It’s so close and yet feels so far away. Orlando’s citrus history is large and in charge in Clermont – visit the county next door to find a quaint downtown and some OG roadside attractions.
PLAY
Orlando Cat Café
532 Cagan Park Ave., Clermont, orlandocatcafe.com
If it's floofy cuddles you seek, you have to wait for them to come to you – we promise they will. Grab a coffee and spend time in the kitten tent for cuteness overload. Kid-friendly!
Hall of Presidents
123 N. Highway 27, Clermont, thepresidentshalloffame.com
This place is an oddball walk through history, home of the largest model of the White House ever made. Its gift shop is full of vintage treasures you have to see to believe.
Citrus Tower
41 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont, citrustower.com
An original Florida roadside attraction that's still going strong, 22 stories high with views overlooking the eight-county Central Florida region. Kitchy Florida gift shop included, of course.
revival
2400 S. Highway 27, Clermont, revivalclermont.com
can we just all use lower case for everything? funk, soul, '90s hip-hop. this is the place. come and dance your ass off. drinks optional.
REVolution Off Road
4000 FL-33, Clermont, revolutionoffroad.com
An off-roading adventure destination to fulfill your muddiest dreams. Wear a helmet. Practice archery. Wear a helmet. ATVs and off-roading. Wear a helmet.
EAT
Axum Coffee
532 Cagan Park Ave., Clermont, axumcoffee.com
Arguably some of the best fresh-roasted coffee in Central Florida. This is a must-visit for java aficionados, and the freshly baked pastries are mouthwateringly good. Bonus: ORLANDO CAT CAFE is just next door. Allergic? No problem. Watch them play through the glass viewing window.
Jack Benny's BBQ
100 S. Highway 27, Minneola, jacksbarbeque.com
One of Lake County's best-kept secrets. You'll find 60 years of wood-smoked barbecue experience at this local fave – pulled pork and ribs are the move here. BTW, if you went to UF, these are your people.
Uncle Kenny's BBQ
157 N. Highway 27, Clermont, unclekennysbbq.com
Kansas-City-style barbecue is the perfect counterpart to Jack's. Try 'em both to know the best of BBQ in the area.
SHOP
Midcentury Metropolis
603 E. Minnehaha Ave., Clermont
When you go, you'll know. Talk to someone who understands history and prices it right.
The Broom Tree
77 W. Montrose St., Clermont
You will have to dig, and this is not the place for midcentury modern lookie-loos. But we found a set of mother-of-pearl teacups priced too embarrassingly low to publish.
STAY
Lake Louisa cabins
7305 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont, floridastateparks.org
Twenty beautiful cabins with screened porches overlook Lake Dixie, where canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking and natural beauty will help you relax and recharge. Don't miss the horseback trail rides and hosted eco-tours.
