OFF-COURSE
REVIEW
Fast cars, big fish: Off
the course in Sebring
By Brandon Tucker,
Staff Writer
Is it possible to reside in the middle of nowhere, just a short trip from everywhere else?
The small town of Sebring in central Florida poses this question. It flies well below the tourism radar in Florida as Orlando, Tampa and the First Coast steal the spotlight. But Sebring has found a niche in the Sunshine State as the place to be when you don’t want to be where everyone else is. About an hour from Orlando and both coasts, Sebring is just what the doctor prescribed for thousands of visitors each year.
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“One of our advantages is people are tired of the mad traffic at the coasts,” said Joy Running, a member of the Sebring Chamber of Commerce. “It gives them a good place to come and spend a weekend. It’s a laid-back area. There’s lots of golf courses, many lakes, fishing, a couple state parks. There’s a lot to do.”
Sebring and the surrounding area has over a dozen courses, but there’s plenty to do in the area if you need a day off from golf.
Sebring is probably most known for being a racing town. The town is home to America’s oldest road racing track, Sebring International Raceway. Founded more than 50 years ago, the track hosts the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Racing every March. Nearly 100,000 race fans come from all over even from Daytona to check out race week.
Hotels are always close to impossible to find, so if you plan on coming during race week, it’s recommended to call for reservations close to a year in advance.
Visitors not in a “need for speed” are in the right place, even during race week. Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line at more than 90 lakes in Highlands County. Lake Istokpoga, south of Sebring, is acclaimed as one of Florida’s best large-mouth bass fishing holes.
Lake Jackson is also known for its bass, as well as other water activities such as boating, swimming, and otherwise pure relaxation. Highlands County has more than 40 public boat launches and 15 county parks.
Highlands Hammock State Park is Florida’s oldest and is the site of numerous outdoor activities. Hiking and bike trails wind throughout the grounds, and camping and picnic areas dot the park as well.
Bird
watching is popular and is the last known location of the Ivory Billed
Woodpecker, which is now extinct. Birds that still inhabit the park
include the Florida Scrub Jay, Swallow Tiled Kite, Florida Sandhills
Crane, Osprey and Bald Eagle.
Back in town, the annual Highland Art League Art Festival is held each November on the town’s city circle. It’s one of the top-rated art shows in Florida and brings in artists from across America and the world. The circle is also home to many of Sebring’s finest and most unique restaurants and shops.
Of course, if you need a day away from Sebring, the location certainly makes it possible. Lake Placid and Avon Park are the two other towns in the county and while not as large as Sebring, are worth the 10-minute drive to check them out. Also, both coasts are within an hour’s drive in case the beaches tolls for thee.
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
