Oveido is beyond Winter Springs (south east) on 434….it is a town that has over a hundred years of history, but like many Central Florida towns it has more recently lost a lot of what made it individual to the bedroom community mentality that the growth of Orlando has generated, another good reason to look for that which sets it apart and makes it special.  Today we continue to look at small town Florida (one in a planned—as you know my plans sometimes go askew –of six towns in the area that are worth a visit and why)

I think the best place to start is a little bit of Old Florida that has made a place for itself in the here and now

Black Hammock

Black Hammock Adventures
2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road
Oviedo, FL 32765

http://theblackhammock.com/

Here you can spend a few hours or the whole day…

I started my adventure here with a airboat tour

There are 30, and 60 minute tours on the lake as well as a 45 min sunset tour.  The lake is full of wild life and on the 1/2 hour tour we went on we saw 6 or 7 gators, one about 12 or 13 foot long…you will not be disappointed, Florida gator went from becoming extinct to thriving in the time I have resided here–the big lizards are very hardy.  Also if you’ve never taken an airboat ride it is something you really should do at least once in your life—and bring the friends and kids–in fact you can arrange private tours.

And you when you return you can stop for a drink at the Lazy Gator

or enjoy some great southern type cooking at the Black Hammock Restaurant

The menu

https://theblackhammock.com/pages/restaurant-menu.asp

includes cat fish, shrimp, frog legs and for the really adventuresome Gator….plus lots more…check it out above.

Additional things to do and see:

For those who love birds and a great place to take the kids–Bird Island

Check out the Wild Life Exhibit

and don’t miss the gift shop.

check out my review of the location:  https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34521-d1504433-r354191610-Black_Hammock_Adventures-Oviedo_Florida.html#REVIEWS

A settlement was begun here about 1859, and in 1879 the post office was established.

This is a hunting and fishing guide but for this something to do tour for my less blood thirsty readers:

COMING SOON ECO TOURS

YOU’LL BE ABLE TO SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE BREATHTAKING WILDLIFE IN THE AMAZING FLORIDA ECO SYSTEM 

STOP BACK FOR MORE UPDATES ON HOW TO SCHEDULE!

Email us with any questions or for more information about anything on our website tim@fowlmoodwaterfowlers.com 

Econ River Wilderness Area

https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/locations/Econ-River-Wilderness-Area.stml

A few settled at Solary’s Wharf and a few more settled at White’s Wharf (now known as Hiley’s Fish Camp). Others gradually moved inland, to a small village that was later to become known as Oviedo. The settlers grew a variety of crops, including cotton, sugar, citrus, and vegetables. Most of the settlers also had a variety of stock such as horses, pigs, cows and of course our infamous Oviedo chickens.

https://www.mycbfl.com/about-history-chickens.htm

Orange Door Gift Boutique

https://www.facebook.com/pg/OrangeDoorGB/photos/?ref=page_internal

469 S Central Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765-9033   +1 407-278-3282

Housed in a 1930’s house it’s a place where you will always enjoy finding unique gifts for yourself and others.

Home

The Nelson and Company Packing Plant, as well as the Wheeler Fetilizer Company Plant. The company was originally founded by Steen Nelson and Gus Nelson and called Nelson Brothers. The company changed its name to Nelson and Company after it became a three-way partnership between the brothers and Benjamin Franklin Wheeler. In 1923, Wheeler became sole owner after buying out the company. The Wheeler Fertilizer Plant was a holding of Nelson and Company. The original plant was destroyed in a fire in 1947, but eventually rebuilt six months later. Nelson and Company is located in what is now the Nelson and Company Historic District, and was incorparated in September of 2001. The 80-acre district encompasses four of Nelson and Company’s historic buildings.

Oviedo Historical Collection

https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/collections/show/147

12,500 sq. feet, 100 dealers with antiques, vintage and collectables, open 7 days a week.

Elite Boxing Fitness Center

Boing Jump Center

Trampoline Fun Center near UCF

Includes a four route, 24′ Rock Wall

Oviedo is known for its historic houses and buildings, as well as its population of chickens that roam the downtown area. Although the city has historically been rural, in recent years it has had an influx of new developments to support its rapid growth, due to its proximity to the University of Central Florida and the Central Florida Research Park. Several national publications have placed Oviedo on their nationally ranked lists as one of the best places to live in the US.   Wikipedia

A Taste of Oviedo at the Oviedo Mall

https://festivalnet.com/11871/Oviedo-Florida/Festivals/Taste-of-Oviedo

1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd, Oviedo, FL 32765

The 24th Annual Taste of Oviedo presented by Air Flow Designs Heating & Air Conditioning will be taking place at Oviedo Mall on Saturday, March 10, 2018, from 10 am – 6 pm! Food, fun and FREE ADMISSION for the whole family!

These sights are to enhance your planning a trip to the area…the ones with my reviews I have visited before…the rest are just items I picked up thru research of the area and as with any trip in this day and age always double check before you make your plans.

About 1870 Dr. Henry Foster from New York hired local men to plant citrus groves on the shores of Lake Charm and Lake Jesup. After the great freeze of 1895 farmers began to grow celery, first in Oviedo and later in the rich muck of Black Hammock on the south shore of Lake Jessup. The two crops, citrus and celery, became the mainstays of Oviedo agriculture for many years, with celery production reaching a peak in the 1940’s.

Oviedo can claim many contributions to Florida agriculture, among them introducing the Temple Orange into Florida about 1900, when Butler Boston, a local nurseryman, budded the Jamaican Orange in the groves of J. H. Lee and others.

Oviedo Style

History

Precious Moments “You Are My Number One” Figurine 198

$10.85

https://www.etsy.com/listing/467199588/precious-moments-you-are-my-number-one?ref=shop_home_active_12

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