Mount Dora is a charming, historic small town located in Central Florida. The town has a quaint, old-fashioned feel with its tree-lined streets and brick buildings. Mount Dora, Florida is one of the most popular places to visit near Orlando.
It’s also a wonderful place to live if you are looking for a change of scenery, fresh air, and a slower pace of life.
You can stroll down Main Street to browse the unique shops, stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, or enjoy the scenic views of Lake Dora.
There are also several annual festivals held in Mount Dora, including the popular Craft Fair in the fall and the Christmas Festival in December.
Head to Mount Dora Florida for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of Orlando. You can enjoy Old Florida country life with lakes, quiet country inns, and gourmet restaurants.
You can also visit the historic railroad station and stop in Pisces Rising for culinary delights.
Antique collectors will enjoy Mount Dora’s many antique stores, filled with valuable antiques and nostalgic memorabilia. For those looking to relax and enjoy a great meal, the downtown area offers gourmet restaurants and bed and breakfast inns.
Enjoy the Historic Town of Mount Dora
Lighthouses
If you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine State, consider visiting the historic town of Mount Dora, Florida. The Granthan Point Lighthouse is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.
Dedicated to mariners on March 25, 1988, the lighthouse features a red brick base and a white stucco exterior. It stands sentry over the Port of Mount Dora.
To help boaters navigate the waters, the lighthouse features a 750-watt photocell and a blue pulsator.
In December, the town celebrates Light Up Mount Dora, a holiday celebration. The area is lit up with millions of Christmas lights and has live music. During this festival, many local merchants open their doors for a wide-open street market.
The town’s holiday celebrations are especially festive and draw nearly 200,000 visitors each year. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to spend your holiday season, the town is a must-see.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay while in Mount Dora, be sure to check out the historic Lakeside Inn. This historic hotel was built in 1883 and is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the state.
It has hosted some of Florida’s most notable celebrities. Its grounds feature moss-draped oak trees, as well as white-sand shores. It’s also a popular spot for bird-watching.
You can take a boat ride on Lake Dora and visit one of the three freshwater lighthouses in the state.
The city was originally named Royellou in 1880, after the postmaster’s children.
The name was later changed to Mount Dora, named for local resident Dora Ann Drawdy.
It’s now a bustling community that’s worth a visit. And if you’re visiting Mount Dora, don’t forget to take advantage of the town’s many attractions.
Restaurants
Dining in Mount Dora, Florida is not a difficult task if you know where to look. The town offers several fine dining establishments. The first is the Fifth Avenue Streatery, which is known for serving traditional dishes with a southern twist.
Each item is prepared from scratch and offers customers a cozy, homey atmosphere.
Located inside the Modernism Museum, the restaurant’s dining room showcases the spirit of the museum. With numerous pieces of modern art, this eatery brings creativity to your meal.
In addition to being a great place to dine, Mount Dora also boasts many award-winning restaurants. You can choose between casual Southern spots and fine dining options to satisfy your cravings.
There is something for everyone in Mount Dora, but some establishments stand out for their unique blend of comfort, good food, and friendly service. Most Mount Dora restaurants have outdoor seating and offer beautiful views of the town.
Pisces Rising is another good option for dining in Mount Dora.
The restaurant overlooks Lake Dora and features a beautiful view of the lake. Its food is fresh and made with local ingredients. At Pisces Rising, you can watch the chefs work with fresh seafood.
At Pisces Rising, you can order your favorite dishes at the counter or enjoy the food in the open-air setting. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is cozy.
Festivals
The vibrant arts, cuisine, and cultural scene of Mount Dora, Florida, make the city an excellent host for festivals and special events.
The town’s leaders have developed an annual calendar of events that promote local businesses and attract visitors to the downtown area.
Mount Dora also embraces special events as a way to enhance the quality of life and contribute to the local economy. Many visitors will leave with memories of a special event that will last a lifetime.
The Mount Dora Spring Arts and Crafts Festival is a juried event that showcases over 250 handmade artists and craftsmen. It is held in the historic downtown walking district.
It is free to attend. Artists can display their works and sell their work to the general public.
The event also features a kid’s zone, beer and wine gardens, and live music. The festival draws thousands of people each year to the town.
During the winter months, Mount Dora hosts several festivals, including the Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza.
The huge outdoor show is a great place to pick up antiques, and admission is just $10 on Friday and $6 on Saturday, and $4 on Sunday.
During the summer, Mount Dora hosts the Annual Arts Festival, which features over two hundred artists and thousands of visitors.
This event is rain or shine and offers plenty of fun for the whole family.
The town hosts several large festivals throughout the year. During the fall, Mount Dora hosts a Fall Craft Fair. During the winter, the town decorates with over three million Christmas lights.
Two weekends in February, Mount Dora hosts the Arts Festival, a Craft Fair, and the Florida Highwaymen Artist Show & Sale. The Scottish Highland Games are also held annually in the city.
The city is known as the Festival City, and its festivals are well-attended and worth attending.
Farmer’s markets
If you’re looking for fresh produce and local flavor, then a trip to Mount Dora’s farmers market is for you.
These events are both a social event and a great place to buy your fresh produce. And don’t forget about the music!
Farmer’s markets in Mount Dora are open every day, whether it’s Monday morning or Sunday afternoon.
Historic train depot
The historic train depot in Mount Dora, Florida houses the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. The historic train depot was constructed in 1895 and is a unique example of a Victorian-era train depot.
Originally used to ship citrus and other agricultural products, it also served as a passenger depot for the local community.
The railroad station is now privately owned, and the town’s Chamber of Commerce operates out of it.
In 1886, the Jacksonville, Tampa, and Key West Railway started a route from Sanford to Mount Dora, which was then a hub for a freight and passenger railroad.
This line continued to run through Mount Dora until the 1950s when the last passenger train left the town. The train stayed in service for many years and was a popular tourist attraction.
Today, you can still see the original train depot, which was built to be a tourist attraction.
The restored train depot features beam ceilings, pine flooring, and new air conditioning. It also features a small courtyard. This venue is located next to a public park in downtown Mount Dora.
Taking a photo or video here is a memorable experience.
The team at the Visitor Center can help you choose the best location and create a picture-perfect to match the event. So, whether it’s an anniversary celebration or a birthday celebration, this place can be your perfect backdrop.
The Historical train depot in Mount Dora, Florida is a great place to visit if you’re interested in local history.
The Museum houses two HO model train exhibits and is home to a Corn Sheller.
It also houses a collection of historical railroad equipment, including railroad equipment and industrial tools.
The museum is open to the public and is free of charge. The last tour is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
In Conclusion…
Mount Dora is a charming, small town in Central Florida that is known for its quaint shops and historical buildings. This charming little city caters to both tourists and people who live there permanently.
You can enjoy exploring the many antique stores, art galleries, and restaurants downtown, or take a scenic walk or boat ride around Lake Dora.
Its local shops, restaurants, and art galleries are worth a visit, if for no other reason than to see the local pride that shows through the establishment’s efforts to preserve Mount Dora’s history—like the popular Dora Canal Cruise that goes along the town’s original canal.
And there are plenty of things to do throughout the year, from craft fairs and festivals to theatrical productions at the historic Lyric Theatre.
There are also a number of annual festivals and events held in Mount Dora, making it a great place to visit any time of year.
With so much charm and character in one place, Mount Dora remains a great destination for both residents and travelers alike.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or a fun place to explore, Mount Dora is sure to please.
