Local Directory
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
BarkPark of Wildwood
The VillagesOff-leash dog park in Wildwood with separate areas for large and small dogs. A great spot for pups to run free while their humans enjoy the outdoors.
Bo Diddley Plaza
Downtown Gainesville's outdoor performance plaza. Free concerts and community events.
Brownwood Farmers Market
The VillagesSaturday morning farmers market at Brownwood Paddock Square featuring fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams, artisan foods, and handmade crafts from local vendors. Free to browse, typically runs 9 AM to 1 PM.
BubbaQue's BBQ - Crystal River
Crystal RiverFast-casual BBQ joint serving smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and all the classic sides. The meat is smoked low and slow, and the sweet tea flows freely.
Center Lake Park
ClermontLakeside park with a fitness trail in Historic Downtown Clermont overlooking an 8-acre lake, with benches throughout and free admission.
Claire's Creperie
Mount DoraSmall crepe shop in the Mount Dora Marketplace serving sweet, savory, and breakfast crepes made from scratch, with gluten-free and keto options available.
Clermont Historic Village Museum
ClermontSeven historic buildings from the late 1800s including a schoolhouse, train depot, and WWII Quonset Hut museum — all telling the story of South Lake County's pioneering families. Free admission (donations appreciated), open weekends 1-5pm.
Cody's Doghouse
InvernessRustic bar in a converted three-bay garage in Inverness offering beer and wine, free pool, bucket deals, karaoke, and a laid-back garage-door atmosphere.
Cody's Original Roadhouse - Brownwood
WildwoodCasual steakhouse chain at Brownwood Paddock Square serving hand-cut steaks, ribs, and seafood with free peanuts at the table. Steps from the square's nightly entertainment.
Cody's Original Roadhouse - Sumter
The VillagesCasual steakhouse chain known for hand-cut steaks, baby back ribs, and free peanuts at every table. The vibe is laid-back and family-friendly with generous portions and a full bar.
Crooked River Preserve
Clermont63-acre nature preserve between Lake Louisa and the Palatlakaha River with a 1.7-mile loop through forested wetlands, sinkholes, and cypress-lined riverbank. Free, with canoe access and clean restrooms at the trailhead.
Dai Niem Xu Thien Vien
LeesburgA 21-acre Vietnamese Buddhist meditation center with statue gardens, lotus ponds, and shaded walking paths. Open daily 8 AM - 5 PM, free admission, all faiths welcome. Free Sunday morning meditation class at 9 AM.
Dirty South Saloon
LeesburgLeesburg's honky-tonk and biker bar featuring live bands, karaoke, line dancing, pool, darts, and themed events in a smoke-free indoor space with a spacious outdoor area.
Discovery Gardens
TavaresFree 3.5-acre botanical garden at the UF/IFAS Lake County Extension Center featuring 28 themed garden areas with over 700 plant species showcasing Florida-native and Florida-friendly gardening.
Eden Abbey Brewing Community
Mount DoraFamily-owned Mount Dora brewpub with 14 taps of Belgian-inspired house-brewed beers, scratch-made empanadas, Wagyu burgers, and a backyard where kids can run free. Sunday brunch comes with live music — the whole package.
Florida Horse Park
OcalaA 500-acre multipurpose equestrian and event facility south of Ocala hosting 130+ annual events, offering free trail riding with connections to Ocala National Forest trails.
Florida Scrub-Jay Trail
ClermontFree nature preserve in Clermont showcasing over 135 bird species including Florida's only endemic species, the Florida Scrub-Jay, plus beautiful gardens and easy hiking trails through sandhill and wetland habitats.
Foxtail Coffee Co. & Kelly’s Ice Cream - Clermont
ClermontOrlando-based specialty coffee chain location in Clermont offering craft coffee drinks, gluten-free treats, and Kelly's Ice Cream in a comfortable cafe setting.
Glory Days Grill
Crystal RiverSports-bar chain featuring hearty American fare (including gluten-free dishes) & games on TV.
Goblin King Games
OcalaTabletop gaming store on Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala specializing in trading card games and board games. Hosts regular events including Magic: The Gathering tournaments, free gaming nights, and offers curbside pickup from their online store.
Holy Sh'mokes Cigar & Wine Lounge
The VillagesPremium cigar, wine, beer, and coffee lounge in The Villages. The cigar lounge is enclosed and separate from the smoke-free indoor bar — so everyone's comfortable. Karaoke nights, wine tastings, and military discounts add to the draw.
Lake County Historical Museum
TavaresFree museum on the first floor of the historic Tavares courthouse showcasing Lake County's history through rotating monthly exhibits and community programs.
Lake County Museum of Art
TavaresA free-admission art museum in downtown Tavares with rotating exhibitions that punch above what you'd expect for a small-town gallery. Donations welcome but not required. Worth a stop, especially if you're already walking Ruby Street.
Lincoln Avenue Park West Disc Golf Course
Mount DoraFree disc golf course on the east side of Mount Dora with a wooded layout that challenges players of all levels. Bring your own discs and enjoy a round in the shade.