Names say a lot about a place. In Florida, being 184 feet above sea level qualifies this small central Florida city as Mount Dora. It’s promoted as “Something Special” and you’ll understand why when you see its huge ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss. This “City of Festivals” hosts 30 special events, so there’s always something fun going on.
Mount Dora is a quick half-hour drive from busy Orlando. But you won’t find any theme parks here. Spend your time antiquing and book a seaplane tour for a bird’s eye view of Lake County’s stunning waterways. This is an authentic Florida small town. Here’s what you’ll want to do when visiting.
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Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company
Mount Dora‘s history began in the mid-19th century so it’s only fitting Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company doesn’t horse around when they take you back in time to explore its historic side in a horseless carriage. The white upholstered and gold trim carriages are electric-powered, so no horses are subject to traffic and hot paved streets. When I climbed into the carriage, it felt like a cross between Disney magic and a royal carriage from the early 20th century.
Brian Stilke and Brittany Poe started the unusual carriage rides just about two years ago. Brian told me he believes, “Mount Dora was the first municipality in the country to unanimously pass an electric carriage ordinance.”
The ride starts at the historic Lakeside Inn, the oldest continuously operated hotel in Florida, where I was staying. My driver, Colleen, explained that the tours are narrated by professional storyteller Louise O’Leary and guide you through the many historic homes and buildings.
Historic Donnelly House
One of the most historic homes I saw on the carriage tour is the 1893 Donnelly House. The yellow with white trim Steamboat Gothic Victorian-style home was built by John P. Donnelly who was the town’s first mayor. He also opened the Alexander Inn which is now the Lakeside Inn. His home is now the headquarters of the local Freemason society. It is rumored to be haunted by Donnelly and his wife and other spirits. Mount Dora Ghost Tours offers paranormal tours of the home.
Mount Dora Lighthouse
Another point on the carriage tour is the Mount Dora Lighthouse. It’s the only freshwater lighthouse in Florida registered as an inland aid to navigation. The 35-foot red and white lighthouse stands in Grantham Point Park at the Port of Mount Dora where its 750-watt photocell powers a blue pulsator sending out a guiding light to all boaters navigating Lake Dora after dusk. It’s also called Lighthouse Park.
The Palm Island Park Boardwalk is just south of Grantham Point and the lighthouse and is worth a stroll. It’s an easy walk from historic downtown.
Meet the Alligators in the Dora Canal
There is a lot more than history Mont Dora. For nature lovers, you can kayak into Mount Dora via the Dora Canal. This mile-long waterway connecting Lakes Dora and Eustis is filled with wildlife and Florida greenery. I got the best alligator picture here and lots of beautiful Anhinga photos. You will see herons, egrets, and possibly even a bald eagle, Dora Canal has been called “The Most Beautiful Mile of Water in the World.”
There are several ways to experience the canal. You can take a CatBoat Adventure tour in a 2-person mini-catamaran on a guided tour across beautiful Lake Dora and through the canal.
If you want someone else to run the boat, you can take one of the Premier Boat Tours in a covered pontoon boat that leaves from Lakeside Inn. There are several places with boar rentals available.
If you prefer to kayak the canal with your own boat, you can get the entire experience by starting near the canal entrance to Lake Eustis and paddling to Summerall Park near Lake Dora in Tavares. Tavares is less than five miles from Mount Dora and driving is easy and traffic-free.
Soar in a Seaplane
Wooten Park in Tavares is the place for another unique adventure. Taveras is known as America’s Seaplane City so I had to take a seaplane Splash and Dash tour with Jones Brothers Air and Seaplane Adventures.
Our pilot, Paul, boarded me and another couple, Bob and Sue, into a 1978 CESSNA Fixed wing single-engine plane with just six small seats including the pilot’s. Paul told us the plane had a 300 horsepower engine and could achieve a speed of 132mph.
He flew us over Lake Dora and across Mount Dora. We circled around the lighthouse and flew over fields of blueberries that are currently a big crop in Lake County. Since the plane had pontoons instead of wheels for landing in water, Paul dipped down and skidded along Lake Dora for several hundred feet. What a fun way to fly!
Step Back in Time
Neighboring Tavares has two museums that explore its history including the seaplane phenomena.
Lake County Historical Museum
Lake County Historical Museum is located on the first floor of the historic courthouse. It traces Lake County from its earliest days.
Tavares History Museum
Tavares History Museum focuses on the town of Tavares. It’s located in a replica of the old train depot from the days when this was an important railroad hub for the citrus industry. There is an exhibit focusing on the seaplanes.
Check Out Mount Dora’s Art Festival
Mount Dora is known as the City of Festivals. They host over 30 annual festivals. The simply named Art Festival, held annually in February, is the largest. I was amazed at the number of tents filled with every kind of art from painting, glass art, sculptures, jewelry, handmade musical instruments, and more.
One artist, Barbara Rush, painted multi-colored dogs that reminded me of the famous Louisiana artist, George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog Paintings. A metalwork artist, Josh Price, made amazing statues using recycled car parts. The entire downtown is closed to traffic and swarms with art lovers, many with their dogs along, viewing the art.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Mount Dora is very dog-friendly. Most of the restaurants have patio seating and allow dogs. Many of the businesses have dog water bowls set out for the furry visitors.
Tour the Modernism Museum
Along with the street artists, there are galleries and one museum that celebrates art. Modernism Museum is currently showing furniture art created by the Memphis Group. Since I had never heard of them, I was fascinated to learn that the group, also known as the Memphis Milano, designed furniture, ceramics, metal, and glass during the 1900s. They created a post-modern style based on Art Déco and Pop Art styles, using bright colors, geometric shapes, and bold patterns. Their furniture was not only artistically interesting, it was functional.
Since I had just finished writing a book on the history of American music, I was fascinated to learn that most of the pieces on display had been owned by the late David Bowie, and the group’s name was taken from a Bob Dylan song, “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again.”
Many of their pieces are named for famous New York City hotels like Plaza, an Art Deco-looking vanity, or the Belvedere, a marble, granite, and pietra serena console.
Go Antiquing
We all want to take home an unusual souvenir from our travels. Mount Dora is filled with secondhand shopping opportunities if you’re interested in a treasure hunt.
Village Antique Mall
When you pull into the parking lot and see two life-size winged goblin statues, you know this place will have some special finds. The mall is housed in a 1959 former grocery store. The mall opened its doors in 1998 and has been offering a 12,000-square-foot building for 60 vendors to offer furniture, jewelry, comic books, cartoon memorabilia, wall art, and about any collectible or antique you can imagine.
One of my favorite discoveries was an antique stove. I try to imagine cooking on the little white enamel gas burner but feel I would probably burn everything. The antique jewelry at many vendors also tempted me.
Treasure Mart
Another place to search for antique and collectible treasures is at Treasure Mart. It’s a drive from downtown on Hwy 441 and has over 100 vendors. I saw lots of collectibles and there is even a clearance center in the back of the store where items are marked way down. Many of the vendors had varying discounts for their booths. There is a lot of antique jewelry, one of my favorite souvenirs to bring home.
Renninger’s Flea Market
Venture a bit farther on Hwy 441 and you find another treasure hunter’s heaven, Renningers Flea Market. Actually, Renningers is a dual market with the traditional flea market section and another section devoted to just antiques. Wear comfortable shoes as it is huge.
Besides the usual items, there are dining spots, a farmers’ market section with fresh produce, and a garden section with healthy-looking plants.
Where to Eat in Mount Dora
Jeremiah’s
When you venture away from the hotel, there are dining spots ranging from small cafes to elegant dining not only in the downtown area but all over Mt. Dora. Jeremiah’s Restaurant & Bar has been family-owned and operated since 1984. I enjoyed chicken and dumplings with a baked potato side.
1921 Mount Dora
1921, in downtown Mount Dora, is owned by the Modernism Art Museum so you find rotating art exhibits on its walls. It’s like stepping into an art gallery. Their cheese boards are delicious and, since they are served with generous portions of toasted sourdough bread, very filling.
Pisces Rising
Pisces Rising is another restaurant built around a 1919 home with a view of Lake Dora. I loved their shrimp and grits. Thursday through Sunday, you’ll find live music on the outside deck.
Fifth Avenue Streatery
If you’re looking for a cross between a fine dining establishment and a food truck, look no further than Fifth Avenue Streatery. They are completely outdoors and are very dog-friendly. I was stuffed with the delicious shrimp basket with fries but had to try their Bananas Forster Crepe. Wow! It was delicious but with three huge scoops of ice cream inside a crepe drizzled with warm Bananas Foster, it is best shared.
Cody’s on 4th St.
Go where the locals go for a home-style experience. Cody loves to offer unusual dishes to tempt your taste buds. I loved her French Toast Casserole which is a cross between French toast and a traditional New Orleans-style bread pudding.
There are also three choices for dining and a seasonal outdoor bar at the Lakeview Inn.
The Beauclaire Restaurant
The Beauclaire is a full-service restaurant that oozes traditional Victorian elegance. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Verandah
If the weather is nice, The Verandah, offers a casual dining experience with a view of Lake Dora.
Tremain’s Tavern
This casual eatery resembles a gentlemen’s club of the Victorian era and is the place for a cocktail or laidback meal at the hotel.
The Lakeside Pool Bar
When the weather permits on weekends, Lakeside Pool Bar is perfect for a cocktail while taking a dip or just looking at Lake Dora.
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