Lily Lake Golf Resort in Frostproof, FL: 55+ Golf, Lakeside Living, and the Best Local Eats

Some retirement communities sell you a view of the golf course. Lily Lake Golf Resort puts the golf course in your backyard, the fishing lake down the street, and the clubhouse within a short golf cart ride. Located at 6603 U.S. Highway 27 South, just outside the small Central Florida town of Frostproof, this 55+ active adult community has quietly built a loyal following among retirees and seasonal residents who want an affordable, lot-ownership lifestyle in the heart of Florida's lake country.

In this guide, we will walk you through what life looks like inside Lily Lake Golf Resort, then show you the best places to eat (including some outstanding small-town bakeries) and the most rewarding things to do and see within an easy drive of the front gate.

Life at Lily Lake Golf Resort: A 55+ Golf Community in Frostproof, Florida

Lily Lake Golf Resort is a 55+ community made up of 423 lots, ranging from RV lots and motor port lots to homesites right on the golf course and waterview lots with lake or fairway views. Unlike many manufactured home communities where residents lease the land, Lily Lake offers deeded lot ownership. You own the ground under your home, which gives buyers more control and long-term value.

Housing options are flexible, which is a big part of the appeal. Residents choose from manufactured homes, resort-style park model homes, motor port homes, and RV sites in the community's RV Porte Village. Whether you want a full-time Florida home, a winter retreat for your motorhome, or a low-maintenance base for traveling, Lily Lake has a lot type that fits.

Golf in Your Own Backyard

The centerpiece of the community is its 9-hole executive golf course, a par 32 layout of roughly 2,270 yards with five par 4s and four par 3s, opened in the late 1980s. It plays on Bermuda grass fairways and greens, and water comes into play often, so golfers of every skill level get a fun test without a five-hour commitment. The course is supported by a pro shop, putting green, and chipping green, and it is open year-round. League play, including women's and mixed couples leagues, keeps the social calendar full during the season.

Amenities Beyond the Fairway

Lily Lake's amenities are built around an active, outdoorsy lifestyle:

• Fishing lake: Cast a line from the bank or launch a small boat.
• Pool and spa area for a refreshing swim on warm Florida afternoons.
• Courts and games: Tennis, shuffleboard, bocce, and horseshoes.
• Recreation Center: Billiard room, library and laundry, banquet hall, kitchen and dining area, and the "19th hole" for post-round socializing.
• Pet friendly: Two pet areas plus a fenced pet run.
• RV and boat storage plus a separate storage facility.
• Gated security: The front entrance gates close each evening when the Pro Shop closes and reopen in the morning.

A Property Owners' Association, headquartered in the Recreation Center, oversees community operations, and a full slate of planned activities at the clubhouse makes it easy to meet neighbors from the day you arrive.

View Lily Lake Golf Resort on RetireNet

Why Frostproof? Small-Town Florida With a Big Location Advantage

Frostproof is a friendly town of roughly 3,000 residents in southeastern Polk County, set on a narrow strip of land between Reedy Lake and Lake Clinch along the Ridge Scenic Highway. The town earned its memorable name after it came through the devastating freeze of 1894 with far less damage than the rest of Florida's citrus belt. Citrus is still part of daily life here, with groves rolling across the surrounding hills.

The location is a quiet strength. Frostproof sits south of Lake Wales and north of Sebring and Avon Park, so shopping, healthcare, and dining are all close by. Orlando's major attractions, Legoland Florida in Winter Haven, and both coasts are within comfortable day-trip range, yet you come home to lake breezes and starry skies instead of traffic.

Best Places to Eat Near Lily Lake Golf Resort

Frostproof's dining scene is small but full of character, and the neighboring towns of Avon Park, Sebring, and Lake Wales add plenty of variety. Here are local favorites worth putting on your list.

The Roost at Four Seasons (Frostproof)

Located on U.S. 27 just up the road from Lily Lake, The Roost is consistently ranked among the top restaurants in Frostproof. Owners Niko and Natalia serve hearty breakfasts and comfort-food lunches seven days a week in a farm-themed dining room. Portions are generous, the coffee keeps coming, and the homemade pies are a fine reason to save room. Ask about the daily specials.

Frostproof BBQ Company (Frostproof)

Opened in 2023 on Highway 630 East, this barbecue spot pays tribute to the town's citrus heritage with a sweet sauce carrying a hint of orange. Brisket, pulled chicken, and hearty sides like cheesy hashbrown casserole make it a favorite for casual lunches and family-style dinners. It is typically open Wednesday through Sunday, so check hours before you go.

Frostbite Ice Cream & More (Frostproof)

A 1950s-style hamburger stand that doubles as the town's go-to ice cream counter. Grab a burger, then finish with a sundae, malt, or milkshake. It is the perfect stop after an afternoon on the lake.

Mister Chris' Coffee Gallery & Depot (Downtown Frostproof)

Housed in Frostproof's restored 1912 Atlantic Coast Line train depot on East Wall Street, this charming coffee shop roasts its coffee on site and pairs it with muffins, quiche, and other light bites. The depot also hosts live music and community gatherings, making it one of the most delightful spots in town to start your morning.

Dining a Short Drive Away

• The Restaurant at Hotel Jacaranda (Avon Park): A historic hotel dining room best known for its Sunday Grand Buffet.
• Chicanes Restaurant at Inn on the Lakes (Sebring): Relaxed, upscale lakeside dining with cedar plank salmon and a classic French onion soup. Ideal for anniversaries and special nights out.
• Cowpoke's Watering Hole (Sebring): A big, lively steakhouse with a tiki bar, live entertainment, and a Florida Orange Cake that regulars rave about.
• Sophie's Cafe (Sebring): A Cuban-inspired cafe with classic sandwiches, plantains, and a strong cortadito.

Bakeries Near Frostproof, Florida Worth the Drive

If fresh bread, pastries, and homemade sweets are part of your idea of a good retirement, you are in luck. These local bakeries are all within an easy drive of Lily Lake Golf Resort.

Buttercrust Bakeries (Avon Park)

The closest full-service bakery to Lily Lake, Buttercrust on North Central Avenue in Avon Park turns out pastries, cakes, and fresh bread in a cozy, small-town setting. It is a natural stop for coffee and a treat with friends, and it is generally open Monday through Saturday.

Mimi's Bakery (Lake Wales)

This family-run bakery on East Stuart Avenue in downtown Lake Wales has become a morning favorite for its Danish pastries, artisanal breads, bagels, and cookies, all made fresh. Gluten-free guests will find options here, too. Pair a visit with a stroll through historic downtown Lake Wales.

Sugar Blossoms Bakery (Sebring)

A mother-and-daughter bakery on North Ridgewood Drive in downtown Sebring, known for whoopie pies, oversized treats, and a warm welcome. It is typically open Tuesday through Saturday.

Nutmeg's Cafe (Sebring)

Part bakery, part bistro, Nutmeg's serves creative paninis and salads for lunch, with a pastry case that includes colorful macarons. It is a lovely spot for a ladies' lunch or a post-errand treat.

Havana Restaurant & Bakery (Sebring)

For a taste of Cuba in the Florida heartland, this restaurant and bakery is beloved for its guava pastries, flan, and strong Cuban coffee, along with hearty breakfast plates.

Things to Do and See Near Lily Lake Golf Resort

Explore Historic Downtown Frostproof

Start with the self-guided Frostproof Historical Trail, which begins at City Hall, a former high school listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Along the way, visit the Frostproof Historical Society Museum on South Scenic Highway for photos and artifacts from the town's citrus and pioneer days. The historic Ramon Theater on East Wall Street hosts community theater, murder mystery nights, and a winter music series that runs January through March.

Fish, Boat, and Bird-Watch on Local Lakes

Beyond the lake inside Lily Lake itself, Reedy Lake and Lake Clinch frame the town of Frostproof and offer excellent bass fishing, boating, and bird-watching. Nearby Crooked Lake is designated an Outstanding Florida Water, and the Ridge Audubon Center in Babson Park offers trails and educational programs for nature lovers.

Hike the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

The Arbuckle Tract of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest covers more than 13,500 acres just east of Frostproof. It is one of the best places in Central Florida to see rare scrub habitat and enjoy long, peaceful hikes.

Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales)

One of Florida's true treasures, Bok Tower Gardens is a 250-acre garden and National Historic Landmark crowning Iron Mountain, among the highest points on the peninsula. The 205-foot Singing Tower, completed in 1929, houses a 60-bell carillon with live concerts daily. Bring a picnic, stroll the shaded paths, and visit the historic Pinewood Estate. The gardens are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Highlands Hammock State Park (Sebring)

Opened in 1931 and one of Florida's original four state parks, Highlands Hammock is famous for its elevated catwalk through an old-growth cypress swamp, where alligators, wading birds, and towering oaks are a regular sight. Don't miss the Civilian Conservation Corps museum, and plan a fall or winter visit to catch the park's Music in the Park concert series.

Lake Kissimmee State Park (Lake Wales)

Step back to the days of Florida's cracker cowmen at this park's living history 1876 Cow Camp, open on weekends and holidays from October through May. The park sits on the shores of Lakes Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie and is excellent for wildlife viewing, paddling, and fishing.

Sebring International Raceway

Racing fans have a world-class venue in their backyard. Sebring International Raceway hosts the legendary Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, and the 75th running is scheduled for March 20, 2027. The track also hosts vintage racing weekends throughout the year.

Theme Parks and Big-City Fun

When the grandkids visit, Legoland Florida in Winter Haven, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld are all within reach for a day trip, and Busch Gardens in Tampa and Kennedy Space Center make memorable outings, too.

Is Lily Lake Golf Resort Right for You?

If you are looking for an affordable 55+ golf community in Central Florida where you can own your lot, play golf steps from home, fish the lake in the morning, and enjoy small-town hospitality without giving up access to Florida's biggest attractions, Lily Lake Golf Resort deserves a spot on your short list. Its mix of manufactured homes, park models, motor port homes, and RV lots makes it a fit for full-time residents and snowbirds alike.

Ready to see it for yourself? Visit the community's RetireNet listing to browse the full photo gallery, request a free brochure, or schedule a tour.

Request Info and Schedule a Tour of Lily Lake