TAVARES, Fla. – Sometimes the best road trips aren’t the ones that take you hundreds of miles away. Sometimes they’re the unexpected detours that remind you just how much there is to discover right here in Florida.
Several years ago, my kids and I took the Golden Triangle train excursion out of Mount Dora, traveling through Tavares and Eustis. While we never stopped to explore those communities during that trip, a recent drive home from Orlando gave me the perfect excuse to finally do just that.
As an avid fan of Alice in Wonderland, I couldn’t resist visiting the Hatter’s Garden of Curiosities at Crafted Concoctions in downtown Tavares. The drive itself was part of the adventure. Traveling along the Wekiva Parkway, I was reminded that Florida is so much more than beaches. Towering trees, rolling farmland, and scenic backroads (the Green Mountain Scenic Byway) reveal a side of the Sunshine State that many people never experience.
The moment I arrived in Tavares, I was charmed.
Anyone who has traveled with me knows I have a habit of searching for historic downtown districts. I can’t resist those little brown signs pointing toward a historic area. I always have to stop, walk around, browse the shops, explore local restaurants, and discover what makes each community unique.
Tavares did not disappoint.
Inside Crafted Concoctions and BTW (Burgers, Tacos & Waffles), one side operates as a traditional restaurant while the other transports visitors straight down the rabbit hole. The Alice in Wonderland-themed experience is spectacular. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed—from giant mushrooms and a lounging caterpillar to playing cards, white rabbits, whimsical décor, and hidden surprises in every nook and cranny.
It truly feels like stepping into another world.
The menu is just as creative as the setting. I ordered a Belgian waffle made from corn muffin mix topped with fried chicken, served alongside a seasoned butter and syrup combination that was unlike anything I’ve tried before. The sweet-and-savory pairing was delicious and wonderfully unique.
The bar also serves an impressive selection of craft cocktails, many inspired by the Wonderland theme. Even better, the staff fully embrace the experience, adding to the fun atmosphere.
One of my favorite moments came when a family who had ordered lunch from the adjoining burger restaurant asked if they could enjoy their meal inside the Wonderland-themed space. Since it was a quiet Thursday morning, the staff happily accommodated them. It perfectly captured the welcoming spirit of the place.
After lunch, I spent some time exploring downtown Tavares itself. Known as America’s Seaplane City, the waterfront community is incredibly walkable. Visitors can stroll along the lakefront, browse local boutiques, pop in to tattoo or ice cream parlors, grab barbecue, enjoy waterfront dining, or simply relax and watch seaplanes land and take off from Lake Dora.
If you’re looking for a fun summer day trip, Tavares deserves a spot on your list. Pair it with a ride on the historic train in nearby Mount Dora, enjoy brunch at Crafted Concoctions—the restaurant also serves weekend brunch—and spend the afternoon exploring one of Florida’s most charming small-town downtowns.
So go ahead and put a pin in your map.
You never know what you’ll discover when you decide to follow the rabbit hole. Hatter’s Garden of Curious Curiosities, inside Crafted Concoctions is located at 115 E. Main Street, Tavares, Florida.
