Paddle, Play & Unplug in Lake County, Florida: Fun Family-Friendly Things to Do
Smack dab in the middle of the state, Lake County runs across 1,100 square miles. We paddled through hidden waterways, cast our lines in the water and soaked up the sun on a quiet beach.
This trip was hosted, but all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Why Go:A great excursion for families to go to the top of the tower and you can see for miles in all directions. Cost – $11 for adults and $7 for children ages 3 – 12. Citrus Tower is open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Your admission pass is good all day and includes the ride to the top on an elevator.
Who It's Best for: Families with children of all ages Best Things to Do: Ascend the historic Citrus Tower – once Florida's tallest building for panoramic views of rolling hills and lakes, the Orlando skyline and the Orlando Eye. What's Nearby: Clermont Historic Village with 18th-century buildings like a one-room schoolhouse and a WWII museum. Stroll Montrose Street, where you'll find boutiques, cafes and art galleriesBest Place to Eat: Check out Citrus Coffee on the lower level of the tower. I loved their mega-muffins, chock full of tasty ingredients and their full menu of iced and hot coffee drinks.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Your admission pass allows repeat entries to the tower and they're open late. Return at night and watch the spectacular fireworks from Walt Disney World .
Head to Lake Minneola beach and let the kids play in the shallow waters.
Why Go: The beach has a wonderful shoreline for lots of sand and water play. Who It's Best for: Families with young children Best Things to Do: Make waves at the Minneola Splash ParkGo fishingTake a hike on the Minneola Trail Best Place to Eat: Head to Salt Shack on the Lake for tropical cocktails and fresh, locally-sourced seafood, including fish tacos, coconut shrimp baskets and oysters.
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Why Go: Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this nature preserve.Who It's Best for: Families with children of all agesBest Things to Do: Hike the easy, 1.7 mile loop trailBorrow a canoe for a ride down the river Watch for native wildlifeSimply enjoy the quiet beauty of the river habitats
Why Go: Discover all kinds of thrilling adventure with their ATVs, 4-wheelers and Monster Trucks to tackle rugged off-road trails at Revolution AdventuresWho It's Best for: Families with teens and tweens Best Things to Do: Head into the water with an amphibious vehicleTry skeet shooting, archery, bass fishing or a pontoon boat rideEnjoy a picnic on the lake
Just a short drive away, Mount Dora charms visitors with its Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets and relaxed, lakeside vibe.
Why Go: Great destination to dine and shop Who It's Best for: Families with kids of all agesBest Things to Do: Go for a boatrideTake a walk to see the Mount Dora lighthouseCheck out their events calendar for the annual Arts & Crafts Festival, the Blueberry Festival and more.Where to Eat: Breakfast at Cody's on 4th-think bagel sandwiches, fresh fruit, iced coffee
SheBuysTravel Tip: Try a signature "quiche of the day" at Cody's.
For a truly unique experience, hop on a high-powered catamaran with Cat Boat Adventures.
Why Go: Discover a unique experience on the water Who It's Best for: Families with teens and tweens Best Things to Do: Spend two exhilarating hours cruising Lake Dora with Cat Boat Adventures. Navigate the scenic Dora Canal, surrounded by ancient cypress trees and Florida wildlife like gators, herons and egrets.Discover this fun, educational and surprisingly easy way to cruise -even if you've never piloted a boat before.
Prefer a slower pace? Set sail with Rusty Anchor Tours.
Why Go: Discover the beauty of the lake and spot all kinds of wildlife Who It's Best for: Families with kids of all ages Best Things to Do: 30-minute cruises to 3-hour excursions, including the Dora Canal Tour, a Sunset Dinner Cruise with Rusty Anchor ToursWatch for wildlife, snap photos of the Mount Dora LighthousePopular sunset cruise departs at 7:30 p.m.
Where to Eat: The Goblin Market features an outstanding menu with local favorites
SheBuysTravel Tip: Parking in Mount Dora can be challenging. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before your departure time.
In Lake County, life moves a little slower-and that's the point. It's a place where mornings begin with mist rising over the lake and evenings end with stories around a fire. Come for the natural beauty, stay for the small-town charm and return home with memories that feel refreshingly authentic.
How to Get There: Fly to Orlando and take a short drive to Lake County.
Ready to explore? Plan your trip at discoverlakefla.com
Fun Things to Do in Mount Dora, a Florida Gem Near OrlandoOrlando Beyond the Roller Coasters – Hike These Scenic Byways!Best Orlando Dinner Shows for Fun and FeastingQuiet Beaches in Florida When It's Time to Unplug and RelaxBest Summer Vacations For Families
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Miami Herald
13-08-2025
- Miami Herald
Paddle, Play & Unplug in Lake County, Florida: Fun Family-Friendly Things to Do
If you're craving a family getaway that captures the real Florida, I recommend Lake County. I just returned from this beautiful area and found this destination to have everything our family wanted. Located just 40 miles west of Orlando, this gem is a haven of 350 freshwater lakes, scenic hills and charming small towns that invite you to slow down, explore and reconnect. Smack dab in the middle of the state, Lake County runs across 1,100 square miles. We paddled through hidden waterways, cast our lines in the water and soaked up the sun on a quiet beach. This trip was hosted, but all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Why Go:A great excursion for families to go to the top of the tower and you can see for miles in all directions. Cost – $11 for adults and $7 for children ages 3 – 12. Citrus Tower is open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Your admission pass is good all day and includes the ride to the top on an elevator. Who It's Best for: Families with children of all ages Best Things to Do: Ascend the historic Citrus Tower – once Florida's tallest building for panoramic views of rolling hills and lakes, the Orlando skyline and the Orlando Eye. What's Nearby: Clermont Historic Village with 18th-century buildings like a one-room schoolhouse and a WWII museum. Stroll Montrose Street, where you'll find boutiques, cafes and art galleriesBest Place to Eat: Check out Citrus Coffee on the lower level of the tower. I loved their mega-muffins, chock full of tasty ingredients and their full menu of iced and hot coffee drinks. SheBuysTravel Tip: Your admission pass allows repeat entries to the tower and they're open late. Return at night and watch the spectacular fireworks from Walt Disney World . Head to Lake Minneola beach and let the kids play in the shallow waters. Why Go: The beach has a wonderful shoreline for lots of sand and water play. Who It's Best for: Families with young children Best Things to Do: Make waves at the Minneola Splash ParkGo fishingTake a hike on the Minneola Trail Best Place to Eat: Head to Salt Shack on the Lake for tropical cocktails and fresh, locally-sourced seafood, including fish tacos, coconut shrimp baskets and oysters. Let us inspire your travels! Sign up for our newsletter now. Why Go: Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this nature It's Best for: Families with children of all agesBest Things to Do: Hike the easy, 1.7 mile loop trailBorrow a canoe for a ride down the river Watch for native wildlifeSimply enjoy the quiet beauty of the river habitats Why Go: Discover all kinds of thrilling adventure with their ATVs, 4-wheelers and Monster Trucks to tackle rugged off-road trails at Revolution AdventuresWho It's Best for: Families with teens and tweens Best Things to Do: Head into the water with an amphibious vehicleTry skeet shooting, archery, bass fishing or a pontoon boat rideEnjoy a picnic on the lake Just a short drive away, Mount Dora charms visitors with its Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets and relaxed, lakeside vibe. Why Go: Great destination to dine and shop Who It's Best for: Families with kids of all agesBest Things to Do: Go for a boatrideTake a walk to see the Mount Dora lighthouseCheck out their events calendar for the annual Arts & Crafts Festival, the Blueberry Festival and to Eat: Breakfast at Cody's on 4th-think bagel sandwiches, fresh fruit, iced coffee SheBuysTravel Tip: Try a signature "quiche of the day" at Cody's. For a truly unique experience, hop on a high-powered catamaran with Cat Boat Adventures. Why Go: Discover a unique experience on the water Who It's Best for: Families with teens and tweens Best Things to Do: Spend two exhilarating hours cruising Lake Dora with Cat Boat Adventures. Navigate the scenic Dora Canal, surrounded by ancient cypress trees and Florida wildlife like gators, herons and this fun, educational and surprisingly easy way to cruise -even if you've never piloted a boat before. Prefer a slower pace? Set sail with Rusty Anchor Tours. Why Go: Discover the beauty of the lake and spot all kinds of wildlife Who It's Best for: Families with kids of all ages Best Things to Do: 30-minute cruises to 3-hour excursions, including the Dora Canal Tour, a Sunset Dinner Cruise with Rusty Anchor ToursWatch for wildlife, snap photos of the Mount Dora LighthousePopular sunset cruise departs at 7:30 p.m. Where to Eat: The Goblin Market features an outstanding menu with local favorites SheBuysTravel Tip: Parking in Mount Dora can be challenging. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. In Lake County, life moves a little slower-and that's the point. It's a place where mornings begin with mist rising over the lake and evenings end with stories around a fire. Come for the natural beauty, stay for the small-town charm and return home with memories that feel refreshingly authentic. How to Get There: Fly to Orlando and take a short drive to Lake County. Ready to explore? Plan your trip at Fun Things to Do in Mount Dora, a Florida Gem Near OrlandoOrlando Beyond the Roller Coasters – Hike These Scenic Byways!Best Orlando Dinner Shows for Fun and FeastingQuiet Beaches in Florida When It's Time to Unplug and RelaxBest Summer Vacations For Families The post Paddle, Play & Unplug in Lake County, Florida: Fun Family-Friendly Things to Do appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved
CBS News
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Chicago area World War II veterans board special flight to New Orleans to visit National WWII Museum
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Planning to go to Europe this summer? Travel expert shares how to sleep with no air conditioning
Every summer, Americans flock to southern Europe to absorb its vibrant culture, and choosing a short-term rental over a hotel is often considered a better way to experience that. But what tourists may not be drawn to are the heatwaves hitting Europe right now, which aren't much fun when you're sleeping in an Airbnb without air conditioning. Yes, in many of these locations, especially in older buildings, air conditioning isn't common, meaning you could be in for an uncomfortable night's sleep. "You can have the perfect location and still lose sleep if you don't check," Andrea Moradei, founder of the Italian wine travel agency Vinarium. "The key is knowing what to look for because some places stay naturally cool, even in a heatwave.' Below, Moradei breaks down the five steps to find homestays and guesthouses that will naturally keep you sleeping cool with no A/C, in five easy steps. Already booked your Airbnb? Try these tips on how to sleep cool in a building without air conditioning. 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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. "These materials have thermal mass, meaning they absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night," Moradei explains. "Many of these homes were built before WWII — well before air conditioning —and were designed to be livable during hot summers." So, when looking for a vacation rentals on sites like Airbnb, use certain keywords to different areas: You can look for generic terms such as "stone house", "historic home", "restored farmhouse", and "traditional villa". Alternatively search for terms and reviews that specifically mention temperature regulation, such as "no need for A/C", "naturally cool", or 'comfortable inside even during heat'. When looking for a place to stay, the higher the better if you want a good night's sleep. "Towns located at 300–500 meters above sea level often benefit from cooler nights, breezes, and lower humidity," says Moradei. "These historic locations were often chosen for strategic reasons, and now offer real climate comfort." To find hilltop accommodation, use keywords such as "hilltop village", "elevated position" or "panoramic views" and look for images that feature terraces with wide views or rooftops visible below the property. While shutters may look charmingly rustic and quaint, it's easy to forget that they actually serve as a cooling method, so look for properties that mention shutters in their description or show exterior shutters in their photos. Moradei also advises to check how much shade the building offers by searching for keywords such as "shaded garden" or "natural shade" and looking for shaded patios or trees and vines in pictures. "Listings with wooden or metal shutters, trees around windows, vines, pergolas, or deep-set windows will be significantly cooler during the day," he tells us. So, when you go sight-seeing during the day, you can close the shutters before you leave and make use of the natural shade to keep the home cool for when you return to settle in for the night. It's no secret that the way to sleep cooler in a building with no A/C is to keep your windows shut during the day and to open them a night when the outdoor temperature drops. However, not all hosts allow windows to be open at night, especially if their home is located in an area near water rife with mosquitos. A sk the host if it's safe to leave windows open at night and if there are any mosquito screens on the window. "In areas near water, mosquito screens are also essential if you plan to leave windows open at night," Moradei warns. Once you know you can sleep with the windows open, you can also check the cross-ventilation of the bedrooms. Windows or doors on opposite side of the room mean a natural breeze at night, so look for photos with windows on opposites walls or open floor plans. Before you book a place to stay, you may want to ask the host what bedroom the floor is on, if it's in the shade, and what direction it faces. "Rooms on lower floors, partially underground, or facing north tend to stay cooler naturally, especially in traditional homes, says Moradei. "These were often used as summer bedrooms before air conditioning existed." To find a lower-level bedroom, search for terms such as "ground floor" "cave house" or "garden flat" and check the pictures to see if the views are at garden level.
