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Been wanting to visit the Citrus Tower for some time. Last Sunday was their Grand Reopening. They have new owners and had a nice celebration with festivities, & music. They also had free rides up the Citrus Tower. I knew I had to check it out. The line for the Citrus Tower was not bad at all considering it was free. Inside is a coffee shop with many drinks with a citrus theme. They also have a conference area as well. The elevator took us up and since it was during the Grand Reopening, they welcomed us with local orange juice samples. That was nice and thoughtful. We walked around and checked out the different signs showing us what was in every direction. Happy to have seen the different views and see what it's all about. I do think $11 is a bit steep but that's ok. I know they have to upkeep it since it's quite historical. Next door is the Presidential Hall of Fame Museum. We did it years ago so it's a great to see both of them. Also downstairs beside the coffee shop is a Puerto Rican Restaurant open at 4 PM!
The tower was built in 1955 and currently has nice views. There's a restroom and coffee and small gift shop at the ground level. The observation deck holds fewer than 50 people and is glass enclosed with signs pointing directions. We spent about 15-20 min at the top. A nice piece of Florida citrus history.
Truly amazing scenery, even though the elevator ride was nerve-racking lol but all in all we all had a blast. I just wish it was bit cheaper since we are such a large family the price can get expensive very fast.
If you want a glimpse into what Florida was like before Disney, this is a great place to come. It's worth the visit for the views. Now the top (equivalent to 22 floors) is air-conditioned and has stools where you can sit while enjoying a cup of coffee from the lobby coffee shop. Their gift shop has t-shirts, art work and gifts. I loved watching the running video of how The Citrus Tower looked in the 50's and 60's. I ordered a oat milk latte that was very good.
The Citrus Tower is a Clermont staple and I had to go! When you first walk in they have a cute coffee shop and you pay $11 per person to ride the elevator up to the top! Once you get to the top you can see all of Clermont! The views are amazing! They also have seating on the top floor and Wi-Fi so you can definitely bring a laptop and work and get a good view!
$11 to go up and walk around is not too bad, I would say $5 seems more affordable. The coffee shop down on the first floor is a fun perk to grab and drink and head up!
This edifice used to tower over a view of endless orange groves. The Freezes drove that industry south unfortunately, so the view now, to me is kind of sad. I knew that before I stopped. What I was hoping for was a gift shop with alot of citrus memorabilia. The offerings were meager, I do like the shirt I bought though.
I have wanted to see the #CitrusTower of Florida in Clermont after reading about it in a tour guide for awhile now. We decided it would be a fun afternoon trip. So off we went. To my surprise the tower is located next to 'The Crooked Spoon', a restaurant we'd eaten at before without noticing the tower next door. It's pretty tall at 22 stories high and one of Florida's oldest attractions. The guide says the top of the tower allows you to view miles of lush tropical citrus groves. So I imagined breathing in the smell of fragrant fruit as I gazed at the bounty of oranges. It was a little different then what I anticipated though. It is surrounded by commercial shops. The ground floor is a coffee shop where we fortified ourselves for the top of the tower by buying orange flavored coffee drinks. Thankfully an elevator takes you up so no steps. At the top I looked hard for orange groves but primarily saw a Publix, busy road etc. Way, way off in the distance you could see towers from the Kennedy Space Center. The enclosed view at the top only takes a short time and is really not that much of a view. But it is a historic landmark. I did feel it was pricey but we found a deal online. Overall it was a nice little outing. But the only oranges to be seen were the ones painted on the walls and on the postcards.
A major part of Florida history. It's great the place is still here offering views of central Florida The coffee shop is good with some citrus offerings. The lobby and tower space are clean and bright. Happy to be here!
The Florida Citrus Tower is located in Clermont, Florida where it is visible from almost anywhere in town. The tower sits alongside US 27 on one of the highest hills on the Lake Wales Ridge. The Citrus Tower was conceived by A.W. Thacker and Jack Toole as a way to highlight Florida's thriving citrus industry. They made the rounds of various civic organizations with a scale model of the tower in a suit case trying to drum up support for the project. Construction was started in 1955 and funding for the tower was obtained by local people putting up small amounts of money and by selling stock in the project. It took 5 million pounds of concrete and 149,000 pounds of reinforced steel to build the tower. The Citrus Tower is 226 feet at it's pinnacle and it is 500 feet above sea level. Opening day was July 14, 1956 and the parking lot was filled with people eager to experience the new attraction. In the Citrus Towers hey day before Disney World was built, it was one of the most famous landmarks of the Orlando area. During it's first several years of operation it drew 500,000 visitors a year. The turnpike opened in the late 1950's and it drew visitors away from the tower. Most of the citrus groves were killed off by a series of freezes in the 1980's which further decreased traffic to the tower. The tower fell on hard times and was sold several times through the years. In an effort to drum up visitors, a tram tour was added in 1988 to take visitors through the 4 1/2 acre citrus grove behind the tower. In 1995 the tower was purchased by Greg Horman, a former citrus grower turned real estate investor. It had been painted turquoise and white but he returned to it's original orange and white striped in 2015. I had previously been to the almost identical tower in Lake Placid, Florida but that tower is now abandoned. It made me really wanted to see the open Clermont Tower and was finally able to do so during a recent trip to town. I was happy to see that it mostly looked the way it did back in 1956 with a few minor alterations. Gone are the candy and jelly factories, restaurant, and a 70 acre citrus grove. The large gift shop at the base of the tower was turned into space for a church and the citrus packing house out back has been closed. A post office no longer occupies part of the lobby. Instead you will find a display related to the history of the tower. A glass case is filled with vintage discontinued Citrus Tower souvenir ashtrays, shot glasses, plates, and teacups. Near the restrooms is the Citrus Tower's bell carillon broadcasting equipment. Speakers dangle from the tower along with cell phone antennae. The bells are able to ring out a variety of songs every half hour. You purchase your $10 tickets in the coffee shop in the lobby. They kindly gave me a dollar off as an educators discount. You take the elevator for "the ride to the top" From the glass window observation deck you can see downtown Orlando 26 miles away. The thousands of acres of citrus groves of the 1950's have now been replaced with views of strip malls and subdivisions. It just shows how Clermont is a growing city. I love quirky roadside attractions and my visit to this vintage tower was right up my alley. There is even another great off beat attraction next door, the Presidents Hall of Fame. Keep this great piece of history in business and support it with a visit when you are in the area.
I've driven by the Citrus Tower a thousand times and never actually been up to the top. I still haven't been to the top, but I can now say that I have been to their coffee shop! I got the Nitro Cold Brew which was creamy and silky smooth in texture, it was excellent! I added the salted caramel whipped creme as well, but it was so cold/dense that it just kind of floated around until I finished my coffee. When I did taste it, it was so delicious. Next time though I'll save it for a hot drink. My girlfriend had the pomegranate crisp which she loved. The lobby was cute, the coffee was good, and I heard someone say they had a Groupon to go up the tower so that and coffee could be a fun way to make a morning of it!
On the first floor of the tower there's a really cute coffee shop called Citrus Coffee. I had the pomegranate crisp which was refreshing and delicious. They also have some cute Clermont/Citrus Tower souvenirs. We didn't go up to the top of the tower but some other people did while they were there. It's $11 per adult to ride to the top, but they had a Groupon which can get it for your group cheaper! Will definitely return when I'm back in town to visit family!
My whole life living in Florida, this is my first time coming to the Clermont Citrus Tower. Came here with the family to see their Christmas light show that even had "snow". There are restrooms and a small coffee shop located inside filled with memorabilia from years past of the tower.
The Citrus Tower in Clermont is one of those classic Florida roadside landmarks that still feels rooted in the state's older tourism era. I've been to the Lake Placid tower, which is closed, so it was nice to see this one still operating. I passed through at 6am, well before sunrise, so the doors weren't open yet, but even from the outside the orange and white stripes and the height of the structure make it stand out. Built in 1956 as a 226 foot observation tower meant to showcase the miles of surrounding orange groves, it once drew up to 500,000 visitors a year when US 27 was the main north south route through Central Florida. Today the groves are mostly gone, but the tower remains open as a nostalgic attraction. Admission is usually around the ten dollar range for adults, depending on the season, and gets you access to the elevator ride up to the 360 degree observation deck. Considering the history behind it, including five million pounds of concrete, 149,000 pounds of steel, and a grand opening that drew representatives from Cypress Gardens and Silver Springs back in 1956, it's an inexpensive way to experience a piece of old Florida. Next time I'm passing through during actual business hours, I'll make a point to go up. [Review 1620 of 2025 - 2197 in Florida - 25168 overall] read more
2 years ago
My sister took us to this lookout to see the town from a Birds Eye view. The views are really good but I wish I would have had some good binoculars to check out the scenery more than I could just from the "naked" eye. I really enjoyed myself and would recommend anyone, especially those visiting to check this tower out. read more
Been wanting to visit the Citrus Tower for some time. Last Sunday was their Grand Reopening. They have new owners and had a nice celebration with festivities, & music. They also had free rides up the Citrus Tower. I knew I had to check it out. The line for the Citrus Tower was not bad at all considering it was free. Inside is a coffee shop with many drinks with a citrus theme. They also have a conference area as well. The elevator took us up and since it was during the Grand Reopening, they welcomed us with local orange juice samples. That was nice and thoughtful. We walked around and checked out the different signs showing us what was in every direction. Happy to have seen the different views and see what it's all about. I do think $11 is a bit steep but that's ok. I know they have to upkeep it since it's quite historical. Next door is the Presidential Hall of Fame Museum. We did it years ago so it's a great to see both of them. Also downstairs beside the coffee shop is a Puerto Rican Restaurant open at 4 PM! read more
10 months ago
The tower was built in 1955 and currently has nice views. There's a restroom and coffee and small gift shop at the ground level. The observation deck holds fewer than 50 people and is glass enclosed with signs pointing directions. We spent about 15-20 min at the top. A nice piece of Florida citrus history. read more
If you want a glimpse into what Florida was like before Disney, this is a great place to come. It's worth the visit for the views. Now the top (equivalent to 22 floors) is air-conditioned and has stools where you can sit while enjoying a cup of coffee from the lobby coffee shop. Their gift shop has t-shirts, art work and gifts. I loved watching the running video of how The Citrus Tower looked in the 50's and 60's. I ordered a oat milk latte that was very good. read more
The Citrus Tower is a Clermont staple and I had to go! When you first walk in they have a cute coffee shop and you pay $11 per person to ride the elevator up to the top! Once you get to the top you can see all of Clermont! The views are amazing! They also have seating on the top floor and Wi-Fi so you can definitely bring a laptop and work and get a good view! read more
10 months ago
This edifice used to tower over a view of endless orange groves. The Freezes drove that industry south unfortunately, so the view now, to me is kind of sad. I knew that before I stopped. What I was hoping for was a gift shop with alot of citrus memorabilia. The offerings were meager, I do like the shirt I bought though. read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
I have wanted to see the #CitrusTower of Florida in Clermont after reading about it in a tour guide for awhile now. We decided it would be a fun afternoon trip. So off we went. To my surprise the tower is located next to 'The Crooked Spoon', a restaurant we'd eaten at before without noticing the tower next door. It's pretty tall at 22 stories high and one of Florida's oldest attractions. The guide says the top of the tower allows you to view miles of lush tropical citrus groves. So I imagined breathing in the smell of fragrant fruit as I gazed at the bounty of oranges. It was a little different then what I anticipated though. It is surrounded by commercial shops. The ground floor is a coffee shop where we fortified ourselves for the top of the tower by buying orange flavored coffee drinks. Thankfully an elevator takes you up so no steps. At the top I looked hard for orange groves but primarily saw a Publix, busy road etc. Way, way off in the distance you could see towers from the Kennedy Space Center. The enclosed view at the top only takes a short time and is really not that much of a view. But it is a historic landmark. I did feel it was pricey but we found a deal online. Overall it was a nice little outing. But the only oranges to be seen were the ones painted on the walls and on the postcards. read more
The Florida Citrus Tower is located in Clermont, Florida where it is visible from almost anywhere in town. The tower sits alongside US 27 on one of the highest hills on the Lake Wales Ridge. The Citrus Tower was conceived by A.W. Thacker and Jack Toole as a way to highlight Florida's thriving citrus industry. They made the rounds of various civic organizations with a scale model of the tower in a suit case trying to drum up support for the project. Construction was started in 1955 and funding for the tower was obtained by local people putting up small amounts of money and by selling stock in the project. It took 5 million pounds of concrete and 149,000 pounds of reinforced steel to build the tower. The Citrus Tower is 226 feet at it's pinnacle and it is 500 feet above sea level. Opening day was July 14, 1956 and the parking lot was filled with people eager to experience the new attraction. In the Citrus Towers hey day before Disney World was built, it was one of the most famous landmarks of the Orlando area. During it's first several years of operation it drew 500,000 visitors a year. The turnpike opened in the late 1950's and it drew visitors away from the tower. Most of the citrus groves were killed off by a series of freezes in the 1980's which further decreased traffic to the tower. The tower fell on hard times and was sold several times through the years. In an effort to drum up visitors, a tram tour was added in 1988 to take visitors through the 4 1/2 acre citrus grove behind the tower. In 1995 the tower was purchased by Greg Horman, a former citrus grower turned real estate investor. It had been painted turquoise and white but he returned to it's original orange and white striped in 2015. I had previously been to the almost identical tower in Lake Placid, Florida but that tower is now abandoned. It made me really wanted to see the open Clermont Tower and was finally able to do so during a recent trip to town. I was happy to see that it mostly looked the way it did back in 1956 with a few minor alterations. Gone are the candy and jelly factories, restaurant, and a 70 acre citrus grove. The large gift shop at the base of the tower was turned into space for a church and the citrus packing house out back has been closed. A post office no longer occupies part of the lobby. Instead you will find a display related to the history of the tower. A glass case is filled with vintage discontinued Citrus Tower souvenir ashtrays, shot glasses, plates, and teacups. Near the restrooms is the Citrus Tower's bell carillon broadcasting equipment. Speakers dangle from the tower along with cell phone antennae. The bells are able to ring out a variety of songs every half hour. You purchase your $10 tickets in the coffee shop in the lobby. They kindly gave me a dollar off as an educators discount. You take the elevator for "the ride to the top" From the glass window observation deck you can see downtown Orlando 26 miles away. The thousands of acres of citrus groves of the 1950's have now been replaced with views of strip malls and subdivisions. It just shows how Clermont is a growing city. I love quirky roadside attractions and my visit to this vintage tower was right up my alley. There is even another great off beat attraction next door, the Presidents Hall of Fame. Keep this great piece of history in business and support it with a visit when you are in the area. read more
I've driven by the Citrus Tower a thousand times and never actually been up to the top. I still haven't been to the top, but I can now say that I have been to their coffee shop! I got the Nitro Cold Brew which was creamy and silky smooth in texture, it was excellent! I added the salted caramel whipped creme as well, but it was so cold/dense that it just kind of floated around until I finished my coffee. When I did taste it, it was so delicious. Next time though I'll save it for a hot drink. My girlfriend had the pomegranate crisp which she loved. The lobby was cute, the coffee was good, and I heard someone say they had a Groupon to go up the tower so that and coffee could be a fun way to make a morning of it! read more
On the first floor of the tower there's a really cute coffee shop called Citrus Coffee. I had the pomegranate crisp which was refreshing and delicious. They also have some cute Clermont/Citrus Tower souvenirs. We didn't go up to the top of the tower but some other people did while they were there. It's $11 per adult to ride to the top, but they had a Groupon which can get it for your group cheaper! Will definitely return when I'm back in town to visit family! read more
6 years ago
My whole life living in Florida, this is my first time coming to the Clermont Citrus Tower. Came here with the family to see their Christmas light show that even had "snow". There are restrooms and a small coffee shop located inside filled with memorabilia from years past of the tower. read more
3 years ago
If you want to check out 360° view of Clermont area, this is the place to go. I thought there would be food since another establishment stated they are in the tower. There is a restaurant opening ip soon, but no food inside. The BBQ place is in the same shopping centre. The lobby hosts a coffee and beverage stand. Souvenirs sold inside the lobby as well. read more
I thought this was an excellent way to learn a little about some of the history within Florida as well as get to see the land far and wide. You can't really miss the tower as it's probably one of the tallest, if not THE tallest, building in the town. You can read the other reviews regarding the height and features of the tower itself or just scroll through the photos and read the pamphlet to understand the reason the tower is there. I think the viewing tower has recently been remodeled and there appears to be no sign of the hornet or wasp nest that others have mentioned. Before you head up though, there is a quaint little coffee shop/baked goods cafe that you can grab a bite to eat or lounge a bit in the lobby area. I saw photos of a gift shop in the Yelp photos but when I went, there were no gifts to be had other than some pins or magnets at the coffee shop. I did check out the bathroom before I went up and it keeps with the retro theme of the tower and gives off an "old-timey" vibe with a few modern additions. I took the elevator that seems maybe large enough for 5-8 people up the 15 floors to the observation deck. Don't quote me on the capacity of the elevator because I'd rather be safe than sorry since the elevator seems pretty original as it creaks and squawks at points on the way up. I got to the tower just before 11 am and there was no one up in the tower. So, I got to walk the short walk around and lounge a bit before a man and possibly his son came up. I noticed they didn't stay long and seemed to just come to get a few pics before heading down. The observation deck is nicely air-conditioned and has a ledge that lines the interior wall where you can sit and enjoy a coffee and scan the surrounding area. They have binoculars up there to help with finding the points of noteworthiness on the map that you can get in the lobby. I admit I didn't really know what I was looking at or what I was looking for since I recently moved to FL, but it was just a neat way to relax up in the sky with no other sounds except the Christmas music that was quietly playing in the background. Seeing all the lakes were pretty cool though. I'm not sure how many visitors this tower gets but just a note to the powers that be...the observation tower is quite nice and could really be a cool place to have a wine bar or maybe have like a "tower after dark" type event where people can take drinks up or drinks can be served. I know it's a bit of a small space but it could be like a VIP event type thing. Also, I would even pay a little more than the $10 if there was someone there that could provide history or a short tour of the tower and the building because although the pamphlet is great on detailing the history, I'm sure there's a historian or docent out there that could do a great job explaining how the tower came to be and what it stands for in the state of Florida. Possibly, these things could increase popularity but nonetheless, it was something cool to do if you're on your way to Orlando and just passing through. read more
4 years ago
We love visiting the Tower! Moved to the area geo years ago and bought the annual pass. We have been able to see a launch from the top of the tower. Their citrus drinks are light and delicious. read more
5 years ago
I can imagine how much of a draw this newly erected tower could've been back in the 1950's when road trips were more about the adventure than the final destination. This area was very rural ack then and filled with orange groves and the City of Clermont had a population of less than 2,500 so there wasn't much to look at from the observation deck except the vast orange groves, unlike the view I witnessed during my visit which was filled will views of suburbia and finding a fruit tree was next to impossible. As I exited the elevator I immediately noticed the absences of any air conditioning. It was hot as hell up there mid afternoon, as the sun beat against the panes of glass. Even before I walked to the first window to take in the scenic view I noticed a few fly swatters hanging above the windows it seemed rather odd until a fly buzzed me, being the only up here I was the only pest control measure on this day (suggestion: hang a few "Shell" pest strips or fog the place). Well it wasn't quite the experience I had hoped for but the price it is reasonable and now I don't have to wonder what this tower is about. The lady in the gift shop was extremely friendly although it seems she may have been a little bored. It may not be the iconic landmark it once was but it was here long before Disney and is sorta of nostalgic... read more
3 years ago
Such a fun place to stop! They have amazing drinks and snacks! There's cute souvenirs and merchandise! The staff was so kind and helpful! 10/10 a must stop when I come into town! read more
I read about this old Florida attraction and wanted to see what it was about. I stopped in during a typical summer day where it was raining off and on thus visability wasn't as great as it could've been. However, I could see a great distance from the top of the tower. When entering the building two large hallways greet customers where several rooms can be seen. The only thing operational in the building during my visit was a small giftshop at the buttom of the tower. The shop sold novelty items and was also where the elevator was located which cost $6.5 a person to ride. Prior to payment, the clerk told me friendly wasps lived at the top of the tower but not ones I'm used because of the elevation they fly at. Once going up the average size elevator I reached the 22nd floor. I stepped out to see a hexagon shape indoor obervation area with concret floors and sliding glass windows with sliding glass door latches on them. I'm not sure if customers are allowed to open the windows or not. I would've asked what was allowed but the top floor is unattended. There are no binoculars or any type of sight assistance devices available. I looked out the windows and saw the area around the tower and further into Clermont. Signs on the wall behind the elevators have arrows with the distance to attractions and nearby cities. No seating is at the top of the tower. I looked around for a few minutes, threw a coin down a pipe (customers can listen to it drop down simulating a well) and rode the elevator back down to beat the rain. read more
6 years ago
3 years ago
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12 years ago
The Citrus Tower opened in 1956, standing 226 feet or about 22 stories high on one of the highest hills Lake County. You walk into this little gift shop at the base of the structure. You pay $6.00, then you go up this elevator, which is a little creepy. Once you arrive to the top, the doors open and you are in a glass enclosed observation deck. Luckily my first time here and it's as clear as a glass of water. The few in every direction was breathtaking. I recommend going up here at least and for six bucks the view is worth the money. read more
5 years ago
7 years ago
I didn't catch the young ladies name at the cafe. She was very interesting with the history. I would highly recommend going to visit. Even if just for sunset pictures. read more
4 years ago
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