Just 30 miles outside the hubbub of Orlando lies the sleepy little town of Mount Dora. With a charming historic district and tons of quaint shops and restaurants, Mount Dora is a must-see for all Floridians. Add it to your itinerary the next time you’re in Orlando, or just skip Orlando and spend a few days here!
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor Mount Dora’s roots go all the way back to the 1880s, with a spike in development in the 1920s. There’s a lot to do in this town of only around 12,500 people, and many Floridians name it among their favorite small towns.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor Mount Dora is full of gift shops, boutiques, cafes, antique stores, and pretty much everything you’d hope to find on a small-town stroll.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor There are many antique shops, but don’t forget to visit the Renninger’s Twin Markets, a popular farmers market, flea market and antique center.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor Cody’s is just one of many coffee shops you can visit to start your day.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor If you prefer tea, try the charming Windsor Rose Tea Room & Restaurant, instead.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor If you’re traveling with kids, or you just love the outdoors, check out Palm Island Park. It’s just one of many lovely parks in Mount Dora.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor The Palm Island Boardwalk on Lake Dora is a great place to see birds and alligators.
Flickr/Rain0975 Adults and kids alike will love exploring Mount Dora’s many parks.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor If you prefer indoor activities, head to Jane Slivka Gallery and let out your inner artist with a painting class.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor The most difficult part about your evening will be choosing where to eat.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor Norm’s Palette is a popular tapas restaurant offering wines, draft beers, and excellent food with a great atmosphere.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor Another local favorite is the Goblin Market. Whether dining inside or on the patio, the ambiance here can’t be beat.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor With an emphasis on homemade meals with the freshest ingredients, everyone in your party will find something to love at the Goblin Market.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor Now that you’ve had a wonderful day, it’s time to head back to your room at the historic Lakeside Inn.
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor This Victorian Inn on Lake Dora is the longest continuously running hotel in Florida, opening in 1883. The huge porch dotted with rocking chairs invite you to relax and stay for awhile.
Have you been to Mount Dora? What are your favorite things to see and do there? What are your favorite small towns in Florida? Please share your comments with us below!
Julie Fletcher via Flickr/VISIT FLORIDA Editor
Mount Dora’s roots go all the way back to the 1880s, with a spike in development in the 1920s. There’s a lot to do in this town of only around 12,500 people, and many Floridians name it among their favorite small towns.
Mount Dora is full of gift shops, boutiques, cafes, antique stores, and pretty much everything you’d hope to find on a small-town stroll.
There are many antique shops, but don’t forget to visit the Renninger’s Twin Markets, a popular farmers market, flea market and antique center.
Cody’s is just one of many coffee shops you can visit to start your day.
If you prefer tea, try the charming Windsor Rose Tea Room & Restaurant, instead.
If you’re traveling with kids, or you just love the outdoors, check out Palm Island Park. It’s just one of many lovely parks in Mount Dora.
The Palm Island Boardwalk on Lake Dora is a great place to see birds and alligators.
Flickr/Rain0975
Adults and kids alike will love exploring Mount Dora’s many parks.
If you prefer indoor activities, head to Jane Slivka Gallery and let out your inner artist with a painting class.
The most difficult part about your evening will be choosing where to eat.
Norm’s Palette is a popular tapas restaurant offering wines, draft beers, and excellent food with a great atmosphere.
Another local favorite is the Goblin Market. Whether dining inside or on the patio, the ambiance here can’t be beat.
With an emphasis on homemade meals with the freshest ingredients, everyone in your party will find something to love at the Goblin Market.
Now that you’ve had a wonderful day, it’s time to head back to your room at the historic Lakeside Inn.
This Victorian Inn on Lake Dora is the longest continuously running hotel in Florida, opening in 1883. The huge porch dotted with rocking chairs invite you to relax and stay for awhile.
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