Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont

There are so many things to love about living in Clermont, and having Lake Louisa State Park in your backyard is one of them. Lake Louisa State Park is a nature lovers playground with 5 larger lakes and many smaller ones. People come from all over to enjoy the park.

Park Activities

Biking

Biking is one of the most popular activities at Lake Louisa State Park. There are seven miles of paved roads that wind through the park and over the rolling hills along with over 20 miles of un-paved multi-use trails. There are also bike available for rent in the park.

Hiking

For a quick walk/day hike many Clermont locals enjoy the half mile nature trail just off of the Lake Louisa Parking lot. There are vast family-friendly hikes throughout that park that wind through the many lakes and rivers. The area does not lake in beauty to take in with 11 different natural ecosystems. With the different many different areas brings a large amount of wildlife that like to call the park home, you may see some of them as you are out adventuring. Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, osprey, bald eagles, white-tail deer, bobcat, opossum, many different types of squirrels, and a large variety of birds.

Guided hikes are also available for anyone wanting a more educational experience with an opportunity to learn about cultural, historical, and environmental attributes of the park.

Bird Watching

Bird watching is a popular past time around the park because there are so, so many different species of birds in Lake Louisa State Park. It has become such a popular activity that the ranger station offers bird and butterfly watching checklists so you can record just how many different birds you come across.

Horseback Riding

If you would rather travers the trails of Lake Louisa State Park that is also an option. Guided horse tours are offered by P3 Lake Louisa. Two experienced horse wranglers lead the way on gentle trail horses at a relaxing walking pace. This is a awesome experience for horse lovers of all experience levels, ages 8 and up.

P3 Lake Louisa also hosts a trail ride to benefit Howey Horse Haven once a year where horse lovers are encouraged to ride one of the trail horses or bring their horse and ride along on a separate trail. All horses must stay at a walking pace and all proceeds go to benefit the rescue of horses at Howey Horse Haven.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Rent a kayak or canoe and head out on the lake(s) for a day of water fun. Of course, you can also bring your own or you can even sign up for a guided kayak tour. The tour leaves from the shores of the Lake Louisa beach area and journeys out to the mouth of Big Creek. The tour lasts about an hour and forty-five minutes. It includes a guide that will share about points of interest in the park along the journey, and all equipment needed.

Camping

Camping of all types is available in the park from tent glamping to cabin rentals, to primitive group/equestrian/traditional tent camping.

Fishing and Boating

Fishing and boating are permitted on the lakes in the park as long as boats can be hand-carried into the water. There is no public boat launch in the park and gas motorized boats are not permitted, however, electric trolling motors are.

Beach and Playground

Lake Louisa is the only lake with a swimming area for everyone to enjoy and there is a playground nearby as well.

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Sam Howzit & Katy Warner Image Credit

Light Up Clermont is Almost Here

It wouldn’t be Christmas in Clermont without the annual Light Up Clermont Festival to kick off December. This annual two-day festival is a long honored and anticipated part of the holiday season in Clermont. 2016 marks the 29^th annual Light Up Clermont Festival. All activities are free admission and family-friendly.

Friday night December 2^nd the festival kicks off in City Hall Park on Montrose and 7^th. The Clermont Friday food trucks are open beginning at 5:30 pm so come grab some of the best bites around before the tree lighting.

At 6:30 on Friday night is the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This is one of the newer traditions of the festival. This will be the third year of tree lighting in Clermont. A huge tree is brought in and decorated with lights and a star and officially lit up for the season to usher in the Christmas Cheer. At this time the whole downtown area will light up with animated light sculptures around the lake as well.Following the tree lighting, there will be live holiday music on the main stage in the park.

Ready to let loose and enjoy the weekend? Come to Montrose and 8^th St. to dance the night away with a DJ on the Community Stage.

Take those cute kids of yours to get their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. They will be hanging out across the street from the tree lighting at Clermont City Center located at 620 West Montrose St. from 7 to 9 pm on Friday.

Saturday there will be more live music and entertainment from 10am to 2:30 pm at City Hall Park. You can also check out the crafts fair and food vendors on Montrose and 8^th from 10am to 3pm.

Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock is the much loved Holiday Parade. There will be decorative floats, bands, dance troops, and more all leading up to the arrival of the big guy, Santa and of course his lovely wife Mrs. Claus. Photos are courtesy of the Kiwanis of South Lake.

To finish off the weekend festivities is the annual Lessons and Carols Concert at the Clermont Performing Arts Center located at 3700 South Highway 27. There will be two shows, one at 5pm and one at 8pm.

Clermont is a great place to live especially during the holidays. For more information on living in Clermont or real estate in Clermont and surrounding areas please browse our website or contact us anytime.

Image adapted By Ernst Vikne (Decorating the Christmas tree) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Summer Fun and Happenings in Clermont

Even though back to school ads are all over the the television, there is still a bit of summer left. Make the most of your days and enjoy some of the fun events going on in Clermont in July and August.

Middle School Summer Rowing Camp July 19

For three weeks on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4:15 to 6:15 middle school age students can learn to row. Lessons take place at the Clermont Boathouse located at 1050 Lake Minneola Drive.

Cost is $150 for the three week session and is a great way for kids to try a new hobby/sport while meeting new friends

Weekly Farmer’s Market

Though the Farmer’s Market runs all year there are always new vendors coming and going. Check back often to discover the new goods or visit a favorite regular vendor. A great place to buy fresh local eats and handmade wares or just catch up with friends. The Farmer’s Market is open every Sunday except for holidays from 9am-2pm at Clermont Historic Village.

Presidents Hall of Fame Signing of the Declaration of Independence

The Presidents Hall of Fame is a fun replica of the White House that has brought America’s history to life in a fun miniature version of the White House. All through the month of July you can celebrate Independence Day with the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. Tickets are around $15 and this is a notable favorite on trip advisor.

National Night Out August 2

The Clermont Police Department will be hosting National Night out on Tuesday August 2 from 5 to 8pm at Waterfront Park. This is a free annual event joining in with law-enforcement agencies all around the country with a goal of promoting police-community partnerships and crime prevention. This year’s event will include free food, dunk tank, a wide range of kid focused activities, Star Wars characters, and emergency vehicles on display including fire trucks, patrol cars,tactical vehicles, and motorcycles.

First Friday Family Food Truck Night and Music on Montrose August 5

This is a monthly event in Clermont where you can come enjoy a variety of great Food Truck eats, vendors, downtown shops open late until 9pm and live music. The event has become so popular that trucks are competing for space to participate in this event.

This month’s live music :

Anita Drink

This month’s trucks include:

Arepa Kings
Bem Bom
Cajun In A Truck
Cowboy Jim’s
Frenchy’s Crepes
Jamaica Jamaica
Kona Dog
Korean Taco Box
Lee’s Famous Chicken
Over the Top Pita
Tullulah’s By the Sea
Tastebuds Catering
Willy T’s Crab Shack

Race 3 of the Central Florida Triathlon Series and 5k August 13

This fun sporty event is put on by Sommer Sports celebrating peace, love, and happiness. Sommer Sports aims to create fun events you can include the whole family in. Every participant receives a t-shirt and every finisher receives a die-cast medal. After the race stick around for entertainment and food. Choose between a triathlon and a duathlon. Check this link for official start times and other information.

For more information on Central Florida Lakefront Communities and property management please feel free to browse our blog and website or contact me at anytime.

Easter Activities and Events in Clermont and Winter Garden

Are you and your little ones looking for a little fun Easter weekend? And possibly some free candy? Well head on over to Newton Park, 29 West Garden Avenue for the Winter Gardens Lions Club Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The event is being held on Saturday April 4^th and begins at 1:00PM. The egg hunt is free for all visitors however, only babies and kids up to twelve years old are allowed to take place in the hunt. Sorry moms and dads, you will have to buy your own candy. Now some kids might need to have some special accommodations and the park is ready to accommodate them. Just call 407-656-4155 or email recinfo@wintergarden-fl.gov at least one week before the event starts so they can be ready for it. So grab all of your pink, blue, and green baskets and your bunny ears, and hop on over to Newton Park for the Winter Garden Lions Club Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

For those looking to make a fresh start this spring the Lake Minneola Half Marathon, 12K, and 5K will be taking place at Clermont’s Waterfront Park. The marathons will be taking place on April 25^th and they begin as follows: the ½ marathon at 7:00AM, 12K at 7:30AM, 5K at 7:40. And for those looking for a challenge there will be live plants awarded as prizes to some of the top runners in each of the marathons.

Each runner will also receive a medal upon finishing, post race food, and a souvenir t-shirt. Depending your registration date the prices will increase, currently the ½ marathon is $75, the 12K is $38, and the 5K is $28 but these prices will only last until 4/18 and then they will increase so make sure to register soon. Also make sure to register by 4/12 so that you can get your proper t-shirt size. So grab your running shoes and water bottles because the race is on.

For more information, please contact me anytime! I specialize in Winter Garden real estate, Clermont lakefront homes and all properties in the area.

There’s a New Reason to Visit Orlando!

You read that right. There’s yet another fabulous reason to visit Orlando coming in 2015. I-Drive 360 is one of the top new Entertainment Complexes in Central Florida and the Sunshine State and it’s all the buzz. It’s opening is scheduled for the Spring of 2015 and will be home to the long awaited, and anxiously anticipated Orlando Eye Observation Wheel. This Orlando Eye Observation Wheel will be the main attraction to be included in the recent $200 million revitalization of the I-Drive hotel and convention area.

Much sought after Orlando and Clermont real estate is located within a short drive of I-Drive 360. You can choose from desirable communities such as Clermont, Minneola, Regency Hills and Winter Garden.

Are you wondering what else you can do at the I-Drive 360 Entertainment Complex? Well, the Orlando Eye Observation Wheel is just the cherry on a very tasty cake of…

Stuff to keep you busy at the I-Drive 360 Entertainment Complex

The Orlando Eye – Observation Wheel
World’s Tallest Roller Coaster ‘Skyscraper’
Madame Tussaud’s Orlando Wax Museum
Sea Life Aquarium
Yard House Brewery
Dick’s Last Resort
Shake Shack
Outback Steakhouse
Bar Jour Wine Bar
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Shop
Additional Shops and Restaurants Coming Soon!

For quite some time, I-Drive has been a destination spot for tourists in the Orlando area. It’s close to Central Florida theme parks, and is also home to the Orange County Convention Center, and therefore remains a favorite for visitors and locals. With the coming of 2015, it will be even more of a fan favorite for those who call Orlando home as well as those who are just passing through. Image by InSapphoWeTrust Flickr