TAVARES, FLORIDA

Tavares is a town of 23,299 people about 35 miles northwest of Orlando.  Along with Eustis and Mount Dora, it is one apex of what is known as Florida's "Golden Triangle". 

Locals pronounce it "Ta Varies."

Tavares is the county seat of Lake County, Florida, and was founded in 1880 by Alexander St. Clair Abrams, a railroad and newspaper executive.

He named the town after one of his Portuguese ancestors.

Abrams initially sought to develop the town as a tourist destination, but later made the decision that its location would result in it becoming a great industrial and railroad center and the capital of Florida.

He spent at least $500,000 building a large hotel, lumber mills, stores, a cigar factory and railroad lines.

Streets and avenues were named after Abrams' relatives and friends.

The Duke of Sutherland and other British noblemen stayed at Abrams' hotel, The Peninsular.

Tavares became an important hub for the citrus industry due to its location on Lake Dora among thousands of acres surrounding the lake region.

A large part of Tavares was destroyed in a fire in 1888, and a few years after that the great freeze of 1895 and 1896 caused the town to become nearly abandoned.

The citrus industry made a comeback after the fire and freezes, and in 1909 the Lake Region Packing Association was established.

After freezes in the 1980s destroyed most of the area's citrus, it finally closed its operation in 2022.

One of the existing reminders of the old days in Tavares is the Union Congregational Church at 302 St. Clair Abrams Avenue. 

The church was built in 1888 on land donated by Mr. Abrams. 

Citrus made a comeback and was a staple of the community for many years until the freezes of the early 1980s destroyed many of the groves.

The historic Old Lake County Courthouse was built in 1923 and designed in the Neoclassical Revival style. It still serves the County with various offices and a museum, though the Court has moved elsewhere.

It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Lake County Administration Building is next door to the historic courthouse. 

It was an architectural sensation to the local people when it was built in the 1960s and served as the new courthouse until larger buildings were built downtown in recent years.

A recently built traffic circle defines the downtown area around the various government buildings. It facilitates the flow of traffic heading in all directions.

The site of the old Lake Region packing plant on Ruby Streeet is now the location of a boutique hotel with a rooftop bar overlooking Lake Dora.

The historic Harry C. Duncan House on Lake Dora Drive in Tavares is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a private home with six bedrooms and 6 baths.

Built in 1925, over the years thehouse was used as an event venue, movie set location, bed and breakfast, and private residence.

It was designed by Katharine Cotheal Budd (1860-1951), the first woman to be given membership in the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Harry C. Duncan was a Tavares attorney and the son of Lake County pioneer, Henry Holcomb Duncan, known as H.H. Duncan.

The senior Duncan was a Florida legislator who introduced the 1887 bill that created Lake County and was its first Clerk of the Circuit Court for 33 years. 

H.H. Duncan was a colleague of citrus magnate William J. Howey an talked him in to moving into Lake County.  This is where the nearby town of Howey-in-the-Hills got its name.

TAVARES, FLORIDA HAS BECOME THE SEAPLANE CITY

Tavares is at the west end of Lake Dora, and boating and seaplanes are an important part of the town's ambiance.

The chain of lakes including Lakes Dora, Harris, Griffin and Eustis are connected by canals and give boaters access to the St Johns River and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean.

The downtown area has been redeveloped with many nice shops and restaurants, and a seaplane base makes for some entertaining flights in Central Florida.

Three small boutique hotels have been built in downtown Tavares with beautiful views of Lake Dora.

A new lakeside pavilion built by the City has beautiful lake views and has become a popular wedding venue.

The City has also created a seaplane marina and base adjacent to the pavilion.

There is a train station downtown next to Wooten Park.  Until recently, a tourist train ran from Tavares to Mount Dora. Another ran from Tavares to Eustis.

The condition of the track became bad, and the tourist trains have been discontinued.

This list of MOUNT DORA AREA RESTAURANTS that I've personally tried also includes many in Tavares and Eustis.

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THINGS TO DO IN TAVARES, FLORIDA

Wooton Park and Tavares Seaplane Base 
100 E Ruby St, Tavares, FL 32778.  (352) 742-6267 

Begin your adventure at Wooton Park, where the Tavares Seaplane Base adds a unique touch to your visit. Watch seaplanes gracefully land and take off from the glistening waters of Lake Dora.

Our favorite? Take a scenic seaplane tour for a bird's-eye view of the stunning surroundings. It's an exhilarating experience that captures the essence of Tavares' connection to its beautiful lakes. 

Union Congregational Church
This Carpenter Gothic structure is one of Tavares’ most historic buildings.  It is a reminder of the town's link to its Old Florida beginnings. It is located near the historic heart of Tavares at the intersection of Alfred Street and St. Clair Abrams Avenue.

Tavares Pavilion on the Lake 
200 S Disston Ave, Tavares, FL 32778.  (352) 742-6267 

For a touch of elegance, visit the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake, an exquisite venue nestled on the shores of Lake Dora. Whether you're attending an event or simply exploring the surroundings, the Pavilion offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere.

Stroll along the lakefront promenade, enjoy the landscaped gardens, and take in the tranquility of the surroundings. It's a hidden gem that showcases Tavares' commitment to providing a beautiful backdrop for life's special moments. 

Old Lake County Historical Museum 
317 W Main St, Tavares, FL 32778.  (352) 343-9890 

Delve into the rich history of Lake County at the Lake County Historical Museum, located in the old courthouse. The museum opened in 2000 to safeguard items like pioneer tools and photos.

Nostalgic displays include a colorful wall of early 20th-century citrus crate labels from local packing houses, and pre-Disney tourist plates mapping spots like Tavares and Silver Springs. I love old Florida citrus labels. 

Tavares Nature Park 
1551 Milwaukee Avenue, Tavares, FL 32778 

Nature enthusiasts, rejoice! Tavares Nature Park offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a connection with the outdoors. Wander along the scenic trails that wind through the lush landscapes, providing opportunities for birdwatching and quiet contemplation.

The park's serene ambiance, complemented by the soothing sounds of nature, makes it a perfect escape for a leisurely stroll or a moment of relaxation. It's a green oasis in the heart of Tavares, inviting you to unwind and embrace the tranquility of the natural surroundings. Picnic tables and restrooms are available. 

Fish Camp on Lake Eustis 
901 Lakeshore Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778.  (352) 742-4400 

No visit is complete without savoring the local flavors, and one of our favorite spots is Fish Camp on Lake Eustis. Nestled along the waterfront, this laid-back eatery offers a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, mouthwatering burgers, and signature cocktails.

The relaxed atmosphere, combined with scenic views of Lake Eustis, creates the perfect setting for a delightful dining experience. It's not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that captures the essence of Tavares' lakeside charm. 

Hickory Point Park 
27341 FL-19, Tavares, FL 32778.  (352) 324-6141 

End your Tavares adventure at Hickory Point Park, a hidden gem along Lake Harris. Pack a picnic, soak up the sun on the sandy shores, or take a refreshing dip in the lake.

With its breathtaking views and recreational facilities, including volleyball courts and playground, Hickory Point Park is the ideal spot for a day of lakeside relaxation.

It's a perfect conclusion to your Tavares escapade, providing a serene setting to reflect on the day's discoveries. 

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