Avon Park is about 76 miles south of Orlando. We had already done Universal Studios and Disney Land so to avoid the hustle and bustle of the major tourist areas, we decided to visit a quieter area.

The Lake Verona Lodge Bed & Breakfast is run by a charming couple from the U.K., Steve & Gloria Vanderzee. In 2000 they purchased the 5 bedroom 4 bath circa 1925 two story home and over the next two years rehabbed it into a gorgeous antique filled B&B that is elegant yet unpretentious. The house overlooks Lake Verona, where you can swim or fish, and there are public tennis courts as well.

While we were there I did fish. Just a few blocks away is Henricks, a small grocery store with a separate well equipped bait shop in the back. I was able to purchase a non-resident fishing license there, as well as worms. It was so convenient. I felt all of the stress leave me as I casually fished and watched the sun come up, and was joined by an egret walking along... more