Gay Montverde

Located in Lake County on the southwest shore of Lake Apopka, Montverde was the site of a Native American settlement that began in 1865. The town was initially named West Lake Apopka and incorporated in 1925. It was later changed to "Monte Verde" which is Spanish for green mountain—tradition says a settler came across Lake Apopka and saw the rolling green hills.

Montverde is a small town of about 1000 people and has maintained its laid-back feel and rural charm. During the 1920s, the town is known for its grape industry but today, it is better known as the place where Snapper Mower was invented and the home of Montverde Academy.

Best Time to Visit Montverde

Montverde has pleasant weather year-round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 51°F to 90°F and is rarely below 37°F or above 94°F. The best time to visit Montverde for warm-weather activities is from March to mid-May and from mid-October to late November when the weather is most pleasant. On the other hand, August and July are the least comfortable months. In Montverde, the summers are long, hot, wet, and mostly cloudy and the winters are short, cool, and partly cloudy. 

Top Things to See and Do in Montverde

1) Green Mountain Scenic Byway

2) The Spa at Bella Collina

3) Lake Apopka 

4) Kirk Park

5) Montverde Lake Florence Park 

6) Ferndale Preserve

Photo Credit: floridahikes

7) Truskett Park

MUST DO Montverde Attractions & Activities

Spend time at the beautiful Truskett Park, where locals go to experience the true nature of central Florida and see the stunning views of Lake Apopka. Check out Harper House, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the oldest buildings in Montverde.

Photo Credit: Tim Fillmon

You don’t have to get on the highway just to go to Bella Collina Spa and Golf Course. The luxury spa at Bella Collina offers facials, body scrubs, and full-body massage so that you can feel rejuvenated any day of the week while staying in Montverde.

Montverde is about 30 minutes from Orlando Central, Downtown Orlando, and even Disney World. In general, Montverde has a wonderful community and all the perks of a small town without losing access to the city. In this town, you are never far off the downtown nightlife or the magical Disney Springs.