A Girlfriend Getaway to Historic Howey-in-the-Hills

By Kathleen Walls She Buys Travel

Updated May 30, 2026 7:49 AM

On a girlfriend getaway with a few friends in Howey‑in‑the‑Hills in Lake County, Florida, I fell in love with Mission Resort + Club. We lounged at the heated pool and hot tub, visited the spa, dined at all three restaurants and even putted a bit on El Campeón, a golfing tradition since 1917 when William J. Howey, founder of Howey‑in‑the‑Hills, began his citrus empire.

Everywhere I turned, I discovered another glimpse of Old Florida charm.

You'll learn some of the history of Florida's citrus industry while being pampered in a historic luxury hotel.
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and see wildlife.
For sports lovers, you can play a variety of games and golf on world-famous courses.

Editor's note: The writer was hosted.

History of Howey-in-the-Hills

Portrait of William Howey in the mantle over the fireplace in his home. Photo credit: Kathleen Walls

Although I'm a Florida resident and even lived in Lake County for a short time, I only recently discovered Howey‑in‑the‑Hills. The town began when William Howey visited the area. He fell in love with the rolling hills and lakes, calling it "The Florida Alps." By 1920, he bought about 60,000 acres and planted half of it in citrus.

In 1917, he added the Floridan Country Club with the El Campeón Golf Course, designed by George O'Neil. His citrus empire thrived because he introduced innovations in growing and processing, including Florida's first citrus juice plant, which he built in 1921.

In 1964, Nick Beucher purchased the Floridan Country Club and transformed it into Mission Inn. He added Spanish names to match the Spanish Revival architecture. Today, MMI Hospitality Group, led by the Sturdivant family, owns the resort. It now includes 176 rooms, two championship golf courses, a spa and so much more. My room overlooked the golf course from its balcony.

Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!

Howey Mansion

Just a short distance from the resort, William J. Howey's 24‑room Mediterranean Revival mansion offers guided tours. William and his wife, Grace, began planning the home in 1925 at the base of his sprawling citrus empire. He even became the first grower to ship fruit overseas to England.

Howey's secret bar hidden in his basement. Photo credit: Kathleen Walls

Fran and Mercy, my tour guides, brought the 1920s to life as they walked me through the home. Lush landscaping and ancient moss‑covered oaks surround the mansion. My favorite room is the "secret" basement bar Howey built to sidestep Prohibition.

Mission Resort + Club

The resort pool. Photo credit: Kathleen Walls

Mission Resort + Club, one of the Historic Hotels of America, offers more than lodging, dining, golf and spa. We jumped into activities right away, dining, touring the resort, enjoying a fantastic massage, playing pickleball and golf and relaxing in the pool and hot tub. Every room includes everything you need. Mine overlooked the golf course.

The pool and hot tub invite you for a quick dip or long soak.
Play tennis and pickleball on four beach tennis courts, six Har‑Tru Green Clay courts, a Laykold all‑weather court and four pickleball courts. Their on‑site shop carries gear, and tennis expert Cesar Villarroel offers lessons.
The billiards room includes two standard pool tables and other games.
Trails of the Conquistadors wind through El Campeón's landscape for a third of a mile. Bring your camera. I spotted egrets, sandhill cranes, limpkins, alligators and countless birds I couldn't identify.
You can rent bicycles to explore the resort.
El Corredor Fitness Center stays open daily at the clubhouse.
Resort shuttles take you from one area to another.

SheBuysTravel Tip:The resort spans 500 acres, so keep the main desk's phone number handy to call for a shuttle when you need one.

Dining at the Resort

The Short Rib entrée. Photo credit: Kathleen Walls

Each of the resort restaurants has a unique personality. They all have one thing in common: the food is delicious and beautifully plated.

Conquistador Bar & Restaurant is the upscale lunch or dinner spot. The shrimp dishes are my favorites, but the Braised Short Rib is so tender you won't need a knife.
La Haciendaoffers a great breakfast buffet or menu service, but its Champagne Sunday Brunch steals the show. It's the largest buffet I've ever seen. Don't skip the Chef's Carving Station.
Grove House sits next to the Golf Pro Shop and overlooks the course. It's perfect for golfers or anyone wanting a casual bite. They also host Afternoon Tea on select dates. Banquet Chef Danny Connolly teaches cooking classes for aspiring chefs.
Pool Bar: If you get hungry or thirsty at the pool, the small bar has snacks and drinks.

SheBuysTravel Tip:If you're visiting on the last Saturday of the month, visit the Howey Artisan Market filled with local food options and crafts. It's on the green near The Grove House Restaurant.

Golfing at the Resort

Some golfers playing on El Campeon. Photo credit: Kathleen Walls

Mission Resort + Club's two 18‑hole golf courses anchor the property. The "Club" in the name means that resort guests and club members not staying at the resort can play the world‑famous courses and enjoy additional benefits.

El Campeón, designed by George O'Neil in 1917, features dramatic elevation changes of over 85 feet, creeks, and small lakes. It's one of Florida's most historic and unusual courses and appears on the Florida Historic Golf Trail.
Las Colinas, designed by Gary Koch in 1992, offers a larger layout with gentler elevation but equally lush scenery.
Croquet Golf, the resort's newest sport, is played on the lawn in front of the Golf Pro shop and The Grove.

Spa at the Resort

The entrance to the spa has a peaceful feel. Photo credit: Kathleen Walls

The spa at Mission Resort + Club elevates any girlfriend getaway. I chose a massage, but the menu includes everything from facials and nails to full‑body wraps and eyebrow or lash tinting.

Parks in Howey-in-the-Hills

A group of sandhill cranes wander near the playground at Griffin Park. Photo credit: Kathleen Walls

Howey-in-the-Hills is small but they have some interesting parks. If you are a nature lover, want some exercise or just to get outdoors, these are for you.

Blevin’s Patriot Park honors military veterans with plaques for each branch of service beneath a circle of flags. In spring, bright bougainvillea fills the space.
The Sara Maude Mason Nature Preservehas a nature trail winding through lush greenery and a variety of trees. It's a perfect spot for birdwatching. You may see osprey, blue herons, broad-winged hawks, bald eagles and, if you're really lucky, a Florida scrub jay, recently named Florida's songbird. Central Florida is the only place in the world where you'll find these scrub jays.
Griffin Park, on Little Lake Harris, includes a boat ramp, exercise equipment, a children's play area, picnic shelters, a barbecue pit and plenty of wild birds. I almost got close enough to pet the four sandhill cranes wandering the park.
Central Park, next to Town Hall, the Police Station and the library, has a covered pavilion, a basketball court and playground equipment.

SheBuysTravel:If you are looking for excitement, it's just about an hour away from Disney World.

Dining Elsewhere

A couple dining at Boondocks on the deck. Photo credit: Kathleen Walls

JB Boondocks Bar n' Grill, in Howey‑in‑the‑Hills, sits on the waterfront, where you can dine on the deck and watch boats or sit inside under the gaze of a wooden Indian statue.
Yalaha Bakery, three miles away in Yalaha, transports you to Alpine Germany. The pastries are amazing.
Puddle Jumpers Lakeside Grill & Bar, seven miles away in Tavares, offers some fresh seafood choices, wings or burgers and overlooks Lake Dora. Watch for the seaplanes over the lake.

SheBuysTravel Tip:At Yalaha bakery, be sure to peek into the bakery window from the patio and watch those goodies being made.

Nearby Fun

One of the seaplanes on Lake Dora. Photo credit: Kathleen Walls

Tavares is the nearest town with some fun experiences.

Splash and Dash, at Wooten Park gives Tavares its nickname, America's Seaplane City. You can take a Splash and Dash seaplane tour with Jones Brothers Air and Seaplane Adventures.
Lake County Historical MuseumIs on the first floor of the historic courthouse and traces Lake County history. I love that it even takes you to prehistoric times in Florida.
Tavares History Museum, in a replica of the old train depot, has a tie to Howey-in-the-Hills as it was an important railroad hub for the citrus industry.

SheBuysTravel Tip:The planes only seat six, including the pilot, so if you are having a large group get together, book two or more planes.

Frequently Asked Questions for a Girls’ Trip to Howey-in-the-Hills

What are the best activities and attractions to enjoy with friends in Howey‑in‑the‑Hills?

You'll have no shortage of things to do together. This area is built for relaxed, memory‑making weekends.

Where can we find comfortable and affordable accommodations suitable for groups?

Your best group‑friendly option is Mission Resort + Club. If you want to stay off property, Howey‑in‑the‑Hills is small, so options are limited. Most travelers choose the resort because it's the only full‑service destination in town.

Which restaurants or cafés are recommended for a girls' night out or brunch?

You've got several great picks depending on the vibe you want including on‑site options at Mission Resort + Club: Conquistador Bar & Restaurant, La Hacienda, The Grove and Pool Bar.

Are there any spa, wellness, or relaxation options available in the area?

Absolutely-and the resort is the star here. It's the kind of spa where you walk out feeling like you've actually taken a vacation. For girlfriend trips, booking back‑to‑back treatments or a group spa block works beautifully

What events or special experiences are happening during our planned visit?

Mission Resort + Club hosts several recurring events worth planning around:

Artisan Market: Held on the last Saturday of the month on the green near The Grove. Local food, crafts and a fun community vibe.

Afternoon Tea: Offered on select dates at The Grove-perfect for a girls' outing.

Cooking Classes: Banquet Chef Danny Connolly teaches hands‑on classes for food‑loving groups.

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This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 7:32 AM.