Last Updated on March 31, 2023
Avon Park is one of Florida’s charming small towns, with a population of about 10,000 residents.
Located approximately 9 miles north of Sebring and 14 miles northwest of Highlands Hammock State Park, this Central Florida town is located in Highlands County and is known as the “City of Charm.”
Here are some top things to do in Avon Park, FL. From rustic country stores to cool museums and parks, check out all the places you can visit on a trip to this quaint and cultured town.
Table of contents
Maxwell Groves Country Store
Maxwell Groves Country Store is a must-visit destination while in Avon Park.
Over the course of 86 years, Maxwell Groves has gone from an open-air fruit stand to the popular country store it is today.
The store features a front porch with orange rocking chairs and a bench swing – the perfect place to relax on a nice day.
Customers can pack their own citrus fruit and sample fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice or ice cream.
Maxwell Groves squeezes and packages all its orange juice in-house.
The store sells a wide variety of jerky, jellies, jams, marmalades, kinds of butter, salsas, sauces, and more.
While you are there, you have to try Maxwell Groves’ famous Orange Ice Cream. It is a delicious dairy-free soft-serve treat.
Other dairy-free flavors include creamsicle, key-lime, lemonade, and vanilla. If you are looking for dairy-based ice cream, there are twenty flavors of Hershey’s ice cream available as well.
TIPS:
- Maxwell Groves Country Store is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.
- Citrus fruit season runs from October to May, with options that may include grapefruits, tangerines, and more.
- There is shipping available for orders placed through the Maxwell Groves online store.
- Do not, we repeat, do not miss the orange ice cream!
For more information, visit the official Maxwell Groves Country Store website.
Maxwell Groves Country Store Address: 607 East Circle St., Avon Park, FL 33825
The Depot Museum & Historical Society of Avon Park
The Depot Museum & Historical Society of Avon Park is a great place to visit while in town. The museum has exhibits that depict the early beginnings of Avon Park.
You can also see a two-person telephone switchboard, a military exhibit, and a train dining car when visiting the museum.
TIPS:
- The Depot Museum & Historical Society of Avon Park is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 am to 3 pm.
- There is a gift shop available onsite.
- The museum’s street is also home to the Avon Park Public Library and the Avon Park Community Center.
For more information, visit the official Avon Park Historical Society website.
The Depot Museum & Historical Society of Avon Park Address: 3 North Museum Ave, Avon Park, FL 33825
Downtown Avon Park
Downtown Avon Park is a lively and vibrant destination in town, with plenty of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions to explore.
Main Street in Avon Park is the central hub of the city’s downtown area. It is lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Downtown offers a variety of shops, including antique stores, clothing boutiques, gift shops, and more. You can find unique items and souvenirs to take home as a memory of your trip to Avon Park.
There are various dining options downtown, including cafes, bakeries, and full-service restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, there is plenty to choose from.
Downtown Avon Park is home to several historic buildings, including the Hotel Jacaranda, which dates back to the 1920s and is listed on the National Historic Register.
For more information, visit the official City of Avon Park website.
Downtown Avon Park City Address: 110 East Main Street, Avon Park, FL 33825
Donaldson Park
Donaldson Park is a city park in Avon Park that offers visitors a tranquil spot to relax along Lake Verona.
Enjoy scenic views, a playground, a picnic area, a sandy beach area, and special events, including the Rotary Bluegrass & Blueberry Festival in April.
The park also has a boat ramp for those who want to head out on the lake.
Donaldson Park is open daily.
For more information, visit the official City of Avon Park website.
Donaldson Park Address: 109 East Main St., Avon Park, FL 33825
Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts
Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts is a theatre on the South Florida State College (SFSC) Highlands Campus in Avon Park.
There is a 1460-seat venue that holds a variety of shows and is part of the school’s performing arts program.
Performances include musical artists, fundraisers, and free theatre shows geared toward children, to name a few.
Check the center’s Upcoming Shows page to see what is scheduled during your visit to Avon Park.
TIPS:
- Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts box office is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, as well as one hour before showtime.
- Parking is free at Wildstein Center.
- Discounted are available for those purchasing season tickets.
- The theatre opens an hour before the show starts.
For more information, visit the official SFSC Performing Arts website.
Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts Address: 600 W. College Dr., Avon Park, FL 33825
Museum of Florida Art & Culture
Also located on SFSC’s Highlands Campus is the Museum of Florida Art & Culture. It is a great place to learn about Florida art and history during your trip to Avon Park.
The free museum has an ongoing exhibition, A History of Florida, where visitors can learn about locally excavated fossils and materials.
Other exhibitions include Nabil Harb’s Atmospheres, a photography collection about easy-to-miss places, and HIWYMN’s Color & Force, a collection of paintings of Florida landscapes.
TIPS:
- The Museum of Florida Art & Culture is open Wednesday through Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
- Admission and parking are free for this museum.
For more information, visit the official Museum of Florida Art & Culture website.
Museum of Florida Art & Culture Address: 600 W. College Dr., Avon Park, FL
Eighteen East Restaurant and Bar
Eighteen East Restaurant and Bar is an American restaurant in Avon Park. The restaurant is a local gem that offers weekly specials and live music performed by local artists.
Specials include seafood dishes like grilled shrimp, crab cakes, and red snapper. Salads, soups, and baked potatoes are great sides to pair with your meal.
Other dishes include wraps, sandwiches, and entrees that include your choice of steak, pork chop, chicken, or fish.
TIPS:
- Eighteen East Restaurant and Bar is open Tuesday from 4 pm to 8 pm, Wednesday from 11 am to 3 pm, and Wednesday through Saturday from 4 pm to 8 pm.
- Dine-in and take-out options are available.
- The restaurant hosts local musical artists to perform live music on Tuesday nights.
- The restaurant has an extensive wine list available by the glass or bottle.
For more information, visit the official Eighteen East Restaurant and Bar Facebook page.
Eighteen East Restaurant and Bar Address: 18 E. Main St., Avon Park, FL 33825
Additional Things to Do in Avon Park, FL:
- Peter Powell Roberts Museum of Art & Cultural Center, 310 W Main St., Avon Park, FL 33825
- River Greens Golf Course, 47 W Lake Damon Dr., Avon Park, FL 33825
- Avon Park Mowerplex, 2155 W Herrick Rd., Avon Park, FL 33825
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