From Fort Lauderdale to Florida’s Heartland
Last month, Scott and I left our bustling home base of Fort Lauderdale on a beautiful Friday morning, eager to explore central Florida on a weekend road trip. Our destination? The charming town of Mount Dora—but first, we made a memorable stop in Sebring, Florida.
Nestled in the heart of the state, Sebring is a hidden gem that’s been gaining attention recently, thanks in part to a recent HGTV hometown makeover that breathed new life into its historic downtown “Circle.” Curious to see it for ourselves, we followed I-75 west and then north on US-27, hoping to take in the scenery around Lake Okeechobee. Unfortunately, our views were blocked by what seemed to be a never-ending dam wall—so the lake remained elusive this time.
Lunch in Sebring: A Hidden Culinary Surprise
After just about three hours on the road, we rolled into Sebring ready for a stretch and a bite to eat. We were pleasantly surprised by 301 Eatery & Brewery, a local favorite with an inviting atmosphere and a menu that truly delivered. The craft brews and flavorful lunch options exceeded our expectations—definitely a must-visit if you’re passing through town.
Unique Shopping: Sebring Soap Shop
With full bellies and time to spare, we wandered over to the Sebring Soap Shop, a locally owned business filled with artisan soaps, bath products, and warm small-town hospitality. We even had the chance to chat with one of the owners, who shared their HDTV experience and how the town is being revitalized.
Sweet Ending: Old-Fashioned Ice Cream & Soda Shop
No visit to a revitalized small town is complete without a little dessert. We finished our visit with a nostalgic treat from Sebring’s Ice Cream & Soda Shop, a retro-style parlor serving up classic floats and creamy scoops. It was the perfect way to wrap up our short but sweet visit.
North to Mount Dora—Stay Tuned!
After a couple of delightful hours in Sebring, we hit the road again, heading north on US-27 toward Mount Dora. The drive, however, had its share of challenges, with stop-and-go traffic slowing our pace considerably. Still, we finally arrived in Mount Dora around 4:30 PM, excited to explore another historic Florida town known for its lake views, boutiques, and small-town charm.
Stay tuned for our next post where we’ll share everything we experienced in Mount Dora and around Lake Dora—from scenic strolls and boating views to local finds and more.
Planning a Florida Road Trip? Don’t Skip Sebring
If you’re traveling through central Florida, Sebring makes for a fantastic lunch stop or half-day detour. With its newly revitalized downtown, great local eats, and welcoming shops, it’s the perfect way to break up your drive and discover something unexpected.
As always, thank you for following our journey! We have so many great trips coming up this summer, including a trip back to the Pacific Northwest and then Portugal this August. Scott and I are very excited to share those journeys with you.
Cheers, Scott and Ally