šš³ Exploring Central Florida: Nature, Culture & Hidden Gems š¶šļø
- Switching Gears RV Diary
- Apr 9, 2024
- 3 min read
After our adventures at Silver Springsāwhere we glided over ancient springs in a glass-bottom boat and paddled alongside wildlifeāwe journeyed south to uncover more of Floridaās unique blend of nature, history, and quirky charm. Our home base? Lake Griffin State Park, a peaceful retreat nestled near the towns of Leesburg and Fruitland Park.
šæ Lake Griffin State Park: A Nature Loverās Haven š³š¾
Tucked away in Fruitland Park, this 577-acre parkĀ offers more than just camping. Despite having only 40 campsites, it delivers big on natural beauty and accessibility.
š¶āāļø Trails:
2 miles of easy hiking
The Spur TrailĀ showcases diverse ecosystemsākeep your eyes peeled for bobcats, coyotes, and raccoons
š» Yes, we saw a bear on an early morning walk!
š³ Don't Miss:
A 300-500-year-old live oak, one of the largest in Floridaāmajestic and humbling.
š¶ On the Water:
Paddle the Dead RiverĀ for a quiet nature escape
Or hop on a guided pontoon eco-tourĀ (book early, spots fill fast!)
šŗš° The Villages: āDisneyland for Retireesā?
Just a short drive away is Lake Sumter Landing, part of the sprawling, master-planned community known as The Villagesāoften dubbed āDisneyland for retirees.ā
šŗ What you'll see:
Gleaming retro-style town squares
Residents zipping around in decked-out golf carts
Endless amenities: 230+ pickleball courts, 2,700+ clubs, a polo stadium, and more
š While the setup is fascinating and incredibly well-maintained, the vibe felt a bit tooĀ polished for usāless diversity, more uniformity. Still, itās a place worth seeing once!
šļøšø Mount Dora: Charm, Culture & Crafts
Just up the road, we found our kind of placeāMount Dora. This artsy town blends New England charmĀ with Old Florida soul.
šļø What we loved:
Cobblestone streets lined with antique shops, boutiques, and local eateries
š½ļø Delicious local dining (yes, we indulged)
šØ Frequent festivals: Craft Fairs, Plant & Garden Fairs, Art Strolls
š³ Strolling the shaded sidewalks of Mount Dora felt like stepping into a storybook.
āļøš¦ Wooten Park, Tavares: Seaplanes & Sunshine
Known as the āSeaplane City,ā Wooten ParkĀ offers a unique Florida thrillāseaplane ridesĀ over Lake Dora!
š Even from the shoreline, itās a lively spot with:
Gators sunning on the banks š
A splash pad & playground for kids š¶
Live entertainment and a welcoming vibe š¶
Whether you fly or stay grounded, Wooten is a fun stop full of energy and wildlife.
š„¾šļø Bourlay Historic Nature Park: Tranquility with a Story
Looking for a quiet escape? Bourlay Historic Nature ParkĀ in Leesburg offers just that.
š¶āāļø Hike or bike through:
88 acres of protected habitat
Dog-friendly trails š
Interpretive signs detailing Leesburgās founding and early settlement
Itās a peaceful blend of history and natureāperfect for a reflective afternoon.
š š¦¢ Venetian Gardens Park: Lakeside Serenity
Next, we wandered through Venetian Gardens, a 64-acre parkĀ on the shores of Lake Harris.
š Walk across bridges connecting island pathwaysš¦¢ Spot birds and turtles lounging near the shorelineš„ Dine lakeside at a nearby restaurant with perfect sunset views
This spot was pure Florida peaceāa perfect blend of water, wildlife, and winding walkways.
āØ Reflections on Central Florida: Variety Is the Spice of Travel š§š“
Our Central Florida road trip delivered a little of everything:š³ Ancient treesĀ at Lake Griffinšŗ Community spectacleĀ at The VillagesšØ Charming cultureĀ in Mount Doraāļø Adventure and gatorsĀ in Tavaresš„¾ Quiet trailsĀ in Leesburgš Lakeside beautyĀ at Venetian Gardens
Each place added depth and color to our travels, reminding us how rich and diverse Florida truly is.
š Up Nextā¦ š Coastal Vibes & Hidden History
Weāre heading east to Tomoka State Park, with stops in the coastal cities of Ormond BeachĀ and Daytona Beach. Expect:šļø Oceanside serenityš£ Saltwater paddlingšļø Historic ruins in unexpected places
š„ Donāt forget to subscribe to our YouTube channelĀ and follow along for real-time stories, tips, and unforgettable views from the Sunshine State!
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