CLERMONT, Fla. – News 6 is hitting the road to Clermont, and we’ve got the guide to the city based on your recommendations.
Hall of Presidents - 123 Hwy 27N
This spot was recommended by Vickie who sent News 6 a message saying “a mini Mount Rushmore and the presidents hall of fame with a smell reminiscent of your grandparents basement.”
Located along Highway 27, the House of Presidents is one of Florida’s original roadside attractions opening in 1964 as a museum dedicated to US Presidents and their families.
“As opposed to calling it a museum, it’s more of an attraction. There’s just so much stuff in this building and there’s stories behind almost everything,” said Curator Tommy Candido.
Along with wax figures and artifacts from presidential china to campaign memorabilia, it’s known for it’s 1/12th scale model White House where you can take a glimpse inside each room. Candido said it’s updated during every presidency.
And right outside, is a Mount Rushmore replica, perfect for photo ops!
The Citrus Tower - 141 S Highway 27
For this attraction, you’ll need to get on an elevator and ride 22 stories up.
Sitting at 226-feet tall the structure was built in 1956 along Highway 27, named for the booming citrus industry at the time.
“This was way before you had Disney, so this was the stop for people,” said Media Specialist Kathy Barrett. “It was a place for the citrus farmers to come, like a cooprative, they’d bring their citrus here and it would be distributed across the region.”
At the top is a 360-degree view of Clermont and beyond. Up to 35 miles out on a clear day. That covers eight counties. (And did I mention it’s covered with air conditioning?)
The first floor was renovated to include meeting spaces, a coffee shop and lounge.
Lakeridge Winery - 19239 Highway 27
And you can get a taste of Clermont by visiting Lakeridge Winery off US-27 — recommended by Choice Edwards. The 127-acre vineyard opened in 1989 and offers daily wine tours and tastings. On the weekends - there’s family-friendly with food and live entertainment on the lawn.
Waterfront Park - 330 3rd Street
This one was recommended by Norma Dorough who said “Lake Minneola lake-front park is our favorite spot. Mornings spent walking, as well as early evenings.”
Sand, water and beach vibes bring families to this park.
“We just pretending we’re on the coast. We don’t even have to drive to the beach,” said Jessie Maurer.
And you don’t have to deal with the beachgoing tourists.
“You have the small town ‘everybody knows everybody’ kind of vibe,” said Holly Anderson.
Swig - 2629 S Hwy 27
And when you get parched — I learned about another unique gem in Clermont
“Swig is a dirty soda shop so they have soda and they put in creamers and it’s really tasty,” said Maurer.
You can get a variety of concoctions at this drive-thru.
Have you been to Clermont? What places do you recommend? Share your recommendations and experiences in the comment section below.
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