A Sweet Addition to the Citrus Tower In Clermont, FL
On The Scene with the Erica Diaz Team – Citrus Tower
Recently, Gigi and the crew headed out to Clermont, Florida for a special On the Scene with the Erica Diaz Team. She had the opportunity to visit the Citrus Tower and it’s newest addition, Citrus Coffee Co. The Citrus Tower is an iconic monument in Clermont, Florida. It was built in the 50’s during the huge citrus industry boom. It’s still a very special piece to Clermont and it recently got a little sweeter with the addition of a coffee shop on the bottom level.
In this article we highlight all of the awesome information that was shared with Gigi during her fun and interactive tour led by an awesome employee of the Citrus Coffee Co., Schuyler. Click below to watch the whole tour in action!
Citrus Coffee Co.
One of the newer addition, and a tasty one at that, to the Citrus Tower is Citrus Coffee Co.
“Citrus Coffee Co. was born in a small coffee shop at the base of the Citrus Tower in Clermont, Fla. Rising 22 stories above rolling hills, spring-fed lakes, and citrus groves, the iconic landmark has stood sentinel over the region since 1956. With specialty products that give off hints of orange blossoms, tart grapefruit juice, and other freshly picked notes, it’s a blend that tastes like it came right off the tree.” – Citrus Coffee Co.
The Concept of Citrus Coffee Co.
The concept of Citrus Coffee Co. was inspired by both the orange industry and the Citrus Tower. Due to the strong inspiration brought by oranges, while visiting the coffee shop you’ll see oranges incorporated throughout the space. They can be found on counter, in artwork, and other places throughout.
Supporting other local businesses is of great importance to the coffee shop. In addition to the orange theme, you’ll find works of art, contributed by local artists. Such a artwork created by a Winter Garden (neighboring city) artist. During you’re visit to the coffee shop, make sure to check out the art piece of Clermont and surrounding areas. See if you can find the Citrus Tower, it’s on it!
Keeping with the nostalgic theme, there are also vintage photos throughout the space. They are original photos taken at the Citrus Tower in the 50’s when they first opened. These photos really give you a feel for what it was like when the tower was first built.
Find a Unique Gift
The Citrus Tower also has a great selection of unique gifts. Making it easy to pick out something special for any occasion. Their gift store has all kinds of little trinkets that anyone would love. There are things like magnets and hats. Make sure to grab a vintage post card of the tower and old citrus groves from the 50’s.
If you ever find yourself needing a special children’s book, they have the perfect choice. They have a really great book from a local author, The book is titled A is for Alligator. It was inspired by her love for water painting and her grandchildren. During Covid she began water painting pictures of animals and other things. Before she knew it, she wound up having a painted picture for almost every letter of the alphabet. She then turned it into an alphabet book for her grandkids. Everyone who saw it absolutely adored it. She looked into self publishing, and next thing she knew, it was a published book.
Orange Cream Latte
Do you think this coffee shop could get any sweeter? It Can! They have their very own made in-house orange cream. It is the perfect topper to an iced Orange Cream Latte. The Orange Cream Latte is one of their signature drinks. We highly recommend you try it! It’s a sweet latte with hints of orange and vanilla, topped with Orange Cream and sprinkles.
The Famous Pomegranate Crisp
During her visit at Citrus Coffee Co., Gigi had the opportunity to make the famous Pomegranate Crisp! The ingredients included are pomegranate juice, coconut water, fresh naval orange, and San Pellegrino’s pomegranate sparkling water. It’s no wonder this is a crowd pleaser it’s colorful, refreshing, and so tasty!
While you could now easily make one of these in your own kitchen, take our word for it, it’s just better when you enjoy it from the observation deck of the Citrus Tower.
The Community Room
There’s another very special room at Citrus Coffee Co. that’s worth mentioning. It’s the Community Room! The Community Room is a wonderful great room found on the first floor inside Citrus Coffee Co. This room is a great space for community members to hold conferences or for individuals to get out of the house and do school or work.
The Community Room is an open space room with a big table in the center. There are plenty of chairs to go around as well. In here you’ll also find a tv. The only stipulation to using the room, is you have to be a customer, so simply buy a cup of coffee and enjoy!
Citrus Tower History
In 1956 when the Citrus Tower opened, there were originally three observation decks. There was a lower observation deck, which is no longer accessible by the public. Then there is a middle observation deck with large glass windows, which is still accessible. This is the one open to the public. There is also a third observation deck above the one that is currently open to the public. It is called “Crow’s Nest” and has been closed for over thirty years.
Due to the tower’s hight it has also become an ideal location for satellites. If you look at the top of the tower, you’ll see quite a few.
The Observation Deck
During your visit, make sure you head up to the observation deck. Grab your drink of choice from Citrus Coffee Co. then head on up and enjoy it and some incredible views. Once you arrive in the observation deck, you’ll notice a kiosk. Make sure you swing by it before checking out the views!
The kiosk, is a check in point you will not want to miss. Simply add your information such as your name and email. As a thank you for visiting, you’ll instantly have four vintage photos sent to your email inbox. These photos are ones just like the ones in the coffee shop below. Now you’ll have them to show your friends and family.
After checking in and receiving your great retro photos, head over to the windows. Here’s where you’ll enjoy breathtaking, picturesque views of Clermont and Lake Minniole. You’ll even be able to see the downtown area. Don’t worry about knowing what you are looking at, there are signs hanging throughout the observation deck that point to what you are seeing.
The views go on for as far as the eye can see. From the observation deck you can see the Orlando skyline as well as many Disney hotels like the Contemporary resort. There are other awesome views of Lakes, preserves, hills, and other natural Florida beauty.
An Original Florida Attraction
While Walt Disney World probably comes to mind when you hear the phrase Florida “attraction,” it was not one of the originals. The Citrus Tower, however, was indeed one of Florida’s original “attractions.”
It’s location on top of one of the highest hills around was no coincidence. It was built amidst the era’s flourishing citrus farms. It was designed to be 75 feet high. However, when the tower was completed it soared at a height of 226 feet, which is equivalent to 22 stories high. The tower quickly became a sight to see and visit from all over Central Florida.
Explore the Citrus Tower
It’s not much, but there is a charge to head up to the top of the tower and enjoy the observation deck. It is a self guided tour with no time limit, so take all the time you need to enjoy the views. The Fees help to keep the tower in good condition for generations to visit for years to come.
Address: 141 North Hwy 27 Clermont, Florida 34711
Operating Hours: 7am – 7pm
Children: $6.00
Adults: $10.00
- There is a 20% discount for groups of 20 people or more.
The Erica Diaz Team – A Sweet Addition to the Citrus Tower In Clermont, FL
The Citrus Tower is an iconic monument in Clermont, Florida. It was built in the 50’s during the huge citrus industry boom. It’s still a very special piece to Clermont and it recently got a little sweeter with the addition of a coffee shop on the bottom level. It’s visible form many parts of Clermont. Take a ride to the top of the tower and enjoy a coffee from Citrus Coffee Co. while you look out across the town for as far as the eye can see.
Clermont, Florida is a Central Florida staple. It was on of the first communities created around the citrus farm industry. Today, it’s known for being the Choice of Champions, and is booming with new construction homes. If you are ready to call Clermont home, contact the Erica Diaz Team today.
