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

1700 Legendary Blvd., Clermont 352.717.1684 • Legendsclermontgolf.com

$$ Recent $2 million renovation stretches 8 miles with picturesque elevation changes throughout the course.

6,808 yards, par 72

SWISS FAIRWAYS

13114 Skiing Paradise Blvd., Clermont 352.429.9065 • swiss-fairways.com

$ Unique course has 135 sand traps and 10 water hazards. Large greens.

6,725 yards, par 70

Rating 72.3 with slope of 126

of the

SOWING SEEDS AGRITOURISM

Pick your own blueberries. Carefully navigate your way through a cornfield maze. Agritourism showcasing the agricultural attractions the county has to offer is blossoming here. Wineries, working farms, citrus groves, and u-pick farms are among the county’s diverse agricultural businesses. Thanks to this vast range of activities, visitors to Lake County can immerse themselves in natural surroundings and get a glimpse of rural life.

LAKERIDGE WINERY AND VINEYARDS

19239 US Hwy 27, Clermont 800.768.WINE • lakeridgewinery.com

Complimentary tours and wine tasting offered seven days a week. The winery features a wide array of festivals and events throughout the year.

OAK HAVEN FARMS AND WINERY

32418 Avington Rd., Sorrento 352.735.1996 • berriesandwines.com

Visitors can pick their own strawberries, and the winery offers a variety of locally produced fruit and grape wines during weekends.

SANTA’S CHRISTMAS TREE FOREST

35317 Huff Rd., Eustis 352.357.9863

santaschristmastreeforest.com

The farm offers private and seasonal farm field trips along with farm birthday parties and events, all via reservations.

SCOTT’S MAZE ADVENTURES AT LONG AND SCOTT FARMS

26216 CR 448A, Mount Dora 352.383.6900 • longandscottfarms.com

The corn maze and adventures are open to the public during weekends in the fall and for special events or private parties throughout the year.

SHOWCASE OF CITRUS

5010 S. Hwy. 27, Clermont 352.394.4377 • showcaseofcitrus.com

The Showcase of Citrus is open daily and features an old-time store, marketplace and more than 70 varieties of citrus. Visitors can pick citrus from a tree and experience a 4X4 monster truck ride through the spacious property to see wildlife animals, including zebra, Watusi cattle, water buffalo, alligators, snakes, and exotic and native birds.

STANLEY POND ADVENTURE FARM

15426 CR 48, Astatula 321.228.7608 • stanleypondfarm.com

Farm features family-friendly weekend activities of catch-and-release fishing, year-round sunflower and zinnia u-picking, mini-airboat ride, jumping pillow, giant sand pile, and more.

UNCLE DONALD’S FARM

2713 Griffin Ave., Lady Lake 352.753.2882 • uncledonaldsfarm.com

Go on a hayride, pet and feed farm animals, and see wildlife up close.

U - PICK FARMS

AMBER BROOKE FARMS

36111 CR 44A, Eustis • 352.973.1963

A NATURAL FARM AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER

23630 SR 19, Howey-in-the-Hills 352.536.3112

BLUE BAYOU FARM

8222 CR 48, Yalaha • 352.324.4069

H&H BERRY FARMS

15217 CR 455, Montverde 321.436.5830

HEATHER OAKS FARM

4240 Christmas Ln., Lady Lake 352.753.1184

KING GROVE ORGANIC FARM

19714 CR 44A, Eustis • 352.589.2469

LAKE APSHAWA FARM

18030 W. Apshawa Rd., Clermont 352.394.3313

LAKE CATHERINE BLUEBERRIES

5849 Lake Catherine Rd., Groveland 352.551.4110

LAKE JEM NURSERY

27205 CR 448A, Mount Dora 352.223.4445

MARK’S U - PICK BLUEBERRIES

18900 CR 561, Clermont 352.394.2135

OAK HAVEN FARMS

32418 Avington Rd., Sorrento 352.735.1996

PROMISE FARMS

36111 CR 44A, Eustis 352.589.5557

SEMINOLE SPRINGS

HERB FARM

39435 Huff Rd., Eustis 352.357.2643

SOUTHERN HILL FARMS

16651 Schofield Rd., Clermont 407.986.5806 • southernhillfarms.com

LAKERIDGE WINERY

EQUESTRIAN ATTRACTIONS

AL - MARAH ARABIAN HORSES

11105 Autumn Ln., Clermont • 352.536.1502

BLACK HORSE RESORT RANCH

22651 S.E. CR 42, Umatilla • 352.434.1204

DREAMCATCHER HORSE RANCH

10639 Toad Rd., Clermont • 407.702.8332

ROCK SPRING RUN TRAIL RIDES

31700 CR 433, Sorrento • 352.266.9326

EQUESTRIAN TRAILS

LAKE LOUISA STATE PARK

7305 Hwy. 27, Clermont 352.394.3969

LAKE NORRIS CONSERVATION AREA

22437 Orange Blossom Ln., Eustis 352.343.3777

LOWER WEKIVA RIVER PRESERVE

38015 Fechtel Rd., Eustis • 352.884.2009

OCALA NATIONAL FOREST, SEMINOLE RANGER DISTRICT

40929 SR 19, Umatilla • 352.669.3153

ROCK SPRINGS RUN STATE RESERVE

30601 CR 433, Sorrento • 352.383.3311

SAWGRASS ISLAND PRESERVE

12050 Sawgrass Island Rd., Umatilla 352.343.3777

SEMINOLE STATE FOREST

9610 CR 44, Leesburg • 352.360.6675

RAISE

curtain the

Lake County’s entertainment venues host productions of well-known Broadway plays and musicals, popular singers and musicians of every genre and performances by unique comedians and stage acts.

CLERMONT

THE CLERMONT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

3700 S. Hwy. 27, Clermont 352.394.4800 clermontperformingarts.com

The Clermont Performing Arts Center has an amazing array of stars and live shows on the schedule.

THE MOONLIGHT PLAYERS THEATRE

352.319.1116 twilighthteatreforyouth.com

The Moonlight Players Theatre is looking for a permanent home, but shows can be seen in various venues throughout Lake County. The Moonlight Players is a non-profit community group that presents small-stage play revivals and also works with young people via the Twilight Theatre for Youth

MOUNT DORA

MOUNT DORA PLAZA LIVE

2728 W. Old Hwy. 441, Mt. Dora 352.234.3755 • mountdoraplazalive.com

Mount Dora Plaza Live, a venue that opened in 2019, features bands, tribute singers and drag shows. The renovated Community Building Theatre, 520 N. Baker St., also hosts concerts and shows most months.

SONNENTAG THEATRE

1100 N. Unser St., Mt. Dora 352.383.4616 • icehousetheater.com

Sonnentag Theatre at the is a delightful community theater featuring a program for children and teens with workshops and productions.

LEESBURG

THE MELON PATCH THEATRE

311 N. 13th St., Leesburg 352.787.3013 • melonpatchplayers.org

The Melon Patch Theatre is celebrating its 71ST season. The theater includes Patchwork Productions with classes in drama, dance, comedy, and musical theater for children.

EUSTIS

THE STATE THEATRE OF EUSTIS

109 N. Bay St., Eustis 352.357.7777 • eustisstatetheatre.org

The State Theatre of Eustis is home to the Bay Street Players The troupe offers educational opportunities that include classes in acting, set production, costuming and front house management.

SONNENTAG THEATRE AT THE ICEHOUSE

EXPLORING

local treasures

Museums and galleries in Lake County provide visitors with opportunities to explore all the culture, history, and art the area has to offer. Museums keep our rich and colorful history alive, while galleries help foster an appreciation of beauty, creativity, and originality. Spend afternoons or entire weekends exploring these treasures but be sure to check websites or call ahead as hours do change seasonally.

HISTORICAL

LEESBURG HERITAGE MUSEUM

111 S. 6th St., Leesburg leesburgflorida.gov

1-4pm Monday-Friday

Conveniently located in the former Lassiter-Ware Insurance Building downtown, this museum is packed with 150 years of history, including such keepsakes as former Leesburg visitor Annie Oakley’s 1886 suitcase. Learn about the first watermelon festival, the origins of Venetian Gardens, and much more.

CLERMONT HISTORIC VILLAGE

490 West Ave., Clermont clermonthistoricvillage.org

1-4pm Saturday-Sunday or by special appointment

The Clermont Historical Society operates this enclave of historic buildings, which includes the old train depot, a World War II quonset hut, the city’s first library, and a quaint church chapel. Go through the seven buildings to learn more about local history and pioneering families of South Lake County while enjoying beautiful views of Lake Minneola and Victory Pointe.

EUSTIS HISTORICAL MUSEUM

536 N. Bay St., Eustis eustishistoricalmuseum.com

1-5pm Friday-Saturday

The former Clifford House contains memorabilia about the 19th century resort town of Lake Eustis and how it became just Eustis in 1883.

LAKE COUNTY

HISTORICAL MUSEUM

317 W. Main St., Tavares Lakecountyfl.gov

10am-2pm Thursday-Saturday

Located on the first floor of Lake County’s Historical Courthouse, this museum is a treasure trove of Central Florida memorabilia, period antiques, murals, and historical artifacts. Discover Walt Disney’s tie to Lake County and how Tavares almost became the state capital. Admission is free.

EUSTIS HISTORICAL MUSEUM

GROVELAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM

243 S. Lake Ave., Groveland grovelandhistory.org

11am-1pm Saturday or by special appointment

Many residents have donated memorabilia about this small town, including a miniature replica of the high school circa 1937

MOUNT DORA HISTORICAL MUSEUM

450 Royellou Ln., Mount Dora

1-4pm Tuesday-Sunday

Operated by the Mount Dora Historical Society, this museum is housed in the city’s first fire station and city jail, which opened in 1923. The exhibits highlight activities from the 1880s to the 1930s, but the restored jail cells are the most significant feature. One cell contains original artwork from a former prisoner while another cell contains a painting depicting the one and only jail break, when a prisoner left a note stating he had gone home and would return for his trial.

museum is free to the public. Donations are accepted in lieu of admission fees.

LEESBURG CENTER FOR THE ARTS

429 W. Magnolia St., Leesburg leesburgarts.com

10am-5pm Monday-Friday

The mission of the Leesburg Center for the Arts is to provide a central location where artists, musicians, and patrons gather. Located in a historic downtown building, the center hosts numerous activities, exhibitions, classes, and the annual Leesburg Arts Festival each March.

MODERNISM MUSEUM MOUNT DORA

145 E. 4th Ave., Mount Dora modernismmuseum.org

Check for hours

This small, private museum in downtown Mount Dora is devoted to collecting, exhibiting, and promoting the work of the American Studio Arts Movement, which combines high art with craftsmanship. Open since 2013, the museum contains a unique and expansive collection of modernist art by iconic and influential American masters of the craft. The artwork marries form and function, and visitors will wonder, “Is it sculpture or furniture?”

the downtown area. A community-based, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the center is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of art and culture in the region.

MONTROSE GALLERY

776 W. Montrose St., Clermont southlakeartleague.com

Hours vary

The gallery, operated by the South Lake Art League, hosts art and photography shows in the fall and spring each year. Founded in 1966 to encourage and promote all forms of art, the league offers a variety of classes. Check its website for exhibition and class schedules.

the

outdoors

Who needs overcrowded theme parks when you can hear the peaceful sounds of birds chirping overhead, bicycle along picturesque trails, or kayak peacefully down a river and see wildlife in its natural habitat? With more than 1,000 lakes and endless miles of hiking trails, Lake County is a natural paradise for avid outdoor enthusiasts. Sometimes, it’s nice to escape the hustle and bustle of life and bask in nature’s glow.

LAKE HARRIS RUN

BIRDING

Lake County is one of the top destinations in the nation for birdwatching. The lakes and natural areas have attracted more than 200 different species of birds. Some of the most popular places for spotting multiple bird species include:

ALEXANDER SPRINGS RECREATION AREA

Alexander Springs Recreation Area has been popular with nature enthusiasts for years. Located in Northern Lake County, the springs recreation area is an excellent destination for swimmers, hikers, campers, birdwatchers, and wildlife lovers. The Timucuan Trail is a 1.1-mile interpretive loop trail that highlights vegetation used by early Native Americans.

THE FLORIDA NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL

The Florida National Scenic Trail runs 72 miles through the Ocala National Forest and is a popular location for beginning and advanced birders.

FLORIDA SCRUB - JAY TRAIL

Florida Scrub-Jay Trail in Clermont is named for the elusive, rare species whose estimated population is 4,000. Birding enthusiasts come from as far away as England, Germany, Japan, and Canada to visit the 15-acre property. The trail is home to 135 other species, including painted buntings, warblers, herons, sandhill cranes, Carolina chickadees, red-bellied woodpeckers, and purple martins. The trail hosts tours and educational programs.

THE GREEN MOUNTAIN SCENIC OVERLOOK AND TRAILHEAD

The Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead is a 132-foot elevated boardwalk that offers exceptional views of Sugarloaf Mountain, Lake County’s highest point. Popular with bicyclists traversing the Green Mountain Scenic Byway, the overlook is an ideal location for watching dozens of species of birds and butterflies. Located at 20700 CR 455 near Montverde, the overlook is open daily 7am-dusk.

KAYAKING AND CANOEING

Experience Lake County’s scenic and wildlife areas along the shorelines of nine blueway trails. A blueway is like a

• STAGGER MUD LAKE RUN

• ST. FRANCIS DEAD RIVER RUN

river otters, alligators, wood storks, and sandhill cranes. The Sand Hill Nature Trail offers a self-guided hiking tour. There is no admission fee at the Fechtel Road entrance in Eustis, and the park is open daily 8am-sunset.

PALATLAKAHA ENVIRONMENTAL AND AGRICULTURAL RESERVE

Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve, also known as PEAR Park, is filled with native plants, wildflowers, and migrating birds as well as a Florida scrub-jay restoration area. The 318-acre park offers several miles of hiking trails, a nature center, and a new Wildlife Watch Post Located off Hwy. 27 in Leesburg, the park is open daily 6:30am-dusk.

considered “wilderness” areas, more appropriate for experienced users. For more information about the Lake County Community Blueways Project, visit paddlelake.com.

Experience the beauty of Lake County’s waterways through Tavaresbased Adventure Outdoor Paddle,

ECOTOURISM ADVENTURES

DORA CANAL

Any visit to Lake County should include a boat ride, especially on the Dora Canal. Lined with cypress trees, the Dora Canal is one of the best waterways for wildlife viewing because it is a haven for nesting ospreys, herons, and egrets.

SHOWCASE OF CITRUS

Tour a 2,500-acre working citrus farm and cattle ranch on the world’s largest ATV. Open since 1961, the Showcase offers 100 percent “pure Florida fun” with the highly modified giant trucks that are designed for safe rides through native woodlands, pastureland, swamps, and groves. The farm is at 5010 Hwy. 27 in Clermont. Visit showcaseofcitrus.com.

REVOLUTION ADVENTURES

ATVs, archery, amphibious vehicles and more, this experience is definitely a hit for the off-the-beaten-path adventure seekers! Check it out in the countryside of Clermont, not too far from major Orlando attractions.

Most avid cyclists know about Lake County’s 12.6-mile South Lake Trail, which runs from the West Orange Trail to Silver Eagle Road in Clermont. The picturesque and often-challenging trail will be the heart of the Coast-to-Coast Connector, a 250-mile trail across Florida that is under construction. There are also 25 more miles of bicycle trails around Lake County. Pack some water and sunscreen and find your starting point on these trails:

BLACK STILL LAKE TRAIL

Distance: 0.5 miles

Start and end: Black Still Lake Rd., Clermont

FOUNTAIN LAKE TRAIL

Distance: 2 miles

Start: Canal Sreet., Leesburg

End: 13th St., Leesburg

THE GREEN MOUNTAIN SCENIC OVERLOOK AND TRAILHEAD

Distance: 1 mile

Start: CR 455, Montverde

End: Truskett Park

LAKE APOPKA LOOP TRAIL

Distance: 18 miles

Start: Green Mountain Scenic

Overlook & Trailhead

End: Magnolia Park (Orange County)

MAGNOLIA TRAIL

Designed for walkers and bikers, lined with benches and outdoor exercise equipment.

Distance: 0.7 miles

Start: Mote-Morris House, Leesburg

End: Palmetto St.

SOUTH LAKE TRAIL

Connects to West Orange Trail at Old CR 50 and Lake Blvd.

Distance: 12.6 miles

Start: Lake Boulevard & Lake County Line

End: Silver Eagle Rd. & CR 565A

HANCOCK TRAIL EXTENSION

Connects to South Lake Trail.

Distance: 2.4 miles

Start: Hancock Rd. & CR 50, Clermont

End: Cooper Memorial Library & National Training Center

TAV - LEE TRAIL

Distance: 3.5 miles

Start: Downtown Tavares

End: Lake Square Mall

VENETIAN GARDENS TRAIL

Distance: 0.5 miles

Start: Venetian Gardens & Canal St., Leesburg

End: Magnolia Trail and Bourley

Historic Nature Preserve

WILSON LAKE

PARKWAY TRAIL

Distance: 3.0 miles

Start and end: Wilson Lake Parkway, Clermont

let’s talk

SHOP

Art galleries, clothing stores, home décor shops, and antiques are just some of the treasures you’ll find throughout the downtown streets of Mount Dora, Leesburg, Eustis, Clermont, and other Lake County communities.

MOUNT DORA

Mount Dora’s downtown is bustling with a variety of shops and boutiques. Papilio features nature-inspired art, gifts, and plants. The Cozy Nest has a mix of vintage, shabby chic, inspirational signs, and baby gifts. Other fun shops with specialty items include the Checkered Moon, The Salty Mare, Piece of Mind, Vincents, Em’z on Fifth, Noni and the Olive Branch, Under the Cherry Blossom, Julianne’s Coastal Cottage, The Spice & Tea Exchange, Artisans of Mount Dora, and Piglet’s Pantry to name a few. The Rafiki Exchange, in a side strip of the Renaissance Building off Donnelly Street, is filled with one-of-a-kind handcrafted items made by African widows.

EUSTIS

Peddler’s Wagon in downtown Eustis entices the senses with more than 7,000 square feet of home accent pieces, silk floral designs, and one of the largest arrays of unique Christmas decor. Lemonade Lifestyle Boutique also offers gifts, décor and more. Merry Jewelers has been a popular Eustis store since 1946, and My Favorite Things features craft supplies, rubber stamps, and coordinating card stock, inks, ribbons, and buttons.

CLERMONT

The Broom Tree is one of a few quaint shops in downtown Clermont filled with collectibles from yesteryear, modern items, jewelry, furniture pieces, and more. Erika’s Tea Room and Gifts features an array of special tea sets and more than 80 teas from around the world. Encore carries a great selection of home decor items, and Hometown Accents by Gabriella also features a nice array of handmade items and home decor.

Boutique shops like Orange Blossom Belle and Grey Collective Bridal are the perfect places for trendy finds. For the more outdoorsy, The Florida Angler is your one-stop-shop for all your fishing needs. Sunshine Book Co. has everything from the latest top sellers, children’s books and unique finds. Montrose Street Market, the Downtown Exchange and the Clermont Market all offer an array of food and shopping vendors to explore.

LEESBURG

Downtown Main Street in Leesburg has several specialty shops. Start at Doggibags Boutique, which has the latest fashions designed by Clara S., Joseph Ribkoff, Valentena, Krazy Larry, Damee, Jana, and Rebel Jeans, along with unique handbags and accessories. Everything a University of Florida fan could possibly desire can be found at Grand Gator. Other shops to check out Linda’s Soapbox, Willowbee’s, The Lacy Ladybug inside Southern Gardens, and Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe

DOWNTOWN LEESBURG

Memories CULTIVATING

SOUTHERN HILL FARMS

SHOP. SLEEP DANCE EXPLORE JUMP SWIM STAY PLAY DINE LET’S DINE

If you believe that memorable meals are essential to a great vacation, you won’t be disappointed in Lake County, home to a plethora of great restaurants serving a wide array of cuisines to please any palate.

TURNERS

FINE dining

Lake County offers an extensive variety of fine dining establishments. Whether you crave fresh seafood or fine-aged steak, you’ll find the perfect meal in any one of these restaurants.

1921 MOUNT DORA

EL CONQUISTADOR RESTAURANT

10400 CR 48, Howey-in-the-Hills 352.324.3911

AMORE ITALIAN

2608 S. Hwy 27, Ste. 100,

THE BEAUCLAIRE DINING ROOM, LAKESIDE INN

100 Alexander St.,

CHESAPEAKE BAY GRILLE AT ARLINGTON RIDGE

4467 Arlington Ridge Blvd., Leesburg

352.765.8001

CHRIS’ PLACE

106 E. Magnolia Ave., Eustis 352.308.8255

GOBLIN MARKET & LOUNGE

330 Dora Drawdy Way, Mount Dora 352.735.0059

GURU RESTAURANT

2400 US Hwy 27, Suite 101, Clermont 352.241.9884

LAKE EUSTIS WATERFRONT GRILLE 350 Lakeshore Dr., Eustis 352.602.7446

MUSE BAR + BISTRO

2385 S. Hwy 27, Clermont 352.227.3020

NICKER’S CLUBHOUSE RESTAURANT

1 0400 CR 48, Howey-in-the-Hills 352.324.2718

OLIVE BRANCH GRILLE & BAR

1 15 W. 3rd Ave., Mount Dora 352.729.67 34

PISCES RISING

239 W. 4th Ave., Mount Dora 352.385 .2669

PRIME 3

610 W. Main St., Leesburg 352.314. 0005

ROOT & BRANCH BISTRO AND BAR

120 0 Oakley Seaver Dr., Unit 102, Clermont 352.708. 4529

Lake County’s waterfronts and laid-back locales provide plenty of spots where you can relax and wear more informal attire while you dine.

ASTATULA

RACE CAR DINER 25641 Monroe St. 352.253.6940

ASTOR

DRIFTERS RIVERFRONT BAR & GRILL

55716 Front St. 352.759.2802

CASTAWAY S RESTAURANT 23525 SR 40 352.759.2494

SPARK Y’S PL ACE RESTAURANT 24646 SR 40 352.759.3551

C LERM ONT

AKINA SUSHI BAR & ASIAN FUSI ON BISTRO 4300 S. Hwy 27, Ste. 101 352.243.8988

AY JA LIS CO 580 E. Hwy 50 352.243.1360

CALABR IA RISTORANTE & NY STYLE PIZZA 13900 CR 455, Ste. 101 407.656.5144

CANTINA ’S MEXICAN KITCHE N 2507 S. US Hwy 27 352.404.8500

CHEESER’ S PALACE CAFÉ 707 W. Montrose St. 352.404.9431

CLEAN E ATZ

2612 S. Hwy 27, Ste. 800 352.708.6187

CLERMON T C AFE 824 W. Montrose St. 352.536.9935

CLERMONT FISH HOUSE 110 W. Hwy 50 352.708.5563

CORELLI’S PANTRY 732 W. Montrose St. 352.708.4085

THE CROOKED SPOON GASTROPUB

200 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.404.7808

THE DOWNTOWN EXCHANGE 639 8th St. 407.575.7616

EL CERRO 811 W. Hwy 50 352.242.4669

ELLIE LOU’S BREWS & BBQ 1391 Citrus Tower Blvd. 352.708.6095

FLIPPERS PIZZERIA 2523 S. US Hwy 27 352.242.2214

THE FRIAR TUCK

16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Ste. 401 352.404.6818

GALLERIA AT SOMA 821 W. Minneola Ave.

G’S NY PIZZA 12346 Roper Blvd. 352.243.8900

GOLDEN KRUST

CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT 1020 E. Hwy 50 352.708.5515

GREEN MOUNTAIN PIZZA

GREEN GARDEN

1790 E. Hwy 50

352.243.2077

GREEN MOUNTAIN PIZZA

303 W. Hwy 50 352.432.3380

GOOMBA’S PIZZERIA 2395 S. Hwy 27 352.989.4403

LOS REYES MEXICAN GRILL 658 West Ave. 352.432.5784

MICHAEL’S ALI COAL FIRED PIZZA

790 W. Minneola Ave. 352.227.3512

MONTROSE STREET MARKET 793 W. Montrose St.

OVER THE TOP PITA 240 Citrus Tower Blvd., Ste. B 352.708.6588

PAPA’S DINER

626 SR 50 352.394.4474

PEPE’S CANTINA

794 W. Minneola Ave. 352.989.4921

PIESANO’S 1754 W. Hwy 50 352.717.5300

THE ROASTED SPIRIT 756 W. Montrose St. 321.376.5004

ROBATA JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE AND SUSHI BAR

1500 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.404.9688

SALT SHACK

846 W. Osceola

SAN JOSE’S ORIGINAL

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

4315 S. Hwy 27 352.536.2006

SARAH’S GREEK

CUISINE & MORE

16640 Cagan Crossings Blvd., Ste. 305 352.404.8031

TACO NORTENO

1203 W. SR 50 352.708.4332

TROY’S CUBAN DELI

1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295

EUSTIS

THE TROFF 936 N. Bay St. 352.357.9939

TONY’S PIZZA AND SUBS

2760 E. Orange Ave. 352.589.9001

FRUITLAND PARK

FRUITLAND PARK CAFÉ 3180 US Hwy 441 352.435.4575

IBAR - B - QUE EXPRESS 3170 US Hwy 27 352.315.4227

LEGENDS CAFÉ

BELLY BUSTER CHEESE STEAKS & MORE

248 W. Ardice Ave. 352.589.4830

BRICK & BARREL KITCHEN + BAR

31 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.602.4227

THE CRAZY GATOR

402 N. Bay St. 352.589.5885

THE GREAT PIZZA COMPANY

23 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.7377

KIKU JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR

15211 US Hwy 441 352.483.8288

LA PERLA TAPATIA

2060 S. Bay St. 352.602.4460

LOLLYGAGGERS SPORTS

PUB AND GRILL

12 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.308.8640

NIGHT OWL

CARIBBEAN CUISINE

STAVROS & SONS

3430 US Hwy 441 352.728.0006

RAE RAE’S RESTAURANT 2468 US Hwy 441 352.323.1595

STAVRO’S PIZZA

3223 US Hwy 441 352.315.0028

GROVELAND

BUTCHER BLOCK KITCHEN 262 W. Orange St. 352.557.5003

CHEFING IT UP PIZZA CAFE 115. S. Lake Ave. 352.557.8092

COYOTE ROJO 2 214 W. Broad St.

TAKI’S PIZZA HOUSE II

MAMMA RITA’S PIZZERIA & ITALIAN GRILL

7965 SR 50

352.429.7499

PAPI PINCHO

133 E. Orange St.

352.232.0293

PERURICAN CEVICHE

1504 Max Hooks Rd., Ste. I 407.556.5143

RED WING RESTAURANT

12500 S. SR 33

352.429.2997

TACOS DE DON RAMON

7048 SR 50

352.348.9433

HOWEY - INTHE - HILLS

JB BOONDOCKS BAR & GRILL

704 S. Lakeshore Blvd.

352.324.3600

RESTAURANTS AT MISSION

INN RESORT & CLUB

10400 CR 48

El Conquistador

352.324.3911

Nicker’s Clubhouse

352.324.2718

La Hacienda

352.324.3910

La Margarita

352.324.3911

LADY LAKE

BILLY’S CAFE

13752 N. U.S. 441

HARBOR HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

6538 Lake Griffin Rd. 352.753.7000

MOM & DAD’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

304 S. US Hwy 441

352.753.2722

LEESBURG

BRICK & BARREL PUBLIC HOUSE

209 W. Main St. 352.431.3069

COUSIN VINNIE’S FAMILY SPORTS RESTAURANT

10700 US Hwy 441 352.253.2442

ELLEN’S CAFE ON 3RD 110 S. 3rd St. 352.630.1313

EL RANCHITO RESTAURANT

911 W. N. Blvd. 352.314.9339

THE FLORIDA PORCH CAFÉ 706 W. Main St. 352.365.1717

ICHIBAN CHINESE AND JAPANESE BUFFET

10301 US Hwy 441 352.728.6669

KOUNTRY KITCHEN

1008 W. Dixie Ave. 352.323.0852

7609 US Hwy 441

352.460.0549

GATOR BAY BAR AND GRILL 10320 CR 44

352.365.2177

HP GRILL

1403 S. 14th St. 352.314.0006

LA PALMA MEXICAN GRILL 1690 Citrus Blvd. 352.323.1444

LILLY’S SUPER SUBS 32339 CR 473 352.343.4663

MAGNOLIA’S OYSTER BAR 201 W. Magnolia St. 352.323.0093

MCCRACKEN’S IRISH PUB

719 W. Main St. 352.460.0659

NAPLES ITALIAN RESTAURANT 1107 W. North Blvd. 352.323.1616

PLANTATIONS DINER

25327 US Hwy 27, Ste. 201B 352.805.4054

RAMSHACKLE CAFE

1317 N. 14th St. 352.365.6565

RODELLO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

26736 US Hwy 27 352.319.8093

RUBIOS MEXICAN FOOD STORE

2319 W. Main St. 352.365.2100

SAN JOSE’S ORIGINAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT

1337 S. 14th St. 352.805.4174

SULLY’S SMOKEHOUSE

10820 CR 44

352.483.7427

TAKIS PIZZA RESTAURANT

1205 N. 14th St.

352.787.2344

WOLFY’S 918 N. 14th St.

352.787.6777

MASCOTTE

RAINBOW RESTAURANT

704 E. Myers Blvd.

352.429.2093

RUBIO’S MEXICAN FOOD STORE

906 E. Myers Blvd.

352.429.4990

MINNEOLA

LIL’ ANTHONY’S PIZZA

205 N. US Hwy 27

352.394.1516

MINNEOLA GRILL

117 W. Washington St. 352.394.2555

NAPOLI’S PIZZERIA

556 S. US Hwy 27

352.243.7500

TIKI BAR & GRILL

508 S. Main St.

352.394.2232

SMOKIN’ JACK’S BAR - B - Q

100 S. Hwy 27

BLACK BEAR KITCHEN

MOUNT D ORA

ANTHONY’S PIZZA 17195 US Hwy 441 352.357.6668

BACK PORCH PIZZA BAR

237 W. 4th Ave., Ste. 1 352.729.2654

THE BAVARIAN HAUS

433 Alexander St. 352.735.8387

CAFÉ GIANNI

425 Alexander St. 352.735.3327

CODY’S ON 4TH

111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426

COPACABANA CUBAN CAFE´

320 Dora Drawdy Way 352.385.9000

FIESTA GRANDE MEXICAN GRILL

421 N. Baker St. 352.385.3540

THE HIGHLAND ST. CAFE

185 S. Highland St. 352.383.1446

THE FROG AND MONKEY

411 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.1936

JEREMIAH’S

500 N. Highland St. 352.383.7444

LAKE HOUSE BAR AND GRILL

315 N. Highland St. 352.735.7433

LET’S DO LUNCH

426 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.3702

MAGICAL MEAT BOUTIQUE

322 Alexander St. 352.729.6911

MOUNT DORA MARKETPLACE

100 E. 4th Ave. & 334 N. Donnelly St. 352.267.3560

MOUNT DORA PIZZA AND SUBS

2718 W. Old US Hwy 441 352.383.5303

OLIVE BRANCH GRILLE AND BAR

115 W. 3rd Ave. 352.729.6734

ONE FLIGHT UP 440 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.1446

PIZZAMORÉ

722 E. 5th Ave. 352.383.0092

THE PIZZA SHOP 925 E. 1st Ave. 352.735.3411

T HE SALTED FRY 342 Dora Drawdy Way 352.720.3755

SHIVA INDIAN

140A W. 5th Ave. 352.735.4555

WAVE ASIAN BISTRO & SUSHI 301 N. Baker St., Ste. 106 352.383.9283

SORR EN TO

CHINA CHEF 24430 SR 44 352.357.2242

DEL FRANCO PIZZA PLACE 31436 CR 437 352.383.8882

LISA’S KOUNTRY CAFÉ 23911 SR 46 352.735.3380

MOMIJI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 24400 SR 44

352.357.2285

TAVARES

BILLY’S CAFE

1601 S. Duncan Dr.

352.343.7433

BTW— BURGERS TACOS WAFFLES

115 E. Main St.

352.508.9287

THE DELI LLAMA

124 E. Alfred St.

352.508.5044

THE DOG HOUSE

201 W. Ruby St. 352.609.5263

EAST WOK

2002 SR 19

352.742.9010

EDUARDO’S LOKOS TACOS

226 W. Alfred St.

352.742.1181

FISH CAMP LAKE EUSTIS 901 Lake Shore Blvd.

352.742.4400

HAVANA 1959 CUBAN CUISINE

1080 E. Alfred St.

352.609.5247

HWY 441 DINER

381 Burleigh Blvd.

352.508.5494

HURRICANE DOCKSIDE GRILL

3351 W. Burleigh Blvd.

352.508.5137

KALUA HALE BEACH BAR

181 S. Joanna Ave.

352.609.5910

LAKE HARRIS HIDEAWAY

11912 Lane Park Rd.

352.343.3585

MAIN STREET DINER

505 W. Main St.

352.253.4663

MARY’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN

15945 CR 448

352.343.6823

O’KEEFE’S IRISH PUB 115 S. Rockingham Ave. 352.343.2157

PALM GARDENS RESTAURANT AND MARINA 11801 US Hwy 441 352.343.2024

PUDDLE JUMPERS LAKESIDE GRILL 111 W. Ruby St. 352.508.5862

RUBY STREET GRILLE 221 E. Main St. 352.742.7829

SUNRISE GRILL 462 E. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.7744

TIKI WEST RAW BAR AND GRILL 118 W. Ruby St. 352.508.5783

TWISTED BISCUIT DINER 4101 C R 561

352.508.5331

UMATILLA

COMBAT CAFE 831 S. Central Ave.

352.669.8721

FISH & CHIX 100 N. Central Ave. 352.669.7145

GREG’S HAYSTAX 526 Umatilla Blvd. 352.669.1555

THE MASON JAR 37534 SR 19 352.589.2535

OLD CROW REAL PIT BAR - B - Q 41100 US Hwy 19

352.669.3922

THE DELI LLAMA

DINE COFFEE

The aroma and flavor of fresh-brewed coffee is one of the satisfying pleasures of life—a great way to get an energy boost to start the day. And, of course, it’s delightful to savor your favorite beverage with friends at a local coffeehouse or tearoom. Here are some of the popular places in Lake County to enjoy the experience:

& tea

SIPPING GROUNDS LEESBURG

201 W. Main St. 352.435 .7749

MINNEOLA

iDRINK BOBA & SANDWICHES

556 S. Hwy 27 352.708.5797

facebook.com/idrinkbobasandwiches

FLAG COFFEE CORNER 544 S. Hwy 27 flagcoffeecorner.com

MOUNT DORA

CODY’S ON 4TH 111 E. 4th Ave. 352.735.8426 codyson4th.com

LE PETIT SWEET 110 W. 5th Ave 352.729.2453 lepetitsweet.wixsite.com

MAGIC TEA MARKET 118 E. 4th Ave. 352.729.6644

ONE FLIGHT UP 440 Donnelly Ave. 352.735.1446

CLERMONT

CITRUS COFFEE CO.

141 US Hwy 27

352.394.4061 citruscoffee.com

ENERGY LAB CAFE

528 8th St. 352.432.8985 energylabcafe.com

ERIKA’S TEA ROOM AND GIFTS

787 W. Montrose St. 908.670.2305 erikastearoom.com

GOLDEN HILLS COFFEE & ESPRESSO BAR

793 W. Montrose St. 352.217.2831 goldenhillscoffee.com

JUST LOVE COFFEE CAFE

1615 SR 50, Ste. 400 352.988.5508

LEMONT COFFEE LOUNGE 821 W Minneola Ave 908.907.6864

TEAMONT BOBA

821 W. Minneola Ave. 352.801.3524 bobateaclermont.com

TROY’S CUBAN DELI

1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. 352.241.4295 troyscubandeli.com

FRUITLAND PARK

FRUITLAND PARK CAFÉ

3180 US Hwy 441 352.435.4575

facebook.com/Fruitland-Park-Café

LEESBURG

THE COFFEE SNOB 1101 W. North Blvd. 352.460.4570 thecoffeesnobfl.com

facebook.com/OneFlightUp

SERENDIPITY BREWS 144 W. 5th Ave. 352.729.2213 facebook.com/serendipitybrews

VILLAGE COFFEE POT OF MOUNT DORA 425 N. Donnelly St. 352.383.3334 villagecoffeepot.com

TAVARES

CRAFTED CONCOCTIONS 115 E. Main St. 352.508.9287

NAUTILUS COFFEE CO. 130 W. Ruby St. 352.609.2870 nautiluscoffee.com

OMG COFFEE EXCELLENCE

714 W. Burleigh Blvd. 352.434.6178 omgcoffeeexcellence.com

NEIGHBORHOOD

They’re the best places to go for great craft beer, draft beer, or specialty cocktails—the neighborhood bars. Everybody may not know your name, but you’ll feel like you’re among friends in these local establishments.

ASTOR

TIKI WEST RAW BAR AND GRILL

118 W. Ruby St. 352.508.5783

DRIFTERS RIVERFRONT BAR & GRILL

55716 Front St. 352.759.2802

CLERMONT

CLERMONT BREWING CO.

750 W. Desoto St. 321.430.2337

CROWN LOUNGE

1340 SR 50 352.394.3888

SUNCREEK BREWERY 790 W. Minneola 407.850.8810

SUD’S SALOON 793 W. Montrose St.

ROASTED SPIRIT 756 W. Montrose St. 321.376.5004

GROVELAND

BARRELS AND BOARDS 7965 SR 50 A500 352.557.5007

EUSTIS

BRICK & BARREL KITCHEN + BAR

31 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.602.4227

LOLLYGAGGERS

SPORTS PUB AND GRILL

12 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.308.8640

MAGNOLIA WINE GARDEN

114 E. Magnolia Ave. 352.357.2424

WOLF BRANCH BREWING

119 N. Bay St. 407.276.1510

LEESBURG

BRICK & BARREL

PUBLIC HOUSE

209 W. Main St. 352.431.3069

GREAT CHICAGO FIRE BREWERY & TAP ROOM

311 W. Magnolia St. 352.474.2739

MAMMOTH OAK BREWING COMPANY

1107 W. North Blvd. 352.326.0100

THE SIPPING GARDEN AND BISTRO 605 W. Magnolia St. 352.460.0716

THE WAREHOUSE 312 S. 2nd St. 352.616.1911

TWO OLD HAGS 410 W. Main St. 352.435.9107

MINNEOLA

TIKI BAR & GRILL AT LAKE MINNEOLA INN 508 Main Ave. 352.394.2232

MOUNT DORA

BIG DOG SALOON

4060 N. Hwy 19A 352.589.2442

FROGGERS

GRILL & BAR

4931 Lake Park Ct. 352.385.3555

HANDLEBAR

100 E. 4th Ave. 352.434.9089

MAWS MOUNTAIN MOONSHINE 352 Alexander St. 352.729.2220

MCGREGOR’S BAR

502½ N. Highland St. 352.735.7443

TREMAIN’S TAVERN AT LAKESIDE INN

100 Alexander St. 352.383.4101

TAVARES

BRÜ TAP HOUSE 143 E. Main St. 352.508.9321

KALUA HALE BEACH BAR

181 S. Joanna Ave. 352.609.5910

THE ARGONAUT BAR AND LOUNGE

122 W. Ruby St. 352.389.3348

SUD’S SALOON

BAKERIES

& sweets

Lake County offers an array of places to go for delicious bakery goods, desserts and sugary confections. Here are some places worth visiting to satisfy those sweet cravings.

CLERMONT

BAGEL BROS CAFE

1640 E. Hwy 50 352.988.5051

Fresh baked bagels in a variety of flavors, sandwiches and more.

BRUSTER’S REAL

ICE CREAM

2450 W. Hwy 50 352.708.5851

Smooth, creamy fresh ice cream in variety of unique flavors.

KELLY’S HOMEMADE

ICE CREAM

2608 S. Hwy 27, Ste. 200 352.708.4620

Local hand-crafted ice cream and more.

RITTER’S FROZEN CUSTARD

2560 E. Hwy 50 352.536.2979

Custard made fresh daily—higher protein, less fat than ice cream.

SMALLCAKES

CUPCAKERY & CREAMERY/ CLERMONT

BOBA TEA

2670 SR 50, Ste. G 352.989.4347

Specialty upscale cupcakes in various flavors, ice cream, boba tea.

SUGAR MAMA’S CANDY BAR

LE PETIT SWEET

TWISTED SUGAR

756 W. Montrose St., Ste. 102

352.404.8149

Custom soft dough cookies in various flavors, sodas and twisters.

TWISTEE TREAT

700 Hwy 27

352.243.1170

Shaped like an ice cream cone, offering variety of frozen treats.

TWISTEE TREAT 2

4269 S. Hwy 27

321.445.9103

Shaped like an ice-cream cone, offering variety of frozen treats.

YUMMIS FROZEN YOGURT AND CAFÉ

650 8th St.

352.243.4529

Featuring a variety of frozen yogurt and Chocolate Shoppe ice cream flavors.

EUSTIS

CONEY’S ITALIAN ICE AND CREAMERY

24422 Fl-44

352.483.2423

Italian ice in various flavors, soft serve and gelati and iced coffee.

LIXX ICE CREAM WORKS

303 N. Grove St.

352.705.2020

Handmade hard scoop ice cream from Boynton Beach, Florida.

MYSTIC ICE CREAM

38 E. Magnolia Ave.

352.812.1366

Up to 40 flavors, including adult ice cream with favorite liqueurs.

FRUITLAND PARK

MYSTIC ICE CREAM CAFE

1217 W. Miller St.

352.801.0411

Up to 40 flavors, including adult ice cream with favorite liqueurs.

GRAND ISLAND

A WISH OR TWO AGO FRENCH BAKERY AND MARKETPLACE

13810 SR 44

352.483.5074

Fresh-baked breads, assorted pastries, and other sweets.

LEESBURG

DIP - A - DEE DONUTS

1376 W. North Blvd.

352.460.4266

Handmade, fresh doughnuts, bagels, and more.

DONUT KING OF LEESBURG

708 S. 14th St.

352.805.4888

Handmade, fresh doughnuts.

MYSTIC ICE CREAM

314 W. Main St.

352.812.1366

Up to 40 flavors, including adult ice cream with favorite liqueurs.

MINNEOLA

DONUT KING

208 US Hwy 27

352.243.4046

Handmade, fresh doughnuts including red velvet and Boston cream.

MONTVERDE

ORANGE BLOSSOM CANDIES AND CREAM

116937 Lakeside Dr. 352.531.1139

MOUNT DORA

ALLYSON A BAKE SHOP

122 E. 4th Ave. 352.383.2200

Cookies, cupcakes, cheesecake bars, muffins, scones, and more.

LE PETIT SWEET

110 W. 5th St. 352.729.2453

French macaroons, iced cookies, cake cones, and cream puffs.

MOUNT DORA CONFECTIONARY

450 N. Donnelly St. 352.735.6555

Large array of gourmet treats, fudge, gelato, soft-serve ice cream.

SCOOPS ON 5TH

130 E. 5th St. 352.536.8655

36 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream, fresh-baked cookies, and individual cakes.

TAVARES

TAVARES ICE CREAM

214 E. Main St. 352.508.5342

Wide variety of Hershey’s ice cream, Italian ice, and dairy-free ice cream.

TWISTEE TREAT

397 E. Burleigh Blvd. 352.343.6177

Shaped like an ice-cream cone, offering variety of frozen treats.

UMATILLA

SPRINKLES SCOOPS & MORE LLC

84 N. Central Ave. 352.999.7095

A family run Hershey ice cream and sweet treat shop.

YALAHA

YALAHA BAKERY

8210 CR 48 352.324.3366

German breads, Old World tortes, and a wide variety of cookies and pastries.

We help put HOME within reach.

USB’s residential lending team helps put HOME within reach. We offer a wide range of residential lending products, including conventional, government, construction, manufactured home loans, and more. We work with you to help you get into the home that fits your family’s needs. Your timing, our expertise. Call us today!

USB’s residential lending team helps put HOME within reach. We offer a wide range of residential lending products, including conventional, government, construction, manufactured home loans, and more. We work with you to help you get into the home that fits your family’s needs. Your timing, our expertise. Call us today!

USB’s residential lending team helps put HOME within reach. We offer a wide range of residential lending products, including conventional, government, construction, manufactured home loans, and more. We work with you to help you get into the home that fits your family’s needs. Your timing, our expertise. Call us today!

(352) 669-2121 | UNITEDSOUTHERNBANK.COM

(352) 669-2121 | UNITEDSOUTHERNBANK.COM

(352) 669-2121 | UNITEDSOUTHERNBANK.COM