If you’re looking for a great place to visit in Central Florida, look no further than Clermont, Florida. This charming and pet-friendly community is the perfect destination for your next vacation from its beautiful lakeside setting, wineries, historic sites, and many other exciting attractions. The Clermont area is a short drive from the University of Central Florida and offers amazing food and activities to enjoy.
In addition, Clermont, Florida, is also a great place to live. It has a thriving community with plenty of activities and events to keep you busy, as well as plenty of natural beauty to enjoy. It’s also conveniently located close to Orlando, making it the perfect spot for commuters.
A Charming City with a History
The city of Clermont, Florida, located in South Lake County, has a rich and interesting history that dates back to the 1800s. Originally founded as a citrus town, it has become a thriving community with plenty to offer visitors and residents alike.
In the early 1900s, the city of Clermont began to grow rapidly as more and more people moved to the area in search of a better life. The town soon became known for its citrus production, and it was even home to a major citrus packinghouse. However, the Great Depression hit Clermont hard, and the citrus industry declined.
The city has since rebounded, and today it is a thriving community with plenty to offer visitors and residents alike. There are numerous waterfront parks and recreational facilities and various businesses and restaurants. Each year, the city also hosts several major events, including the annual Clermont Arts and Crafts Festival.
Things to do in Clermont, Florida
There is plenty to do with so much history and beautiful lakeside views when visiting Clermont.
Florida Citrus Tower
The Citrus Tower in Clermont, Florida, is a historic landmark built in 1956 to celebrate Central Florida’s once-thriving citrus industry. Standing at 226 feet tall, it was one of Florida’s first tourist attractions and the tallest structure in the state at the time. It was designed to offer panoramic views of the surrounding orange groves, which covered thousands of acres and contained an estimated 17 million citrus trees.
The tower, constructed with 5 million pounds of concrete and 149,000 pounds of reinforced steel, features a 360-degree observation deck at the top, providing views of up to 35 miles across eight counties, including landmarks like downtown Orlando and Lake Minneola.
Conceived by local businessman Ralph Harper and entrepreneur A.W. Thacker, the tower opened on July 14, 1956, and initially drew up to 500,000 visitors annually due to its location on US Highway 27, a major route for tourists traveling between Silver Springs and Cypress Gardens.
Over the years, it hosted notable figures like Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Jimmy Carter, as well as celebrities such as Elvis Presley and Walt Disney. The tower also featured attractions like a citrus-packing plant, glass-blowing studio, and even alligators in the 1960s.
The citrus industry in Lake County declined in the 1980s due to freezes and greening disease, and the surrounding groves were largely replaced by residential neighborhoods and commercial developments. Despite this, the tower remains a symbol of Florida’s citrus heritage.
President Hall of Fame Museum
The Presidents Hall of Fame is a quirky roadside attraction that offers a unique dive into American presidential history. Originally opened in 1964 as the House of Presidents, a wax museum, it was rebranded in 1990 to reflect its expanded exhibits.
The museum is a blend of nostalgic Americana and historical memorabilia, featuring wax figures of U.S. presidents and first ladies, a 1:12 scale replica of the White House, and an array of artifacts like campaign items, inaugural gowns, and presidential china.
The centerpiece is the massive, intricately detailed White House model, crafted by John and Jan Zweifel in the 1970s, which has been displayed across all 50 states and is recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest dollhouse. This replica includes meticulously recreated rooms, furniture, and even seasonal decorations, offering a glimpse into the White House’s interior that surpasses what’s typically seen on D.C. tours.
Other highlights include a replica of the Lincoln Memorial, a Mount Rushmore model, a seat from Ford’s Theatre where Lincoln was assassinated, and even a tray of cookies from the George W. Bush White House. Interactive elements let visitors pose behind a presidential podium, sit at the Resolute Desk, or sign the Declaration of Independence alongside a Thomas Jefferson figure.
Clermont Historic Village
The Clermont Historic Village is located in the heart of downtown Clermont, Florida. The historic downtown Clermont was preserved for its historic architecture and culture and features several landmark buildings, including a courthouse, jail, and post office. There are also several shops and restaurants located in the village.
Ozello Trail
The Ozello trail runs from Clermont to Minneola, Florida. This trail is a great place for biking and hiking. In addition, there are many small parks located along the route that offer grills and picnic tables, where you can take a break while enjoying the picturesque scenery.
Southern Hills Farm
Southern Hills Farm is a beautiful farm to pick your in-season fruits and flowers like strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins, and sunflowers. This is a lovely place to visit with friends and family and enjoy a nice relaxing day with food, drinks, and live music.
Blueberry Hill Farm
Blueberry Hill Farm also has fresh fruit to pick! In addition to picking organic and conventional strawberries, you can even fish on the property to catch your next meal. Clermont is one of the best cities to visit for fresh produce!
Lake Minneola
Lake Minneola is a beautiful lake located in Clermont, FL. It is a great place for fishing, boating, and swimming. In addition, several parks are located around the lake, which offers picnic areas and playgrounds.
Lake Louisa State Park
Lake Louisa State Park is a beautiful place to visit in Clermont, Florida. The park has several different activities for visitors to enjoy, including fishing, boating, horseback riding, and swimming. There are also several hiking trails in the park, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
Best Places to Eat in Clermont, Florida
After so many fun activities to experience, there are many delicious places to dine. We have included some of our favorite restaurants to enjoy on your visit.
Goombas Pizzeria
Goombas Pizzeria is a great place to eat in Clermont, FL. They have a wide variety of pizzas, calzones, and subs to choose from, and they’re all delicious. Plus, their prices are very reasonable. I would recommend Goombas Pizzeria to anyone looking for a good pizza dinner.
The Friar Truck
The Friar Truck offers mouthwatering homecooked food and is known for its famous Biscoff bomb. They offer a selection of classic English meals that will transport you to another place.
Guru Restaurant
Guru restaurant has authentic Indian cuisine. Their dishes include tandoori and biryani specialties and they are known for their tasty food, quick service, and reasonable prices.
Los Reyes Mexican Grill
This delicious Mexican restaurant is a short walk from the main street in town. They offer healthy, fresh Mexican foods at affordable prices. Their dishes include tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more. This is a great place to grab a quick lunch or dinner on your way home from town.
Clermont Brewing Company
If you’re looking for a taste of the local flavor in Clermont, FL, be sure to check out the Clermont Brewing Company. This small-town brewery offers up some of the best craft beers in the area, and it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold one after a long day.
The brewery is also home to a wide variety of events, from live music performances to trivia nights, so there’s always something going on.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe serves up a variety of breakfast items such as pancakes, waffles, omelets, and eggs. The cafe also has a variety of lunch items, including sandwiches, salads, and burgers. Keke’s is a great place to stop for breakfast or lunch if you’re in the Clermont area.
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