Hey you! I’m so glad you’re back to hear about the second half of our week-long vacation! St. Augustine was a blast, and Lady Lake was no different!
The drive from St. Augustine to Lady Lake was an easy one…except for my screaming toddler. When we arrived at our campground, we fell in love! We stayed at The Grand Oaks RV Resort, and it easily had the best views of anywhere we’ve stayed yet. We overlooked rolling fields, a pond in the distance and Isla’s favorite: “hersies”…better known as horses. We wish we would have booked our stay for a little bit longer so we could have really enjoyed the resort. The one and only drawback to staying here was that our spot was not shaded at all (and we didn’t see many that were). This meant our air conditioner was cursing us and the July sun, working so hard it continually tripped the breaker. Just a minor annoyance compared to the beauty we enjoyed!
We chose this particular place in Florida because Tomasz’s great aunt and uncle live here. It wasn’t our first trip to the area, and we always enjoy going! It’s about fifteen minutes away from The Villages, “Florida’s friendliest active adult 55+ retirement community.”
Most of our days were spent laughing over the kitchen table at Ciocia and Wujek’s house (did I just blow your mind? Those are Polish for aunt and uncle, pronounced “chah-chuh” and “vooy-ek”…you didn’t know I was going to make you smarter, did ya?). Every time we visit, I am certain that I come home with a few extra pounds from all of the delicious food! Isla’s favorite were the fresh cherries, as well as the homemade avocado spread for sandwiches. Ciocia doesn’t skimp when it comes to quality food!
A couple of our evenings were spent at Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages dancing to live music. This is where Isla thrived! She was the cutest thing out there! She received a lot of attention from the older folks around us, and she definitely didn’t hate it. The little stinker was happy to show off her “wiggle wiggle wiggle” dance moves! This is where we came for the 4th of July last year, as well, so of course it made me extremely nostalgic photograph her in the same spot. This mommy’s heart just cannot believe how much she has grown!
One nearby place that we didn’t get to this year that we all love is Mount Dora. It is one of the most quaint little towns you could ever have the pleasure of experiencing. You’ll find beautiful downtown streets lined with shops, as well as some amazing food!! One of my very favorite restaurants ever is in Mount Dora: Goblin Market. It has a unique atmosphere (we loved sitting out on the adorable patio- even in the heat of July!), delicious food and lovely service. If you are ever in the area, you must make a stop. You won’t regret it! After lunch, take a walk down to the lighthouse and enjoy the views. You might even get to see an alligator (I don’t remember that we did…but hey, it’s Florida!)!
Tomasz and I always love going to visit family in Lady Lake, and this trip was no exception!
Oh, and I dug up some pictures from last year’s trip for your enjoyment! (Yes, Isla still fits into the same pair of shorts! Skinny Minnie! Haha.)
Have a fabulous Tuesday!
Xoxo,
Nicole
