Sandwiched Between Orlando And Gainesville Is Florida's Charming City With Friendly Vibes And A Lake

It's easy to see the allure of a fast-paced big city trip, but sometimes you just want to go somewhere scenic and quiet to escape. Surprisingly enough, that's exactly what you'll find sandwiched between Orlando (one of the five most visited cities in America) and Gainesville (Florida's best college city with youthful vibes and inexpensive adventures). Boasting the perfect mix of small-town charm and lakeside fun, Belleview manages to stand out even among its better-known neighbors. And even though the city shines with its close-knit, secluded feel, it's still exceptionally well-connected.

You're only an hour away from both Orlando and Gainesville, so driving accessibility shouldn't be an issue. Even fliers have plenty of options, since both of those cities above have their own airports. Pro tip: If you're coming through Orlando, see if you can land in Orlando Sanford instead of Orlando International — it's one of Florida's most affordable airports. From here, you're looking at a 65-mile drive, so make sure to book a rental beforehand because public transportation options are virtually non-existent, and taxis can easily surpass the $100 mark.

Just keep in mind that, this being Florida, summers can get scorching hot. Winters are shorter and cooler, but they're often rainy, making it harder to enjoy all the lakeside activities Belleview offers. That's why the best times to visit the city are either between late March and mid-May or early October and late November. Precipitation can be an issue year-round, though, so come prepared with some waterproof layers.

Belleview calls itself a city with small-town charm, and there's really no better way to describe it. The neighborhood around Lake Lillian, also known as "Historic District" or the New England Colony, is the perfect place to start your tour. The architecture here dates back to the 19th century, and the area promises everything from a serene walking trail to picnic pavilions and a fishing dock. In 1999, the neighborhood was added to the National Register for Historic Places, so it's worth seeing for the significance alone.

Shoppers of all kinds are bound to find something they love in Belleview, too. For a more traditional retail experience, you can go to Belleview Regional Shopping Center. Here, you'll find some good stores and a decent variety of products, not to mention there's a great Mexican restaurant on-site that serves authentic, reasonably-priced meals. If you're looking for second-hand treasures instead, you can't go wrong with Mossy Oaks Antique Mall. Spanning 8,000 square feet and home to over 40 vendors, this is the place to find all kinds of furniture and collectibles, not to mention the prices are fantastic. The staff is lovely, too, just keep in mind that the space isn't air-conditioned.

If you've got some extra time, try to arrange for some day trips to get a better feel of the region as a whole. Leesburg is a great first stop. Located just a bit over 20 miles away, this is another growing lakeside city full of fishing, dining, and fun-filled events. Next up, there's Eustis. Otherwise known as "America's Hometown," this is a tranquil city with rural vibes and a vibrant downtown nestled only 40-something minutes away from Belleview.

When you're not shopping around town, you have to take advantage of Lake Lillian and all the outdoor recreation that Belleview promises. Here, you can just savor the view and watch the ducks go by. In the winter, there's a beautiful light display that'll take your travel pictures to the next level, while in the summer, you can cool off in the free splash pad. You'll also find food trucks scattered around the area, which come in handy when you want to enjoy lunch with a lakeside view.

There's also a fishing dock and open lawns, but if you want to get some actual exercise in, there's no better place than the Belleview Sports Complex. Located less than a mile away, this is a park where you can play just about anything you can think of, from football, basketball, and soccer, to baseball, softball, and tennis. 

The area is also wheelchair-accessible and free to enter.There are several restrooms you can use, which manage to stay clean throughout the day (at least for the most part). There are plenty of parking spaces, too, so you won't have to worry too much about the timing of your visit. After all, the park is open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., so put it anywhere you want on your itinerary. For younger children who can't enjoy the sports fields yet, there's a playground complete with swings, a slide, a bouncy horse, and a sandbox. Outdoor lovers have to schedule a day in Ocala, too. Located less than 20 minutes away, this underrated town between Florida's east and west coasts has one of America's largest springs.