Florida , USA

Inverness Florida Food Tour

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About this experience

Tucked into the heart of Central Florida, Inverness has been turning heads—and appetites. Named the #3 Best Small Town in the South by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards (2025), it blends historic charm with lakeside views and a welcoming, walkable downtown.

The Inverness Food Tour is a guided, three-hour tasting experience that brings you to 3 to 4 local spots, each offering generous portions that easily add up to more than a full meal. Expect creative dishes, regional flavors, and maybe even a bite from a chef who’s competed in the World Food Championships.

Between tastings, explore Courthouse Square, the Valerie Theatre, and the Old Courthouse Museum. The tour ends by Lake Henderson in the Depot District, with stories along the way about Inverness’s railroad roots, role as Citrus County’s seat, and the quirky charm of the Cooter Festival.

For visitors and locals alike, this tour serves up flavor, history, and small-town hospitality—all in one unforgettable afternoon.

Available options

Inverness Florida Food Tour

What's included

Enjoy wine and a distillery tasting

Enjoy four generous samples featuring coffee, lattes, espresso or artisan teas.

We take care of all restaurant gratuities for you

3-hour guided experience led by knowledgeable local guide

A tasting with wines and globally inspired dishes, followed by a World Food Champ chef’s pairing with coffee, teas, and dirty sodas, European-style ice cream, and a distillery finale.

Detailed itinerary

Guests on your food tour will gather near the entrance of the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum in Inverness, Florida, where they'll get a taste of local history before diving into the area's vibrant food scene. While we won’t go inside, you’ll learn about this iconic 1912 courthouse, its role in Citrus County’s past, and its connection to famous figures like Elvis Presley. The museum, which offers free admission (closed Sundays and Mondays), showcases the county’s history and features rotating seasonal exhibits—making it a must-visit for those who want to explore more on their own before or after the tour. It’s the perfect starting point for a journey through Inverness, blending rich heritage with delicious flavors!

Old Courthouse Welcome
Meet outside the iconic Old Courthouse, a landmark brimming with history and small-town charm.

La Pergola Restaurant
Kick off with authentic Italian flavors in a cozy setting, where every dish is made with love (and wine).

Valerie Theatre Behind the Scenes
Step inside this restored 1920s gem and hear stories of old Hollywood in downtown Inverness.

Historic Downtown Walk
Stroll through the town square as your guide shares tales of Inverness’ colorful past.

Chef Tastings - 4 Courses
Sip bold menu items expertly paired with coffee, teas and dirty sodas

Sweet Alps Ice Cream
Treat yourself to rich, European ice cream with seasonal flavors — perfect for the walk ahead.

Depot District Walk
Take in scenic Lake Henderson, the historic depot, and vibrant murals on your way to the final stop.

Distillery Finale
Raise a glass at a local craft distillery, tasting small-batch spirits in a lively, welcoming space.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We will meet outside near the entrance

About Florida

Florida is a southeastern U.S. state known for its tropical climate, Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico beaches, and diverse wildlife. It's famous for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, as well as its vibrant cities like Miami and Tampa.

Top Attractions

Walt Disney World Resort

The world's largest and most famous theme park resort, featuring four theme parks, two water parks, and numerous entertainment and shopping districts.

Theme Park Multiple days recommended Expensive (Multi-day tickets required)

Kennedy Space Center

NASA's primary launch center for human spaceflight, offering interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and guided tours.

Educational/Historical Half to full day Moderate to Expensive (Varies by tour and exhibit access)

Everglades National Park

A unique subtropical wilderness featuring diverse ecosystems, including sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and hardwood hammocks.

Nature Full day or overnight Free (Entrance fee for some areas and tours)

South Beach

A vibrant beachfront neighborhood in Miami known for its Art Deco architecture, lively nightlife, and beautiful sandy beaches.

Beach Half day to full day Free (Costs for rentals, food, and drinks)

The Florida Keys

A string of tropical islands stretching from the southern tip of Florida, offering stunning beaches, world-class fishing, and unique marine life.

Island/Scenic Multiple days recommended Moderate to Expensive (Varies by accommodation and activities)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Key Lime Pie

A tangy, sweet pie made with key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk, topped with whipped cream and a graham cracker crust.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs, can be made gluten-free with a modified crust

Stone Crab

A Florida delicacy, served chilled with mustard sauce, typically enjoyed with drawn butter and coleslaw.

Main Course Seafood, gluten-free if prepared without cross-contamination

Cuban Sandwich

A pressed sandwich featuring roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, often served with plantains and a side salad.

Lunch Contains pork and gluten, can be made vegetarian with substitutions

Grouper Sandwich

A fried or blackened grouper fillet served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar or remoulade sauce, often accompanied by fries or coleslaw.

Lunch Seafood, can be made gluten-free with a lettuce wrap or gluten-free bun

Popular Activities

Airboat tours in the Everglades Scuba diving and snorkeling in the Florida Keys Kayaking and paddleboarding in the Ten Thousand Islands Zip-lining at Gatorland (Orlando) Beachcombing and sunbathing on Florida's beaches Spa treatments and wellness retreats Yoga and meditation classes Stargazing at state parks and nature preserves

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the peak tourist season due to warm, comfortable temperatures and low humidity. It's ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits, but also the most crowded and expensive time to visit.

15-29°C 59-84°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Creole, Portuguese, French, Haitian Creole
English: Widely spoken

Currency

U.S. Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (GMT-5:00, GMT-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Florida is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates in most tourist areas. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in crowded and popular destinations. Exercise caution in unfamiliar or isolated areas, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable tour operators and rental companies
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Miami International Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown Miami
Orlando International Airport • 19 km (12 miles) from downtown Orlando

By train

Amtrak Stations (e.g., Miami, Orlando, Tampa)

By bus

Greyhound Stations in major cities, Megabus Stations in select cities

Getting around

Public transport

Public bus systems are available in major cities and provide affordable transportation. However, schedules and coverage can be limited outside peak hours and in suburban areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

South Beach (SoBe) Wynwood Ybor City Cocoa Beach Sanibel Island

Day trips

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island

241 km (150 miles) from Miami • Full day or overnight

These barrier islands offer beautiful beaches, shelling, and nature preserves, providing a relaxing and scenic escape from the mainland.

St. Augustine

266 km (165 miles) from Orlando • Full day

The oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the U.S., offering historic sites, museums, and charming streets.

Everglades City and the Ten Thousand Islands

130 km (81 miles) from Naples • Full day

A unique and remote area offering eco-tours, airboat rides, and access to the Ten Thousand Islands for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

Festivals

Miami Spice • August to September Art Basel Miami Beach • Early December Tampa Bay Margarita Festival • Late February to Early March

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions, such as theme parks and beaches, during the shoulder or off-peak seasons to avoid crowds and save money
Explore lesser-known destinations and hidden gems for a more authentic and unique experience
Take advantage of free or low-cost activities, such as visiting beaches, parks, and nature preserves
Plan your trip around special events and festivals for a memorable and engaging experience
Research and book accommodations, attractions, and transportation in advance to secure the best deals and availability