GETAWAY
NATURALLY INVIGORATING Lake Griffin State Park is the epitome of a hidden gem. Fact is, some Lake Countians are unaware of its existence. Perhaps that’s because few would assume a natural wonderland could be located off bustling a bustling highway in Fruitland Park. Once you’ve discovered it, you’ll want to come back. Lake Griffin State Park is home to Florida’s second-oldest oak tree, estimated to be between 300 and 500 years old. The tree is home to several species of birds, and historians speculate
the tree may have been a landmark for Timucua Native Americans who frequented the area before settlement. Two trails give hikers an up-close view of Florida’s natural habitats, including swamp and sandhill terrain. Along the way, visitors may see racoons, bobcats, squirrels, opossum, and hawks. Don’t worry about the sizzling summertime heat. Spanish moss-draped oak trees provide adequate shade. Other popular attractions include a guided pontoon boat tour of Dead River Marsh, a tributary of Lake Griffin. It’s as
educational as it is fun because guides share interesting facts about Florida’s flora and fauna. The pontoon boat tour lasts a little over an hour and costs $15 per person. Kayak and canoe rentals also are available. Single kayaks cost $10 per hour, and canoes and double kayaks cost $12 per hour. A 40-site campground allows visitors to stay a few nights, while picnic tables and a playground entertain families who come for a day. Lake Griffin State Park is located at 3089 U.S. Hwy. 441 in Fruitland Park. For more information, call 352.360.6760.
HOW SWEET IT IS Like a fine wine, Lakeridge Winery gets better with time. Lakeridge officially opened its doors in February 1989 and has become the largest winery in Florida. The winery attracts thousands of visitors each year. Some come to take guided tours inside the two-story, 28,000 square-foot facility, where they learn the finer points of winemaking and taste some of the company’s most popular wines. At the conclusion of the tour, visitors stand on all sides of a tasting counter, which looks similar to a bar minus the seats. They sample a variety of Lakeridge Winery’s finest red and white wines made from Muscadine and hybrid grapes. He explains what dishes go well with each individual wine. The gift shop, located on the first floor, sells wine paraphernalia such as glasses, bottle stoppers and bottle coolers. Patrons can also purchase items such as barbecue sauce, Buffalo wing sauce, tomato salad dressing and Mexican salsa.
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Most of the wine is made from Muscadine grapes, which are native to Florida and produce a sweeter, fruitier taste. The variety of Muscadine grapes used include the Carlos and Welder (both white grapes) and Noble (red grapes). In March, the grape vines start to flower, and the harvest season begins in June and continues throughout the summer. Lakeridge Winery is located at 19239 U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont. For more information, call 352.394.8627.