News for the active lifestyle in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

MOUNT DORA OFFERS FUN NEW SUMMER CAMPS

4/14/2019

This summer Mount Dora really upped its game. In addition to its annual KidzQuest summer camp offered weekly for ten weeks, the City created four new specialty camps that are destined to be even more popular.

Most of the week-long specialty camps are offered more than one week and begin at 7 a.m. and end at 6 p.m with the drop-off location of Round Lake Charter School. Due to limited space and equipment, campers should enroll early to reserve a spot. Dates and details for each are listed on the Mount Dora Buzz cheat sheet below:

KIDZQUEST

Ages: 6-12
Description: The City’s regular KidzQuest camp made some fun changes to excite young campers. Each week will provide a different theme with crafts and hands-on activities planned around it. In addition, the campers will go on exciting field trips. Five weeks of this camp are already full, so it’s best to reserve now.
Dates: 10 one-week camp sessions, beginning June 1 and ending August 9.
Cost: $99 per week for Mount Dora residents/$109 per week for non-residents

FISHING CAMP

Ages: 8-14
Description: Campers will become seasoned anglers after learning about tackle, knot tying, fish identification, rules and etiquette, as well as cleaning and preparing fish. Campers will experience bank and boat fishing, as well as receive their own fishing pole, tackle box with tackle and a Friday Family Fish Fry.
Dates: July 8-12 and/or July 22-26
Cost: $125 per week for Mount Dora residents/$135 per week for non-residents

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP

Ages: 10 -14
Description: Active campers will head to the outdoors to enjoy zip-lining, rock climbing, laser tag and more.
Dates: June 3-7, June 24-28, and July 15-19, August 8-12
Cost: $175 per week for Mount Dora residents/$185 per week for non-residents

KAYAK CAMP

Ages: 10 -14
Description: Campers that love the water will get an introduction to kayaking including instruction of the basics, as well as paddling techniques before their water adventures begin.
Dates: June 14-28, July 1-5 (no camp July 4), July 29-Aug. 2
Cost: $125 per week for Mount Dora residents/$135 per week for non-residents

FIRST RESPONDER CAMP

Ages: 10 -14
Description: Campers will learn what it takes to be a firefighter, police officer and EMT.
Dates: July 10-14
Cost: $125 per week for Mount Dora residents/$135 per week for non-residents

Get more information or register here. Stay updated on these events and others by signing up for the monthly Mount Dora Buzz update here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download its free mobile app.

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GUIDE TO U-PICK BLUEBERRY FARMS IN LAKE COUNTY

4/1/2019

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It’s become one of the favorite seasons in Lake County. This year’s blueberry season kicks off the end of March and is expected to continue through May.

The growing number of local U-Pick farms currently has prices that range from approximately $4 for regular berries to $8 per pound for organic.   Eager blueberry lovers should pick to their hearts’ content since blueberries are widely considered a “super food” that’s low in calories and high in nutrients and antioxidants.

The state's history of growing blueberries began in the late 1800's.   The sweet crop was one of Florida's tastiest secrets. It wasn't until the 1970's that the current hybrid cultivar blueberry was introduced, and by the mid 1980's mass plantings took root in north-central and northwestern Florida.   The industry has grown tenfold over the last 30 years with hundreds of small blueberry farms sprouting up throughout the state.

Pickers should wear closed-toe shoes and pack drinking water. Due to variable picking hours, berry availability and weather conditions, it's recommended visitors call farms prior to visiting.

Here's the list of local U-Pick blueberry farms:

Atwood Family U-Pick Farm
25079 SE Hwy 450, Umatilla
352-630-0145

Blue Bayou Farms (organic)
8222 CR 48, Yalaha
352-267-5277
Other offerings: hot dogs and moonshine.

Far Reach Ranch Heavenly Blueberries
1255 South Dora Blvd., Tavares
352-343-7389
Other offerings: A variety of blueberry jams, blueberry salsa and local honey.

King Grove Organic Farm
19741 CR 44A, Eustis
352-589-2469

Lake Catherine Blueberries
5849 Lake Catherine Rd, Groveland
352-551-4110
Other offerings: Blackberries, jams, blueberry lemonade, ice cream, baked goods.

Artisan Acres
31614 Bottany Woods Dr., Eustis
407-915-4122
Other offerings: Local honey.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

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