OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Online boating culture and resale hub Boatmart has released a decidedly unscientific ranking of Florida’s seven best lake towns, and four of those top spots are claimed by lakefront municipalities in the 352 area.
Tavares took the number one slot on the list due to its location at the nexus of Lake Dora, Lake Eustis and the Harris Chain of Lakes, as well as its Euro-style lakefront character and identity as America’s Seaplane City.
The other three North Central Florida towns that made the cut are, in descending order, Mount Dora, Leesburg and Clermont.
Three towns within an hour and a half or so by car, Winter Haven, Clewiston and Kissimmee, rounded out the top seven.
Boatmart weighed five elements to come up with their list:
- Boating access/size and connectivity of adjacent water
- Marina and ramp infrastructure
- Fishing and watersports
- Waterfront dining and other attractions
- Town character
Of course, we don’t need a website to tell us about our communities’ amazing access to freshwater activities for “boat people” of all stripes, from weekend warriors to professional anglers and athletes. The Sunshine State’s coastline tends to grab the touristy headlines, but we know the secret spots pontoon chilling, waterside grilling and pulling the kids on a ski rope.