Gemini Springs Park in DeBary gets a lot of visitors, but the vast majority come here for fishing, picnics and the playground. However, if you head out on some of the scenic hiking trails, you can quickly leave the bustling world far behind and enjoy nature at your leisure!
Author: reweidman50
Port of Mount Dora
Yes, there really is a Port of Mount Dora and it’s usually bustling with activity! It features an iconic red and white striped lighthouse that’s said to be one of only three inland lighthouses in Florida. Take a nice stroll and enjoy scenic views of Lake Dora and Palm Island Park. Oh yeah, the Port of Mount Dora sign features a great quote attributed to Mark Twain. Check it out!
Hiking Green Springs Park
Green Springs Park in Deltona features a series of very short but scenic hiking trails. I suggest parking at Green Springs Park and wandering around a little bit, and then hiking to nearby Thornby Park via the Spring-to-Spring Trail. It’s a great way to spend an early Saturday morning!
Red Barn at Tucker Ranch
I always enjoy an early morning hike at Tucker Ranch. If you get there right when it opens, you’ll typically have the place all to yourself. It’s quite scenic and I always take photos of the iconic red barn. Cool place!
Dueling Springs
Green Springs vs. Gemini Springs? Each is amazing in its own way. Best of all, they’re about five minutes away from each other! So, you can easily hike around both like I did on an early Saturday morning. What are you waiting for?
Grilled Cheese & Brew
Nothing beats an ice-cold beer at Toll Road Brewing Company in Ocoee combined with “The Classic” grilled cheese sandwich from Tao Te Cheese food truck!
The Trails of Trout Lake
Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis features a variety of short but diverse trails. It’s one of the best places to go in Central Florida if you’re seeking a casual and rewarding hike!
What I’m Reading …
“Beginning in the summer of 1935, Arthur Rothstein, a twenty year old photojournalist, was sent on dozens of photography assignments by the federal government’s Resettlement Administration … The appointment allowed him to travel to the Florida Keys in 1938 to document the effects of the Depression. Rothstein’s remarkable and humbling photographs of spongers, cigar makers, barbers, fishermen, residents and architecture demonstrated the frailty and the resilience of communities along the island chain.”
Palm Island Revisited
Palm Island Park and adjacent Grantham Pointe in Mount Dora never fail when it comes to viewing Florida wildlife in its natural habitat. If you’ve never been there, what are you waiting for?
Tony’s Chowder House
We finally made it to Tony’s Chowder House in downtown Mount Dora last Saturday. Great food and service! I recommend the award-winning clam chowder and the blackened fish sandwich. We’ll definitely be back soon!
Wandering Florida 