Bright, sunny afternoons and balmy evenings are par for the course in Sumterville, Florida. Enjoy community events such as potluck suppers, bingo, bocce ball and more. Then venture out to acres of hidden treasures among Central Florida’s famous flea markets.
Planning a visit? Stay at Shady Brook Golf & RV Resort.
Savor a home cooked meal without the effort at Mabel’s Early Bird in Sumterville, or venture out to Lake Panasoffkee for a relaxing dining experience at Harbor Lights Restaurant. Before you head to the lake, be sure to pack your binoculars. As a key point on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, Lake Panasoffkee offers a unique opportunity for avian enthusiasts to learn more about native species and see them in their natural habitats.
If you prefer a more active approach to enjoying nature, bring along your bicycles to tour eight miles of marked trails around the lake or set off on foot to explore 10 more miles of lakeside trails. If you venture out on the lake for an exhilarating airboat ride, you might catch a glimpse of one of Florida’s more famous residents, the American Alligator.
Fishing near Lake Panasoffkee can be an equally satisfying way to spend an early morning or late afternoon. Venture out to Little Jones Creek or the borrow pits on the lake’s eastern side. Catfish, bass, sunfish and shad make their home in Central Florida’s waterways.
Add some education to your trip itinerary with a visit to nearby historic sites that document the story and growth of Central Florida. In the middle of Sumterville rests a marker commemorating the old courthouse. It is co-located with the Wahoo Community Center and Historical Site, and visitors can take advantage of the on-site park and barbecue grill to enjoy an afternoon cookout.
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, in nearby Bushnell, hosts an annual battle reenactment to mark a skirmish between native Seminoles and American soldiers that occurred in December 1835. A hiking trail leads visitors through the rich countryside surrounding the park, where native wildlife may occasionally make an appearance.
Equestrians seeking an adventure on horseback should trot to Blue Moon Ranch in Wildwood. Public riding on 50 acres of ranchland or thousands of acres of public lands is available. The ranch’s facilities include indoor and outdoor arenas. Riding novices will welcome the assistance of on-site professional guides and instructors.
While away an evening at Savannah Center in The Villages, where arts and craft festivals are held, as well as live performances by beloved entertainers and talented musicians. Lay down a little spending money at Spanish Springs Town Square, where quaint shops and cute boutiques beckon shoppers along with a monthly classic car cruise-in.
