Celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien Day on January 3 by diving into a new adventure and supporting local bookstores while you’re at it. Pick up Tolkien classics or discover your next great read at one of Lake and Sumter counties’ independent booksellers, from Sunshine Book Co. and the Black Rabbit in Clermont, to Mount Dora’s Barrel of Books & Games and All Booked Up in The Villages. Even Books-A-Million in Leesburg and Barnes & Noble in The Villages offer more to explore. Shop local; it truly makes a difference.

The West Indian manatee is said to have called Florida home for more than 12,000 years, with fossil evidence showing its presence long before the state was settled. The official manatee season runs from November 15 through March 31, when the gentle giants seek refuge in Central Florida’s warm, 72-degree springs. As Gulf waters cool, hundreds migrate inland in a centuries-old pilgrimage for survival and gather peacefully in clear waters where they remain protected, beloved and endlessly fascinating to observe. 

There’s a growing trend toward giving our livers a break throughout the year, but January continues to reign supreme as the driest month. (Maybe that’s why the Super Bowl got bumped to February?) These days, skipping alcohol doesn’t mean skipping flavor. Many local restaurants now feature creative mocktail menus, crafted goods, baked items, flowers and more. Free admission. 

The Blackberry Breeze from Pisces Rising in Mount Dora creates a buzz without the hangover:

Ingredients:

1.75 oz floral gin

.75 oz house-crafted coconut Ube syrup

.25 oz crème de violette

4 drops saline

In a pint glass, add berries, mint, agave and lemon juice. Muddle and stir. Add ice then shake. Top with soda water and a splash of Sprite. Garnish with fresh berries and a sprig of mint.

Meet Clermont’s newest destination for road-ready fun. Tiny Camper Co. builds lightweight, handcrafted campers that are easy to tow and made to fit your lifestyle. From classic teardrops to feature-loaded models with AC and rooftop tents, every trailer is custom-built in Florida. The Adventure Outpost completes the experience with gear and accessories for every adventure.

511 W. Hwy 50, Clermont

1.888.973.5369 

Leesburg is showing off a charming piece of its past — Sandy, a 1950s mechanical horse kiddie ride, is now displayed outside the Leesburg Historical Society. Built in Chicago, Sandy once resided outside Vincent’s Five and Ten on Main Street, where children dropped a single dime for a minute of galloping fun that felt endless. The ride lives on in the memories of generations who grew up in downtown Leesburg and remains a slice of local history. (Please don’t climb.)

VanderBrew Coffee Shop in downtown Leesburg expanded in the fall with a 2,000-square-foot addition featuring a new roasting room and an interactive coffee education space. The build-out marked a major milestone ahead of the café’s one-year anniversary and created room for tastings, classes and a relaxed community lounge. Owners Tom and Georgina Frost said the growth was sparked by strong local support and marked a new chapter for the popular spot! 

People love Lake County for its surprising hills and scenic elevation changes, rare gems in Florida’s otherwise flat landscape. In nearby Minneola, you’ll find Sugarloaf Mountain, the highest natural point on the Florida peninsula at 312 ft. above sea level.

4240 Sugarloaf Rd., Minneola

“Miss Rachel” Sadlemire is the beloved teacher of the AVID program for sixth through eighth graders at Tavares Middle School. Her steady encouragement gives students the structure and confidence they need to succeed, and her classroom is a place where organization, goal setting and self-advocacy become daily habits. Students say she listens, pushes them to stay focused and celebrates every win big or small.

Guru Indian Restaurant in Clermont, now celebrating 11 years, was recently named a Top 10% Restaurant Worldwide by TripAdvisor, adding to its long-running TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence awards. Additionally, Guru was once again awarded Best Entrée at the South Lake Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Taste of South Lake & Business Expo in November. Family-owned and loved for generous portions, fresh ingredients and more than 50 authentic entrées, Guru customizes every dish to your spice preference. Open 365 days a year, they continue to earn community praise for outstanding food and warm hospitality.