The Citrus Tower in Clermont is one of those classic Florida roadside landmarks that still feels…read morerooted 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]

Wow, Florida is flat! :-D…read more I added the Citrus Tower onto my "to see" list when I found out I was going to be in Clermont. You don't need a whole lot of time here, but really appreciate how authentic they've kept the Tower. Instead of modern signage at the top, they still have hand-painted directional signs. I loved that! I also appreciated how they have ample labeling that tells you what you're looking at. They should rent binoculars; it could help them get toward their fundraising goal to support the Tower. I would have paid to rent some (e.g. they could hold your ID whilst you use them). The little cafe downstairs was pretty good, too; I grabbed a tea from there. Nice way to spend a bit of time! 2025: 13/100

The Clermont Historic Village is a collection of historic buildings in Clermont, Florida. The City…read moreof Clermont purchased the land for the village in 1996 and it included the Train Depot and the Quonset Hut. Through the years various other historic buildings were moved to the village. The non profit South Lake Historical Society, formed in 1997 operates the village in conjunction with the City of Clermont. The mission of the historical society is to preserve, maintain, and share the history of South Lake County's pioneer families. The village opened in 2005. The historical society gives tours which covers the period of history from the 1800's to WWII. There are seven buildings that make up the village. These include the Herring Hooks Schoolhouse which was the last building added to the property. It is a replica of an 1881 one room schoolhouse that used to exist near Jack's Lake and served as Clermont's first school. It was recreated using old photographs. The Cooper Memorial Library was built in 1914 and nicknamed The Little Cooper. It was moved to the village from West DeSoto Street in 2009. The outhouse is a replica of one and was built as an Eagle Scout project. The Train Depot stands in its original location. It received refurbishment in 2011. The Quonset Hut was built by the US military and it is original to the WWII era. It has been turned into a museum. The Kern House was built in 1895 on Montrose Street in a traditional New England style by Alexander Kern. He was one of the original signers on the incorporation of Clermont. The house was moved to the village in 2008. The Townsend House was built in 1895 on SR 50 by the first Black family to move to Clermont, James and Sallie Townsend. It was the first building to be moved to the village in 2002 and it opened for tours in 2005. The Historic Village is free but asks for a suggested $5 per person donation. It is open for tours Saturday and Sunday between 1 and 4. You can contact them for private tours and rentals. Every year the Historical Society hosts a Heritage Day Festival. During my visit there was a very nice Christmas village on display. I love how the city of Clermont has preserved their history in these buildings. This is a great place to get a glimpse of what life was like at the turn of the century through WWII.

We came to visit this little historic village and it's very scenic. The trees are so pretty too…read more There is parking and public restrooms available. We made a bad choice for dinner but I will return.

In the tiny center of the small town of Oakland, Florida is this cool town square. It is really not…read moremuch more than a fountain, but I really thought that it fit this small town located somewhere between Orlando and Clermont (though much, much closer to Clermont).

A friend and I decided we should do an indoor activity because the weather was not Disney friendly…read more None of us fought this. We were greeted immediately and were told that our daily admission gave us a yearly membership. Yay us! The place was packed with presidential memorabilia, wax figures, and the most fabulous miniature model of the White House. There was even a cute video of pets that have lived in the White House. A raccoon? Seriously? That is hilarious. For me, I wish it wasn't so hot inside. It may have been that it was a cold and rainy January day when we visited. It would have been nicer if it wasn't as warm inside, though. 04.08.2025

**INITIAL REVIEW**…read more We Floridians know our state is known for being weird and quirky, more so than any other state out there. True other states might have events, locations, and history that may be fitting for Florida lore, but by sheer number of instances, Florida has it topped. It must be the fact Florida is the only state that can have three seasons at the same time affecting the denizens, consisting of prostitutes, drug lords, seriel killers, and protected persons in the WPP, into a cesspool of WTF! However, there are some "weird" Florida experiences and locales that may be simplistic, but surprisingly fun and educational. Enter the Presidents Hall of Fame in Clermont, FL. Just by its tacky appearance of a Lincoln Monument flanked by a Mount Rushmore, it seems like a roadside cash grab, but once you enter, you'll see this small(ish) museum is actually worth every bang of its buck, and has a lot to offer. Though an address is given, the Presidents Hall of Fame (which I will shorthand simply to Presidents HOF for the remainder of this review) is located right near Florida Citrus Tower, which was the highest point in Florida for like the longest time. Firstly the parking fits the area. Since the Presidesnts HOF is kinda of small(ish) and "off the beaten path of mainstream tourism," it is a decent-sized round of dirt. The Presidents HOF is a replica of the Lincoln Memorial with a small replica of Mount Rushmore on its eastside. Delightfully tacky, yet awesome at the same time. Upon entering, you'll be in the "registration room" and store. Tickets are $15 per person, but it should be noted that the admission is also an annual pass. So if you want to come back and enjoy this museum, you can as many times as you want within a calender year. The museum is divided up into two major rooms. The first room has a lot more "old history" of the United States of America. Artifacts, facts, and history from the early days of America, with the first presidents, are here including some artifacts owned by the George Washingtom, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. There are also numerous mannequins of the presidents and important figures around their time. Upon entering the biggest room, you'll get even more presidential history and lore as well as a large diorama of the White House in the middle of the room. Things from small wooden statues of presidents, clothes worn by the First Ladies, and even the design and decor of the Oval Office depending on which president was in charge are shown here. For me, the history of Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy were of an interest to me. And of course the Presidents HOF has been updated with lore of our current president, #47 and former #45, President Donald Trump. I took a selfie with his mannequin. Ultimately, the Presidents HOF is a worthwhile small(ish) museum to visit given its price and what you can learn if you take the time to read and experience what they have. I get it, historical museums are not for everyone and the presentation may not be grand. However, I do not see these as flaws for this museum as they are more preference. Will I be back here? I could because of my annual pass, but I will only stop by if I am in the area. I live almost two hours away from the Presidents HOF, so it isn't exactly on top of my list of places to frequent. I will be honest and say that I only came by here, as this is my second time here, for Cache Odyssey. I geocaching, the Presidents HOF accepted the honor of hosting the Florida Cache Odyssey letterbox hybrid, in which all the states have their own letterbox hybrid of their own. For us geocaches, it is a challenge worth completing and for me, it was just the beginning. I guess it all fits because when I came here the first time with my dad, I wasn't a geocacher (which there are two in the area), I wasn't a letterboxer (which there are three i the area), and I was on hiatus from Yelp. It is fitting that I am now all three, thus this visit satisfies three of my hobbies. The places you go and the things you do when you are a Yelper!

A lot of people complain in Clermont there is nothing to do. When stuff to do they complain it is…read moreexpensive. Mind Immersions opened around a year ago. They have updated some things since I was there opening week for the better. Yes, Virtual Reality is expensive but it is expensive every where that has any type of VR. There is a wonderful variety. From horror to fun. From rides to shoot outs to battles. There is something for everyone. Don't like virtual reality but your crew does? They have mini iPad games at the table area with solitaire and uno and other games. They now have wine, beer champagne, soda, and lemonade and monster drinks. They have chips, peanuts, and candy. You can buy packages for time. Which helps on price. I believe they have specials for all you want for a couple hours a few times a month/ please call them for specials they offer. I do recommend Dramamine if you tend to get motion sick. It is a fun time. It's nice to have something like this to do local instead of going to Orlando. It is family owned. They are closed (for now) Monday and Tuesday Not for smaller children. They also have events like date night as well.

We absolutely love this place. My kids cannot get enough! They have a huge variety of games, and…read moreseveral race/ride simulators. Plus you can do 2 player games! The team here is so friendly and helpful. Follow them on social media, they offer deals once in a while, in addition to their regular specials (like Beat Saber tournaments and Karaoke Nights). Prices are reasonable compared to other activities to do on a night out. They also have beer and wine available!

Went out for a walk and found this trail. I enjoyed and nice 2 mile walk along this trail…read more Essentially it seems to be more of a bike trail but still good for walkers. The trail had some hills but mostly flat. Luckily there was plenty of shade along the way. They have a station where bike riders can work on their bikes and if they need to put some air in the tires it has an air pump. Next time I am bringing my bike. Came across plenty of friendly riders sharing the trail.

Minneola Trailhead park has 17 acres and includes a dog park, playground, ball field, exercise…read morearea, and basketball court. The playground is ADA compliant and the dog park is in two sections. One section is for dogs under 35 pounds and the other for over 35 pounds. They have a waste station and plenty of room to roam. You only need a permit to gather if you have an event with 50 or more. The park has access to the South Lake Trail and clean bathrooms. Their normal hours are from 7am to 7pm.

Took the tour today with 3 other people. 1 had not ever been on a Segway before. Russell was very…read moregood at instructing on how to use the Segway. Never felt rushed and he was great at answering questions. We got to hear some very interesting history and it was very personal. I highly recommend taking a tour with this company. You can take the tour more than once because there are many stories to be heard about the history of this area. Thank you for a wonderful time! Kathy R.

Awesome experience. We went on Tuesday afternoon. Very informative local history. Russell was a…read moregreat guide. Safety is a priority and they make sure you feel comfortable on the Segway before heading out for the tour. Thanks EGT!!

Used to be here regularly and it's ok. Only here to have a beer and maybe a grab something to eat.read more

A treasure in Central Florida. Located in Clermont across from Lake Louisa State Park, this is a…read morerunners dream. Softer then road or concrete running, but not as soft as trail running. This is a 10 mile loop around. Straight lines with minimal turns and multiple hills, it offers stunning views depending on how you see it. If you get there early in the morning and run while the sun rises, you'll appreciate the natural beauty it has to offer. There is no shade and no restrooms. Be prepared to be emptied or stop off on any part of the trail to do your thing. This is also the same area as the Blueberry U Pick 5K that will be held in the back half of the loop. The main entrance is off of Bradshaw road that connects to 5 mile road. The road isn't smooth and parking is on a grass shoulder. There will be development soon so the 10 mile loop won't be a full loop anymore. If you want a place to run or practice any upcoming races, this is a perfect place to go!

We enjoyed a nice small play for my 6yr old gkid. It was nice. They have programs from the young on…read moreup. Very organized outfit

Absolutely love this place! My family and I always stop in to grab a few slices but now that I'm a…read moremom of a toddler we go in together to sit down and dine in! Super special that I can do that with him here because they treat us like family. They even cut up his pizza for him. Everything is super fresh here and delicious. I have 5 pizza places near me on high way 27 and I still get in my car drive to Cannolies! 5 stars all the way for food and for that home town New York feel I miss so much.