With Labor Day weekend fast approaching, the summer of 2021 will soon come to an end.
Saying goodbye to summer is always a little sad. The kids return to school, parents return to their regular nine-to-five, and the days gradually become shorter and colder.
Hopefully, you’ve taken advantage of the great outdoors this season, and spent plenty of time making new memories with family and friends. After all, it has been a tough year and a half and it’s safe to say everyone deserves some time to relax.
If you haven’t made the most of the summer weather yet, don’t worry — there’s still a few weeks left to get out and enjoy the sunshine before fall arrives! We’ve put together a list of upcoming events and activities in the Central Florida area, so you can still get out and see the Sunshine State in all its seasonal glory.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive audio tour
Take an educational and enlightening tour of Lake Apopka’s abundant natural landscape. With opportunities to see wild animals up-close, the tour is sure to be a delight for the whole family!
The 11-mile drive will lead visitors through the restored farmlands of Lake Apopka North Shore, and the online audio tour will help them identify numbered markers along the way. These markers signify plant and animal habitats which are vital to the area’s ecosystem.
Lake Apopka North Shore is home to a huge variety of animal species, including bobcats, alligators, otters, raccoons, bears, and coyotes, and 369 different species of bird.
The drive is accessible on Fridays, weekends, and federal holidays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit Lake Apopka’s webpage.
A dip in Wekiwa Springs
Minutes from downtown Orlando, and a short drive from most major Central Florida attractions, Wekiwa Springs is a natural wonder the whole family will enjoy visiting.
The emerald springs are surrounded by lush tropical forest and an amazing assortment of stunning plants and flowers throughout the summer. The park is open to the public every day of the year, from 8 a.m. until sundown.
Fancy a swim on a sweltering day? Or just looking for some beautiful scenery for an afternoon picnic? Either way, Wekiwa Springs is a delightful place to spend a day with family and friends.
For more information, visit the website here.
Spend a weekend at the winery
Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and come taste the essence of summer at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards.
Adults of legal drinking age can enjoy a day of outdoor relaxation at the vineyard, complete with delicious food, live entertainment, and a selection of Lakeridge wines served at the outdoor bar.
The weekend winery is open until the end of August from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Live entertainment presented by local musicians and other artists begins at noon.
For more information, visit the winery’s website here.
Go shopping at the farmer’s market
If you’re itching to get your hands on your favorite local produce while it’s still in season, look no further than the Clermont Farmer’s Market.
With over 40 local vendors offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, meat, and eggs, to assorted handmade crafts, gifts, and unique souvenirs, the farmer’s market has something for everyone.
Take a walk through Clermont’s downtown market and stop to enjoy offerings of scrumptious street fare, while supporting local businesses and farmers in your area.
For more information and a full list of vendors in attendance, visit the website here.
A day at Tucker Ranch
Tucker Ranch Recreation and Nature Complex, located in Winter Garden, is the perfect place to take the kids for an outdoor adventure.
Cool off in the shade of towering oak trees while the kids enjoy the park’s humongous playground. Hike up the trail through the majestic 120-year-old Oak Tree Alley to reach the sparkling waters of John’s Lake. Take a relaxing kayak or canoe ride at the park’s boat launch.
There are also restroom facilities and many quiet, shaded areas throughout the park ideal for picnicking, or perhaps just enjoying the tranquility of nature. Either way, a day at Tucker Ranch will provide much needed respite for the whole family.
For more information, visit the park’s webpage here.
Catch a performance at Garden Theatre
Is all that summer heat getting to your head? Get inside and cool off in the air-conditioned galleries of Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, and enjoy a live theatre performance while you’re at it.
Originally opening in 1935 with an interior modeled after Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, the Garden Theatre is an attractive spot for both history and theatre lovers alike.
From now through September 19, Garden Theatre is hosting Man of La Mancha, “a story of imagination, adventure, and chivalry.” Tickets for daily matinée and evening performances are available here.
Although the long days and starry nights of summer are drawing to a close, there’s still plenty to keep you and yours occupied and out of the house. Whatever you spend your time doing, we hope you make the most of the rest of your summer!