Before You Leave The United States
Make sure to plan ahead:
- You tested positive for COVID-19.
- Do not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken if you had no symptoms.
If you had close contact with a person with COVID-19 but are NOT recommended to quarantine…
What A Fun Walkable Historic Town
What a fun, walkable historic town – great natural areas to drive to plus fine restaurants and shopping. Three times a year there is an Antiques Extravaganza, on our trip with over 800 vendors, which is huge and most worthwhile at all price points and variety. We also recommend Premier Cruise’s canal cruise through the mangroves and lake. The pickleball courts are plenty and even come with free use of paddles and balls. A most enjoyable three-day getaway.
Renningers Flea And Farmers Market
For people into collectibles and antiques, the big extraganza weekends at Renningers are the only reason to visit Mount Dora. Extravaganzas, which bring in additional vendors and products, are held in November, January and February.
The antique center is in a large building and has 200 booths with everything from vintage made-in-Hawaii Hawaiian shirts to jewelry, furniture and collectibles. On weekends, an adjoining marketplace is a flea market and farmers market that draws lots of vendors and visitors. We didnt buy a thing, but loved seeing old-time items.
Renningers also has smaller special events, including a swap meet for guitars, cars and cycles and variety of special weekends military shows, Civil War re-enactments, pow wows, Steampunk gathering, garden shows and more.
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Plan Your Mount Dora Road Trip
If youre looking for gay clubs and late night parties, this is not the town for you. But if you are craving the beauty and charm of a small northern town with stunning landscapes and an LGBTQ-welcoming feel, then plan your Mount Dora road trip today. You will not regret your decision, as this town is one-of-a-kind. Its simply Mount Adorable!
***Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you .
Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She is the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization, and CEO of OUTCOAST, an online marketing and concierge platform marketing the Gulf Coast as an LGBTQ-inclusive place to VISIT, CELEBRATE, and LIVE. Rachel is also an avid event photographer and has captured photos for LGBT organizations around the world, including the IGLTA, NGLCC, NLGJA, and Out & Equal.
Near The Orlando Area Theme Parks & Attractions
Historic Lakeside Inn Celebrating 130+ Years of Continuous Operation
Mount Dora is well-known for its charming tree-lined streets, antique shopping, and for its historic inns, cottages and bed-and-breakfast facilities. Mount Dora is only a few minutes drive to the Central Florida and Orlando area attractions and theme parks.
To really experience the charm and history of Mount Dora, we recommend that you consider staying at one of the Downtown Inns, B& Bs, or Cottages all within easy walking distance to the historic downtown shopping and entertainment areas. Youll be glad you did!
Follow the links below to see all your options for lodging during your visit to Mount Dora, Orlando or anywhere in the Central Florida area.
Consider making Mount Dora Home Base for your next Central Florida vacation. Mount Dora is just over an hour drive to either coast where you will experience top rated beaches such as world famous Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, Clearwater Beach and many more.
If the beach scene and saltwater are not your thing Mount Dora is located within 20 miles of some of the best crystal clear freshwater springs with 72 degree water temperatures all year round.
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Visiting Two Nearby Towns: Tavares And Eustis
Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis are each 20 minutes apart and have been called the golden triangle. Each has a historic downtown and beautiful lakefronts.
We bicycled to Tavares, whose lakefront parks and walkways are scenic and impressive. We love the seaplane base in Tavares. Along the shoreline, you can see seaplanes come and go and even book a seaplane ride.
We visited Eustis for its monthly Classic Car Cruise Show, which is from 4 to 8 p.m. on the fourth Saturday or each month. It offers hot rods, muscle cars and classic American cars, clearly the pride and joy of the owners who are there to answer questions.
My Mount Dora Road Trip
Before I share with you all of my Mount Dora road trip tips and suggestions, I feel the need to a share with you why this little town has become my favorite place to visit, and potentially live, in Florida. Aside from the fact that I am convinced this is the next P-Town!
I grew up in Maryland and lived in Pennsylvania the majority of my adult life. I moved to Florida at the end of 2016 for warmer weather, endless water, and daily sunshine. However, after a couple of years in paradise, I began to feel homesick. Although I didnt miss the cold and snow, I realized that I missed several things about living up north, like charming towns, rolling hills and beautiful lakes.
Then I found Mount Dora! Imagine Peddlers Village or Jim Thorpe planted smack dab in the middle of Florida, on a plateau 184 feet above sea level, among a dozen or so lakes. Its like finding heaven in the middle of paradise. Life doesnt get any better! With its shops, cafes, galleries, lakes and hill terrain, Mount Dora offered exactly what this small town girl was missing.
Walking down Mount Doras Donnelly Street is like to walking into Cheers. Everyone knows your name.
And if you have the pleasure of visiting Mount Dora during the holidays, then youre truly blessed, because this town is OutCoasts #1 pick for The Best Holiday Light Displays in Florida, right before Saint Augustine. They even have a Holiday Boat Parade!
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Palm Island Park Boardwalk
Visitors who cluster around the main business district might miss it, but if you keep walking along the lake beyond the Lakeside Inn and the marina, you will eventually reach lovely Palm Island Park with a quarter-mile-long boardwalk that offers views over Lake Dora, curtains of Spanish moss hanging from the lakeside cypress trees and good opportunities to spot birds and gators.
From the park, youll see a 35-foot-high red-and-white lighthouse along the lakefront and youll probably assume its historic. Nope its cute, but it was built in 1988.
Wave Asian Bistro & Sushi
If you are looking for the best sushi in Mount Dora you have found it. But this sushi comes a little bit differently.
How about a sushi burger, sushi hotdog, sushi donuts, sushi pizza, or even sushi burritos? These are all on the menu here. In fact, Wave created a new wave of Asian food in the area.
The menu is extensive with all the usual items you would expect including four styles of Poki bowls and Hibachi bowls. They do of course have normal sushi on the menu too. In fact, the sushi menu is huge.
Its a popular and well-loved eating establishment that really does offer something a little different. They serve some of the best Mount Dora food here.
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Biking Around Mount Dora
Mount Dora is a popular biking destination with a fall bicycling festival that attracts a thousand cyclists to pedal on the scenic country roads. There isnt a paved bike path in Mount Dora, but we recommend riding a beautiful two-lane road with light traffic that hugs the shoreline of Lake Dora, Lakeshore Drive. Starting from West 11th Avenue downtown, you ride west and catch Lakeshore Drive, which continues for six beautiful miles to Tavares. This road has excellent lake views, towering oak trees and beautiful homes and gardens to view.
We actually bicycled the whole 17-mile-long Lake Loop Novice Ride, which includes Lakeshore Drive, but did not find the rest of the loop comfortable and traffic-free enough to recommend to all.
Faqs About Hotels In Mount Dora
We hope that the answers to these questions will help you plan your trip
What are the finest hotels in Mount Dora city center?
Our Booked.net travel data based on 31 customers’ reviews show the top places in Mount Dora city center. Our customers like Lakeside Inn On Lake Dora rated 6.4/10. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a golf course and an aqua park, it’s set 10 minutes’ walk from the city center. Adora Inn with rating 8.4/10 and Farnsworth House Bed & Breakfast rated 7.4/10 are other favorite hotels in the area. To see more central hotels click here.
What are the most popular cheap hotels in Mount Dora?
There are more than 3 top budget properties in Mount Dora. Hampton Inn with a rating 7.8/10 is a good option set 1.4 miles from Renningers. At this 3-star hotel you can take advantage of an outdoor swimming pool, a golf course and a gym. Customers mentioned an excellent service. Quality Inn & Suites Mt Dora North rated 7.4/10 is one more great hotel, offering an outdoor swimming pool, a golf course and laundry, as well as prices from 96US$ per one night. To check more cheap hotels click here.
What are the top properties for couples in Mount Dora?
Which hotels in Mount Dora are good for families?
What are the most popular Mount Dora properties near Lake Dora?
What are the best accommodations to stay in Mount Dora featuring outdoor pools?
What Mount Dora hotels allow pets?
What are the best hotels in Mount Dora?
What are the most favored spa hotels in Mount Dora?
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Faqs When Booking A Hotel In Mount Dora
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Are hotels in Mount Dora safe during the coronavirus crisis?
Hotels are safe environments for travelers as long as they properly implement sanitary measures in response to coronavirus . However, we recommend getting in touch with the local authorities regarding safety procedures for hotels in Mount Dora. For more advice, please view our information page on what to know about coronavirus and travel.
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What are the best hotels near Lake Dora?
KAYAK users like staying at Quality Inn & Suites Mt Dora North and Lakeside Inn when looking for a hotel in close proximity to Lake Dora.
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How much does a hotel cost in Mount Dora?
The average price of a double room in Mount Dora is $196, but it varies considerably depending on location, facilities, and seasonality. In the last 3 days, KAYAK users have found double rooms for as cheap as $70.
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How do I find a hotel in central Mount Dora?
After you launch a hotel search on KAYAK, you can refine your research by neighborhood, which allows you to pick the central Mount Dora districts. You can also do a search using the city map to choose a specific location, like Mount Dora city center.
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How can I find hotels near me?
Take a look at our extensive hotel map to find the best hotels near you.
History Of Mount Dora
Settled in 1874, Mount Dora is located in Lake County, Florida. Ross C. Tremain, the towns first postmaster, named the unincorporated town Royellou after his three children, Roy, Ella, and Louis. The town was eventually renamed Mount Dora for Dora Ann Drawdy. She was an early settler of the town in the mid-1880s.
Mount Dora has always been a popular winter retreat for hunters, fishermen, and boaters. This comes as no surprise, as Lake County contains over 1,000 lakes and 202 square miles of water. Many of these lakes connect to the Saint Johns River, linking Central Florida to Jacksonville.
In 1883, the town opened the Alexander House, a two-story hotel. The Alexander House has been renamed several times and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Now known as the Lakeside Inn, this boutique waterside property welcomes visitors throughout the year.
A railroad came to town in 1887, followed by an orange packing house, fertilizer factories, and a cannery.
The town grew throughout the early 1900s, and in 2013, the City of Mount Dora began to develop an area of land called the Wolf Branch Innovation District, a high tech and life sciences business area. New roads have also opened in Mount Dora to connect Orlando and surrounding areas to this charming city.
Real Estate Tip: youre looking to invest in a growing city, now is the time to do so.
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The Historic Lakeside Inn In Mount Dora
With its big porch, fireplace in the lobby and rocking chairs overlooking the lake, this inn looks like it could be in New England. Its a grand place, where President Calvin Coolidge and his wife stayed for more than a month in the winter of 1930.
When it first opened in the Victorian era, Central Florida was a popular winter destination for activities like bird watching, fishing and picnics. Over the years, the inn had fallen into serious disrepair. New owners bought it and started restoration work in 2011. There are 90 rooms, a bar and restaurant.
I stayed here years ago during its decline, and I love seeing how beautiful the old Lakeside Inn looks today!
Explore And Find Your Best Apartments B& bs And Others
If you’re traveling to Mount Dora for business purpose, the centrally-located The Beauclair may be a good option. Mount Dora Cottages B& B apartment is a charming choice that is only a 5-minute walk to the center of Mount Dora. Hampton Inn Mount Dora is rated one of the best resorts in Mount Dora, offering an outdoor swimming pool, a golf course and a Jacuzzi.
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Where To Stay In Mount Dora
If you’re a first time visitor to Mount Dora, you mightprefer a more touristy area, but if you’re a solo traveler, a localneighborhood could be more interesting. Some areas have lots of thingsto do within walking distance, but the hotels may be more expensive.To give you a starting point for your trip research, we looked at what people say about neighborhoods and places to stay in Mount Dora.
What are some good hotels in Mount Dora?
Depending on the neighborhood you choose, you may want toresearch hotels in the area. If you’d rather start with themost recommended hotels in Mount Dora, here’s a list toget you started.
How Gay Is Mount Dora
Surprisingly, super gay! Dont let this politically right-leaning region of Central Florida fool you. Mount Dora might lean red at the polls, but the town shines with a rainbow of color! Mount Dora even has a Christmas shop with an entire section dedicated to the LGBTQ community. Ive never seen so many gay mermaids on one tree.
And if that isnt gay enough, there are drag queen boat rides, LGBTQ meetup groups, lesbian realtors, gay-owned shops and more. The only thing missing is a pride parade or festival, but Come Out with Pride Orlando and One Magical Weekend at Disney are less than an hours drive away.
Below Ive compiled my list of top gay things to do and LGBTQ organizations to learn about on a Mount Dora road trip.
Drag Bingo at Serendipity
Serendipity Brews serves up delicious artisan coffee, craft beer, and fabulous food, but it also serves up drag bingo! You can find MamaSavannah Georgia at Serendipity for Mama Mondays Drag Queen Bingo every 2nd and 4th Monday from 7-10pm. Its anything but a drag. You might even get lucky!
To learn more about Serendipity and their upcoming events, .
Spouses with Houses Realty
And I love their rainbow house logo. You cant get much prouder than that!
The Triangle Connection
The triangle Connection hosts several events and get-togethers each year, the majority of which are in Mount Dora. The group meets monthly in Gilbert Park for socializing and hosts happy hour events at Pisces Rising, which overlooks Lake Dora.
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Where To Shop In Mount Dora
If you ask a local to suggest a Florida town best known for shopping, the average Floridian might be inclined to say Saint Augustine or Saint Petersburg. However, the Saints have nothing on Mount Dora.
Donnelly Street is to Mount Dora what St Georges Street is to Saint Augustine. I would argue that Mount Dora has more unique, locally-owned shops in their small downtown area than any other town in Florida. This is why Mount Dora makes our top list for Where to Shop in Central Florida.
Below is a list of our LGBTQ-owned favorites. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to shopping in Mount Dora. Youll also find that the majority, if not all, of the shops in Mount Dora are LGBTQ-welcoming. In fact, I found rainbow gifts in most stores I visited.
Mount Dora Marketplace
This LGBTQ-owned and managed marketplace technically falls under both Where to Shop and Where to Eat & Drink. Located in the heart of Downtown Mount Dora, the Mount Dora Marketplace features dozens of diverse local vendors and products, embracing all forms of food, culture, style and art.
The Marketplace is owned by Peter Burgess and Michael Ross, who own several properties around town. And the marketplace is managed by Spouses with Houses Realty. Not only do owners Jeanette and Linda Bokland help people buy and sell Mount Dora dream homes but they also offer property management services to several local business owners.
St. Nicks Holiday Shoppe
Papilio
Village Antique Mall
WOW Factory