If you’ve ever been to Ireland, you’ve most likely stopped along the The River Liffey at St. James’s Gate in Dublin for a tour of the home of Guinness — the Guinness Storehouse. To relive that experience, you only need to travel to McCracken’s Irish Pub in downtown Leesburg. All the bartenders are certified in the Guinness pour and beer lines are carefully tended to, so the magic elixir reaches the glass with the perfect taste and pressure. Open seven days a week, 719 W. Main Street. 

Carter’s Country Store and Filling Station at the crossroads of Hwy. 44 and N. County Road 470 is a one-stop shop for motorists and boaters. It also boasts some of Sumter County’s best sandwiches, featuring Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, in a deli tucked away in the back. The handmade choices are worth the stop seven days a week. Carter’s also serves breakfast 5-10am. Open seven days a week, 7018 CR 470, Lake Panasoffkee.

If you are shopping for a gift, clothing or just housewares, the Goodwill in Oxford is the best place to find a bargain. Shoppers come from all over Lake and Sumter counties to browse this popular shopping destination. Donations are also accepted at the convenient drive-up drop-off. Open every day 10am-6pm, 11954 CR 105, Oxford. 

Take a drive to a peaceful and rewarding Lake County destination with a visit to Graham Farms! Owned and operated by the Graham family since 1918, Graham Farms offer u-pick fruits and a wide variety of produce to purchase with two locations—14803 Lake Yale Road, Umatilla and 18813 Bent Tree Road, Alltoona—open seasonally. Check for updates on Graham Farms by visiting facebook.com/Upickpeaches/ or https://www.grahamsupickfarms.com.

Looking for something fun to do on Monday night? Head to Sawgrass Grove for Boozy Bingo presented by Empire Trivia. Music from all genres and generations is played and you fill in a square if you can guess the artist. Markers and boards are provided and there’s no age restrictions or entry fee. 810 Marilee Place, The Villages.

If you’re a cigar aficionado, it can be difficult to find a place to enjoy your stogie in public, indoors with your favorite libation. Look no further than Hemingway’s Wine Beer and Cigar Bar in Tavares. Hemingway’s only uses trusted products, and the staff is trained and educated to understand the nuances of your particular puff style. Brands include Cohiba, Macanudo and Gurkha. Open late, hours vary. Located at 126 W. Ruby Street, Tavares. For information call 352.508.9771.

From tiki bars and fish camps to food truck pit stops and private parties, Sandra and Alex LeKid Acoustic Duo inspires audiences with their music and positivity, playing a wide variety of songs. You’ll have a hard time believing they are fully acoustic with only two in the band! Covered artists range from Janis Joplin and Dolly Parton to the Scorpions and Eminem. Book now or see their schedule at www.Sandra.buzz.

The South Lake Chamber of Commerce welcomed Portillo’s to the South Lake community recently with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony at their new location at 1251 E. Hwy. 50, Clermont. Dozens of people in attendance treated their taste buds to Portillo’s Chicago-style street food, including hot dogs, Italian beef and sausage sandwiches, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, out of this world chocolate cake, chocolate cake shakes and much more. This 7,700-square-foot restaurant seats 170 guests and an additional 50 guests on their outdoor patio. For more information, including hours, visit www.portillos.com or call 352.230.3013.

The South Lake Chamber of Commerce, local business leaders and members of the community helped Amore Italian Ristorante celebrate its one year anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 4. The family-owned restaurant led by Julian and Alda Serjani serves authentic Italian cuisine, from classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering seafood and other Italian cravings prepared by Chef Julian and his team. Visit Amore at 608 S. Hwy. 27, Ste. 100 in Clermont. For more information, including hours and specials, visit www.amorecfl.com or call 352.227.2003.