Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Lake County, Central Florida

January 5, 2022 Chanda Heide

Discover the best top things to do in Lake County, United States including Paquette's Historical Farmall Tractor Museum, Blueberry Hill Farm, Ocala National Forest, Lake Dora, Lake George, Renninger's Vintage Antique Center & Farmer's Flea Market, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, Lake Louisa State Park, Rock Springs Run State Reserve, The Howey Mansion.
Restaurants in Lake County

1. Paquette's Historical Farmall Tractor Museum

615 S Whitney Rd, Leesburg, FL 34748-9479 +1 352-728-3588 [email protected] http://www.stewsihstuff.com
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 95 reviews

Paquette's Historical Farmall Tractor Museum

Dedicated to the Preservation of International Harvester Farming and Construction Equipment. New Dates for Tractor Show & Pull: Feb 4-6, 2021. Show Barn & surrounding grounds available for weddings and events accommodating 250+. Museum Admission $20 per person, military & veteran ID $15 per person, children under 9 are free, groups of 10 or more $15 per person. Call for children organization rates (i.e. schools, scouts or camps).

Reviewed By T5010AZemilyc

Excellent. Many more treasures than I was expecting. We loved it! My dad has 2 pieces in the museum and it was so special for my son to get to see them, too.

2. Blueberry Hill Farm

5000 Berry Groves Rd, Clermont, FL 34714-8306 +1 863-944-1401 http://www.southernhillfarms.com
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 40 reviews

Blueberry Hill Farm

Reviewed By 704mikep - Orlando, United States

What a great opportunity to get some time outside with friends doing something relaxing and delicious. The staff are very friendly, prices are great, but most importantly there are excellent blueberries and a lot of them. Everything is set up so that it is easy to move around without being on top of other people. Definitely a full-filling tradition to make with kids.

3. Ocala National Forest

40929 State Road 19, Umatilla, FL 32784-9326 +1 352-669-3153 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ocala/recarea/
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 160 reviews

Ocala National Forest

National parkland consisting of 383,220 acres of various landscapes, including highlands, coastal lowlands, swamps, springs, lakes and ponds.

Reviewed By fioreart - Sarasota, United States

We hiked sections of the Florida Trail through the Ocala National Forest. Know that you can park for free where a road intersects the trail. It is an easy trail with few tree roots and other obstacles on the trail. We did not need out hiking sticks. It gently rolls in a few sections, so no significant altitude changes. There are many sandy sections. We enjoyed sections going north out out Juniper Springs and south from 314 the most as it was mostly forest with some shade. Hopkins Prairie north of 50 is pretty but sandy and sunny. We went in January, so the temperatures were in the 60s and 70s. No bugs nor mud. Do not attempt to hike here or most places in Florida in the summer other than at dawn or dusk. Here it will be swampy, in the 90s, buggy and too humid.

4. Lake Dora

Mount Dora, FL https://www.whattodoinmtdora.com/lake-dora-the-dora-canal/
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 654 reviews

Lake Dora

Reviewed By gypsywomen2 - The Villages, United States

We had 22 of us for a fun night on the lake for a sunset cruise. Enjoyed ourselves immensely. We saw a gator and a bald eagle and got to see the Christmas lights at the marina from the water. Beautiful evening. I would do it again.

5. Lake George

770 Nine Mile Point Road, Astor, FL http://www.volusia.org/services/community-services/parks-recreation-and-culture/parks-and-trails/park-facilities-and-locations/ecological-nature-parks/lake-george-park.stml
Excellent
62%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Lake George

6. Renninger's Vintage Antique Center & Farmer's Flea Market

20651 US Highway 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757-9251 +1 352-383-3141 [email protected] http://renningers.net/index.php/main-locations/mount-dora/mount-dora-home
Excellent
55%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 429 reviews

Renninger's Vintage Antique Center & Farmer's Flea Market

Located on 117 acres of scenic, rolling land, in beautiful Lake County, the heart of Central Florida. Amid spreading oaks, garlands of Spanish moss waving gently from their branches, you'll find the best of both worlds!Renninger's Mount Dora Markets are just 30 minutes north of Orlando, FL, on U.S. 441, just north of Route 46. Antiques Center Open Fridays 10 to 4, Saturdays & Sundays 9 to 5.Farmers & Flea Sat. & Sun 8 to 4

Reviewed By Jmits1 - Raleigh, United States

It was our first time to visit Mt. Dora and we wondered why there were so many cars everywhere on this weekend. The next morning I was searching for things to do and saw this show-listing so we headed over there about 11:30. We couldn't believe all the cars parked at the market and how massive this was. We first walked a good portion of the flea market and the buildings on that side. We didn't see much we 'needed' and then headed over to the antique side about 2:30. We enjoyed this side much more as we looking at so many interesting items. They have these cute little buildings that are open every weekend but we didn't have enough time to go in many of them. That probably was a good thing as we kept finding things to buy in this area! It turns out that we were there during an Extravaganza Weekend that only takes place three times a year. During these shows, they have far more vendors than every weekend.

7. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont, FL 34715 +1 800-768-9463 [email protected] http://www.lakeridgewinery.com
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 830 reviews

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards opened its doors in February 1989 in Clermont, Florida and sits on a 127-acre estate in gently rolling countryside some 25 miles west of downtown Orlando. This area was once the center of the State's grape industry. After years of phenomenal growth, Lakeridge ranks as Florida's largest premium winery, and remains a pioneer in the development of table and sparkling wines from muscadine and hybrid grapes. Vintage-dated varietals from hybrids such as Stover and Blanc Du Bois are produced and marketed along with blended and sparkling wines from native Muscadine grapes.More than 110,000 people are expected to visit the winery annually, enjoying its extensive tasting room, festivals and gift shop. With an overall production of over 80,000 cases, that's over 960,000 bottles. Lakeridge Wines are sold under the Lakeridge and Lakeridge Reserve brands wines at the winery and at major supermarkets and wine shops throughout Florida . Together, these labels have won more than 700 awards for excellence in winemaking. Complimentary Winery tours and wine tasting are offered 7 days a week; Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Reviewed By 354cindyb - Dixon, United States

Love this winery great music inside and outside has food vendors outside and cheese and meat trays inside. Wine tasting is fun and inside gift shop is very nice. They also have very nice events.

8. Lake Louisa State Park

7305 US Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34714-9181 +1 352-503-4489 [email protected] http://www.LakeLouisaStatePark.com
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 873 reviews

Lake Louisa State Park

Lake Louisa State Park is 4500 acres of beautiful, real Florida! Just minutes from the area's major attractions, the park hosts guided horseback rides, guided kayak eco-tours, kayak canoe and bike rentals, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and just about anything else you would expect in a natural setting. Home to 20+ miles of trails, 7 lakes, 60 campsites, 20 cabins, a swim beach, playground, fishing piers, and more, you could spend days on end exploring this treasured gem.

Reviewed By MsLanor32903 - Melbourne Beach, United States

First time camping at Lake Louisa State Park. We had a great site with a beautiful view of Lake Dixie. Came in late Friday night to a gorgeous sunset! Electric and water hook- ups with a dump station close by. Great place to ride bikes, kayak, hike and trail ride. Loved the rolling hills and amazing views-check out Lake Louisa after you pass through the ranger station. Everyone was very accommodating. We couldn’t arrive the day we planned so I notified the ranger station- no problem, our reservation /site was secured for the next day( we had already paid in full). I will definitely be back to camp but also for day trips to hike and bike.

9. Rock Springs Run State Reserve

30601 Cr 433, Sorrento, FL 32776 +1 407-884-2008 http://www.floridastateparks.org/rockspringsrun/default.cfm
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Rock Springs Run State Reserve

Florida area covering 14,000 acres of land which has an abundance of diverse plants.

Reviewed By CoolBeans2U - Sorrento, United States

This is Florida's hidden gems. They are natural clear springs. They stay the same water temperature year round around 71 to 72 degrees. They are beautiful state park that charges by the carload. They have changing rooms and bathroom and shower. They have an excellent food stand with hamburgers and hotdogs ect.really great walking park with boardwalks walking all over and also trails. There are picnic area tables and grills bring your own charcoal. It's the only spring with a tube ride (walk up to beginning of spring and float or swim) down to a beautiful clear natural pond.bring your goggles you can see all the fishes swimming around under you.great beach area for your kid's. Great area in general. Come check it out .

10. The Howey Mansion

1001 Citrus Ave, Howey in the Hills, FL 34737-3218 +1 407-906-4918 [email protected] http://thehoweymansion.com/
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 120 reviews

The Howey Mansion

The historic Howey Mansion is an architectural gem. Tours are offered daily and can be booked as a wedding and events venue. The brothers who restored it are locals and have a passion for sharing it with the public.

Reviewed By glomarrone - Cocoa Beach, United States

One midweek morning, our large travel group arrived by motor coach to tour the newly restored Howey Mansion. The mansion was completed in 1927 for the Howey family. It was occupied until 2008 and then left abandoned for close to 10 years. As you enter the mansion, be sure to admire the grandeur of the Grand Staircase. Because of our group’s size, we could not take the entire Historian-Led Tour all together. Instead, our quite knowledgeable guide, Myra, gave our private tour group a detailed introduction beforehand as we gathered in the Ballroom. This room was originally the formal living room of the Howey family. From there she led us out to the charming courtyard where she gave us some interesting information about the original pond and statue of the siren. What was once a 3-car garage beyond the courtyard, Myra said, has now been turned into a kitchen used for catered events. Upstairs, the staff sleeping quarters is now used for short term rentals. We were then handed a detailed floor plan and we were able to spend the rest of our time at our own pace exploring the various levels and rooms inside the mansion. The floor plan certainly contained enough information about each room of the mansion. Although the furnishings are not original, they are correct to the period. After exploring the downstairs Dining Room, Kitchen and Butler’s Pantry, I viewed the Library, the several bedrooms, including the two bedrooms belonging to the daughters, Mrs. Howey’s Bedroom & the Master Suite, plus the Parlor Room and the terraces. Be sure to notice the tall ladder in the Turret Room which gives access to the roof for views of the area. You cannot climb the ladder, though. As I stepped out from the Parlor Room to the Terrace and could almost imagine the Howey family sitting here enjoying the sunshine. Before joining back up with our historian, I took the time to carefully tread down to the Prohibition Basement. Be aware that there are no handrails so proceed with caution. We then had plenty of time for Myra to answer all our questions. Our group combined this tour with lunch at the Mission Inn and a visit to both the Yalaha Bakery and the next door Distillery. A Mansion Tour runs $20. Be aware that there are no elevators and stairs are needed to reach the upper floors. The mansion is well worth a visit.

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