By Lulu

Every county in Florida has assets that set it apart. Lake County states their “claim to fame” in their name. In every corner of the county you will find beautiful lakes and waterways.

Another attribute that makes it a destination for a two or three-wheel ride is hills. You will be pleasantly surprised to find hilly roads to explore in what is generally known to be a flat state. Most of the hills are in the Clermont area. They have the 5th highest spot in Florida on Sugarloaf Mountain at 312 ft. above sea level. Sugarloaf Mountain Road is off 561 near Clermont. It is a must do ride on your way to visit Stormy Hill Harley-Davidson, a family owned dealership in Clermont. In the quaint lake front downtown area of Clermont there is Historic Village Museum. For a $2 donation you can check out the Townsend House built in 1895, The Kern House built in 1883 and a World War II Museum. The museum is open Friday afternoons from 1-3pm and Sat. & Sun. afternoons 1-4pm. Lakeshore Drive is a pretty ride for an afternoon trek and near Sugarloaf is Green Mountain Scenic Byway. Also, in the Clermont area of Lake County is Lakeridge Winery on US 27 which has free tours and wine tasting.

If you ride over to the Mt. Dora area you will find another lake front spot full of restaurants and shops. We checked out the Museum of Speed which houses a rare collection of antique cars in original mint condition. The artful way that hundreds of pieces of related memorabilia is displayed along with the 25 cars, is something the guys from American Pickers would drool over. The curator, Kelly Bogard, has rules though. No motorcycle wallet chains or heavy cameras are allowed inside as there have been a few damaged paint jobs incidents. The car list includes a 1935 Desoto “Airflow” Coupe, a 1966 Shelby GT 350 Mustang Race Car and even a 1920 Indian Motorcycle. For car or history buffs it is a place to spend a good hour or 2. Hours are Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, call first for Saturdays (352-385-0049). The fee to maintain the museum if $15. Also, in Mt. Dora is Renninger’s Flea Market on 441 which hosts Guitars & Cars swap meet the 2nd Sunday of each month.

In Tavares, which has been under road reconstruction for the last year, and at the time of this article is just putting the finishing touches on new brick paved roads, sits on a beautiful lake that offers waterfront dining at many restaurants. Brave souls can even take a seaplane ride.
In Eustis you will find a pretty tree covered waterfront Ferran Park that is the spot for Eustis Music Festival during Leesburg Bike Fest.

The Northeast portion of Lake County is home to Alexander Springs which is a freshwater spring that pumps 70 million gallons of crystal clear water daily. Camping, canoeing, swimming and snorkeling are allowed. They will let you in for 30 minutes to take a potty break, look at the spring and buy a refreshment from their store. Canoeing runs $16 for 2 hours, $24 for 4 hours and $36 for all day. Camping is $24 per site per night. Save your appetite though and head to Blackwater Inn and Williams Landing on 40 in Astor. They open at 11:30am everyday but Monday. Great food with a pretty view of St. John’s River makes for a pleasant afternoon. And if you want to enjoy a 2-hour trip down the river you can catch a ride right at their dock. The boat tour leaves at 10:30am or 2:30pm and it is suggested that you make reservations 866-349-0674. It is $25 pp or $15 for a child.

Returning to central Lake County is Leesburg which is probably what brought you to visit Lake County. Leesburg Bike Fest is one of the largest 3-day festivals anywhere. With 3 stages showcasing over 50 acts, 200+vendors, 6 hot body contests and bike shows, the event covers 30 square blocks. There simply is too much to see and do! This year they have Cinderella’s Tom Keifer, Scott Stapp of Creed, Colt Ford, Bobby Friss, Greg Billings Band, Hypersona and Jasmine Cain!!! Leesburg Harley-Davidson on 441 is also wide open with vendors, music, a bikini contest and BIKES!!!

So, saddle up and join us in Leesburg April 27-29 for the Bike Fest but stay longer than the 3-day weekend. Check out some of the beautiful riding, interesting museums, lakes, parks, great restaurants and places to imbibe!