Lake County in Central Florida is a treasure of fresh water lakes and rivers that is often overlooked as a destination for Florida visitors. With more than 1,000 lakes and rivers it truly is a water wonderland and a perfect destination for the antique or classic woody boater. There’s St. Johns River to the north, Harris Chain in the center and the Clermont Chain to the south with plenty of great stops between, depending on your taste.
Fairs and Festivals
It’s home for the Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival held March 27 – 30, 2008 on Lake Dora of the Harris Chain of lakes. The
show is at beautiful Wooton Park in downtown Tavares, FL and features a large flea market, amphi-cars, woodie cars, jersey skiffs, waterski show, train rides and much more. Of course the main attraction will be hundreds of historic, antique and classic boats displayed on land and water. It’s hosted by the Sunnyland Chapter of The Antique and Classic Boat Society.
Plan a vacation getaway around this great event or any of the other Fairs and Festivals in Lake County. They have a very full Calendar planned with events year-round.
Accommodations
Local accommodations fill quickly for this event but can be found in nearby communities in Lake County. Visit this web site for a list of area Hotels and Motels. There are RV Resorts and Parks in the area as well. Visit this web site for RV and Camping venues. There are many fine Bed & Breakfast facilities as well as Vacation Homes available throughout the area.
The Lakeside Inn in Mt. Dora is a 120 year old historic landmark. Travel back in time to this romantic era while you enjoy the conveniences and comforts of our present time in this elegant facility with breathtaking views as the sun sets over Lake Dora.
Dining
With over 300 restaurants and eating establishments you’re not far from one where ever you are in Lake County. There’s a wide array of dining choices, from fast food selections to fine dining in elegant settings, from Southern favorites to seafood specialties, from Mexican to Asian, from burgers to BBQ. Visit Lake County’s inclusive list of dining choices with handy search features and directions to find the right place to quench your appetite.
The 5th Avenue Café & Market in downtown Mt. Dora features Clean C
uisine. All organic and natural ingredients prepared in stainless steel cookware are featured in all of their great menu selections. Whether you’re a carnivore or prefer all-veggie selections you will enjoy the Clean Cuisine offered at this unique café.
Boating and Waterways
Lake County, Florida is a boating paradise. From the St. Johns River in the north to the Clermont Chain in the south, Lake County is an ideal location for a boating vacation getaway. There are 13 Marinas and 43 Boat Ramp locations that serve the area’s boating access and needs. The Fishing Opportunities are amazing. The Dora Canal is noted for one of the best waterways for wildlife viewing. The list goes on and on.
Hickory Point Recreational Facility offers 12 boat ramps, a day-use marina, fishing piers, swimming beach, boardwalks, outdoor picnic areas and features a unique two-story screened pavilion for picnics and gatherings. Hickory Point is provided by the Lake County Water Authority.
Attractions
Attractions in Lake County include several great boat tours and cruises. There are a few wineries that offer tours and tasting. Amazing Exotics Education Center is home to over 300 exotic and endangered animals. Uncle Donald’s Farm features adorable farm animals for kids (or the kid in you). Florida Carriage Museum and Resort has the largest collection of antique carriages in the USA.
Leave the classic boat on-the-hard for a day, pick up a paddle and enjoy Lake County’s natural beauty and serenity in a kayak. Enjoy flora and fauna, and wild birds unique to this area. See wildlife, go swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear spring fed rivers or just paddle lazily along and enjoy the view with Central Florida Kayak Tours.
Lake County, Florida
Plan to stay in beautiful
Lake County. We’ve only scratched the surface of things to do and see in this brief review. Plan to browse through Lake County’s fabulous Web Site for much more information that we couldn’t include here. It’s centrally located with easy access to the Golf or Atlantic coasts. Day trips are much easier than packing up and moving. You are only about an hour or less north of Orlando. You are in a classic boating paradise.
Just do it, you won’t regret it.
It’s home for the Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival held March 27 – 30, 2008 on 
show is at beautiful 
The Lakeside Inn in 
Leave the classic boat on-the-hard for a day, pick up a paddle and enjoy 
I am packing my bags.. And Varnish Brushes…
I and a couple of ACBS Chapter members are going to take my 40′ motor home down to Tavares next month and stay right on-site during the Festival. It’s sure tempting to go early and/or stay after and take in some of the great places I discovered in doing this research.
I may return this summer with wife and grand daughter and with boat in tow as well. I sure wouldn’t have to twist their arms to agree to that.