Sebring & Arcadia
Central Florida
Sebring was founded in 1911 by the pioneer, George Sebring, whose unique circular plan of all roads leading to and from the centre of the community remains today, which is why this charming lakeside community is known as ‘The City on the Circle’.
WORLD RENOWNED ENDURANCE RACE…
One of the annual highlights on the Sebring calendar is the world renowned ‘12 Hours of Sebring’ endurance race which is held at Sebring International Raceway on the third Saturday of March. This is the oldest sports car race of its kind in North America, attracting thousands of race fans to the site on a former World War ll airbase. If quieter attractions are more tempting, Sebring’s Cultural Center has the public library, Historical Society and the Highlands Art League and Museum. In downtown Sebring there are plenty of shopping opportunities including fashion stores, boutiques, music stores and antique galleries. Visitors will also be pleased to know that there is a good selection of restaurants and tea rooms.
PLAY GOLF, BROWSE OR JUST CHILL OUT…
Avon Park is close to Sebring and it has plenty to offer the tourist. Here you can play golf, visit the historic museum, happily browse in the antique stores or just chill out by the lake shore.
A TASTE OF FRESH AIR AND WILDLIFE SPOTTING…
Highlands Hammock State Park, which is the oldest State Park in Florida, gets its name from the ridge which runs up the back of this part of Florida. This is a great place for cycling, hiking and spotting wildlife, especially deer, alligators, bald eagles or even red-headed woodpeckers.
SOME OLD FLORIDA CHARM…
For a small town with plenty of activities go to Arcadia, which calls itself ’the best small town in America’. Located south of Tampa and just 2 hours from Disney World, this is a town which is full of character and old Florida charm. Many of the historic homes and businesses have been restored and are on the Registry of Historic Places and antique shops are increasingly taking over many of the old buildings - in fact, Arcadia is fast becoming known as the ’Antique Capital of Florida’. The town hosts several special events each year - rodeos are held in March and July, in February there is the Blue Grass Festival and in May, the Watermelon Festival.
A CASTLE WITH A DIFFERENCE…
Just outside Arcadia, in the tiny town of Ona, Solomon’s Castle, complete with turrets and drawbridge, was crafted from old printing plates, automobile parts and pieces of metal by the internationally known sculptor, Howard Solomon. There are many exhibits and curios here and also fabulous stained glass windows. For lunch, go to The Boat in the Moat pirate ship next door.
PLENTY OF WATER ACTIVITIES…
There is a relaxed atmosphere in this area - visitors come to canoe in the Peace River where they get the chance to see alligators, turtles, egrets and cranes. You can hire equipment here - even if it’s just for half a day. There are plenty of scenic walks and also riverboat tours. Mexican eateries can be found at Zolfo Springs and Pioneer Park is good for picnicking, camping and fishing.
EXOTIC BLOOMS AND SOME INTERESTING LOCAL HISTORY…
Lake Placid is the caladium capital of the world and each year The Caladium Festival is held in August, when the fields are brimming over with these exotically colored tropical plants. You can take a bus tour around the fields and for a breathtaking view, take the elevator to the top of Placid Tower. There is bass fishing and bird watching on the lake and on the north side, there is Winter Scrub State Park. The town itself has antique outlets, an arts and crafts co-op and other interesting buildings. The visitor gets a real taste of local history here from the realistic murals painted on the sides of many of the buildings - some even have sound effects!
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