Happy Wednesday South Laker!
I’ve been keeping an eye on the maps, and it looks like our little corner of the world is about to get a lot more interesting with some big development news and events coming in the next few weeks.
Now, in today’s edition:
Laker Notes: Improving your weekly South Laker newsletter.
Weekend Lineup: From wine tasting at Lakeridge to Groveland HOA meetups.
South Laker Eats: Step back into the 1940s in Groveland.
The Big Give: Show some love to the Groveland Historical Society.
And more...
Let’s get to it.
— Charlie Ferrer
Laker Notes
Data Source: Accuweather.com
☘️ We’re moving fast this week, just like the runners prepping for the Shamrock Shuffle this Saturday! As South Lake County grows, our goal at The South Laker is to make sure you don't just live here, you belong here.
As we gear up for a massive spring season, what is the one thing you wish you knew more about in your specific neighborhood?
Hit "Reply" and let me know. I read every single response. Your feedback is what keeps us the #1 source for everything South Lake.
Help Us!
What should we feature MORE of in your weekly South Laker?
Weekend Lineup
Image Source: Lakeridge Winery
Thursday, March 5
Fun In Spanish | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM | Clermont Arts & Recreation Center, Clermont | A fun, interactive language immersion session for those looking to pick up a new skill.
Tai Chi for Health | 10:00 AM-11:00 AM | Clermont Arts & Recreation Center, Clermont | Focus on your flow and balance with this low-impact morning workout.
Zumba Gold | 11:30 AM-12:30 PM | Clermont Arts & Recreation Center, Clermont | Get moving with a high-energy dance class tailored for active older adults.
Fierce Tiger Martial Arts | 6:00 PM-8:00 PM | Clermont Arts & Recreation Center, Clermont | Evening training sessions for those looking to sharpen their discipline and self-defense skills.
Brighton HOA Meeting | 7:00 PM-8:00 PM | Groveland City Hall, Groveland | Get involved with your local community and hear the latest on neighborhood updates.
Huephoria Adult Coloring & Conversation | 5:30 PM - 6:45 PM | Marion Baysinger Memorial County Library, Groveland | Relax and reduce stress and spark your creativity!
Friday, March 6
First Friday Chamber Connection | 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Clermont City Center | The biggest monthly gathering for South Lake professionals.
Saturday, March 7
Vintage Venture Festival | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Lakeridge Winery | A huge celebration of classic style, live music, and local wine.
Wetland Excursion | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Scrube Point Preserve, Clermont | Explore the diverse ecosystems in the area. It will be a faced guided hike.
Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey | 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Pastrure Reserve, Groveland | Assit their staff with surveying one of the Lake County’s conservation lands for birds and butterflies. Be part of the change!
The Fancy Flea Takes Over Family Food Fest | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Downtown Clermont | Find Antique vendors and food trucks for the ultimate Saturday morning stroll.
LSSC Shamrock Shuffle 5K & 10K | 8:00 AM | Lake-Sumter State College | A festive run to get your body moving for a good cause.
Great Clermont Triathlon Packet Pick-Up | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Waterfront Park, Clermont | Get ready for one of the biggest races in the Southeast. Good luck out there!
Sunday, March 8
Weekends at the Winery (Day 2) | 12:00 PM-4:00 PM | Lakeridge Winery, Clermont | If you missed Saturday, Sunday offers a more chilled-out version of the vineyard vibes.
Two Pianos, Two Pianists | 4:00 PM-5:30 PM | First Presbyterian Church, Mt. Dora/Lake County | A beautiful afternoon of classical and contemporary piano performances.
Pastels in the Park | 4:00 PM-6:00 PM | Lake Jem Park, Mt. Dora/Lake County | A relaxing painting session for ladies looking to unwind before the Monday grind.
Feature your event here.
South Laker Eats
Red Wing Restaurant
If you want a true "old Florida" experience that feels like stepping back into the 1940s, you need to visit the Red Wing Restaurant in Groveland. This place isn't just a restaurant; it’s a historic landmark built by Charles McMillan in 1948. The building itself is a charming stone-faced wooden house that feels like an old hunting lodge, complete with paneled walls and mounted game.
Signature Dish: It is famous for serving a unique menu you won't find anywhere else in South Lake. They specialize in hand-cut steaks, fresh fish, and wild game, but locals will tell you the real stars are their homemade cobbler and what many consider the best burgers in town.
Location: 12500 FL-33, Groveland
Check out their website here.
The Big Give
Image Source: Grovalnd History Society
Groveland Historial Society
Let's show some love to the Groveland Historical Society. These folks work tirelessly to preserve the nearly 200 years of history in South Lake, keeping the stories of our citrus roots and early settlers alive.
They run a fantastic museum that is free to the public on Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. They are always looking for volunteers to help archive photos or lead walking tours of downtown.
Vintage South Lake
Image Source: GrovelandHistory.org
Groveland Historial Museum
This spot is fascinating because it’s a 6th-generation local labor of love, housing artifacts that date back to the 1800s when Groveland was a major timber town. It’s one of the few places where you can see the architectural transition of South Lake from a pioneer settlement to a booming agricultural hub.
The museum is even housed in a building that feels like a time capsule itself. It’s a nostalgic trip that reminds us exactly where we came from before the suburbs took over.
Learn More: Groveland History
Move This Week
Image Source: LotsaFunMaps.com
Trail of the Week: Lake Hiawatha Preserve Trail
It offers a beautiful, shaded escape with towering oaks and a paved path that’s perfect for both casual walkers and serious cyclists. The trail winds through ancient oak hammocks and opens up to stunning views of the lake, making it one of the coolest spots to beat the Florida sun.
Location: 450 12th St, Clermont
Before You Go: Download the Clermont Chain of Lakes Map
Gear Up
Products we think every trail walker should have:
💧 This insulated water bottle keeps your water ice-cold even when the Clermont humidity hits 90%.
👟 These breathable trail runners are a game changer for navigating the occasional sandy patches near the lake.
🧢 This moisture-wicking hat is essential for keeping the sun out of your eyes during those afternoon loops.
Thanks ❤️
Thanks for spending part of your day with The South Laker. If this issue brightened your morning, pass it along to someone else who could use a smile for this weekend.
