MONTVERDE, Fla. – Yes, I grew up in Central Florida, but Montverde was new territory for me. So I packed up the car and headed out to Lake County to see what the town has to offer.
Montverde is a small town, with about 4,000 residents. It sits between Lake Apopka and Lake Florence. I found several parks and overlook docks that you can visit to check out the gorgeous views. Residents told me Lake Florence Overlook Park is the best to visit during the sunset.
Kirk Park is the central hub of Montverde and sits along Division Street by town hall. With a large space, ball fields and a stage, there are quite a few events held there year-round.
Montverde Academy, a private school known for its successful student-athletes, is the jewel of the town.
News 6 anchors Matt and Ginger spent some time at the school’s basketball court and spoke with Orlando Magic player and Montverde Academy alum Caleb Houstan. You can see the full interview on Florida’s Fourth Estate podcast.
On the road, I spotted a farm along Country Road 455 called Green Mountain Fruit and Honey, owned by Andy Ferguson, a third-generation owner of the farm.
“When I grew up here, everything was citrus. There were more tractors and farm equipment up and down the road then there was actual cars,” said Andy.
Andy said they used to grow citrus on the farm until a freeze in the 1980s that killed the crops. So he decided to pivot.
“I’m getting to do the next best thing. Grow peaches. I’m also a beekeeper,” said Andy. “I’m getting to do what I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been a mechanic for years and I am now able to farm like I’ve always wanted to do.”
You can visit the store to buy your own honey and fruit or pick the peaches yourself and fill a bucket.
Ferndale Preserve on the northwest end of town offers nearly 200 acres of trails and parks. News 6 reporter Mark Lehman found that many visitors like to hike and bike through the area.
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And there’s some history in this little town. Along Porter Avenue, you can check out the historic Harper House, Montverde’s oldest building, built in the 1870s by a citrus grower. It started off as a store and post office but was converted to a home. It’s known for its adaptable frame vernacular architecture.
Right around the corner, there’s the 100-year-old historic fish camp cabin.
Hungry? Willie’s BBQ is a Montverde staple. News 6 anchor Lisa Bell and News 6 meteorologist Candace Campos got a taste in our Florida Foodie podcast.
If you want to do some shopping, you can check out Fireflies along Lakeside Drive. It’s not your average secondhand store, it sells high-end items, with proceeds going to a nonprofit organization.
News 6 anchor Julie Broughton spoke with the owner about how she gets results and shares what you can find in-store and on the racks.
Have you visited Montverde? Tell us what you like to do there in the comments below.
Come join News 6 at Kirk Park for a live broadcast of the stories you told us you wanted covered.
The address is 17436 Division St. in Montverde.
The anchors, reporters and News 6 investigators will be at the pavilion and stage on Wednesday, May 15, from 4-7 p.m.
When they are not on-air they will be available to talk to you!
