The length of the flight from Ridge Park to Florida Flying Gators in Minneola is the perfect distance for any spontaneous trip – just 62 statute miles. But the sheer shortness of the flight is not the only reason to head to Groveland for a little day trip away from Orlando.
Many times, we crave a slower lifestyle and the small town feel – and that’s exactly what you’ll get from Groveland. Located between Orlando and Tampa, this quaint pitstop is perfect for enjoying the outdoors and what the real Florida feels like.
The town has grown exponentially throughout the past decade, and it’s not for no reason. Here are some of the must-do’s on your daytrip to Groveland.
Pick Blueberries at Lake Catherine
Schedule your trip for April or May, and take your co-passenger out for a wholesome day of blueberry picking. Lake Catherine Blueberries grows two of the best varieties in Florida, according to their website: Emerald and Jewel.
During season, they open at 9am, so to avoid the intense Florida heat, you should get there before noon – then, if you get hungry, you can sit down at one of the picnic tables and enjoy some fresh blueberries straight from the bush.
Image credit: Lake Catherine FB
Munch on Mexican at Coyote Rojo 2
According to the reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor.com, you’ll get your share of delicious Mexican food at this local dig. You’ll find it at 214 West Broad Street, but feel free to visit their Facebook if you need a better map. Locals rave about the joint – stop in for a bite at one of Groveland’s most talked about dining establishments.
Get More Air at Quest Air Hang Gliding
A true aviator can’t pass up the opportunity to enjoy flight in all ways possible. Especially if you’re an adrenaline junkie – it’s time to cross an activity off your bucket list and strap up to soar through the air on a hang glider. At Quest Air, you can take a discovery flight in tandem with an instructor, so any worries can be pushed aside. To book a flight, give the team a call: (352) 429-0213.
Take A History Lesson in Clermont
Groveland is conveniently close to another small city in the area, known as Clermont. Just a short, 5-minute cab ride, you can head to Clermont for a little more activity and cultural enrichment. Take a quick stop into the Presidents Hall of Fame for an interesting history lesson – for planning purposes: The museum closes at 4pm everyday.
Then, head over to Clermont’s Historic Village if you’re visiting on a weekend. You can get a peek into the past and learn about the history of the area, something that’s always interesting when checking out a new place. The Historic Village is open from 1pm – 4pm, so make sure you get there in time.
Photo cred Tripadvisor
Take it Slow
A relaxing day trip to the Groveland area is sure to have you reveling in the slow lifestyle, with a bit of country influence and calming central Florida activities. Simply fly here from Ridge Landing anytime you’re looking for the small town feel, and you won’t be disappointed.
