CLERMONT, Fla. ā News 6 is hitting the road to Clermont, and weāve 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 āa mini Mount Rushmore and the presidents hall of fame with a smell reminiscent of your grandparents basement.ā
Located along Highway 27, the House of Presidents is one of Floridaās original roadside attractions opening in 1964 as a museum dedicated to US Presidents and their families.
āAs opposed to calling it a museum, itās more of an attraction. Thereās just so much stuff in this building and thereās stories behind almost everything,ā said Curator Tommy Candido.
Along with wax figures and artifacts from presidential china to campaign memorabilia, itās known for itās 1/12th scale model White House where you can take a glimpse inside each room. Candido said itās 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, youāll 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.
āThis was way before you had Disney, so this was the stop for people,ā said Media Specialist Kathy Barrett. āIt was a place for the citrus farmers to come, like a cooprative, theyād bring their citrus here and it would be distributed across the region.ā
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 itās 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 ā recommended by Choice Edwards. The 127-acre vineyard opened in 1989 and offers daily wine tours and tastings. On the weekends - thereās family-friendly with food and live entertainment on the lawn.
Waterfront Park - 330 3rd Street
This one was recommended by Norma Dorough who said āLake Minneola lake-front park is our favorite spot. Mornings spent walking, as well as early evenings.ā
Sand, water and beach vibes bring families to this park.
āWe just pretending weāre on the coast. We donāt even have to drive to the beach,ā said Jessie Maurer.
And you donāt have to deal with the beachgoing tourists.
āYou have the small town āeverybody knows everybodyā kind of vibe,ā said Holly Anderson.
Swig - 2629 S Hwy 27
And when you get parched ā I learned about another unique gem in Clermont
āSwig is a dirty soda shop so they have soda and they put in creamers and itās really tasty,ā 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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