City Escape: Orlando, Florida

Seeking to escape the wonderful world of Disney? Take this clockwise loop around Central Florida’s third largest lake (Apopka) and Lake Dora to the city of Tavares, which is known as America’s Seaplane City. This lakeside community of luncheon and landing spots melds perfectly with pilots of both wings and wheels.

Length

Approximately 100 miles

Meet-up spot

The Hess gas station at 1475 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL, provides a central spot to escape the dreamscape.

Lunch stop

Lunch in Tavares or Mount Dora splits the tour in half. A picnic lunch in Wooton Park (100 E Ruby St), or Al’s Landing (Seafood/Patio), 111 W Ruby St, affords airplane peeping.

Scenery 4 out of 5

Nothing can beat the sunshine and fluffy clouds of Central Florida, even if the roads are straight.

Traffic 3 out of 5

As with any major tourist area, traffic can be terrible. Lakeside roads are mellow.

Difficulty 1 out of 5

With very few winding roads and nary 100 feet in elevation change, riding in Florida is easy peasy.

Road conditions 4 out of 5

There is clean concrete and asphalt construction around most of Florida. This route does include toll roads (see map).

Attractions

Hickory Point Recreational Facility
The 68-acre, 24-hour boat launch and fishing park just outside Tavares offers two piers, banquet facilities, and multiple launches.

The Prop Shop
Located in Wooton Park, this is a historic replica of the 1871 Woodlea House. The original was built by the area’s most prominent citizen, Captain Melton Haynes.

Museum of Speed
This auto museum in Mt. Dora has a fine collection of muscle cars, pro cars from film and television, and a 40-year collection of Automobilia.