Walla Walla Toyota Awards and Recognition: President's Award, TIME Dealer of the Year Nomination & Local Honors

Grab a mug, find a seat by the water, and you'll understand why so many locals start their day right here. Downtown Clermont sits on the southern shore of Lake Minneola, earning its nickname "Gem of the Hills" from the rolling terrain around it. Between the boutique shops, waterfront views, and a coffee scene that punches well above its weight, this stretch of Historic Clermont has become the place where mornings feel intentional rather than rushed. Why Downtown Clermont Is a Morning Must-Visit Starting your day near Waterfront Park changes the whole tone of the morning. The park connects to South Lake Trail, a paved trail that runs about 14 miles one-way (roughly 25 miles round trip), perfect for a walk or bike ride before or after coffee. Downtown Clermont spans roughly ten city blocks, and with over 1,000 free public parking spaces, finding a spot is rarely a hassle. Time your visit right, and you might catch the weekly Clermont Farmer's Market, held every Sunday, or stumble onto live music near Clermont's Historic Village at West Avenue and Osceola Street, home to the Townsend House, built around 1895. Add in a strong lineup of coffee shops and breakfast spots, and you have a genuine reason to linger. Best Coffee Shops in Downtown Clermont Every coffee shop downtown has carved out its own identity, whether through rare equipment, single-origin beans, or a setting that makes you want to stay past your first cup. Here are the standouts. Citrus Coffee Company Tucked into the first floor of the historic Citrus Tower, a 22-story landmark that's stood since 1956, Citrus Coffee Company brews on the only La Marzocco KB90 2 Group espresso machine in Central Florida. The Orange Creme Latte is the drink locals keep coming back for, a nod to the citrus heritage that shaped this part of Lake County. Located at 141 N Hwy 27, it's open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday until 11 p.m. Grab a seat at the base of the tower for panoramic views that are hard to beat anywhere else downtown. The Energy Lab Set inside the newly renovated Epic Cycles building, The Energy Lab feels like a European café crossed with a cyclist's clubhouse. The Steampunk full-immersion brewer and Slayer espresso machine turn out drinks made from single-origin beans sourced from the top 1% quality tier. Try the Macademian Almond Macchiato or the Cherry Blush if you want something memorable. Located at 528 8th St, it's open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It also doubles as a quick breakfast stop, with juices and smoothies rounding out the menu. The Black Rabbit The Black Rabbit leans into a moody, bookish theme that sets it apart from most coffee shops around town. Along with handmade specialty coffee and tea, you'll find sweet treats, a curated selection of books and merchandise, and a small community market. The signature drinks, the Gingerdead Man and the Ghost Malone lattes, match the shop's slightly darker aesthetic. Address is 650 7th St, open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. With free WiFi and genuinely cozy corners, it's one of the better spots downtown for settling in with a laptop or a good book. Minch Coffee A short drive south of the downtown core, Minch Coffee sits in Cagan Crossings Town Center at 532 Cagan Park Avenue. It's family-run by Mathias and Suzanne Bernal, who've been in the coffee business since 2005. Beyond espresso and artisan teas, the menu includes blended drinks, smoothies, pastries, and bagels. The Black Cat Mocha and the KitTea Latte, a nod to the neighboring Orlando Cat Café, are worth trying. It's a reliable grab-and-go option if you're heading south from downtown. Foxtail Coffee - Clermont Paired with Kelly's Ice Cream at 2608 S Hwy 27, Foxtail Coffee - Clermont has an industrial-chic feel with both indoor and outdoor seating, including high tops, a coffee bar, and lounge chairs. It's pet-friendly, too. The shop serves locally roasted coffee alongside Kelly's ice cream flavors like Lemon Cake and Blueberry Pancakes. WiFi and outlets make it workable for a laptop session. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., it's flexible enough for an early coffee or a late-afternoon treat. Filigree Coffee Filigree Coffee sits just outside the downtown core in Winter Garden, next to Home State Brewing Co, but it's worth the short drive. As a multi-roaster specialty shop, it offers single-origin drip, lattes, mochas, and cold brew, with a seasonal menu that changes four times a year. Pastries come from Buttermilk Bakery, adding another layer of craft to the experience. Located at 16016 New Independence Pkwy, Suite 110, it's open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Top Breakfast and Brunch Spots Near Downtown Clermont Downtown Clermont's food scene goes well beyond coffee. Whether you want to sit down for a full plate or grab something fast, the breakfast options here hold their own. Sit-Down Breakfast Favorites Cheeser's Palace Cafe, at 707 W Montrose St, is a cheese-centric café and chocolate shop that serves eggs Benedict, omelets, crepes, fruit, and smoked salmon. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Mondays. Clermont Cafe, at 824 W Montrose St, is run by a husband-and-wife team known for homemade breakfast and lunch, plus desserts. Their signature dish, "The Town Favorite" Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, is a genuine crowd-pleaser. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed Sundays. Twisted Biscuit Diner has built a local following for its biscuit sandwiches, especially the Chicken Biscuit dipped in spicy honey. Quick and Casual Breakfast Options Keke's Breakfast Cafe, located at 2435 S Hwy 27, serves pancakes, omelets, waffles, and Eggs Benedict from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you're already at The Black Rabbit or The Energy Lab, both double nicely as quick breakfast stops without needing a separate destination. Finding the Right Spot for Your Morning Different mornings call for different setups, so match your plans to the right spot below. Best for Working or Studying Foxtail Coffee - Clermont offers reliable WiFi, outlets, and enough seating variety to settle in for a few hours. The Black Rabbit is another solid choice, with free WiFi and a cozy, bookish atmosphere that makes long study sessions feel less like work. Best for Outdoor Seating and People-Watching Foxtail Coffee - Clermont's mix of indoor and outdoor seating, including high tops and lounge chairs, makes it easy to post up outside. Citrus Coffee Company offers something different: panoramic views from the base of the Citrus Tower that are hard to match anywhere else downtown. Best for Grab-and-Go Mornings The Energy Lab keeps things fast with coffee, juices, and smoothies ready to go. Minch Coffee is another dependable option, with espresso, teas, smoothies, pastries, and bagels that don't require much of a wait. Making a Morning of It in Downtown Clermont Once you've had your coffee and breakfast, there's plenty to keep the morning going. A walk along South Lake Trail or through Waterfront Park is an easy way to work off breakfast while taking in the Lake Minneola views. If it's a Sunday, the Clermont Farmer's Market is worth a stop for fresh produce and local goods. History buffs can wander over to Clermont's Historic Village near West Avenue and Osceola Street, where the Townsend House offers a glimpse into the area's past. Between the boutique shops, the lake, and the steady calendar of local events, downtown Clermont has a way of turning a simple coffee run into a full morning out. Swing by Reed Nissan Clermont After Your Coffee Run Once you've made your way through downtown, Reed Nissan Clermont is just a short drive away at 16005 State Road 50. Our dealership sits on ten acres with a lake on-site, and the Reed family has been locally owned and operated for over 75 years, serving Floridians across the region. Whether you're curious about a new Nissan, need a service checkup, or just want to look around, our team is ready to help. Sales hours run Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., so you can check our current hours before you stop by. It's an easy way to pair your morning coffee with a practical errand, all in the same trip.

Fall in Central Florida means cooler mornings, tangerines showing up at market stalls, and tables loaded with just-picked produce. Whether you're loyal to a Saturday tradition or prefer a slower Sunday stroll, there's a market worth building a weekend around. Here are five stops around the region, with hours, parking details, and vendor highlights to help you plan your visit. Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for Orlando Farmers Markets Florida's fall harvest kicks off earlier than most people realize. Fallglo tangerines typically show up by mid- to late September, with grapefruit season getting underway that same month and Navel oranges following in early October. Cucumbers and squash start appearing that same month, alongside the first tomatoes of the season. By November, tables fill out with bell peppers, green beans, sweet corn, lettuce, and eggplant. Carrots and radishes stick around until May, and sweet potatoes get harvested in the fall and early winter. Central Florida's most productive agricultural stretch starts in the fall and carries through spring, so fall visitors catch the harvest right as it's picking up steam. Pair that with milder temperatures, and you've got a great window for hopping between markets around Orlando. Winter Park Farmers Market: A Charming Saturday Tradition The Winter Park Farmers' Market draws steady crowds every Saturday morning to Central Park, and it's one of the most established markets in the area. Hours, Location, and Parking Tips It runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Park West Meadow, on the corner of New York Avenue and Morse Boulevard. It temporarily relocates to Seven Oaks Park during major events such as the Sidewalk Art Festival and the Autumn Art Festival, so check the calendar before planning a trip during festival season. Free parking is available in the lot near the SunRail station on Morse Boulevard, along nearby side streets, or in the Park Place Parking Garage at 150 W Canton Ave, levels 4 and 5. Dogs are welcome on leash, and Park Avenue sits just steps away if you want to browse shops afterward. Fresh Produce and Artisan Goods to Look For Vendors sell produce, plants, baked goods, coffee, and flowers, plus a few unexpected finds like popcorn, Indian food, cakes, sauces, and nut butters. There's also a solid lineup of treats and products made for dogs and cats, so this is an easy stop if you're bringing a pet along. Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola: Downtown's Sunday Favorite For a Sunday option, the Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola has been an official downtown fixture since 1987, and it's one of the best farmers markets in Central Florida for sheer variety. Hours, Location, and Parking Tips It runs Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lake Eola Park, at the corner of E. Central Blvd and N. Eola Drive, Orlando 32806. Free on-street parking sits within walking distance, and paid garages on S. Osceola Avenue and N. Eola Drive pick up the overflow. Downtown foot traffic picks up fast on weekends, so arriving closer to opening gives you the best shot at nearby street parking. Seasonal Finds and Family-Friendly Fun Close to 50 vendors set up here, selling gourmet cheese, kettle corn, art, handmade jewelry, pottery, birdhouses, soaps, and clothing, along with fresh produce, local honey, and artisanal cheeses. Entertainment runs throughout the day, and the paved pathways around the park make it easy to navigate with a stroller or wheelchair. Winter Garden Farmers Market: Historic Downtown Charm The Winter Garden Farmers Market has earned a reputation among shoppers who want a true small-town feel without leaving the Orlando area. Hours, Location, and Parking Tips It runs every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Winter Garden Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue, and it operates year-round. Parking is plentiful and free: a three-level garage at 160 S. Boyd Street sits right next to the market, spots line West Plant Street, and a 117-space lot at 37 N. Boyd Street is a short walk away. Leashed dogs and cats are welcome, but leashes are required at all times. Live music plays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and EBT/SNAP is accepted for eligible items, with vendor Farmacy also taking Fresh Access Bucks. Local Vendors and Fall Produce Highlights Long-running vendor Gardner's Fresh Produce is a reliable stop for seasonal fruits and vegetables, while Boca Fresca serves plant-based Latin dishes if you want lunch on-site. The surrounding downtown offers boutiques, cafes, museums, an art gallery, the Interactive Fountain, and Butterfly Sculpture Park, so it's easy to stretch a market run into a half-day outing. More Central Florida Farmers Markets Worth Visiting Two smaller neighborhood markets round out the list and are worth working into your fall rotation. Audubon Park Community Market The Audubon Park Community Market has run every Monday since 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Stardust parking lot at 1842 E Winter Park Road. It's pet- and family-friendly, with vendors selling produce, cow and goat milk, cheese, eggs, yogurt, breads, pies, honey, seafood, grass-fed beef and lamb, pastured chicken and pork, plus desserts, jams, salsa, and pickles. Skip parking at the ABC Liquors nearby; towing there is strictly enforced. Maitland Farmers Market The Maitland Farmers Market runs Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lake Lily Park, 701 Lake Lily Drive off Maitland Avenue. Free parking surrounds the park, with additional spots in the south lot behind the Cottage and Waterhouse buildings. Shoppers will find two produce stands, breakfast and lunch options, flowers, plants, fresh meats and seafood, jams, sauces, boiled peanuts, and baked goods, all set against live music from Performing Arts Matter. The five-acre park has a lake trail, boardwalk, playground, and gazebo, making it one of the more relaxed stops if you're bringing kids. Tips for a Smooth Farmers Market Visit This Fall A little planning goes a long way when you're hitting more than one market in a weekend. A few things worth keeping in mind: Bring a cooler or insulated bag with an ice pack to keep cheese, pasta, and eggs cool on the drive home. On hot mornings, park in a garage when one's available for shade, especially at Lake Eola or Winter Garden. Bring both cash and a card, since several markets, including Winter Garden, accept EBT/SNAP for eligible items. Keep pets leashed at all times, particularly at Winter Garden, where leash rules are enforced. Double-check the calendar for fall festival schedule changes, since Winter Park relocates to Seven Oaks Park during the Autumn Art Festival. Make It a Day Trip: Fuel Up at Reed Nissan Before You Go Get Your Vehicle Ready Hopping between Winter Park, Lake Eola, and Winter Garden in one weekend adds up to a fair amount of driving, so it's worth making sure your vehicle can handle it. Reed Nissan, serving Orlando drivers since 1950, sits at 3776 W. Colonial Drive and offers complete maintenance for Nissan and other makes, including brakes, tire service, wheel alignments, tune-ups, oil changes, battery checks, and EV system service, all using genuine Nissan parts. A quick stop before a full day of market visits means you won't be thinking about your A/C or tire pressure while you're loading up on Navel oranges and fresh produce. Schedule Your Visit Service hours run Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., so a Friday afternoon or early Saturday appointment fits nicely before a weekend of market visits. You can schedule service online or call 407-278-8270. If you have questions about maintenance, financing, or anything else, feel free to contact Reed Nissan directly, and enjoy the fall harvest around Central Florida. Photo by Jacopo Maiarelli on Unsplash

A cracked hose in July or a worn brake pad right before a trip to the Chain of Lakes has a way of turning into a bigger decision than most drivers expect. Once a repair is on the table, the question of OEM Nissan parts vs aftermarket comes up fast, and the answer shapes how your Nissan performs for years to come. We work on Nissans every day at our Highway 50 service center, and we want Clermont drivers to understand exactly what separates these two options before they sign off on a repair. Why the Parts You Choose Matter for Your Nissan The part you choose during a repair affects more than the immediate fix. It changes how your Nissan drives, how its safety systems respond, and what it's worth down the road when you sell or trade it in. Genuine parts are built for your specific model, so they fit and perform the way Nissan engineers intended. Aftermarket parts vary widely in quality, and that variability is exactly why so many drivers ask us the same thing when a repair comes up. The right call depends on the part, the job, and your priorities, which is what the rest of this guide breaks down. What Are OEM Nissan Parts? OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, meaning the part is made by or for Nissan to the exact specifications used on your vehicle when it left the factory. Genuine Nissan parts are engineered for the precise fit and function of a specific model, meeting Nissan's requirements for fit, finish, structural integrity, and corrosion protection. These components come straight from Nissan or from manufacturers producing directly to Nissan's specifications, not from a separate company designing a generic version to fit a bunch of different vehicles. That distinction explains why these parts consistently perform the way your Nissan was designed to perform. What Are Aftermarket Parts? Aftermarket parts come from third-party manufacturers producing components designed to fit a range of vehicles rather than one specific model. Some aftermarket brands invest heavily in engineering and produce parts that perform well. Others reverse-engineer a generic version of the original part, and quality on those runs anywhere from solid to disappointing. That inconsistency is the core issue when weighing OEM against aftermarket: you're not comparing two fixed standards against each other. You're comparing one consistent standard against a wide field of manufacturers with different priorities and processes. Genuine parts typically cost more upfront than aftermarket alternatives. That price difference buys consistency, documented engineering, and a part built for your exact model rather than a broad range of vehicles. For a deeper side-by-side look, our OEM vs. aftermarket parts guide walks through specific part categories in more detail. Precise Factory Fit: The OEM Advantage Fit is where OEM parts show their clearest advantage. Because genuine Nissan parts are designed for one specific model, they install the way the original component did, with no adjustments, shims, or workarounds needed. Aftermarket parts, especially reverse-engineered ones, can require modifications during installation that add labor time and sometimes affect alignment or handling down the road. This matters even more on newer Nissans equipped with Nissan Safety Shield® 360. That suite of safety technologies relies on cameras, radar, and sonar technology positioned precisely throughout the vehicle. A part that's slightly off in dimension or mounting position can throw those systems out of calibration. Windshields are a good example: modern glass is a structural, safety-critical component tied to antennas, cameras, and sensor systems, not just a barrier against wind and rain. Warranty Protection and Peace of Mind One of the most common concerns we hear from Clermont drivers is whether using an aftermarket part will void their warranty. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act means a dealership can't automatically void your warranty just because you used an aftermarket part. But that protection doesn't erase every doubt. If a non-genuine part causes damage, proving it wasn't the cause can turn into a drawn-out process. Choosing genuine Nissan parts removes that gray area entirely, since they're backed by manufacturer coverage and help keep your vehicle "100% Nissan." Non-genuine accessories simply aren't warranted by Nissan, which is worth remembering before a repair decision gets made under time pressure. If you're ever unsure how a specific repair might interact with your coverage, our service advisors can walk through the specifics with you rather than leave you guessing. Long-Term Durability and Performance Genuine Nissan parts go through strict quality controls before they ever reach a service bay, which is a big part of why they tend to hold up well over time. Aftermarket durability depends heavily on the manufacturer, and that inconsistency shows up more in Central Florida than in milder climates. Clermont's heat and humidity, combined with constant UV exposure, put real stress on rubber seals, hoses, A/C components, and cooling systems. A lower-quality gasket or seal that might last fine in a drier climate can degrade faster under our sun and moisture. Genuine Nissan glass is built to your vehicle's original specification, so factory features like UV-reducing solar glass and acoustic glass stay intact rather than getting lost to a generic aftermarket panel. For drivers hauling boats to the Chain of Lakes, towing components are another area where fit and material quality directly affect how well a hitch or wiring harness holds up under repeated use. How Parts Choice Affects Your Nissan's Resale Value When it comes time to sell or trade in your Nissan, your service history speaks for you. Genuine parts help preserve resale value, while aftermarket components, particularly lower-quality ones, can raise questions for a buyer reviewing your maintenance records. Buyers increasingly check vehicle history through services like Carfax and AutoCheck before making an offer. A record showing genuine Nissan parts and documented service at a certified dealership supports a stronger asking price. Keeping your receipts from genuine parts purchases, including anything ordered through our parts department, gives you real documentation to point to when it's time to sell. Safety Considerations for Clermont Drivers Not every part on your Nissan carries the same weight when it comes to safety. Brakes and airbags, along with the glass and sensors tied to Nissan Safety Shield® 360, fall into a category where OEM is strongly recommended because these components need to perform exactly as designed every single time. Aftermarket body panels, for comparison, may not fit as precisely and can skip the manufacturer-standard crash testing that genuine panels undergo, which affects how well crumple zones protect occupants in a collision. A blanket answer doesn't serve drivers well here. Our technicians can look at a specific repair and tell you honestly whether it's safety-critical, where genuine parts are the clear choice, or cosmetic and non-critical, where a quality aftermarket option might be reasonable. That kind of case-by-case guidance beats a one-size-fits-all rule. Making the Right Choice for Your Nissan There's no single right answer that applies to every repair. A trim clip or a floor mat carries very different stakes than a brake rotor or a sensor tied to your safety systems. Budget matters, and we understand that. But the smartest approach is to weigh the part's role in your vehicle's safety and performance against any short-term savings. If you're on the fence, ask. Our service advisors talk through these tradeoffs with drivers every day, and we'd rather give you a clear, honest answer than let you guess on something safety-related. For routine maintenance, scheduling service with our team gives you a chance to ask those questions directly before any work begins. Order Genuine Parts or Schedule Service with Reed Nissan Clermont Why Drivers Choose Us Our parts department stocks authentic Nissan parts for any Nissan car, SUV, or pickup, so genuine components are available locally without a drive into Orlando. Our service team is NNA and ASE Certified, including two Certified Master Technicians, and every repair we perform uses genuine Nissan parts. Ordering is simple, and installation is handled by technicians who know your Nissan inside and out. Get Started When you're ready, you can order genuine Nissan parts online for a project you're handling yourself, or let our certified technicians install them for you. Visit our service center to learn more about what we offer, or contact us with any questions about a specific part or repair. From a Sentra due for routine maintenance to a NISMO model needing a specialized component, our team at Reed Nissan Clermont is here to help you make the right call for your vehicle and your budget.