Definitely The Howey Mansion in Howey-in-the-Hills. Fascinating tour. Boondocks for lunch afterward. thehoweymansion.com Stop at the Yahala Bakery that you'll pass shortly before arriving there.

Thanks for your post! That list is a keeper!!!

Winter Park also has a great 1-hour scenic boat tour through three lakes and the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden.

If you were a Member of the Unique Travel Club most any destination in Florida would be a day trip. You could access hundreds of destinations from Everglade City to St George Island in 1.5 hours or less. One example would be the Island of Cedar Key, FL which has great water front Seafood Restaurants. Travel time would be approximately 30 minutes.

Dora Canal boat ride. Truly magical.

Check out "THE VILLAGES NEWCOMERS" last two Thursdays posts on YouTube.
Very informative on sites around the area with videos to show them.
:coolsmiley::coolsmiley:

Cedar key, florida
 

Cedar Key is one of our favorites for a scenic day trip. Take 44 West to 19/98 north to 24 west. Treat yourself at Steamer's restaurant on the third floor over looking the Cedar key islands while enjoying daily fresh caught seafood. A fun way to explore the gulf coast and don't forget to gas up before route 24, it only has one gas station. :coolsmiley:
cedarkey.org

Not being contrary but l tried to find Thai Orchard in Winter Park. I did find Orchid Thai Cuisine.

Dat trip
 

Dunellen: the Rainbow River; Rainbow River State Park; KP Hole County Park (if you want a float trip down the river.)

Eat at Swampy's on the River, The Blue Gator, or The Front Porch Restaurant

Day trip
 

We’re from the Boston area and haven’t had a lot of luck finding good seafood. A couple of months ago we stayed in Celebration, near Orlando.
Try Celebration Downtown Restaurant. It’s pretty much “all things Boston “. Including whole belly clams & Maine lobster & clam chowder. We actually went twice in our week in Celebration. Food is amazing and reasonable.
Also a very pretty setting if you care to walk around.

You are correct!

The Villages Newcomers just uploaded two great YouTube about day trips.
Really enjoy their vlogs.

I have been going to Micanopy for years, starting when I attended Univ of Fla in the 60's.

You gotta be careful thought. My friend was there recently with his small dog on a leash. An unleased dog attacked his dog. Fortunately he carried a knife, so he killed the offending dog.

Just another day in small town America.

Go to the mountain! Take the backroads and hop on the Green Mountain Scenic Byway that passes through Ferndale and Montverde. Get out of your car at the Green Mountain Scenic Overlook. The overlook is a newer area where you can walkout on a long viewing platform to see a beautiful view. Newer porta potties too! Stop in Winter Garden for lunch at Thai Blossom and visit the unique stores along the same street.

On Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, continue your trip to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. A unique 10 mile, one way, drive into the wetlands to see wildlife, birds, etc. Very unique!

More information online.

MtDora is a great choice from TV. Less than 45 min away great restaurants, quaint, charming on-the-water w/ boat excursions on the MtCoraCanal. Reasonable $$ ck out the historic Lakeside Inn & and nearby Reningers Antique Mall. Cheers!