Unforgettable Mount Dora Florida – United States
Mount Dora Florida - USA
All American Small Town
When you see a place starting with the name “Mount”, you immediately think of places like Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Rainier. These famous “mounts” are thousands of feet in the air. You won’t get a nosebleed at Mount Dora Florida at a mere 184 feet above sea level.
What you will see and feel in Mount Dora Florida is a town that you wish could be cloned over and aver again.
The generosity of calling the town a “mount” comes from its position overlooking beautiful Lake Dora. Of course, considering Florida’s highest point is only 345 feet above sea level, Mount Dora Florida is over halfway there.
Is Mount Dora Worth Visiting?
To answer the question, Is Mount Dora Worth Visiting, the answer is a resounding yes. The charm of the city, the quaint shops, good restaurants and astounding views make Mount Dora worth visiting.
Mount Dora has the charm of one of Florida’s best small towns. Founded in 1884 by settlers looking for a homestead that had fresh water, plenty of forests for wildlife and high ground for building, Mount Dora was the perfect location.
The town overlooks Lake Dora and the view is stunning. There is an abundance of aquatic activities on and around the lake including the occasional seaplane landing for lunch or dinner. Nearby is the Seaplane Capital of Florida, Tavares.
Overall, Mount Dora Florida is an all American city that should be duplicated through Florida and the country. Quaint charm is the simple description!
What Makes Mount Dora Special
- Historic Downtown: Mount Dora’s historic downtown district is a focal point of the city, characterized by its tree-lined streets, brick-paved sidewalks, and well-preserved historic buildings. Visitors can explore a variety of shops, boutiques, art galleries, and eateries housed in historic storefronts, as well as attend festivals, events, and farmers’ markets throughout the year.
- Scenic Lakes: Mount Dora is situated on the shores of Lake Dora, one of several interconnected lakes in the area known as the Harris Chain of Lakes. The lakes provide opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and scenic cruises, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the region from the water.
In Downtown Mount Dora you make see an occasional airplane fly in for lunch or an afternoon of shopping in Mount Dora. - Antique Shopping: Mount Dora is renowned as one of the top antique shopping destinations in Florida. The city boasts numerous antique shops, vintage stores, and flea markets offering a wide selection of unique treasures, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind finds. The annual Mount Dora Antique Extravaganza attracts antique enthusiasts from across the country.
- Cultural Attractions: Mount Dora is home to a variety of cultural attractions that showcase the city’s history, arts, and heritage. The Mount Dora History Museum, housed in the historic Old Jail building, features exhibits on the city’s past, while the Mount Dora Center for the Arts offers galleries, classes, and workshops highlighting local and regional artists.
- Quaint Atmosphere: Perhaps most notably, Mount Dora is known for its quaint and welcoming atmosphere, which has earned it the nickname “The New England of the South.” Visitors can stroll along shaded streets, relax in waterfront parks, or enjoy a leisurely meal at a sidewalk cafe, immersing themselves in the laid-back pace and friendly vibe of this charming Southern city.
Mount Dora Shops
In Mount Dora, you will find a 12-square-block area of shops. The variety includes antique stores, art galleries, apparel, jewelry and many places to eat and drink.
If shop-hopping is a passion of yours, Mount Dora is the place to go. The quaint specialty shops peppering streets through the town will amuse your artistic flair. Driftwood art seems to be a common theme.
Mount Dora Restaurants
The restaurants in Mount Dora offer many different ethnic foods. The selections include German, Cuban, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Mediterranean and even a British tearoom! This array of eateries for a small town is nothing less than amazing.
Of the ones we have tried, Pisces Rising on West 4th Ave gets our vote. The menu includes a collection of seafood and American classics with flavorful twists. Named after the zodiac sign, Pisces delivers some unique items like Fried Shrimp Mac & Cheese, Brisket Poutine, and a mouthwatering French Chicken dish.
Events in Mount Dora
As one of Florida’s best small towns, Mount Dora has numerous events and festivals during the year. Some of them include:
- Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza
- Scottish Highland Festival
- Annual Arts Festival
- Annual Blueberry Festival
- Annual Bicycle Festival
- Christmas Light Up
- Children’s Snow in the Park
These are just a few events. Contact the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce for a full list of dates and times. Call 352-383-2165 or visit www.MountDora.com
Where is Mount Dora in Florida on the Map
Mount Dora is a perfect day trip in Florida. Mount Dora is about 45 minutes northwest of Orlando, 45 minutes southeast of The Villages and one hour and forty-five minutes east of Tampa. Tampa is 100 miles from Mount Dora.
The drive will take you through some of the most picturesque lakes in Florida. North, south, east or west, whichever direction you come from, you will find lakes surrounding Mount Dora.
Mount Dora is located in lake country. The Map of Lake Dora will show the numerous lakes surrounding this town.
Florida has a number of small towns that have kept their identity, quaint buildings, culture and atmosphere. Mount Dora fits that description.
Mount Dora Florida Chamber of Commerce describes the city as “Someplace Special”, we agree! In fact, we believe Mount Dora is one of Florida’s best small towns.
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