The history of Clermont begins in 1884 when it was founded.  Later in 1916 it was incorporated and began growing.  The city gets its name from Clermont, France because of the beauty both areas have.  Today the downtown looks nearly identical to the way it was over 50 years ago with the Florida Citrus Tower looking as good as it did in 1956.   

In the beginning of the millennium the orange groves gave way for a huge population boom in the area and subdivisions were built.  Retail stores soon followed and in January 2009 construction began on the largest outdoor shopping mall in Lake County.  This mall is over one million square feet and located right off State Road 50 in Clermont.  The other attractions in Clermont are Holy Land Experience, Citrus Tower, and Presidents Hall of Fame.   

The events held in Clermont are standard of any other city having events for all of the major holidays but the ones that are special are the farmers market and the Light Up Clermont.  The farmers market is held every Saturday in downtown Clermont.  The market has such an array of items for sale that you never know what you will find.  Some of the highlights are: hand rolled cigars, Amish jams, fresh produce bread and baked goods, artwork and handmade crafts, and fresh seafood. 

The Light Up Clermont is held in the historic district on the first weekend of December.  Here the town tree is lighted and the celebration begins with horse drawn carriage rides and caroling in the streets, plus performances on some street corners.  This event is truly unique and you can even purchase handcrafted jewelry and other pieces to give as gifts at this event.   

Clermont has more to offer the area as well.  It is the home of two college campuses and many more are close commutes.  The colleges in Clermont are:

• Lake Sumter Community College
• University of Central Florida – Clermont Campus

The colleges that are a short commute from Clermont include:

• University of Phoenix – Orlando Campus
• Rollins College
• Valencia Community College
• University of Central College – Main Campus
• Seminole Community College
• Polk Community College
• Saint Leo University

The amounts of outdoor activities that are possible in Clermont are numerous.  Biking, golfing, boating, fishing, and water sports are all popular here.  When you go to one of the many lakes and parks you will witness people doing all of the above.  There is enough to do that the locals do not have to leave town to stay busy having a good time.  The lakes and parks include:

• Shady Nook Lake
• Center Lake
• Lake Charles
• Crystal Lake
• Sunset Lake
• Lake Sunnyside
• Lake Dot
• Spring Lake
• Lake Minneola
• Lake Minnehaha
• Palatakaha Park

There are many more ponds and waterways in Clermont.  Looking at a map you will see you can’t go far without being close to water.  Additionally nearly all of the lakes also have great parks with facilities in them.

If you are looking for a city in the heart of Florida that is close enough to be near Orlando but retains the small town feel then Clermont is the choice.  The area has experienced growth over the last few years drawing in major retailers and the construction of a massive open air mall.  With such great beauty and a prime location in Central Florida it is no wonder Clermont has been growing.