Pick the Flavor from the Tree
U-Pick is a popular Real Florida activity, and there's no better place to pick fruit from the tree or vine than at Showcase of Citrus. Winter months are lush with all types of citrus, including oranges, red and yellow navels, spring navels, tangerines, grapefruit and limes, while spring months hold more tangerine varieties as well as grapefruit and lemons. Showcase of Citrus isn't only a winter and spring location, though, as year-round activities include monster truck tours of the groves, a gem mine, visits with farm animals, photo sessions and more.
Get Some Outdoor Time
If you're in need of a little nature time to put your mind at ease and lower your stress levels, you'll find it here. The Clermont area has several large lakes, including Lake Louisa, Lake Minneola and Lake Minnehaha, which are all part of the Clermont Chain of Lakes. They each have incredible views and are perfect for kayaking or boating. Lakes Minneola and Minnehaha also serve up expansive waterfront parks perfect for picnics, going for a jog or taking an afternoon stroll with the kiddos. Check out West Beach Park, Waterfront Park or Victory Pointe on the west and south sides of Lake Minneola. For a different experience, check out Lake Louisa State Park. It offers guests a range of camping options including glamping as well as horseback rides through the trails, guided hikes and even kayak tours.
Shop for New Finds
If the weather is beautiful, take advantage of it and stroll through a unique mix of shops in historic downtown Clermont. You'll want to check out Montrose Street Market, an up-and-coming marketplace full of all your favorite things. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a trip to a bakery or ice creamery, and then head to nearby clothing and gift boutiques, a specialty snack store, hair and nail salons - you name it and it's here. The shores of Lake Minneola are a short walk away, too, and on the way you'll pass some excellent dining choices.
Enjoy Every Bite
Needing sustenance in Clermont is about more than just finding something to tide you over. This is where foodies come to splurge. If it's something casual with amazing views you're looking for, check out the Tiki Bar and Grill on the shores of Lake Minneola. The Crooked Spoon Gastropub offers a range of delicious yet surprising options, as does Southern on 8th. Step into Root & Branch Bistro and Bar for a more upscale dining experience, with everything from cheese boards and bisques to main courses, wine pairings and even brunch. Guru Indian Restaurant has something for everyone, including a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Sip Some Drinks
Sometimes skipping the meal and heading right for the drinks is either what we need or what we want. Downtown Clermont just happens to have two breweries within walking distance of each other; Suncreek Brewery and Clermont Brewing Company. Each has unique flavors and brews for every taste. And more than just a winery, the Lakeridge Winery is also a fantastic option. Yes, they have free winery tours and wine tastings so you can try out most of the available wines, but they also have events like Weekends at the Winery. Discover the winery each weekend with your favorite people and enjoy live music, food trucks, wine bar, lawn games and more.
Rest Your Head
After a long day of work or play, Clermont has several tempting options for you to rest your head and catch some zzzz's. One of the most interesting options is Lake Minneola Inn. Hosting guests for over 100 years, this old Florida inn is nestled on the shores of Lake Minneola. Guests can enjoy food and cocktails at The Tiki Bar and Grill or rent one of two pontoon 'Tiki' boats. The Clermont area also offers a range of trusted Holiday Inn, Hilton and Marriott branded properties to suit a broad range of tastes as well as vacation rentals from sites like Airbnb and Vrbo.
When you're ready to explore Clermont and Real Florida, it's here for you.
