Lake County is a great place to celebrate the spooky season: all the thrills, but no chills (chilly temps, that is). With our pleasant fall weather, you can leave your coat at home and have a scary fun time!
If you’re seeking a supernatural experience, try Mount Dora Ghost Tours. Your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour through the paranormal past of Mount Dora. Guests will get an introduction to the lost souls of The Lakeside Inn hotel (built in 1883) and hear stories of murder and mystery. Visitors aged 21 and up can get tickets for The Haunted Pub Crawl, which weaves ghost hunting, haunted history and adult beverages. The tour includes three “spirit stops”: Maw’s Mountain Moonshine, Tremains Tavern and The Magical Meat Boutique. The company also offers a paranormal investigation at the historic Donnelly House which today is an active masonic lodge. Other options include a haunted house experience and Dinner with the Vampire on select dates.
More horror-themed fun can be found in the neighboring city of Tavares. Plan a visit to the Fear Reach Scream Park where you can scream your way through three different haunted attractions. Brave guests will try to escape a possessed manor home, avoid being infected in the laboratory and survive a training course where you’ll come face to face with terrible creatures. If your vocal cords need a break from screaming, head to the onsite Pitchfork Parlor & Bar. You can enjoy a craft beer or cocktail while listening to The Dismembered house band. The venue also has stage shows, concessions and games like axe-throwing. The scream park will operate every weekend in October and is recommended for ages 13 and up.
Visitors looking for a unique attraction this year should check out the Haunted Monster Truck Ride at Showcase of Citrus. Passengers will climb aboard the custom monster truck to flee from sinister scarecrows, monsters and the undead. Escape through the cursed groves on this thrill ride at a classic Florida roadside attraction. Another eccentric local event is Chills-in-the-Hills presented by The Howey Mansion on Halloween night only. The Howey Mansion is a historic home built in the 1920s in Howey-in-the-Hills by the town founder William J. Howey. Guests at this exclusive event will hear the untold stories of the estate and the people who lived there.
Lake County also has many family-friendly events from fall festivals to trunk or treats to outdoor movies. The City of Tavares annual BOO! Festival is a local favorite with lots of candy, a costume contest and carnival games. Downtown businesses will give out sweet treats at the City of Leesburg’s Trick or Treat on Main Street. Follow the free map to the best candy spots while you enjoy live music and magic. In South Lake County, Clermont is hosting Scaremont – Halloween on the Trail. Collect your candy at the trick or treat stations and watch a movie in Waterfront Park. Consider entering your crew in the “Frightfully Fabulous Families” category in the costume contest.