One Of The Most Unique Towns In America, Lake Placid Is Perfect For A Day Trip In Florida
By Marisa Roman|Published July 08, 2021
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
The small town of Lake Placid, Florida has garnered a few nicknames over the years. The first is the “Town of Murals,” considering there are nearly 50 murals throughout the small town, each representing a colorful and an important piece of the town’s history. Second, Lake Placid is known as “The Caladium Capital of the World” as it grows around 80 percent of the world’s caladiums, as well as draws thousands of people every year for the annual caladium festival. Finally, the last nickname is from Reader’s Digest, which dubbed Lake Placid, Florida “America’s Most Interesting Town.” Take a look for yourself, and see if you agree!
Lake Placid, Florida, formerly known as Lake Stearns, was officially chartered on December 1, 1925.
Dr. Melvil Dewey, the inventor of the Dewey Decimal System and the founder of the Lake Placid Club in New York, was the one to propose the name change.
The nearly 50 wall murals throughout the town are all on the sides of buildings in the “uptown” area, and you can snag a map from the Welcome Center in order to take a walking tour of them all.
Another highlight of this town is a visit to The Old Lake Placid Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot, now known as the Historical Society Depot Museum. This attraction is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Another draw for tourists is the famed Toby the Clown Foundation. This American Clown Museum and School provides training for students in the art of clownery. There are also nearly 700 pieces of clown history within these walls.
Plan a trip during the summer so that you can enjoy The Caladium Festival, which also has a massive car and motorcycle show, plus competitions, tons of plants and flowers, and so much more.
Have you ever visited Lake Placid, Florida before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about this small town, then check out the Lake Placid webpage.
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