Things to Do

Mission Resort

• The Spa at Mission Resort + Club is offering a 15% discount for BCCA guests. Pamper yourself with a massage, facial, body treatment, mani/pedi, or any of the other luxurious services offered. Book your appointment online or by phone. You will receive a discount coupon at the show.

  To book an appointment online, go to https://www.missionresortandclub.com/spa

• Mission Resort + Club is home to two historic, championship golf courses that have hosted PGA, LPGA, Senior Tour, and NCAA play. Both award-winning courses boast dramatic 85-foot elevation views, stunning landscape, and challenging terrain. Mention that you are a BCCA guest when you reserve your tee time for special rates on both courses:
  • Las Colinas – $79
  • El Campeon – $89

  Book your tee times at https://www.missionresortandclubgolf.com/.
  You’ll also receive a discount card at the show for use in the pro shop.

• Also don’t forget that the hotel has championship tennis, pickleball, bike rentals, fitness center, game room, and a sparkling pool for your enjoyment! There’s plenty to do for family members and friends who aren’t busy grooming!

Want More Dog Events?

Here’s a preliminary list of dog events taking place near the Specialty hotel. You can do more agility, conformation, FastCAT, and Scentwork. If we discover more events, we’ll add to this list!

Agility

Conformation

FastCAT

Scentwork

FastCAT

Fun Things to Do in the Area (and many are dog-friendly!)

FLORIDA IS MUCH MORE THAN BEACHES, GOLF, AND DISNEY. The Specialty host hotel is in one of Florida’s most unspoiled, underdeveloped areas. Lake County is known for its gently rolling hills, rural agricultural setting, 1000+ rivers and lakes, and some of the best bass fishing in the country. Sugarloaf Mountain, stands proudly at 312 feet as Florida’s highest point (remember, Florida is a very flat state!) 15 minutes from Mission Resort. You will be surrounded by gorgeous flora and fauna, birds galore (including many protected species), waterfront parks, and of course, majestic old Florida oaks. Farmers markets will be transitioning to fall, but there should be plenty of late season goodies available. Here are a few spots nearby that you might want to check out. Many are dog-friendly.

THE HOWEY MANSION was built by William John Howey, who founded Howey-in-the-Hills. Howey was responsible for shaping the early days of Florida’s citrus industry. Located at 1001 North Citrus Avenue, the mansion is a 7188 square foot, 20 room Mediterranean Revival Style home that has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983. Historic walking tours of the mansion and gardens are available. Less than 5 minutes from the resort. https://www.thehoweymansion.com/historic-tours.html

Just a six minute drive outside the gates of the Mission Resort to the west on CR48 is the charming tiny town of YALAHA. The German-style Yalaha Bakery and Deli is known for its European sweets and breads, sandwiches and savories, and of course, authentic German pretzels. The bakery is on your left as you drive west from the hotel. It has a huge patio and biergarten with live music on the weekends. Dogs are welcome outside.

Just before the bakery is another local gem: the YAHALA BOOTLEGGING CO., a moonshine distillery on the grounds of BLUE BAYOU ORGANIC BLUEBERRY FARM. The distillery invites you to taste blueberry, watermelon, and peach brandy as well as the award-winning original moonshine. Craft cocktails and free samples too! Their country store features local cheeses, produce, honey, and on the weekends, their famous pies (tomato leek, blueberry, apple, chicken pot pie, and Soprano pizza pie). Less than 5 minutes from the resort.

Check out Discover Lake County’s pages on Howey-in-the-Hills and Yalaha which includes info on Mission Resort.

You may also want to download the Lake County Visitor’s Guide for all kinds of destinations and activities within 30 minutes of the Mission Resort.

SARAH MAUDE MASON NATURE PRESERVE AND HIKING TRAIL is a short but heavily shaded scenic walk along Little Lake Harris in Howey-in-the-Hills. The preserve is known for excellent birding opportunities and dogs are welcome. Less than 10 minutes from the Resort.

Howey-in-the-Hills is on the western shore of LITTLE LAKE HARRIS. LLH is a popular spot for kayaking and bass fishing. JB Boondock’s Bar & Grill is a dog-friendly eatery on Little Lake Harris only a five minute drive from the hotel! Your dogs are welcome to join you at an outdoor table on their lakefront patio. Enjoy Southern favorites like the Oyster Po-Boy, Gator Tail Swamp Bites, homemade Crab & Corn Chowder, or their famous Boondock Burger. https://jbboondocks.com/ Less than 5 minutes from the Resort.

MT DORA is known for its antique shops and annual festivals. Downtown, the Modernism Museum displays modern furniture. Housed in a 1923 fire station, the Mount Dora History Museum documents local history. An extensive collection of classic cars, plus a replica of a 1940s gas station, are on display at the Museum of Speed.

Northwest, bass-filled Lake Eustis has waterside restaurants. And enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Dora.

Rusty Anchor Mount Dora is a dog-friendly pontoon boat tour in Mount Dora, FL. Leashed dogs are allowed on board. They offer two hour sightseeing eco tours of Lake Dora and the Dora Canal, as well as 1-hour Sunset cruises, shoreline tours, and 30-minute Lake front tours!

DOWNTOWN LEESBURG – The City of Leesburg’s revitalized downtown area is known for a vibrant mix of upscale restaurants, casual eateries, wine bars, and breweries.
Leashed dogs are welcome at the scenic 64-acre Venetian Gardens Waterfront Park. The park is actually a chain of islands connected by pedestrian bridges and home to trails, great birding opportunities, some of the nation’s best bass fishing, and amazing elevated views of Lake Harris. Spot many species of birds including ibis, Osprey, gallinule, and heron. Paths wind through a small chain of islands which are joined by bridges.

BringFido.com lists 26 dog friendly restaurants in Mt. Dora!! As well as a dog park at 1200 North Unser Street. Less than 20 minutes from the Resort.

THE VILLAGES is so much more than a 55+ community. One of its biggest events, the Annual Lake Sumter Art Festival is happening while we are in town. This dog friendly event will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Nov 1, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 at Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages, FL. Check out exceptional crafters while exploring the picturesque streets of this lovely community. Discover unique handcrafted items and savor delicious food while enjoying live music as you browse the various displays. Shop for exquisite leather goods, artwork, photography, custom products, glass creations, and much more.

The Villages is super dog-friendly with plenty of nature and scenery if you’d like to take a walk after dinner or lunch. Check out the Black Lake Walking Path. Trip Advisor offers much more to do in the Villages and Sue Jamison, a resident, says that there are great restaurants in Lake Sumpter Landing Market Square – her favorite area of the Villages. Check out shopping and dining in this master planned community. 35 mins from the resort

A bit farther away – Bok Tower Gardens & Lake Wales – A Scenic and Cultural Escape This hidden Central Florida treasure offers breathtaking gardens, unique architecture, and a peaceful retreat. The historic gardens, designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., surround the majestic 205-foot-tall Singing Tower, which houses one of the world’s finest carillons. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil walking paths, birdwatching, and scenic picnic spots. Nearby, explore Spook Hill, a quirky optical illusion, or visit the charming historic district of Lake Wales for small-town charm and local eateries. 90 mins from the resort

Kennedy Space Center 90 minutes from the resort

The Chocolate Museum and Cafe
Kelly Park/Rock Springs (water sports, camping, and more)

Dog Friendly! Lakeridge Winery in Clermont welcomes well-behaved dogs on leash on outdoor patios. If you leave the Beardies back at the hotel, you can enjoy tastings and a tour. Food and live music are available outside on weekends. 15 mins from the hotel. A true southern experience — Muscadine grapes! Also check out Weekends at the Winery!

Edna’s On the Green: A cozy beer and wine bar with dogs-welcome outdoor seating nestled on a golf green providing a fun variety of food and live music! 5227 Marsh Bend Trail, Wildwood, FL 32162 Next to Cattail Recreation Area & Marsh View Pitch & Putt. Dog friendly! Walk your beardies on the 2.5 mile paved path. Afterwards, enjoy great food from a southern-inspired menu, live music, and a beverage. https://www.ednashospitality.com/ Highly recommended!

Check back – we’ll be adding more.