Most visitors come to Florida to see Mickey Mouse - and of course Mickey and friends have been the main attraction for many years.
Florida is addicitve! After a few visits many visitors start to look for some of the other things to do and see - particularly those that are 'off the beaten track' and maybe away from other tourists. The Orlando area has plenty to offer!
Some while ago we decided to search out some of the places were only the locals go. We found a little gem!
The Tiki Bar at Minneola on the Lake. Ideal for a relaxing lunch - and not a British accent to be heard!
Approximately 20 minutes drive from the junction of the Highway 27 with the 192.
Take the highway 27 north towards Clermont. As you approach Clermont you will see the Citrus Tower on the right hand side (this is a well known landmark). Take a left turn here. Continue past the yacht club to the T junction and turn right. The road is now running alongside the lake. Continue for another half a mile or so and you will come to the community/village of Minneola. On the left is the Minneola Inn - park in the small car park at the side and walk through the garden area down to the lake.
Here you will find an area of decking and a jetty. There is ample seating with tables. Set in the trees is a bar selling refreshments.
The menu is quite basic - basket meals with fries so don't expect a slap up meal! There are a variety of burgers - and the fish in a bun is exquisite! Portions are huge!
You can relax whilst you eat, watching the comings and goings of the lake. Small boats use the jetty. You can see fish swimming in the water. Locals who live in the homes that you can just see across the lake come to the Tiki bar by jet ski - obviously a more direct and faster mode of transport than coming by road!
We often go for lunch and are always made welcome. When we first went the waitress remarked on our 'unusual' accent - they obviously don't get too many Brits!
Why not combine the outing with a visit to the nearby Lakeridge Winery - another little known attraction to many tourists - and also well worth a visit.
Enjoy - but keep it a secret .... we don't want too many visitors to find it!!
Florida is addicitve! After a few visits many visitors start to look for some of the other things to do and see - particularly those that are 'off the beaten track' and maybe away from other tourists. The Orlando area has plenty to offer!
Some while ago we decided to search out some of the places were only the locals go. We found a little gem!
The Tiki Bar at Minneola on the Lake. Ideal for a relaxing lunch - and not a British accent to be heard!
Approximately 20 minutes drive from the junction of the Highway 27 with the 192.
Take the highway 27 north towards Clermont. As you approach Clermont you will see the Citrus Tower on the right hand side (this is a well known landmark). Take a left turn here. Continue past the yacht club to the T junction and turn right. The road is now running alongside the lake. Continue for another half a mile or so and you will come to the community/village of Minneola. On the left is the Minneola Inn - park in the small car park at the side and walk through the garden area down to the lake.
Here you will find an area of decking and a jetty. There is ample seating with tables. Set in the trees is a bar selling refreshments.
The menu is quite basic - basket meals with fries so don't expect a slap up meal! There are a variety of burgers - and the fish in a bun is exquisite! Portions are huge!
You can relax whilst you eat, watching the comings and goings of the lake. Small boats use the jetty. You can see fish swimming in the water. Locals who live in the homes that you can just see across the lake come to the Tiki bar by jet ski - obviously a more direct and faster mode of transport than coming by road!
We often go for lunch and are always made welcome. When we first went the waitress remarked on our 'unusual' accent - they obviously don't get too many Brits!
Why not combine the outing with a visit to the nearby Lakeridge Winery - another little known attraction to many tourists - and also well worth a visit.
Enjoy - but keep it a secret .... we don't want too many visitors to find it!!