Lake Placid was the half way point to meet with friends who were on the west coast of Florida. Now, I can’t mention Lake Placid without everyone asking, New York? No, this is Lake Placid in Florida and it’s equally unique.  From Vero Beach, it was south on I95 and then straight west on Okeechobee Blvd until I hit Rte. 27 north– a pleasant drive—about 1 ¾ hours from Vero Beach.

Having researched the town beforehand, I knew there were murals, a clown college and that it’s known as the caladium capital of the world. I intend to get back there in July for the Caladium Festival. Interesting factoid: the town grows 98% of the world’s caladiums. The tubers are from the Amazon River Valley and were planted in the 1920’s when it was found that they would thrive in the rich black muck. As an extra bonus, when you stop in the Chamber of Commerce, you can pick up a free package of caladiums. 

Lake Placid was voted ‘most interesting town in America’ in 2012 by Readers Digest readers. It’s a cute little town surrounded by 27 fresh water lakes and murals everywhere.  There are over 40 hand painted murals around town and you can purchase a detailed book that describes where and what each one is about. 

If you ever dreamed of being a clown, Toby’s Clown College is the place to go to. It is also filled with clown memorabilia and circus art.

We had lunch at a Lake Placid fixture, Jaxson’s Grill and Brewery on Lake June Rd. My friend had read about their signature appetizer—a hookiemelt.  A hookiemelt, you ask. Well it’s fried or grilled chicken tenders, your choice of hot sauce, then covered with onions, cheeses and sour cream and baked—a dieter’s dream (LOL) but…. I’m going to reserve judgement on the restaurant because it was a little grungy and my hamburger was very dry. There are new owners so maybe things have changed.

There are lots of little shops to look in downtown. You can also book airboat rides, visit the Henscratch Vineyard and Winery and visit the historical museum.