If you fancy a couple of hours away from the hustle and bustle of US192 but do not want to go too far afield, why not go on a visit to Historic Clermont.
It is located some twelve miles north of the Four Corners area on SR27. The city of Clermont itself is sign-posted west along the SR50 and on first sight it is a typical U. S. strip lined with fast food restaurants, filling stations, shops and amenities. However, as you continue along the highway towards the city of Groveland, look for the “Historic Downtown” signboard just by the lights on Eighth Street. A right turn here takes you down a slight incline, past a small lake and into the old town centre. Although the downtown area is quite small, it is worth parking your car and walking along the three or four blocks of tree lined streets that make up the central district.
The historic downtown district is still very much as it was fifty years ago. It is full of quaint wooden colonial style buildings and small-town shops and offers a glimpse into “life in a small town in America” (a touch of Bill Bryson almost! ). There are a few cafés and coffee shops scattered around – but with the fast food places all being on the main highway, these establishments, much like the shops, are far more individual and appealing.
If you keep walking along the road and down the hill (away from the main SR50 highway) you will come to Lake Minneola. The promenade area by this pretty lake is laid out with pathways and lawns and makes for a pleasant stroll. There is a fishing pier that you can walk along which is a good place to view the storks herons and egrets that congregate along the water’s edge. From here, the visitors also get a good view of Clermont and the Florida Citrus Tower, which is one of the most venerated regional landmarks in Central Florida and has a glass enclosed observation deck, restaurant and gift shops. Some local residents told us that the tower has just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
It is certainly a pleasant way to pass a couple of hours or so, away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks and other Orlando attractions – and if you have the inclination you can even call in to Lake Louisa State Park on the way back.
It is located some twelve miles north of the Four Corners area on SR27. The city of Clermont itself is sign-posted west along the SR50 and on first sight it is a typical U. S. strip lined with fast food restaurants, filling stations, shops and amenities. However, as you continue along the highway towards the city of Groveland, look for the “Historic Downtown” signboard just by the lights on Eighth Street. A right turn here takes you down a slight incline, past a small lake and into the old town centre. Although the downtown area is quite small, it is worth parking your car and walking along the three or four blocks of tree lined streets that make up the central district.
The historic downtown district is still very much as it was fifty years ago. It is full of quaint wooden colonial style buildings and small-town shops and offers a glimpse into “life in a small town in America” (a touch of Bill Bryson almost! ). There are a few cafés and coffee shops scattered around – but with the fast food places all being on the main highway, these establishments, much like the shops, are far more individual and appealing.
If you keep walking along the road and down the hill (away from the main SR50 highway) you will come to Lake Minneola. The promenade area by this pretty lake is laid out with pathways and lawns and makes for a pleasant stroll. There is a fishing pier that you can walk along which is a good place to view the storks herons and egrets that congregate along the water’s edge. From here, the visitors also get a good view of Clermont and the Florida Citrus Tower, which is one of the most venerated regional landmarks in Central Florida and has a glass enclosed observation deck, restaurant and gift shops. Some local residents told us that the tower has just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
It is certainly a pleasant way to pass a couple of hours or so, away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks and other Orlando attractions – and if you have the inclination you can even call in to Lake Louisa State Park on the way back.