By Nanette Wiser
MOM NEEDS A VACAY Say it with flowers, spa treatments and brunch at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club during Mother’s Day weekend May 12-14 where she can enjoy a Pressed Flower Workshop with local artisan Amanda Moon and complimentary “MoM”osas and tea sandwiches, a brunch buffet 5/14 featuring a delectable chilled raw seafood bar, assorted salads, savory omelet and carving stations, complimentary mimosas, and more. Book her a Motherly Glow Brightening Facial, featuring a foaming vitamin C cleanser and a creamy avocado mask to illuminate the skin, followed by a whipped, creamy facial mousse to help nourish and brighten the skin. Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is steps to the sand in picturesque Ponte Vedra Beach (20 miles southeast of Jacksonville) where guests enjoy golf, tennis, spa and recreation experiences – all with authentic touches of gracious Southern hospitality. pontevedra.com
REAL FLORIDA REAL CLOSE Just 35 minutes from Orlando and close to Tampa Bay, Lake County has something for everyone. Nature lovers will find an abundance of options – like hiking through endless acres of preserves, viewing rare birds or paddling pristine Blueways. Anglers will be lured by the prospect of catching a trophy bass on one of over 1,000 freshwater lakes, while treasure hunters will enjoy finding that rare antique at the area’s many unique downtown districts. visitlakefl.com
Nature enthusiasts, pack your gear. Bike at Sugarloaf Mountain, the highest point in Peninsular Florida at the intersection of County Roads 455 and 561, Clermont. Check out the Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead Run, bird watch, hike or bicycle at the Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead, featuring views from the 130-foot elevated boardwalk at 20700 County Road 455, Ferndale. Get a breath of fresh air at Trout Lake Nature Center, a 230-acre wildlife preserve near the Ocala National Forest at County Road 44, Eustis. Visit PEAR Park, 4800 University Ave., Leesburg, and hike along several miles of trails, stop by the nature center, and take advantage of some of the best local birding in Lake County. Catch a glimpse of the rare Florida Scrub-Jay at the Florida Scrub-Jay Trail, 11490 Montevista Road, Clermont. Take in the sights of local wildlife along the St. Johns River, Golden Triangle, Palatlakaha Basin and Oklawaha Basin by kayaking a Blueways Trail.
When you’re done with the great outdoors, it’s time to hoist a pint or two. Sample local wine and take a tour among the vineyards at Lakeridge Winery (19239 U.S. Highway, Clermont) or sip in-house brewed beer, grab a bite and listen to live music at Rocking Rabbit Brewery (405 S Highland St., Mount Dora). You can browse antiques while drinking craft beers and wines at Mermaid Juice (458 N Highland St., Mount Dora) or catch the sights on Main Street during happy hour at Two Old Hags Wine Shop (410 W Main St., Leesburg). Still hungry? Relax with tapas and a glass of vino at Vineyards of the World in downtown Clermont (712 W Montrose Street). Foodies swear by the Crooked Spoon gastropub in Clermont for burgers (200 Citrus Tower Blvd.) as well as an elegant breakfast, and lunch at The Beauclaire Dining Room inside the historic Lakeside Inn in Mt. Dora.