The Big House Sports Complex in Tavares, Florida hosts a multitude of tournaments each year for volleyball, basketball, taekwondo, cheer and dance, baton twirling, wrestling, gymnastics, and many other sports. If your team is visiting The Big House Sports Complex, then you will be in a unique part of Florida that features a number of fun attractions right nearby. Here are some things for your team to do and places to eat during your downtime.

 

Things to Do

Lake County Parks

Tavares and Lake County are home to more than 130 miles of navigable waterways, and not surprisingly Tavares is known as America’s Seaplane City. The city actually sits between three lakes: Lake Harris, Lake Eustis and Lake Dora. That’s why there are a multitude of choices when it comes to parks to hang out at and play. Here are four of them: Ferran Park; Palm Island Park; Woonton Park; and Hickory Point Recreation Park. Lake County, FL

 

Via Entertainment

Via Entertainment, in Leesburg, is a family-friendly entertainment center that features a bowling alley, arcade, and sports bar. At Via Entertainment, you’ll find everything you need to get the fun rolling and more! —They’ve got plenty of high-quality bowling balls, rental shoes, and of course, open lanes. The arcade at Via Entertainment has hundreds of exciting games to play and even more prizes to win. Cash in your tickets at the Winner’s Circle and take home a fun souvenir! 10401 US-441, Leesburg, FL 34788

 

Boat Tours

Another way to experience and enjoy the area’s lakes is to embark on a relaxing boat tour. Several companies offer tours that ply these waters and shine a spotlight on the most picturesque and unique spots. Discover the Dora Canal, which has been described as the “most beautiful mile of water in the world.” You can also take a boat out on Lake Dora, Lake Eustis, or Lake Harris. Different tour operators feature pontoon boats, kayaks, or canoes, so it’s easy to customize your experience based on your group’s preferences. Here are few tour operators based in nearby Mount Dora: Premier Boat Tours; Rusty Anchor; and Cat Boat Tours. 100 Alexander St, Mt Dora, FL 32757; 400 W 4th Ave, Mt Dora, FL 32757; 311 S Tremain St, Mt Dora, FL 32757

 

Adventure Outdoor Paddle

Another fun attraction close to The Big House Sports Complex is Adventure Outdoor Paddle. They provide you with all the equipment and experience needed to show you the best possible time on the water and they invite you to come discover the beautiful waterways of Lake and Marion County! Adventure Outdoor Paddle has designed adventure kayak and paddle board tours with priorities in the order of safety, fun, and affordability. Your next adventure starts with experiencing the natural beauty of central Florida. You’ll get an up close look at the local ecosystems and abundant wildlife from the water. Their adventure tours take place in Tavares, Mount Dora, and Eustis. Let Adventure Outdoor Paddle show you a great time out on the water! Tavares, FL

 

Sky Zone

If you’re busting at the seams for an activity that tests the limits of your energy and provides hours of airborne fun near The Big House Sports Complex, check out Sky Zone. Clermont, where Sky Zone is located, is a 20 mile drive south from Tavares and The Big House Sports Complex.

Bounce your way to fitness on the many trampolines that cover the floor, or try your hand at the SkySlam, where you get to take a flying leap off a super-bouncy trampoline to dunk a ball into a basket. You can play Ultimate Dodgeball on the trampoline dodgeball court or fly without fear in the Foam Zone, offering an ultra-soft foam landing pit for your acrobatic antics. 2510 S Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34711

 

To find hotel rooms closest to where your team is playing in Tavares or any city, visit hotels4teams.com. Hotels4Teams – The Best Hotels at the Best Prices, Closest to the Action!

 

Places to Eat

Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill

Brightly colored walls and Caribbean décor welcome guests at Tavares’ Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill, one of Lake County’s most lauded seafood joints. A view of the water makes it easy to forget just how far inland you are, especially when you sample restaurant favorites like clams, oysters, and shrimp. The restaurant has plenty of outdoor seating, or diners can sit in the bar area and watch the oysters being freshly shucked. Service is notably impeccable, and the staff will do everything they can to make sure you have a memorable dining experience. 118 W Ruby St, Tavares, FL 32778

 

Mary’s Kountry Kitchen

Since 2007, home-style cooking has been the name of the game at Mary’s Kountry Kitchen in downtown Tavares. Guaranteeing hot, fresh food in a casual, friendly atmosphere, the restaurant serves country favorites for three meals a day.

Breakfast is always a special occasion at Mary’s, and you can enjoy tasting the eatery’s versions of classics like Eggs Benedict and biscuits and gravy. Captain Crunch French toast puts a unique spin on two different breakfast staples. For lunch and dinner, popular options include country-fried steak, catfish fillets, and sides like hush puppies, sweet peaches, and pickled beets. 15945 County Rd 448, Tavares, FL 32778

 

Lake Harris Hideaway

Lake Harris Hideaway is a unique eatery situated on the beautiful Harris Chain of Lakes that can be accessed by both land and water. It doesn’t get much more Floridian than that! They are a family-friendly restaurant so bring the whole gang. Enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Harris from their scenic outdoor deck area as you indulge in shareable appetizers like peel and eat shrimp, miniature corn dogs, fried mushrooms, cheese sticks, jalapeno poppers, and more. Their entrees include everything from a four-piece honey fried chicken basket to the Old Man of the Sea Combo, which includes fried grouper, shrimp, clam strips, and tender crab cakes. This sure sounds like a place that you’ll want to show up hungry to! 11912 Lane Park Rd, Tavares, FL 32778

 

Hurricane Grill & Wings

Hurricane Grill & Wings located on the St. Lucie River near The Big House Sports Complex is a tropical-themed chain offering spiced-to-order wings with an array of sauces along with plenty of other pub grub and a full bar. You can come here for much more than just wings though. Their menu includes entrees like grilled mahi-mahi, beer-battered fish and chips, a shrimp and mahi-mahi rice bowl, and more. It’s definitely worth the stop! 3351 W Burleigh Blvd, Tavares, FL 32778

 

You’ll find that there is plenty to do in Tavares and surrounding Lake County. After your team is done competing at The Big House Sports Complex, you can enjoy discovering the local attractions, eating great meals, and just spending time amid the residents of this quaint and welcoming area.