Lake County Vacation Guide - 3
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LAKETourism & Business RelationsCOUNTYffloridalor ida Inside: (page 2) FLORIDA’S PLAYGROUND (page 14) OUTDOOR LOVER’S DREAM (page 22) ADVENTURERS & EXPLORERS Table of Contents Introduction to Lake County . 2 Fact Sheet . .4 Small-town charm . 6 Boating & Waterways . 10 Parks & Recreation . 14 Hometown festivals. .26 Wildlife & Wildflowers . 32 Bed & breakfast inns. .34 Accommodations . 36 Restaurants . .40 Visitor Services . .50 Introduction to Lake County - 2 Lake Introduction to Florida’s Natural Playground The natural wonder of Lake County is just the beginning stone’s throw from Florida’s coastal beaches and theme parks, Lake County offers visitors a more simple and natural view of “Old Florida.” AInstead of touting the largest coaster or grandest mall, Lake County’s greatest assets are courtesy of Mother Nature. Home to more than 1,000 freshwater lakes and rivers, there is no doubt how this natural wonderland received its moniker. Other Lake County superlatives include the ridges of peaks and valleys unseen in any other area of Florida and endless acres of preserves to include access to three state parks, one state forest, one national wildlife refuge and one national forest. Lake County Vacation Guide - 3 Long & Scott Farms produces Zellwood Sweet Corn, pickle cucumbers, red & green cabbage and other produce. In addition, the farm features a country market, seasonal corn mazes, hayrides and farm tours (352-383-6900). With this variety of open spaces and crisp, clear waterways popular activities include...just about anything imaginable. From the traditional activities of hiking, fishing, golfing and horseback riding to the more “extreme” adventures of wakeboarding, hang gliding, off-road motorcycling and kayaking, Lake County is a one-stop vacation for outdoor enthusiasts. While the everyday adventurer seeks thrills in Lake County, professional athletes also have found that rolling hills and sparkling waters of this area provide the scenic background for an inspired and challenging training ground. The 300-acre complex of the National Training Center serves a multitude of national and interna- tional athletes in most all genres of sports. Triathletes, in particular, are true and dear to Lake These same traits that attract world-class athletes are County for its year-round mild climate, hilly terrain perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing, peaceful and many lakes. The area is host to more than a dozen getaway. Lake County has so much to offer with its different triathlon events annually, including the charming hometowns and family festivals. Visit the Great Floridian Triathlon, one of only three Ironman Lake County Welcome Center, located at 20763 U.S. distance triathlons in the United States and the only Highway 27, Groveland, call (800) 430-LAKE or log one held in the South. on to www.lakecountyfl.com. The Heart of the Florida Peninsula Lake County’s warm climate, central location make for a perfect getaway Fact Sheet - 4 Fact Lake County is located almost directly in the center of Lake County is home to the Leesburg International the Florida peninsula. Airport. Sunair Aviation, the airport’s fixed-base operator, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more This ideal location provides the County with a year- information, call (352) 787-2211. Other nearby round warm climate and a diverse landscape. Perched airports include Orlando International Airport, atop the Lake Wales Ridge, Lake County and its Orlando Sanford International Airport and Tampa distinct 14 municipalities offer grand vistas from a International Airport. range of rolling hills. The central location also offers travelers easy access. Lake County can be accessed by While many tourists visit Lake County for its natural Interstate 75 to the west and Interstate 4 to the east. amenities and laid-back atmosphere, it is only minutes The U.S. highways of 441 and 27 intersect the County to Orlando-area attractions. in the north and south, respectively. Lake County Fast Facts Population 301,059 Most populated municipality Clermont (23,476) Land area square miles 1,156 Named lakes 520 County created May 27, 1887 Total water bodies 1,700 County seat Tavares Total acres of water bodies 81,783 Incorporated municipalities 14 Highest point Sugarloaf Mountain (312 feet above sea level) Average climate information Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. High (F°) 68 70 75 81 86 88 91 90 88 84 76 70 Low (F°) 44 46 51 57 64 70 71 71 70 62 54 47 Mean (F°) 57 58 64 68 75 80 81 81 78 74 65 58 Rainfall 2.9 3.4 3.5 2.3 4.0 5.9 6.3 6.3 4.9 2.3 2.1 2.6 (inches) Lake County Vacation Guide - 5 Map of Florida Counties PENSACOLA TALLAHASSEE JACKSONVILLE Gulf of Mexico Atlantic Ocean DAYTONA OCALA BEACH TAVARES ORLANDO COCOA BEACH Driving distances (in miles) from Tavares, Fla. (county seat of Lake County) TAMPA Leesburg International Airport 10.5 Ocala National Forest (Alexander Springs) 24 WEST PALM Central Florida Zoological Park 27.6 BEACH FORT MYERS City of Orlando 34.3 Orlando Sanford International Airport 35.3 FORT LAUDERDALE Universal Orlando Resort 41 Silver Springs 42 MIAMI SeaWorld Adventure Parks 46.5 Walt Disney World Resort 48.5 Orlando International Airport 49.5 Daytona Beach (Atlantic Ocean) 61 KEY WEST Homosassa Springs (Gulf of Mexico) 71 NASA Kennedy Space Center 84.6 North Busch Gardens 86.5 W E City of Tampa 92 Tampa International Airport 97 S Small-town Charm - 6 Small-town Historic downtowns offer a peaceful & relaxing getaway L ooking for tranquil lakeside walks, unique boutiques and colorful art centers? Well you have come to the right place. Lake County is home to 14 municipalities, each with its own distinct downtown district. Museums, art centers and community theaters dot these historic areas. The IceHouse Theatre in Mount Dora is a charming community theater where you can catch a rousing stage performance. Learn about Lake @U_Y7cibhmcZZYfgZcifX]ZZYfYbh Wcaaib]hmh\YUhYfgUbX]hgckbbch!Zcf!dfcÃh cfW\YghfUZYUhif]b[*$dfcZYgg]cbU`aig]W]Ubg" :`cf]XU@U_YgGmad\cbm»ggYUgcb]gZfca CWhcVYfhc5df]`')&!),-!%)$$" Lake County Vacation Guide - 7 :fcah\Y9jYb]b[GhUf8]bbYf HfU]bhch\YDc`Uf9ldfYgg :`cf]XUFU]`5XjYbhifYg\Ug gdYW]U`]nYXhfU]bYlWifg]cbg Zcfh\YYbh]fYZUa]`m ')&!),-!('$$" County’s storied history from the downtown village. Perhaps the one Leesburg Historical Museum. For a common denominator between glimpse at an inspiring collection of many of Lake County’s popular local artistic works, visit the Lake downtown areas is the striking Eustis Museum of Art. beauty of its lakeside presence. After viewing the culture of Lake County, many tourists begin the casual search for that special treasure among 8fcdVmKUhYfZfcbh the boutiques and shops. Tourists can While not perusing artwork or DUf_hcdYXU`k\YfY fill an entire day with pleasure shopping searching for antique treasures, tourists h\YdfcgdfUWh]WY"H\Y and treasure hunting in the downtown enjoy tranquil walks along the lakes A]bbYc`UGWYb]W Gcih\ districts. Search for that special that neighbor the shopping districts. @U_YUbXKYghCfUb[Y one-of-a-kind gem among the many In Clermont, Waterfront Park offers hfU]`gWcbbYWhhcZcfa quaint shops, charming boutiques access to an extensive trail used or the antique treasure troves. While frequently by walkers and bicyclists. '$a]`YgcZ\]``m shopping is a normal activity for any Other downtown parks, such as hYffU]bh\Uhhf]Uh\`YhYg downtown area, the cities of Lake Ferran Park in Eustis and Wooton igYhchfU]bZcf County offer so much more. Park in Tavares, offer premium bUh]cbU`WcadYh]h]cbg" locations to host family In downtown Mount Dora and gatherings or small picnics. Eustis, Florida Rail Adventures provides nostalgic train rides through the countryside. Jump aboard the Mount Dora Trolley Company for a unique look at this cozy History & Heritage itinerary Small-town Charm - 8 - Charm Small-town Stop for a quick bite at The Goblin Market in downtown Mount Dora (352-735-0059). Tucked behind Donnelly Street, this enchanting eatery features a private courtyard and dining rooms lined with bookcases and modern art. Only a couple blocks away from the restaurant are the Mount Dora Center for the Arts (352-383-0880) and the Mount Dora History Museum Start with a visit to the Lake County (352-383-0006). Historical Museum (352-343-9890) and get an overview of the County’s history featured in various displays in four galleries. Begin the day in downtown Spend the Leesburg exploring the Leesburg 365-0232) and afternoon Center for the Arts (352- discovering the Leesburg Historical Museum (352-315-1800). history and artistic culture For a nearby lunch spot, try the of downtown Eustis at the succulent barbecue at Oakwood Eustis Historical Museum Smokehouse & Grill (352-435-4633). (352-483-0046) and Lake Eustis Museum of Art (352-483-2900). Lake County Vacation Guide - 9 Cultural Attractions listing Bay Street Players Groveland Historical Lake Eustis Mote-Morris House at the Historic Society Museum Museum of Art 1195 W. Magnolia St. State Theatre 243 S. Lake Avenue 200 B. E. Orange Ave. Leesburg, FL 34788 109 N. Bay St. Groveland, FL 34736 Eustis, FL 32726 (352) 728-9898 Eustis, FL 32726 (352) 429-0771 (352) 483-2900 www.leesburgflorida.gov/history/ (352) 357-7777 www.grovelandhistory.org www.lakeeustismuseumofart.org mote_morris.aspx www.baystreetplayers.org Historical Society Leesburg Center for Mount Dora Center Eustis Historical of Tavares the Arts for the Arts Museum 121 Alfred St. 429 W. Magnolia St. 138 E. Fifth Ave. 536 N. Bay St. Tavares, FL 32778 Leesburg, FL 34749 Mount Dora, FL 32757 Eustis, FL 32726 (352) 343-7252 (352) 365-0232 (352) 383-0880 (352) 483-0046 www.leesburgcenter4arts.com www.mountdoracenterfor www.eustishistoricalmuseum.com IceHouse Theatre thearts.org 1100 N.