Lake County is Real Florida. Real Close.

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Linda Patrick
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1 Lake County is Real Florida. Real Close. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. Home to over 1,000 pristine lakes and rivers, it s obvious how Lake County got its name. But beyond the bountiful lakes swimming with fish is a landscape found nowhere else in Florida. Rolling hills and stunning vistas comprise Lake County s unique terrain, leading up to the highest point in peninsular Florida, Sugarloaf Mountain. Acres of preserves, state parks and a national forest full of flora and fauna attract hikers and avid bird watchers to these undisturbed lands where protected species like the Florida Scrub-jay and gopher tortoise peacefully reside. Any of the county s many waterfront parks, situated beneath a canopy of oak tree hammocks, are a soothing locale for a Sunday afternoon picnic or to stop for a water break while biking one of the area s many trails. Lake County boasts 14 distinct municipalities, each with its own small town personality and unique historic downtown district. Dotted with art galleries, antique stores, mom and pop shops and restaurants to please every palate, from home-cooked comfort food at Lake County s popular diners to fine dining at intimate lakeside retreats, Lake County s downtown districts are a refreshing reminder of the way life should be. The county spotlights its love of the outdoors with the annual Wings & Wildflowers Festival, which has secured Lake s spot on the map as a premier birding destination. Farmers markets are not just weekend events in Lake County, where acres of farmland line winding roads through the countryside. The markets offerings are cultivated locally at U-pick fruit farms, citrus groves and nurseries. Quaint bed and breakfasts paying stellar attention to service and detail are a draw for travelers from near and far. Whether for a special event or quiet getaway, economical accommodations and a family-friendly atmosphere make Lake County an ideal destination for an extended weekend trip. For families, heritage museums, lively festivals and nostalgic train rides add to the allure of scenic Lake County, which has a character all its own. Far away from fast-paced, yet close enough for a quick escape While Lake County may not boast the largest rollercoaster or grandest mall, its close proximity to Orlandoarea amenities and attractions make it a perfect stop for some rest and relaxation or an exciting outdoor adventure. With an average year-round temperature of 71 degrees, budget-friendly hotels and easy access to airports and major roadways, a visit to scenic Lake County is a no-brainer. The county s 1,156 square miles cover a large amount of terrain. It is bordered by the Ocala National Forest to the north and the hills of Clermont to the south. Lake County can be accessed by I-75 to the west and I-4 to the east. U.S. Highways 27 and 441 intersect the county to the north and south. Lake County is centrally located with access to four airports: Orlando International Airport, Orlando Sanford Executive Airport, Leesburg International Airport and Daytona Beach International Airport, all within 65 miles.

2 Plus, Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches are just an hour s drive away should coastal visitors ever want to trade-in saltwater for one of Lake County s more than 1,400 freshwater lakes and rivers. Lake County is a perfect location for an easygoing vacation complete with spa services and brunch at lakefront bed & breakfast spots, or a more adventurous trip featuring kayaking, hang gliding or wakeboarding. Whether visiting Lake County as a destination all its own, or a stop on a larger Central Florida trip, the county s hospitable atmosphere and budget-friendly natural attractions make it a worthwhile destination in any itinerary. Sports Tourism With a name like Lake County, it shouldn t be a surprise that the area is a top notch location for fishing tournaments, water ski championships and boating competitions. Anglers regard Lake County s glistening lakes as some of the most diverse and abundant fishing opportunities in the state. If Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World, Lake County is the crown jewel. That s why popular tournaments such as the Oakley Big Bass Tour and Bass Pro Shops Crappie Masters Tournament, both held at the Harris Chain of Lakes, are calling Lake County home. But the county is known for more than just water sports. Considered the World Triathlon Destination, Lake County s distinct elevation changes and gently rolling hills lends to exceptional triathlon courses. The National Training Center in Clermont, for example, is the perfect venue for triathlon training. The state-ofthe-art facility attracts Olympians and world-class athletes from all over the country to train year-round on Clermont s runner-friendly terrain. Venues such as the NTC help put Lake County on the leaderboard for many sporting event site selectors. Over the past 17 years, Lake County has been the location for numerous state and national sports championships such as The Florida High School Athletic Association s Golf and Softball State Championships. Lake County is also a quintessential golfer s paradise. With nearly two dozen courses to choose from, this area has become a global golf destination for recreational and professional golfers alike. The county is scattered with courses designed by well-known former PGA Golf Tournament players, and is home to NCAA Championships and professional tours. Lake County offers some of the most prestigious and challenging championship courses in the south, such as Mission Inn Resort & Club s El Campeón and Las Colinas courses. For the most comprehensive information on Lake County Sports, visit the

Eclectic mix makes for unique travel experience LAKE COUNTY, FLA. Not all ideas are born overnight. Take for example, the one-of-a-kind Coconut Cottage Inn Bed & Breakfast of Mount Dora, Fla.

3 Eclectic mix makes for unique travel experience LAKE COUNTY, FLA. Not all ideas are born overnight. Take for example, the one-of-a-kind Coconut Cottage Inn Bed & Breakfast of Mount Dora, Fla. As freelance travel writers for many years, the husband and wife inn-keeping team of Nancy Howell and Gary McKechnie toured the countryside taking mental notes of what they liked and didn t like about inns. The couple s remarkable journey to bed and breakfast ownership didn t end there. Like any good journalist, Howell dug deeper locating an internship opportunity with a North Carolina inn. We got an incredible learning process from the ground up, she said. The result of the studious background work allowed the couple to not only open their own successful bed and breakfast in 2000, but they were able to create an atmosphere for guests that is truly unique. From the outside the two-story inn appears to be no different than any other historic home in the Mount Dora area. But once inside, the overall theme of world travel provides for a whimsical journey walking from one room into the next. For instance, the red Zen Den features an array of ornamental masks and an impressive lot of travel books, including McKechnie s Great American Motorcycle Tours. Upstairs the spacious Asian and Arabian guest rooms are trimmed with furnishings and decorations from the respective cultures. The traveling theme of the Coconut Cottage Inn does not end with the interior decorating. At the breakfast table, the innkeepers frequently swap travel stories with guests. What we found is this is an extension of our travel writing, Howell said. Just the items we have in here provoke conversation. The influences of Egyptian, African, Chinese and Japanese cultures throughout the inn are a result of eight years of collecting interesting pieces. By visiting consignment shops, auctions and antique fairs through their travels, the couple amassed an eclectic mix of furnishings and decorations. The great thing about all this is we ve had guests that have stayed with us several times through the years and they ll say one time when did you get this piece and I ll tell them it has been here the whole time, McKechnie said. It definitely gives you the illusion of travel just walking around the inn.

4 The majority of the guests of the Coconut Cottage Inn Bed & Breakfast are from the Sunshine State. The relaxing and charming downtown district of Mount Dora draws in-state guests year round, especially for the 20 major festivals the city hosts annually. It s amazing how many people don t know about Mount Dora, but when they come here they re hooked, Howell said. Most of our guests come here just to get away from everything. Whether you re visiting Mount Dora for its culture, nature parks or shopping district, you ll never be at a loss for good company at the Coconut Cottage Inn. I think what guests like is we re never stumped for a conversation, McKechnie said Howell added, We have something to talk about all the time. The Coconut Cottage Inn Bed & Breakfast of Mount Dora, Fla., is located at 1027 McDonald St. For more information, call or log on to

5 Sightseeing via Segway at historic downtown districts LAKE COUNTY, FLA. It can supplement mobility, security or recreation, but for everyday tourists in Mount Dora, gliding on a Segway is usually just a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The store delivers the unique brand of travel that seems fit for the future to large groups, resorts and even law enforcement. Segways are considered excellent tools because they allow officials to patrol in areas where cars cannot, are faster than an individual on foot and are highly visible. While security and police officers know the benefits of the two-wheeled transport, the public often does not have the opportunity to experience a Segway. That's where the Segway of Central Florida comes in as the store offers one-hour guided tours of Mount Dora for around $50. The tours begin with 10 to 15 minutes of training. While mastering a Segway is probably no harder that riding a bike for the first time, it does take some time to master. The tours begin in downtown Mount Dora and trek toward Palm Island Park. In the park, the Segway tour explores the boardwalk and nature trails. Before heading back to town, the tour visits the historic Lakeside Inn and the spectacular views of Lake Dora. After returning to the shop, guests receive a Segway "license" that certifies them to rent one of the personal transporters. Tour participants may consider purchasing a Segway, which can be used for a host of recreational activities. Some newer accessories include a golf bag holder and turf tires. Segway of Central Florida is located at 430 N Alexander St. in Mount Dora, Fla. The store is open Tuesday- Sunday. For more information, call or log on to

Water, Water Everywhere

Water, Water Everywhere...it s what defines Guntersville, and makes it a special place to live, to work, to play. Literally surrounded by Lake Guntersville in North Alabama s Mountain-Lakes region, this