New places to eat, stay, play, and explore across Sebring, Lake Placid, and Avon Park
The Sebring area has always done things its own way—laid-back, welcoming, and refreshingly unhurried. But as we look ahead to 2026, a noticeable buzz is building across Highlands County. New restaurants are opening their doors, major hospitality upgrades are underway, and ambitious projects are taking shape that will attract motorsports fans, professional golfers, creatives, and families alike.
Here’s a city-by-city look at what’s coming to Sebring, Lake Placid, and Avon Park in 2026, and why it’s an exciting time to plan your first or next visit.
Sebring: New flavors, fresh stays & a motorsport lifestyle hub
Jinsoo Kitchen
4141 U.S. Highway 27 North, Unit 1
Sebring, FL 33870
Sebring’s dining scene continues to grow with the opening of Jinsoo Kitchen, a modern Asian fusion restaurant blending Korean-inspired dishes and East Asian favorites into one approachable menu. The casual, contemporary space serves hot stone bowls packed with fresh ingredients, hot pot soups simmering right at your table, plus poke bowls, sushi, boba tea, and signature cocktails. Now open, Jinsoo Kitchen brings a fresh global flavor to the growing list of restaurants in the area.
Sebring Resorts & Motor Garages
8180 Black Wolf Drive
Sebring, FL 33876
Near the iconic Sebring International Raceway, a major new lifestyle development is reshaping how motorsport fans experience race weekends, and beyond. Sebring Motor Garages, a destination community designed specifically for RVers, car enthusiasts, and racing fans, is adding to its collection with Sebring Resorts.
Launching in 2026, Sebring Resorts will introduce luxury townhomes that include massive 30’ x 60’ private RV garages, allowing owners to live, store, and travel from their track-side home. In the coming years, the community will expand to include a full-service Raceway RV Resort, a private clubhouse with a pool, bar, and social spaces, a 30,000-square-foot destination center featuring dining, retail, fuel, and services, and secure, oversized covered RV, big rig, and trailer parking.
Residence Inn by Marriott Sebring
3221 Tubbs Road
Sebring, FL 33870
Beginning in April of 2026, the Residence Inn by Marriott Sebring will launch a comprehensive renovation, including refreshed guest rooms and lobby spaces, brand-new beds, updated furniture, and carpet throughout the hotel.
With a 2025 Marriott Platinum Award win under their belt, the Residence Inn will remain open during renovations and continue to deliver the same high standards of service and hospitality guests have come to expect.
Lake Placid: Creative energy, smoked barbecue & private golf luxury
Porkchop’s Barbecue
295 E. Interlake Blvd.
Lake Placid, FL 33852
Barbecue fans have something new to look forward to with Porkchop’s Barbecue! The anticipated February opening will bring home-smoked meats like beef brisket and pulled pork, plus freshly ground sausages, classic sides, and a relaxed, neighborly spot to Lake Placid. Open Friday through Sunday, be sure to stop in for a delicious lunch or dinner after a day on the lake or exploring town.
Art Lab 27
500 E. Interlake Blvd.
Lake Placid, FL 33852
Just down the street at South Florida State College’s Lake Placid Center, Art Lab 27 brings hands-on creativity to the heart of the Town of Murals. Now open, visitors can drop into Art Lab sessions on Mondays and Fridays, or join a scheduled workshop throughout the week to paint pottery, design mosaics, create canvas and rock art, or splatter paint.
As a fun, interactive activity, this is an ideal stop for families, couples, and creative travelers looking to take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir made by hand.
High Grove Golf Club
Venus, FL 33960
High Grove Golf Club represents one of the most ambitious and exclusive golf projects in Central Florida. Located just south of Lake Placid and designed by celebrated architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, the private club will feature and 18-hole championship course and an 11-hole par-three course with dramatic elevation changes along the Lake Wales Ridge, a luxury clubhouse, and approximately 48 boutique lodging cabins reserved for members and their guests. Slated to open in 2026, High Grove is intentionally private—crafted as a retreat for its members rather than open to everyday visitors.
Avon Park: Sports History, Familiar Favorites & New Social Spaces
Baseball Museum of Avon Park
3 N. Museum Ave.
Avon Park, FL 33825
While baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, it’s also the heartbeat of Avon Park, and the new Avon Park Baseball Museum, located inside The Depot Museum, brings that story to life. From Babe Ruth (who was also a guest at the local Hotel Jacaranda), Hal McRae, and Tom “Flash” Gordon to generations of Red Devils, the museum will showcase over 100 years of baseball, including amateur and professional players who have brought the community together for decades. The museum is scheduled to open in the spring of 2026.
Sophie’s Café
4 E. Main St.
Avon Park, FL 33825
It’s not déjà vu; the locally loved and showcased business on HGTV’s Hometown Take Over, Sophie’s Café, will open its third location in Avon Park this February. Known for traditional Cuban favorites like empanadas, ham croquetas, and a slew of fresh pastries, Sophie’s is open for every meal of the day. This new location expands Sophie’s welcoming vibe into another walkable, historic downtown.
The Pour House
2 E. Main St.
Avon Park, FL 33825
Now open, The Pour House brings a fun and modern social experience to Avon Park. With 43 self-pour taps featuring craft beer, cider, and wine, customers snag a bracelet and pour as much or as little as they want. Not sure what you like? Sample what interests you and find your new favorite. While you’re there, snag a bite at the inside restaurant, Barley’s Hideaway, serving up BBQ-inspired food like brisket tacos, sliders, and pizzas.
Looking Ahead
From motorsport-driven developments and private golf retreats to creative spaces, museums, and new dining options, 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for the Sebring area. Whether you’re a local, planning a return visit, or discovering the region for the first time, there’s plenty on the horizon to look forward to across Sebring, Lake Placid, and Avon Park.
