Did you know that President Calvin Coolidge and his wife Grace stayed at Mount Dora’s Lakeside Inn in 1930? During a month-long vacation, the First Couple spent much of their time fishing and exploring the county’s beautiful waterways. In the evening, they relaxed on the grand veranda rocking chairs and watched spectacular sunsets over Lake Dora. The room they stayed in is today called the Calvin Coolidge Suite.    

Clermont’s gentle, rolling hills are a wonderfully unique anomaly in the flattest state in the nation. That may be one reason why Clermont is the seventh fastest-growing city in the state according to 2023 United States Census Bureau data. Of course, the city has plenty of other inducements, such as hiking and biking trails, a historic, quaint downtown, and the Clermont Chain of Lakes.

Though humidity will surely rear its ugly head this month, kids can still enjoy the great outdoors at the Children’s Splash Pad at Wooton Park in Tavares, the Leesburg Splash Pad and Pavilion at Venetian Gardens; Champion’s Splash Park at Waterfront Park in Clermont, and the Eustis Splash Pad at Ferran Park. 

Exploring Lake County’s nature trails and preserves brings a sense of peace and solitude. However, we must be prepared to encounter animals in their natural habitat. On May 6, a park ranger will lead a hike at Pine Meadows Conservation Area in Eustis and explain how to stay safe during an encounter.

Call 352.431.8798 for more information.

May is National Hamburger Month, but that doesn’t mean you should make a beeline to the nearest fast-food restaurant. Consider this: to burn calories you gained after eating a Big Mac and large fries, and drinking a large Coke, you would have to walk nonstop for six hours. Sounds like a not-so-happy meal. 

On May 5, National Silence the Shame Day presents an opportunity to continue the conversation about mental health and wellness and erase the stigma associated with mental illness, which should be treated like any other health concern. Many people suffer in silence due to the stigma of being diagnosed, so it’s more important than ever to remind people that’s it’s okay to seek help because mental illness is treatable, and recovery is possible. National Silence the Shame Day offers education and awareness, promotes conversation about mental health, wellness, mental illness, and recovery. To help spread the word on May 5, share #SilenceTheShame on social media. 

Local business owners and members of the community had the opportunity to meet new Clermont Main Street Executive Director Jenn Wimberly during a meet-and-greet in her honor on March 23 at the Galleria at SOMA in downtown Clermont. People were able to network, talk with Jenn, and enjoy refreshments, all while learning more about Clermont Main Street. The organization is comprised of businesses focused on elevating Clermont’s historic downtown and encouraging visitors to visit often to explore all it has to offer. Jenn brings years of experience, excitement, and passion to the position. 

The Epson Tour, the official qualifying tour of the Ladies Professional Golf Association, is slated to return to the stately El Campeón Golf Course at Mission Inn Resort & Club at 10400 CR 48 in Howey-in-the-Hills on May 26-28 starting at 7am. Admission is free. Food and drinks will be available. For more information, call 352.324.3101, email mbowery@missioninnresort.com, or visit www.missioninnchampionship.com.

You are invited to Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 US Hwy. 27 in Clermont, for ‘Weekends at the Winery May’ starting at 10 am on May 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, and 27-28. Guests will enjoy the venue’s expansive vineyard green, including delicious food vendors, live entertainment, and their favorite Lakeridge wines at their outdoor bar. Complimentary tours and tastings will be held throughout the day.