Beyond the Theme Parks: Discovering Florida’s Hidden Gems
When people hear I’m heading to Orlando, they automatically assume I’m off to visit the mega theme parks. But while I flew into Orlando, I kept driving—about 40 miles west—to a place that feels like Florida’s best-kept secret: Lake County.
As its name suggests, Lake County boasts more than 350 lakes spread across 1,100 square miles. It’s a natural playground perfect for boating, kayaking, and swimming. What makes this area special is its unspoiled charm—where cypress trees hang over shimmering waters and welcoming small towns (14 municipalities in all) offer a slower, more soulful version of the Sunshine State.
Clermont on the Water
My home base was Clermont, the county’s southern gateway known for its citrus groves, vineyards, and rare-for-Florida — rolling hills. Nestled on the shores of Lake Minneola, the Lake Minneola Inn—built in 1882 — is a true classic. With its vintage decor and peaceful lakeside views, the inn feels like a step back in time. Rent a pontoon boat and cruise the lake. Then, join fellow guests at dusk to watch the sunset before heading to the Tiki Bar & Grill Lounge for tropical cocktails and fresh Florida seafood.
Brews as Good as the Views
that was once king. Photo by Mira Temkin.
One of Clermont’s most iconic sights is the Citrus Tower, a 22-story structure built in 1956 that was once the tallest building in Florida. From the Observation Deck, you’ll get panoramic views of the landscape.
Fuel up downstairs at Citrus Coffee, where the muffins are massive and you’ll find a full selection of fresh-brewed coffee drinks. Many visitors come here to work, hold casual meetings, or simply enjoy the scenery. Pro tip: Your ticket is good all day, so you can come back at night and watch Disney’s spectacular fireworks.
Downtown Clermont: Where History Meets Flavor
Take a stroll down Montrose Street, the heart of downtown Clermont. You’ll find charming boutiques, cozy cafes, and quirky art galleries. The Montrose Street Market is a culinary hotspot with something for every craving—tacos, pizza, burgers, and an impressive craft beer selection. Grab a bite and sit outside for some people-watching.
Nearby, the Clermont Historic Village invites you into the past with a one-room schoolhouse, a WWII museum, and other preserved buildings that tell the story of the early settlers.
Dinner with a View at Salt Shack on the Lake
This is local Florida dining at its best. Salt Shack on the Lake serves up mouthwatering dishes like coconut shrimp baskets, fish tacos, and jerk-spiced chicken sandwiches—all with spectacular lakefront views. Grab a patio table and enjoy the sunset while you dine.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Crooked River Preserve is a peaceful retreat with a 1.7-mile hiking loop through untouched wilderness. You can borrow a canoe, explore natural habitats, or simply enjoy 63 acres of Florida’s wild beauty.
Get Dirty at Revolution Adventures
Adrenaline junkies, take note: Revolution Adventures offers high-octane fun on ATVs, UTVs, Quads, and even a Monster Truck. If you’d rather keep things chill, you can opt for skeet shooting, archery, bass fishing, or a pontoon cruise.
We chose the Mucky Duck, an amphibious vehicle that starts on land and ends on water. The ride began with a sandy crawl through open fields and towering cypress trees—then we hit the mud. Thick, sticky, glorious mud. After powering through, we glided into a tranquil lake cruise. Pure thrill. Pure fun.
Dining with a Twist — The Crooked Spoon Gastropub
At The Crooked Spoon, creativity is on the menu. Start with truffle fries or bleu cheese chips, then dive into their famed Crooked Spoon Burger—topped with house-made BBQ sauce. Feeling adventurous? Try the fan-favorite 420 Burger topped with candied bacon and pineapple relish. Go lighter with a cranberry turkey sandwich. Cap it off with their decadent chocolate lava cake.
A Day Trip to Mount Dora: The “New England of the South”
With its Victorian charm, cobblestone streets, and boutique shops, Mount Dora offers a quaint, artsy escape. We started our morning at Cody’s on 4th for a bagel sandwich, fresh fruit, and iced coffee. They’re also known for their “quiche of the day” and homemade desserts.
Hit the Water on Lake Dora
If you’ve never piloted a catamaran, now’s your chance. Cat Boat Adventures lets you take the helm and cruise at full speed across Lake Dora and slowly through the scenic Dora Canal, home to alligators, herons, egrets, and 2,000 year old cypress trees. We spent two hours driving a high-powered catamaran on the open water with our guide. I had never done this before, but was cruising like a pro in no time.
For a more laid-back experience, hop on a Rusty Anchor Cruise for a tour on Lake Dora. We glided past the Mount Dora Lighthouse and soaked in the scenery on a relaxed ride. Their sunset cruise at 7:30 PM is a local favorite. Choose from a 30-minute jaunt to a 3-hour tour.
Dining in Mount Dora: The Goblin Market
Don’t let the name fool you—The Goblin Market is a hidden treasure, named for a 19th-century poem that takes fine dining to an art. This literary-themed restaurant features three intimate, book-lined dining rooms and a charming upstairs bar. I had the Salmon Barigoule, which was perfectly prepared. Their signature Irish Whiskey Onion Soup has been a staple for 29 years and their most popular item. Dessert? Go for the crème brûlée.
Lake County isn’t flashy—but it’s unforgettable. It’s a place where nature, history, adventure, and community come together in perfect harmony. If you’re looking for something real and refreshing, go west of Orlando—and don’t forget to breathe it all in. For more info, go to discoverlakefl.com
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