HIDDEN LOCAL GEMS
The Central Florida we love beyond the theme parks--natural springs, winding trails and local flavors just minutes from the cottage.
CLOSE TO HOME
You don't have to go far to find some of our favorite places.
LunaSea Alpaca Farm
Green Mountain Honey & Fruit
Drift Cafe & Coffee House
LunaSea Alpaca Farm is home to over 35 alpacas and 5 llamas, each with its own unique personality, as well as a few Grand Champions.
Their nursery is the heart of the farm, where visitors can meet the newest cria (baby alpacas) during your tour.
A family-owned Montverde farm producing local honey and fruit for generations. Free tastings. Beekeeper Andrew Ferguson is always happy to share a story or two about growing up on the farm—and he's not just passionate, he's a hoot! We love him and his honey.
Located next to the gas station in Montverde, Drift Cafe is famous for their crafted coffee and pastries, as well as their premium REAL ice cream homemade style.
1 MINUTE DRIVE
5 MINUTE DRIVE
1 MINUTE DRIVE
Montverde Academy
West Orange & South Lake Bike Trails
Just a short walk away, Montverde Academy is known worldwide for its championship athletics. Games are open to the public, and its nationally recognized basketball program regularly draws college recruiters and NBA scouts. MVA also hosts excellent musical and theater productions throughout the year.
The connected South Lake and West Orange Trails offer miles of paved cycling through lake country, small towns and rolling hills. Don’t let Florida fool you—some stretches are surprisingly challenging, and the area’s hills have long attracted elite and Olympic-level athletes for training. Whether you’re out for a relaxed ride or looking for a serious workout, there’s a route for you.
Insider Tip: Killarney Station is a great jumping-off point, with parking, restrooms, water, bike rentals, and from here you can easily bike to Winter Garden just 8 miles away on flat trails.
5 MINUTE WALK
8-10 MINUTE DRIVE, DEPENDING ON TRAILHEAD
World-Renowned Montverde Academy
Green Mountain Honey & Fruit
Green Mountain Lookout, Ferndale Preserve, Oakland Preserve
Just a short walk away, Montverde Academy is known worldwide for its championship athletics. Games are open to the public, and its nationally recognized basketball program regularly draws college recruiters and NBA scouts. MVA also hosts excellent musical and theater productions throughout the year.
The connected South Lake and West Orange Trails offer miles of paved cycling through lake country, small towns and rolling hills. Don’t let Florida fool you—some stretches are surprisingly challenging, and the area’s hills have long attracted elite and Olympic-level athletes for training. Whether you’re out for a relaxed ride or looking for a serious workout, there’s a route for you.
Three differnt hiking/biking preserves, all within a few miles of the cottage and each offering its own way to experience Lake Apopka. Explore wooded trails, elevated lake views and some of Central Florida's best birging habitat--keep an eye out for eagles, osprey, indigo buntings, alligators and plenty of other wildlife.
5 MINUTE WALK
10 MINUTE DRIVE
5-10 MINUTE DRIVE
LunaSea Alpaca Farm
LunaSea Alpaca Farm is home to over 35 alpacas and 5 llamas, each with its own unique personality, as well as a few Grand Champions.
Their nursery is the heart of the farm, where visitors can meet the newest cria (baby alpacas) during your tour.
5 MINUTE DRIVE
Clermont Waterfront Park
A beautiful shoreline path perfect for sunset strolls or morning jogs. Enjoy the sandy beach area and the splash pad for family fun.
South Lake Trail
Miles of paved cycling and hiking paths winding through rolling hills and citrus groves. A premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Lake Discovery Market
Gather fresh local produce, artisanal breads, and handcrafted goods from the region's best growers and makers every weekend.
15 min drive
10 min drive
5 min drive
WILD FLORIDA
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Truly a Central Florida hidden gem—the Wildlife Drive is like the Florida Everglades, except we feel the experience is even better. Drive or bike (for the truly brave) the elevated gravel road for an amazing vantage point and some of the nation’s best birding—not to mention some of the area’s best gator viewing. The gators are HUGE here!
The drive is one-way, free, and accessed off Lust Rd in Winter Garden, currently open only on weekends and holidays. We like to pair the drive with lunch or dinner at Lake Harris Hideaway, another hidden gem with a laid-back tiki-bar atmosphere, waterfront views, and live music.
30 MINUTE DRIVE TO ENTRANCE, ALLOW 2–3 HOURS FOR DRIVE TIME / VIEWING BEST LATE AFTERNOON TIMED TO EXIT AT OR NEAR DUSK
Kelly Park / Rock Springs
Kayak, paddle board, or tube down crystal-clear spring-fed water surrounded by natural Florida. Kelly Park / Rock Springs is just one of several beautiful springs worth exploring. With water temperatures staying around 68–72°F year-round, they’re wonderfully refreshing in summer—and some spring systems become winter refuges for Florida manatees.
NOTE: The springs rent water equipment for a very reasonable price, often including shuttle service. The Buoy Bungalow does NOT allow our water equipment (including life jackets and paddles) to leave Lake Florence.
Lake Louisa State Park
A beautiful slice of wild Florida just outside Clermont, with rolling hills, lakes, and miles of trails through pine forests and cypress wetlands. Hike, bike, kayak, fish, or simply watch for deer, wild turkey, and other wildlife. It’s an easy escape into nature—and a side of Central Florida many visitors never expect to find.
30-40 MINUTE DRIVE
30 MINUTE DRIVE
WORTH THE DRIVE
Historic Winter Garden
20 MINUTE DRIVE
A charming downtown area with brick-lined streets and the famous Plant Street Farmer's Market on Saturdays, 9–2. Enjoy five-star restaurants, breweries, and annual festivals.
Hidden Gem Tip: The West Orange Bike Trail rides right to it from Killarney Station bike rentals (including tow carts for children) and parking. Our favorite events: The Winter Garden Music Festival, with 30+ musical groups on seven different stages (typically in February), and the Annual Spring Fever in the Garden, held in April.
Mount Dora
40 min drive
This charming lakefront town is made for wandering, with a walkable historic downtown filled with boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafés. Mount Dora is also famous for its festivals, including its nationally recognized annual Arts Festival. Come Christmastime, the town goes all out with spectacular lights, holiday events and the annual Lighted Boat Parade on Lake Dora. There seems to be something happening here almost every weekend! Locale tip: unless you like Disney-level crowds, don't go on Light Up Mt. Dora night. Go mid-week anytime in December for a great experience - lights, shopping and food. We go annually and shop local for our holiday gifts.
Bok Tower Gardens
A stunning National Historic Landmark featuring a Singing Tower carillon, acres of ferns, palms, and breathtaking vistas.
55 min drive
20 MINUTE DRIVE
Historic Clermont & Waterfront Park
Historic Clermont’s lakefront is always buzzing: stroll or bike the lakeshore path, let the kids cool off at the splash pads, browse the Sunday farmers market, and grab a bite or local brew at the waterfront restaurants and breweries—especially during the annual Pigs on the Pond Festival. Stroll along the new downtown area each fall during the free Latin-inspired Sips & Salsa Festivals, with live salsa music, vendors, dancing, and family activities.
Three Scenic Trails Close to Home
You don’t have to go far to find wild Florida. Green Mountain Scenic Overlook & Trail offers sweeping views over the Lake Apopka basin and a trail descending into the preserve. Nearby Ferndale Preserve winds through rolling hills, hardwood forest and lake country, while Oakland Nature Preserve features wooded trails and a boardwalk leading to Lake Apopka. Three very different places to hike, bike, birdwatch and explore—all within an easy drive of the cottage.
5-12 MINUTE DRIVE, DEPENDING ON PARK
More Noteworthy Places
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards — winery tours, tastings, weekend live music, outdoor wine bar, and Saturday farmer's market.
Florida Citrus Tower — Classic Old Florida roadside attraction with panoramic views over Clermont's lakes & rolling hills.
Showcase of Citrus — U-pick citrus in season, country store, animals, citrus treats, and monster-truck grove tours that are especially fun for families.
The Howey Mansion — Beautifully restored 1920s mansion in Howey-in-the-Hills with tours & rich local citrus-era history.
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing — Founded by legendary racer “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, this museum chronicles the history of drag racing with an enormous collection of race cars & memorabilia.
World Equestrian Center — Even if you're not a horse person, this place is impressive. One of the country's premier equestrian destinations hosts major horse shows & competitions in a spectacular resort-like complex with restaurants, shopping, hotels, spa & special events, particularly during winter holidays.
Tavares — America’s Seaplane City — Head to the Lake Dora waterfront where seaplanes land and take off right beside downtown. Stroll Wooton Park, watch the planes, grab lunch, or take a seaplane tour.
DISTANCES VARY: 15 MINUTES TO ONE HOUR DRIVE
Weeki Wachee State Park
A classic Old Florida attraction where natural beauty meets a bit of magic. At Weeki Wachee State Park, you can splash at the waterpark area, watch the famous live mermaid show in the spring, and then kayak or boat down the crystal-clear Weeki Wachee River—often alongside gentle manatees. It’s a fun mix of nostalgia, family-friendly adventure, and unforgettable natural scenery.
Fun fact: The early Weeki Wachee mermaids played a crucial role in teaching divers about negative buoyancy. Using air hoses to breathe underwater, they demonstrated how to control buoyancy while submerged—an essential skill for safe and effective diving. What these graceful mermaids do is not easy; it takes great control and athleticism, which helps explain why the shows are relatively short.
1 1/2 HOUR DRIVE
