5 Things to Do in Beautiful Mount Dora, Florida

For close to 150 years, the small lakefront town of Mount Dora has served as a respite for weary travelers hungry for peace and quiet in a picture-perfect setting of live oaks. “It has a lot of charm and a calming effect,” Mayor Cathy Hoechst says.

That doesn’t mean there’s not plenty to do. Explore local landmarks by aircraft or boat, stretch your legs on a walking tour, or mingle at a crafts fair. “Or,” Hoechst says, “you can sit and relax on a bench and read a book.”

1. Explore Local History

Legend has it that in the mid-1880s, four decades after Lake Dora got its title from settler Dora Ann Drawdy, the community was renamed for her too. Today, visitors can embark on the popular Mount Dora walking tour (voice narration is available through a free app) and retrace the development of downtown through its stunning 19th-century homes. Among the must-see stops in the historic district is the 1893 Queen Anne residence of Capt. John Philip Donnelly, the town’s first mayor.

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Another famous landmark is the 90-room Victorian-era Lakeside Inn, the oldest continuously operating hotel in the state since it opened in 1883. Celebrated guests include Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Dwight D. Eisenhower, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The inn has undergone renovations with lush flower beds and a refurbished wooden deck with outdoor dining overlooking the lake. Vintage touches, like real keys and glass doorknobs, add to the ambiance.

Once an ice plant, the relocated, acoustically perfect Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse has been entertaining crowds since 1949, when busloads of residents from nearby towns flocked to the 270-seat venue.

2. Get Outside

With so many options for fun on the water, it might be hard to pick just one. Take a pontoon ride, rent a two-person CatBoat or cruise on a New Orleans-style paddle wheel boat for unforgettable views of the town and Lake Dora. For airborne sightseeing, climb aboard a seaplane and, if you’re feeling fearless, graze the water in a Splash & Dash. Or join a guided Segway tour of the historic district and waterfront.

A short walk from downtown, check out the Mount Dora Lighthouse in Grantham Point Park. The only inland navigational aid of its kind, the brick-and-stucco beacon stands sentry near the renovated boardwalk leading into Palm Island Park nature preserve.

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One of the best ways to see the shoreline is from the Dora Canal. Native trees provide shade as you boat low on the water and nab a close look at wildlife on the banks.

Craving even more outdoor time? Trek Elizabeth Evans Park or one of the picturesque state parks dotting Lake County. Fishing enthusiasts will welcome the chance to catch a big one in the “Bass Capital of the World,” home to many pro tournaments.

3. Indulge in Delightful Dining

From crepes to Cuban cuisine, there’s no shortage of delicious eats in Mount Dora. Sit on the balcony overlooking the main downtown thoroughfare at One Flight Up and enjoy a sandwich, salad or specialty tea. Savor the carrot cake and other baked goods at local favorite Cody’s on 4th, or sample the homemade ice cream or gelato at Village Coffee Pot.

For an upscale experience, dine in one of three intimate library-style rooms at the Goblin Market Restaurant & Lounge or enjoy the shrimp and grits in a restored older home overlooking the lake at Pisces Rising. Savor the diver scallops in a former doctor’s office at 1921 Mount Dora or enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with a garden view at the elegant Beauclaire at Lakeside Inn.

At the newer Mount Dora Marketplace – once home to a Greyhound bus station – local vendors sell pottery and other art pieces next to eclectic eateries serving everything from poke bowls to craft beer.

4. Shop ’Til You Drop

At your leisure, browse Mount Dora’s locally owned shops and boutiques and products ranging from spices and sculptures to clothing and books. Pick up balsamic vinegars and olive oils from around the world at Mount Dora Olive Oil Co. And check out Piglet’s Pantry, a dog bakery that stocks fresh-made biscuits every day for your pooch.

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The town’s vibrant arts scene is reflected in more than a dozen studios and galleries and regular art strolls, gallery walks and other events. At Mount Dora Center for the Arts, changing exhibits showcase original works.

A few miles away, Renninger’s Flea Market and Antique Center marks an important spot on Florida’s Antique Trail, which for some is a travel destination in itself.

5. Mark Your Calendar

Cooler weather makes autumn a great time to take in one of the town’s many outdoor events. Ranked the nation’s No. 2 Classic & Contemporary Craft Show in 2020 by Sunshine Artist magazine, the Mount Dora Craft Fair on the fourth weekend in October features more than 400 exhibitors, giving visitors a head start on holiday shopping. Earlier in the month, the annual Mount Dora Bicycle Festival, which includes rides of varying lengths through four counties, draws cyclists from across the state. And Scott’s Maze Adventures at Long & Scott Farms delights families with hayrides, kids’ attractions and fresh produce on a 7-acre cornfield.

“Mount Dora used to be considered an older person’s town – not anymore,” Hoechst says. “We’ve got a much younger population coming now. On the weekends, you will see baby strollers everywhere with their families.”