Lake County lives up to its name with more than 1,000 lakes located within its 1,200-square-mile border. In addition to its well-deserved reputation as a water sports mecca, the county has the charm of a Southern destination with a perfect blend of quaint inns and towns, unique attractions and outdoor recreation. Lake County’s small towns are made up primarily of generation upon generation of native-born Floridians. Locals work hard to preserve the county’s natural resources and beauty. Family values, civic pride and streets lined with old oaks and historic clapboard houses give Lake County a “hometown America” feeling. Towns include: Altoona, Astatula, Astor, Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey-In-The-Hills, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde, Mount Dora, Paisley, Sorrento, Tavares and Umatilla. Lake County offers visitors respite from city hustle and bustle. There is a quiet country inn, bed and breakfast or campground in every town; and southern hospitality prevails. Overnight guests can find accommodations to suit their needs. There are 28 recreational vehicle parks; 13 fish camps for the outdoor enthusiasts; and 62 hotels, motels, resorts, and bed and breakfast inns. Most of the county's nearly 300 restaurants specialize in home-cooked, unique Southern fare that is served by locals operating one-of-a-kind restaurants and small, intimate cafes tucked away down alleyways or on quiet street corners. Antique shops have found their niche in Lake County, offering hundreds of vendors under one roof at Renningers Antique Center and collectibles and rare finds at dozens of small, locally owned stores throughout the county. Shoppers browse at an unhurried pace along the streets of Mount Dora, where small coffee shops, bookstores, gift shops, candy shops, charming boutiques and arts and crafts stores abound. Visitors can request a free Lake County interactive CD Rom and vacation guide by calling toll free (800) 430-LAKE or they can access visitor information on the internet at www.lakecountyfl.com. The Lake County Welcome Center is located on U.S. Highway 27, just north of the Florida Turnpike (exit 285 northbound or exit 289 southbound) and S.R. 19, between Leesburg and Clermont at 20763 U.S. Highway 27, Groveland, FL 34736.

The Ocala National Forest borders Lake County on the North. Covering 383,573 square acres. It is a playground for naturalists, campers, fishermen, hikers and off-road enthusiasts. It contains 100 miles of horse trails, 67 miles of scenic hiking trails and dozens of crystal clear spring-fed lakes and ponds. Equestrian From a horse lover’s paradise and local institution for quality handmade tack to a world-renowned equestrian facility — Lake County is a delight for professional or novice equestrians. Be sure to stroll back in time to the horse-drawn era and experience more than 150 beautifully restored antique carriages from around the world at the Continental Acres Equine Resort & Austin Carriage Museum. Antiquing Search for that special one-of-a-kind gem among the many quaint shops, charming boutiques or the huge mall of antiques on 117 acres housing 1,400 dealers. The farmer’s markets and flea markets overflow with everything from specialty orchids to imported antique weapons and farm-fresh strawberries. From vintage clothing and costumes, old south unique collectables, to exotic carousels, residents and visitors can find what they are looking for and more in Lake County.