Summary
- Lake Concord Park
- Secret Lake Park
- Casselberry Art House
- Bowigens Beer Company
- Spring Hammock Preserve
- Colorado Fondue Company
- Semoran Skateway
- Jazz and Art Festival
- Casselberry Food Trucks
- Aiguille Rock Climbing Center
- Mardi Gras Music Festival
- Howell Branch Nature Preserve
- Casselberry Golf Club
- Wekiwa Springs State Park
- A Petrified Forest Scare Trail
Located in the southern part of Seminole County, Casselberry is merely ten miles north of downtown Orlando, where Highway 17 and State Road 436 intersect, providing access to various communities throughout Central Florida.
The vibrancy of activities at Lake Concord Park is particularly notable. Throughout the year, this venue hosts numerous public events, ranging from jazz festivals to monthly food truck and music gatherings.
In spite of being situated within a substantial urban area, there is an abundance of green space and natural landscapes. Notably, Secret Lake Park serves as an appealing refuge, and in less than 15 minutes one can access Wekiwa Springs State Park or the shores of Lake Jesup for hiking or airboat adventures.
1. Lake Concord Park
This picturesque park, located adjacent to Casselberry’s City Hall, graces the southern shore of Lake Concord.
Paths meander through the area, traversing beneath magnificent old live oaks and along the western bank of the lake via a delightful boardwalk. Amenities include a splash pad, a sculpture garden, fountains on the lake, and the Casselberry Art House, which will be discussed later.
Lake Concord Park is primarily recognized as a hub for events, with few weekends passing without an activity occurring at the amphitheater. Notable events will be outlined later in this article.
The smaller Sunset Park, situated on the eastern shore, is aptly named for its scenic views at dusk.
2. Secret Lake Park
Encircled by three lakes, this park offers an extensive array of recreational facilities. Major attractions include basketball and tennis courts, as well as soccer and softball fields.
For those who prefer leisurely walks rather than intense sports activities, there exists a paved path that weaves through the park, connecting to a boardwalk and fishing pier at the lake.
If you possess your own kayak or canoe, this park serves as an excellent launch point for paddling.
Families will appreciate the presence of two playgrounds at Secret Lake Park, while the Recreation Center conducts numerous programs and activities throughout the week.
3. Casselberry Art House
Converted from a mid-century residence by Lake Concord in 2002, the Casselberry Art House has become a prominent local arts destination. This esteemed facility hosts exhibitions, workshops, musical performances, and lectures featuring both local and visiting artists.
Many of the programs cater to children, but there are also ample opportunities for adults. Whether interested in pastels, acrylics, watercolors, drawing, or pottery, attendees are likely to find programs that pique their interest.
The Casselberry Art House arranges month-long exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing works by some of Central Florida’s most renowned artists.
It is worth attending the Florida Painters Group exhibition held every January. Additionally, the Sculpture House, located nearby, typically hosts three exhibitions each year, alongside displays at City Hall.
4. Bowigens Beer Company
This brewery, which made a significant impression on Central Florida’s craft beer industry by opening in Casselberry in 2015, features a brewery/taproom situated in a strip mall along SR 436, with another taproom located in Avalon Park that opened in 2021.
The tap list changes frequently; however, there is a core selection available at all times.
As an enthusiast of malty beers, I particularly enjoy the 7 Layer Stout, which, as the name suggests, is brewed with seven different malts. Other staples include Bow 9 (Pale Ale), 407 Pils, and TrHOPical Fusion (IPA).
No kitchen is available; thus, patrons are welcome to bring their own meals, and dogs are permitted on the patio.
5. Spring Hammock Preserve
Located just five minutes north of Casselberry, the 1,500-acre Spring Hammock Preserve showcases exceptional mature woodlands on the west shore of Lake Jesup.
This preserve encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including pine flatwoods, upland hardwoods, and hydric hammocks in the wetter areas.
Within this area lies ‘Lady Liberty’, a bald cypress tree that is over 2,000 years old and more than 80 feet tall.
The preserve intersects with the 23-mile Cross Seminole Trail, which extends from Lake Mary in the north to Winter Park in the south.
An extensive network of boardwalks traverses the park, allowing visitors to reach the edge of the lake. While some of these boardwalks were in varying conditions during my last visit, most remained accessible.
6. Colorado Fondue Company
While fondue may not be the most anticipated cuisine in Central Florida, Colorado Fondue Company has remained a local fixture in Casselberry for over 30 years.
The establishment is renowned for its selection of melted cheeses, accompanied by artisan breads, corn chips, fruits, and vegetables.
The menu presents an extensive array of appetizers, soups, salads, and entrees, many of which emphasize fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.
Dessert options include chocolate fondues, prepared with bourbon and butterscotch, or Belgian chocolate, Irish cream, and homemade caramel.
7. Semoran Skateway
Owned and operated by the same family since the late 1970s, Semoran Skateway is a beloved establishment where generations of locals have spent time.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, this roller-skating rink features a consistent public skating schedule. Children can learn to skate on Tuesdays and Saturdays, followed by Family Fun Night on Tuesdays, with admission included in the lesson cost.
Adults wishing to skate can attend the Old School Jamz session on Saturday nights, and an adults-only session is available on Sunday nights.
During my visit, skate rentals were priced at a reasonable $3.
8. Jazz and Art Festival
Among the numerous events to experience in Casselberry, the biannual Jazz and Art Festival at Lake Concord Park should not be overlooked.
This festival occurs in October and March, featuring an impressive lineup of live music, art vendors, and food trucks.
The October festival embraces a Latin theme and consistently hosts prominent artists. During the year in which this article was written, Grammy-nominated Cuban bandleader Pedrito Martinez was the featured performer.
Scheduled for the spring edition of that year was renowned smooth jazz saxophonist Will Donato. This festival is sponsored by Central Florida radio station WUCF-FM and regularly draws a substantial audience.
9. Casselberry Food Trucks
Every second Friday of the month, Lake Concord Park becomes the venue for the Casselberry Food Trucks event, attracting hundreds for delightful cuisine and live music.
Hosted in the evening, this gathering features two live performers each time. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, such as blankets, lawn chairs, and even tables.
When I attended, the food offerings included a tantalizing bao bun, along with tacos, schnitzel, BBQ, teriyaki, and fried catfish.
Additionally, a variety of vendors sell handmade arts and crafts, enhancing the overall experience.
10. Aiguille Rock Climbing Center
Situated just a few minutes away in Longwood, the Aiguille Rock Climbing Center has been welcoming visitors since its establishment in 1997. This indoor climbing gym spans 10,000 square feet, catering to climbers of all levels.
A notable feature of this facility is that non-members can access the amenities with a day pass at no additional charge.
With walls reaching a height of 24 feet, the center includes six auto-belays (for those climbing alone) and five toprope walls. Bouldering is also an option, making it an ideal choice for novices, as it requires minimal instruction.
11. Mardi Gras Music Festival
Hosted at Lake Concord Park, the beloved Mardi Gras Music Festival occurs annually around Carnival time, presenting a vibrant showcase of music, food, and Creole culture for one night only.
The music lineup features a mix of Cajun, New Orleans R&B, and Zydeco, with local favorites such as the Porchdogs regularly performing. Additionally, attendees can enjoy the lively performance of Junkanoo dancers adorned in colorful costumes accompanied by drums and whistles.
A free Mardi Gras Dog Parade kicks off the festivities, with awards presented in various categories ranging from Most Original to Cutest Canine.
12. Howell Branch Nature Preserve
From art galleries to botanical gardens, the neighboring city of Winter Park offers a plethora of indoor and outdoor attractions.
Particularly close to Casselberry is the Howell Branch Nature Preserve, which encompasses nearly 11 acres of wetlands and pine hammocks, creating a picturesque setting for both active and passive recreation.
Amenities include a fitness trail equipped with exercise machines and a playground. I was also impressed by the informative plaques along the nature trail.
Pets are permitted as long as they are leashed, and their owners ensure proper cleanup. Visitors can often observe various wildlife along the trails, particularly during morning and evening hours.
13. Casselberry Golf Club
Since its establishment in 1947, Casselberry Golf Club has been favored by golf enthusiasts, who appreciate its impeccably maintained greens and tree-lined fairways.
The par-69 course is shorter compared to most 18-hole courses, which is part of its appeal. The pricing is notably reasonable, at $55 for weekends when I played. Additionally, a round can typically be completed in three hours or less, making it a quicker option than many longer courses.
The club features an on-site restaurant, a driving range, and a fully stocked pro shop. Furthermore, professional lessons are available from the club’s staff for those looking to improve their skills.
14. Wekiwa Springs State Park
Located a short distance away, the enchanting waters of Wekiwa Springs are also only 15 minutes from Casselberry.
The springs emerge within an idyllic tropical setting, abundant with wildlife. The more remote areas of the state park are inhabited by otters, numerous wading birds, black bears, and a variety of alligators. In the winter, manatees are also known to visit.
The park’s main attraction during summer is the swimming hole, which features refreshingly cool emerald waters. Visitors need not worry about alligators in the more developed areas—goggles or a snorkel are recommended to appreciate the water’s exceptional clarity.
For those looking for adventure, options include embarking on a paddling trip down the pristine Wekiva River or tackling the main hiking trail, which spans over 14 miles.
15. A Petrified Forest Scare Trail
Commencing in late September, one of Central Florida’s most renowned haunted attractions is located next to Casselberry in Altamonte Springs.
Set amidst a lakeside forest, A Petrified Forest Scare Trail encompasses over 85,000 square feet of themed scares offered across three distinct attractions.
During my visit, these included The Island of the Dead Dolls (inspired by Mexico City), The Slaughter House, and The Human Experiment.
This haunting experience is primarily outdoors; therefore, it is advisable to check the weather prior to attending. One highly recommended option is the Backstage Pass, which allows insight into the creativity behind A Petrified Forest, and even an opportunity to engage in scaring.