Summer in Florida doesn't have to mean staying inside. In North Lake County, you'll find refreshing springs, shady nature trails, charming downtowns, and breezy lakefront parks that make it easy to enjoy the season. Here are five ways to make the most of a summer getaway around Eustis and Mount Dora.

New Port Richey, about 45 minutes north of Tampa, is one of the most underrated cities in the Tampa Bay area. Visitors are often surprised to learn that it has a bustling historic downtown, a thriving brewery scene, and a historic hotel right at the heart of it.

It’s hard to find places in Florida that don’t feel like they’re bursting with people and new development. Wauchula, about an hour south of Lakeland, is a breath of fresh air and a step back into a simpler time.

Just outside of Orlando, Clermont combines small-town charm with some seriously fun outdoor adventures. You can sip coffee at the top of a landmark, explore its lively lakeside downtown, ride in a monster truck, and even see the rolling hills on horseback. Here are five ways to experience Clermont in Florida’s Lakeside Escape.

Bonita Springs, between Fort Myers and Naples on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is full of surprises and Old Florida charm. It’s home to a quaint downtown district, beautiful beaches, and a historic hotel that’s the perfect home base to explore all that the area has to offer.

Cedar Key is a small, resilient island community about four miles into the Gulf, but there’s no shortage of adventures and experiences to fill your days. Here are five of my favorites.