FLORIDA PLACES AND DESTINATIONS - SEBRING
Here, in Highlands County, the heart of the Sunshine State, you'll find crystal clear lakes for fishing, boating, skiing and sailing, and more than a dozen golf courses.
The county seat, Sebring, is known throughout the world for Sebring International Raceway and its weeklong race activity in the fall and spring each year – but the community offers many other activities and events for young and old to enjoy throughout the year.
Circle Park in historic downtown Sebring has been a focal point for community activities since the early 1900s and the historic preservation and restoration have turned downtown Sebring into an attraction in itself.
Recreation opportunities include fresh water swimming in its many lakes, fishing, boating, water skiing and other water sports. Largemouth bass abound in area lakes and many are of trophy size. People can enjoy nature at its best in nearby Highlands Hammock State Park, the oldest in Florida's State Park System.
But there is more to see beyond Sebring.
Whether you enjoy fishing, boating or other water sports; golfing at one of the area courses; hiking, biking, or just relaxing; you are sure to find just what you're looking for in Avon Park, known as "City of Charm". From its mile-long mall highlighting the downtown, to the business and activity along US 27, Avon Park people always take the time to welcome visitors and to lend a helping hand.
Some 40 murals grace the sides of buildings around Lake Placid, known as "Caladium Capital of the World". The caladiums are grown in large fields which have been compared to the colorful tulip fields in Holland. Any season of the year is a good time to visit Lake Placid. Its moderate temperatures and sunny days assure plenty to do year-round. With its pristine freshwater lakes, it's no wonder that many recreational pursuits around Lake Placid are water related. Water-skiing, swimming, boating, sailing and fishing are popular activities. Large mouth bass are plentiful in the lakes. Bluegills, shell crackers and crappies are plentiful as well and provide excellent eating.
But you have to see Highlands County as a whole: Its gently rolling hills, orange groves and charming small towns make this a relaxing country getaway - and its central location provides easy access to Florida's best attractions without the hustle and high prices of the major tourist areas. It's the best of both worlds - within two hours of most major attractions yet removed enough for that get-away-from-it-all feeling.
Sun-kissed days in Highlands County beg visitors to picnic in the park, admire its ecology, cast a line in one of its seemingly endless array of lakes, play a round of golf, or if you prefer a faster pace, swing over to the speedway. If the need for speed still nags you, quench it on an airboat tour.
Duck indoors for a walk through one of Highland County's museums or historical sites. Antiques, art and ambiance await.
Great catches teem in Highlands County lakes, and the community welcomes fishermen with guide services and fishing resorts along well-stocked waters. Find bass lurking under blankets of hydrilla, or chase crappie and bluegill. Whether you're a fan of backbay, fly or light tackle fishing, Highlands County provides a storybook setting for your fish tale.
With courses that build on the natural beauty of Highlands County (picture moss-covered oaks and preserves that provide a backdrop for some of our greens), you could find it difficult to keep your eye on the ball.
Home to a park system that wows with outdoor wonders, Highlands County naturally attracts visitors. Otters, alligators and deer take shelter in its hardwood forests, pine flatwoods and cypress swamps, giving visitors a glimpse of wildlife along its nature trails. Birds, including scrub jays, swallow-tailed kites, bald eagles, osprey and sandhill cranes, all in their native habitat, can be seen and heard. Boat ramps, fishing piers and swim centers provide easy access to waterways from public parks. You'll also find playgrounds, cycling paths and plenty of room for picnics within Highlands County parks.
The county has extensive bikeways, including several routes through the very beautiful and popular Highlands Hammock State Park.
There are hiking, canoe and equestrian trails in the State Park and on the grounds of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Archbold Biological Station, the Avon Park Air Force Range and the Royce Preserve - all large conservation management areas covering thousands of acres.
The County's Blueways, Greenways, Trails and Bikeways Comprehensive Master Plan, completed in 2002, calls for expanding and connecting these trails, thus making all of them more accessible.
Photo: Visit Florida
