News Summary
Tavares, located in Lake County, Florida, is emerging as ‘America’s Seaplane City’ with a vibrant seaplane culture and an array of outdoor activities. Known for its scenic beauty, it offers both adventure and relaxation, catering to nature enthusiasts and families. Visitors can enjoy seaplane tours, paddleboat rides, and guided kayak tours. The town also boasts diverse dining options and comfortable accommodations, making it an attractive vacation destination close to Orlando.
Tavares, Florida: America’s Seaplane City
Tavares, a charming town in Lake County, Florida, is rapidly gaining recognition as “America’s Seaplane City,” due to its vibrant seaplane culture and extensive water activities. Located approximately 35 miles northwest of Orlando, Tavares stands out as a unique vacation destination that combines natural beauty with recreational opportunities, making it an attractive spot for both relaxation and adventure.
Seaplane Experiences and Activities
The town boasts a thriving seaplane industry centered around the Tavares Seaplane Base. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seaplane tours and experiences offered by Jones Brothers & Co. Air and Seaplane Adventures, which has been operational since 2010. Tour options range from a brief 15-minute splash-and-dash to more extensive excursions, such as a 3-hour bar-hopping tour. One popular package, the Fly Out, Paddle In, combines a scenic seaplane flight with a guided kayak tour through the picturesque Dora Canal.
In addition to seaplanes, visitors can also explore the local waterways aboard the Dora Queen, an 80-foot New Orleans-style paddleboat that offers explorative cruises on Lake Dora, including sunset and themed options. The Dora Canal is a prime spot for wildlife observance, where guests might encounter a variety of species such as egrets, herons, fish, and turtles.
Outdoor Recreation and Attractions
Tavares also caters to outdoor enthusiasts with operators like Adventure Outdoor Paddle, which provides guided kayak or paddleboard tours of the Dora Canal. Wooton Park, located at the north end of Lake Dora, offers scenic views and various amenities, including a splash pad, playground, and picnic areas.
For those seeking respite in nature, Discovery Gardens presents a leisurely stroll through a beautiful 3.5-acre botanical garden featuring over 700 species of plants. This combination of outdoor spaces and guided activities makes Tavares an ideal destination for nature lovers and families alike.
Diverse Dining Options
Culinary diversity enriches the Tavares experience, with numerous dining options catering to a variety of tastes. Among them, Puddle Jumpers, a lakeside restaurant, offers stunning views of Lake Dora and the seaplane base. Fish Camp on Lake Eustis provides a wide-ranging menu that features seafood, highlighted by weekly specials on margaritas and raw bar items. The Twisted Biscuit Diner serves up modern spins on classic diner dishes for breakfast and lunch, while Ironworks Steaks and Fine Cocktails specializes in an upscale dining experience with a focus on steakhouse fare.
Accommodations and Events
Visitors will find comfortable lodging options such as the Citrus Boutique Hotel, which features lakefront pools and a rooftop bar. For families, Dora Canal Court offers rental cottages with outdoor amenities, alongside Fisherman’s Cover, an RV resort with fitness and recreational facilities.
Tavares also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including ROCKTOBERFEST and the Monster Splash Seaplane Fly-In, adding vibrant energy to the already inviting atmosphere of the town.
Accessing Tavares
Most visitors arrive via Orlando International Airport, frequently renting cars to access Tavares. The town’s walkable downtown area features an array of restaurants, hotels, and bars in close proximity to the seaplane base, creating a lively community space.
Natural Beauty and Recreation
Tavares is surrounded by numerous lakes that are ideal for boating, fishing, and various water activities. Renowned for its stunning sunsets and natural scenery, the town attracts many nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its mix of outdoor recreation, rich dining experiences, and wildlife observation opportunities, Tavares emerges as a hidden gem in Florida’s landscape, perfect for a memorable getaway.
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Additional Resources
- Southern Living: Tavares, Florida
- Wikipedia: Tavares, Florida
- Travel + Leisure: Tavares, Florida Travel Guide
- Google Search: Tavares Florida news
- Daily Commercial: Lake County Nature Trails
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
- Sports Illustrated: South Sumter vs. Tavares Preview
- Google News: Tavares Florida events
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
