Florida Guide > Days Out
Mount Dora - a quiet haven
If you feel the need for a quiet day away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks then spend it at Mount Dora – you won’t be disappointed.
Easily reached from Orlando in around 45 minutes along the US 441, it’s a town untouched by the frenetic pace of today’s world. We always visit this lovely town whenever we are in Florida.
Dora was a local pioneer and as the town is 250ft above sea level Mount was added to the name. The nearby lake has the same name and is a great place to see wildlife. Last time we visited there were tiny baby alligators basking in the sunshine.
This charming town is seemingly in a time warp and mainly consists of turn of the century buildings. The slow pace of life is catching and you will be so relaxed, you’ll wish you could stay!
There are many festival and events throughout the year from the annual Craft Festival in October, to the Antique Fair in March and the Christmas walk on the first weekend in December when Santa Claus arrives in town.
This town is an antique collector’s paradise and it is rumoured that there are more antique dealers per square mile than in any other place in Florida. Renningers Antique Extravaganzas attract around 1000 dealers from all over the state.
If antiques aren’t your thing, then there is every other type of shopping imaginable. Donnelly Street is the main street but you have to explore all the side streets too or you will miss a treat. There are a huge variety of gift shops, clothes stores, shoe shops, places for home décor and the garden. Individual shops are everywhere and are the perfect place to buy a special souvenir of your trip. There’s even a special store dedicated to our four legged friends. Just the place to purchase a present for those pampered pooches and cats back home.
And don’t worry – going hungry is not an option. There are countless restaurants, cafes and bars serving all kinds of food throughout the day from breakfast at the bakery to formal dining. Get a coffee and sit and watch the world go by. The Windsor tea rooms offer English style afternoon tea as well as American dishes. Watch the sun go down from the porch of the Lakeside Inn.
When you have finished taking in the town and if you have time before nightfall, there are a number of nature trails and cycle paths to enjoy.
Whatever you want to do with your day, you will find it at Mount Dora and, believe us, you will want to go back there again and again.
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