Mount Dora, Florida "Somewhere Special!"
Sightseeing
The 35 foot lighthouse was dedicated on March 25, 1988. Built of bricks covered with stucco, the lighthouse stands sentry over the Port of Mount Dora. It’s 750-watt photocell powers a blue pulsator sending out a guiding light to all boaters navigating Lake Dora after dusk. Civic clubs and citizens raised the $3,000 needed and the lighthouse was a reality.
The short walk to the Mount Dora Lighthouse is well worth the time and effort. Along the way you will see the gorgeous lakefront along the shore at Elizabeth Evans park and the Mount Dora Marina. The pathway guides you to the public boat ramps at Gilbert Park and Simpson’s Cove. From there you will walk out to Grantham Point otherwise referred to as “Lighthouse Park.”
While you are in the area it is well worth the time to take the newly renovated boardwalk into Palm Island Nature Preserve to view the lighthouse from the perspective of the boaters on Lake Dora. The entrance to the Palm Island Board Walk is just south of the Grantham Point and the lighthouse. Take the time to check it out, you will be glad you did.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mount Dora Lighthouse
The 35 foot lighthouse was dedicated on March 25, 1988. Built of bricks covered with stucco, the lighthouse stands sentry over the Port of Mount Dora. It’s 750-watt photocell powers a blue pulsator sending out a guiding light to all boaters navigating Lake Dora after dusk. Civic clubs and citizens raised the $3,000 needed and the lighthouse was a reality.
The short walk to the Mount Dora Lighthouse is well worth the time and effort. Along the way you will see the gorgeous lakefront along the shore at Elizabeth Evans park and the Mount Dora Marina. The pathway guides you to the public boat ramps at Gilbert Park and Simpson’s Cove. From there you will walk out to Grantham Point otherwise referred to as “Lighthouse Park.”
While you are in the area it is well worth the time to take the newly renovated boardwalk into Palm Island Nature Preserve to view the lighthouse from the perspective of the boaters on Lake Dora. The entrance to the Palm Island Board Walk is just south of the Grantham Point and the lighthouse. Take the time to check it out, you will be glad you did.
ONLY STEPS AWAY!
Lake Dora is just shy of being a 5,000 acre lake and is one of the waterways in the Harris Chain of Lakes. The Harris Chain of Lakes is a waterway system that leads north to the Atlantic Ocean, through the Ocklawaha River and the St. John’s River. It’s made up of Lake Harris, Little Lake Harris, Lake Dora, Lake Eustis, Lake Griffin and Lake Beauclair, and we should not leave out the Dora Canal, Dead River and Haines Creek. Technically the Harris Chain of Lakes starts with Lake Apopka and includes Lake Beuaclair and Lake Carlton, the Beauclair Canal and the Apopka Canal. All of these waterways are navigable and open to the public.
Here are some of the BEST ways to experience these waterways;
1. The #1 rated waterbased adventure in the area is CatBoat Adventure Tours
This high-speed adventure allows you to drive the boat as you explore Lake Dora and the world-famous Dora Canal on a tour hour guided adventure. Tours to Lake Beauclair and Lake Carlton combined with a magnificent view of the sunset over Lake Dora are also available.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lake Dora
ONLY STEPS AWAY!
Lake Dora is just shy of being a 5,000 acre lake and is one of the waterways in the Harris Chain of Lakes. The Harris Chain of Lakes is a waterway system that leads north to the Atlantic Ocean, through the Ocklawaha River and the St. John’s River. It’s made up of Lake Harris, Little Lake Harris, Lake Dora, Lake Eustis, Lake Griffin and Lake Beauclair, and we should not leave out the Dora Canal, Dead River and Haines Creek. Technically the Harris Chain of Lakes starts with Lake Apopka and includes Lake Beuaclair and Lake Carlton, the Beauclair Canal and the Apopka Canal. All of these waterways are navigable and open to the public.
Here are some of the BEST ways to experience these waterways;
1. The #1 rated waterbased adventure in the area is CatBoat Adventure Tours
This high-speed adventure allows you to drive the boat as you explore Lake Dora and the world-famous Dora Canal on a tour hour guided adventure. Tours to Lake Beauclair and Lake Carlton combined with a magnificent view of the sunset over Lake Dora are also available.
HISTORIC DONNELLY HOUSE
John P. Donnelly came to Mount Dora in 1879 from Pittsburgh, PA. He married Annie McDonald Stone in 1881 and built this Queen Anne style house in 1893 as a gift to her. He was among the founders of the local yacht club, and served as the city´s first mayor in 1910. The Donnelly House, now owned by Mount Dora Lodge #238, F&AM, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on April 4, 1975.
535 N Donnelly St
535 North Donnelly StreetHISTORIC DONNELLY HOUSE
John P. Donnelly came to Mount Dora in 1879 from Pittsburgh, PA. He married Annie McDonald Stone in 1881 and built this Queen Anne style house in 1893 as a gift to her. He was among the founders of the local yacht club, and served as the city´s first mayor in 1910. The Donnelly House, now owned by Mount Dora Lodge #238, F&AM, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on April 4, 1975.
Located at the end of Liberty Avenue and south of Tremain Street on Lake Dora, this 8-acre natural preservation area offers 3 picnic pavilions, nature trails and a wood boardwalk winding through a wooded nature area boasting of native trees and plants. Additionally a long section of the boardwalk extends into and along the shoreline of Lake Dora offering tremendous views of the water and opportunities to spot an American Alligator and other wildlife.
Palm Island Boardwalk
411 S Tremain StLocated at the end of Liberty Avenue and south of Tremain Street on Lake Dora, this 8-acre natural preservation area offers 3 picnic pavilions, nature trails and a wood boardwalk winding through a wooded nature area boasting of native trees and plants. Additionally a long section of the boardwalk extends into and along the shoreline of Lake Dora offering tremendous views of the water and opportunities to spot an American Alligator and other wildlife.
Food scene
FARMER'S MARKET
Downtown Mount Dora Village Market
Welcome to Mount Dora’s open-air farmers market in Sunset Park located at 230 N. Alexander St. The market is open Sundays from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM offering fresh products from 50+ market vendors.
If you are interested in vending at the farmers market please contact market manager Don Stuart via email at: mdvmmanager@gmail.com
The Mount Dora Village Market is open for business. The new footprint for extra precautions and to accommodate all participating vendors with adequate spacing will include Alexander St. between 3rd Ave. and 4th Ave.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mount Dora Marketplace
100 E 4th AveFARMER'S MARKET
Downtown Mount Dora Village Market
Welcome to Mount Dora’s open-air farmers market in Sunset Park located at 230 N. Alexander St. The market is open Sundays from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM offering fresh products from 50+ market vendors.
If you are interested in vending at the farmers market please contact market manager Don Stuart via email at: mdvmmanager@gmail.com
The Mount Dora Village Market is open for business. The new footprint for extra precautions and to accommodate all participating vendors with adequate spacing will include Alexander St. between 3rd Ave. and 4th Ave.
ARTISTS, VENDORS, AND FOOD
Open 7 days a week at 10:00am
Mount Dora Marketplace is a multi vendor location featuring curated artists and food vendors in the heart of downtown Mount Dora.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mount Dora Marketplace
100 E 4th AveARTISTS, VENDORS, AND FOOD
Open 7 days a week at 10:00am
Mount Dora Marketplace is a multi vendor location featuring curated artists and food vendors in the heart of downtown Mount Dora.
So you think you've had fries? Not until you try our special twist on fries.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Salted Fry
112 Dora Drawdy WaySo you think you've had fries? Not until you try our special twist on fries.
The only underground pub in lake county!
We are located in the basement of the Renaissance Building in beautiful downtown Mount Dora, FL. With a vast beer selection and the best burger and chips in Lake County, our diverse menu and whimsical atmosphere create a superb venue for casual diners and beverage connoisseurs where you can just relax.
Our comfortable, inviting atmosphere and exceptional service will delight everyone who enters, from the young to the young at heart. We take pride in turning casual diners into regulars.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Frog and Monkey Restaurant & Pub
411 N Donnelly StThe only underground pub in lake county!
We are located in the basement of the Renaissance Building in beautiful downtown Mount Dora, FL. With a vast beer selection and the best burger and chips in Lake County, our diverse menu and whimsical atmosphere create a superb venue for casual diners and beverage connoisseurs where you can just relax.
Our comfortable, inviting atmosphere and exceptional service will delight everyone who enters, from the young to the young at heart. We take pride in turning casual diners into regulars.
Neighborhoods
ANTIQUE MECCA!
Mount Dora was once known as the “Antiques Capital of Florida.” There has been a resurgence in recent years in Mount Dora in the interest of antiques and a number of new antique dealers have opened up shop.
Florida’s Antique Trail passes right through Mount Dora. Mount Dora, in the heart of Lake County, Florida, is a must-do stop along Florida’s beloved and much desired Antique Trail. With a number of antique stores, malls, and the giant Renninger’s Antique Mall and Flea Market, Mount Dora offers visitors a great stopping point for a day or a major antiquing expedition. Throughout Florida those who love antiques have a large range of malls, stores, shops, and more to choose from. Known throughout the world for the range of offerings this trail is often a travel destination in and of itself. Mount Dora brings visitors into one central location to either start, end, or focus your antiquing adventure.
Renninger’s Antique Center has four Renningers locations in Pennsylvania and Florida. The Mount Dora location sits on 140+ rolling green acres of rural Central Florida. Two areas are separated to offer a Flea Market and Antiquing area. Events throughout the year include extravaganzas, themed events such as Steampunk, and Cars and Guitars shows. Open to the public and free (fees may apply for some events) you’ll surely find many treasures throughout the property.
20651 Old US Hwy 441
20651 Old US Highway 441ANTIQUE MECCA!
Mount Dora was once known as the “Antiques Capital of Florida.” There has been a resurgence in recent years in Mount Dora in the interest of antiques and a number of new antique dealers have opened up shop.
Florida’s Antique Trail passes right through Mount Dora. Mount Dora, in the heart of Lake County, Florida, is a must-do stop along Florida’s beloved and much desired Antique Trail. With a number of antique stores, malls, and the giant Renninger’s Antique Mall and Flea Market, Mount Dora offers visitors a great stopping point for a day or a major antiquing expedition. Throughout Florida those who love antiques have a large range of malls, stores, shops, and more to choose from. Known throughout the world for the range of offerings this trail is often a travel destination in and of itself. Mount Dora brings visitors into one central location to either start, end, or focus your antiquing adventure.
Renninger’s Antique Center has four Renningers locations in Pennsylvania and Florida. The Mount Dora location sits on 140+ rolling green acres of rural Central Florida. Two areas are separated to offer a Flea Market and Antiquing area. Events throughout the year include extravaganzas, themed events such as Steampunk, and Cars and Guitars shows. Open to the public and free (fees may apply for some events) you’ll surely find many treasures throughout the property.
BEER & WINE!
Mount Dora offers fabulous options for wine, beer, wine tasting events and wine and beer clubs. Wine has become part of the culture in Mount Dora for locals and visitors alike. From First Friday Wine Tastings, Wine Down Wednesday and wine and beer tasting events every first, second and third Saturday evenings, there is always something wine related happening in Mount Dora.
215 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mount Dora
BEER & WINE!
Mount Dora offers fabulous options for wine, beer, wine tasting events and wine and beer clubs. Wine has become part of the culture in Mount Dora for locals and visitors alike. From First Friday Wine Tastings, Wine Down Wednesday and wine and beer tasting events every first, second and third Saturday evenings, there is always something wine related happening in Mount Dora.
AMERICA'S SEAPLANE CAPITAL!
Have you been to Tavares? It’s a point on the Golden Triangle of Tavares, Eustis, and Mount Dora (where I live) which is in Lake County, about 40 minutes northwest of Orlando.
Tavares is only a 5 minute drive from our Airbnb. or the longest, Tavares was just a quiet town, the county seat, where government workers and attorneys and such would show up in the morning and then leave in the evening. Then in 2006 they looked around, noticed 4,500-acre Lake Dora in their backyard, and a few smart people got some really good ideas. They worked with the Sunnyland Antique & Classic Boat Society to relocate the popular Antique Boat Show (March) away from Mount Dora, they began to host speedboat races (also March) and dragon boat races (April), and entrepreneurs arrived and opened waterfront restaurants where diners sit outside (or inside) - Ruby Street Grille, O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Al’s Landing (which is actually three restaurants) - and enjoy lake breezes and sunshine.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tavares
AMERICA'S SEAPLANE CAPITAL!
Have you been to Tavares? It’s a point on the Golden Triangle of Tavares, Eustis, and Mount Dora (where I live) which is in Lake County, about 40 minutes northwest of Orlando.
Tavares is only a 5 minute drive from our Airbnb. or the longest, Tavares was just a quiet town, the county seat, where government workers and attorneys and such would show up in the morning and then leave in the evening. Then in 2006 they looked around, noticed 4,500-acre Lake Dora in their backyard, and a few smart people got some really good ideas. They worked with the Sunnyland Antique & Classic Boat Society to relocate the popular Antique Boat Show (March) away from Mount Dora, they began to host speedboat races (also March) and dragon boat races (April), and entrepreneurs arrived and opened waterfront restaurants where diners sit outside (or inside) - Ruby Street Grille, O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Al’s Landing (which is actually three restaurants) - and enjoy lake breezes and sunshine.
City/town information
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS GALORE!
Mount Dora is an ideal environment to hold or attend a special event due to inviting weather, abundance of shops and activities, and year-round attractiveness to many visitors and residents. Mount Dora is a dynamic destination with exemplary art, entertainment, and culinary offerings.
The City recognizes special events as an important part of Mount Dora’s quality of life and the contribution they make to a sustainable tourism industry. Special events also provide economic benefits to local businesses and residents, while providing a love of place through unique civic, cultural, educational, recreational, and entertainment experiences.
The City hosts over 30 events throughout the year, enriching the lives of residents, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the City, and benefiting local nonprofits, small businesses, and vendors. Community favorites include Light Up Mount Dora, where the entire City is decked out in holiday decorations; Snow in the Park, which allows many local children to go sledding in Donnelly Park in the heart of downtown; and Freedom on the Waterfront, which showcases an incredible fireworks show on Lake Dora. Our Back to School Rally and African American History Festival bring the community together for family-friendly activities. Mount Dora also hosts several large festivals, such as the Arts Festival sponsored by Mount Dora Center for the Arts, and the Craft Fair sponsored by Visit Mount Dora.
From 5Ks and bicycle festivals to wine walks and pet-friendly activities, we offer something for everyone. Special events play a large role in making Mount Dora "Someplace Special."
215 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mount Dora
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS GALORE!
Mount Dora is an ideal environment to hold or attend a special event due to inviting weather, abundance of shops and activities, and year-round attractiveness to many visitors and residents. Mount Dora is a dynamic destination with exemplary art, entertainment, and culinary offerings.
The City recognizes special events as an important part of Mount Dora’s quality of life and the contribution they make to a sustainable tourism industry. Special events also provide economic benefits to local businesses and residents, while providing a love of place through unique civic, cultural, educational, recreational, and entertainment experiences.
The City hosts over 30 events throughout the year, enriching the lives of residents, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to the City, and benefiting local nonprofits, small businesses, and vendors. Community favorites include Light Up Mount Dora, where the entire City is decked out in holiday decorations; Snow in the Park, which allows many local children to go sledding in Donnelly Park in the heart of downtown; and Freedom on the Waterfront, which showcases an incredible fireworks show on Lake Dora. Our Back to School Rally and African American History Festival bring the community together for family-friendly activities. Mount Dora also hosts several large festivals, such as the Arts Festival sponsored by Mount Dora Center for the Arts, and the Craft Fair sponsored by Visit Mount Dora.
From 5Ks and bicycle festivals to wine walks and pet-friendly activities, we offer something for everyone. Special events play a large role in making Mount Dora "Someplace Special."