While most of us think of Wynwood when it comes to streets lined with vibrant art, there’s a quirky and artistic Central Florida town that has famously transformed its entire downtown into a “Town of Murals.” About two hours north of Miami, Lake Placid is a hidden gem that holds a couple of interesting titles, including “America’s Most Interesting Town” by Reader’s Digest. Not to be confused with the New York town known for the Winter Olympics, this 1.5-square-mile community is worth the trek for its outdoor art, caladium fields and numerous surrounding lakes.
An open-air gallery
The first thing you’ll notice when you roll into town is that nearly every single wall is covered in art, thanks to a community-wide beautification project that began in the 1990s. Lake Placid features nearly 50 larger-than-life murals depicting everything from historic steam engines to local legends and wildlife.
Many of these works include hidden details for viewers to find, and some even have sound systems that play audio related to the scene as you walk by. The town’s artistic touch also extends to 17 hand-painted trash containers that match the murals!
The art of clowning
Adding to Lake Placid’s unique charm is Toby’s Clown Foundation & Museum, a legitimate clown school that has graduated over 2,500 professionals and is the reason the town claims to have more clowns per capita than anywhere else in Florida. Inside, you’ll find over 700 pieces of clown memorabilia, the chance to see “clowns in training” honing their skills and a gift shop where you can get your own professional-grade red nose or oversized shoes.
A pop of more color
And if you visit during the summer, the ground is just as colorful of the walls. Nicknamed the “Caladium Capital of the World,” Lake Placid produces about 90% of the world’s caladium bulbs. Thousands of acres of these striking, heart-shaped plants turn the surrounding fields into a patchwork quilt of neon pinks, whites and reds.
If you want the full experience, time your visit for the Annual Caladium Festival, which usually runs late July. During the three-day event, you can take bus tours through the blooming fields that look like something straight out of the Netherlands, participate in floral arrangement competitions and more.