This Charming Florida Town Makes The Ideal Weekend Escape
Nestled in central Florida, Mount Dora is a town that feels like a hidden treasure. Quaint streets, charming boutiques, and inviting cafés create a perfect backdrop for a relaxing weekend.
Visitors stroll along scenic lakes, discover local art, and soak in the friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Whether seeking adventure or quiet reprieve, Mount Dora offers a delightful escape where every corner invites exploration and every moment feels like a step into a simpler, more charming world.
Florida’s Only Inland Freshwater Lighthouse at Grantham Point
Most lighthouses guide ships through salty ocean waves, but Mount Dora’s 35-foot beacon stands proudly on Lake Dora, miles from any coastline.
Dedicated in 1988, this quirky landmark lights up the lakefront and gives visitors a perfect photo op without the sand in their shoes.
Climb the stairs for panoramic views of shimmering water and rolling hills. The lighthouse isn’t just for show; it actually helps boaters navigate the lake at night.
Pack a picnic and watch the sunset from Grantham Point Park for a memory you won’t soon forget.
Lakeside Inn: Florida’s Oldest Continuously Operating Hotel Since 1883
Built when Grover Cleveland was president, the Lakeside Inn has been welcoming guests for over 140 years without closing its doors once.
Presidents, celebrities, and everyday travelers have walked its creaky wooden floors and rocked on the sprawling veranda overlooking Lake Dora.
Southern charm oozes from every corner, with antique furnishings and vintage photographs lining the hallways.
Grab a cocktail at the Tremain’s Lounge or enjoy a meal at the Beauclaire Dining Room. Staying here feels like stepping into a time machine, minus the flux capacitor.
Renninger’s Antique & Collector’s Extravaganza
Treasure hunters, rejoice! Three times a year; January, February, and November; about 800 vendors descend on Renninger’s with everything from vintage vinyl to Depression-era glassware.
Whether you’re hunting for mid-century modern furniture or oddball collectibles, this sprawling market delivers the goods.
Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be wandering rows of tents and booths for hours. Bargaining is encouraged, so channel your inner haggler and score deals on one-of-a-kind finds.
Even if you leave empty-handed, the people-watching alone is worth the trip.
Mount Dora Arts Festival
Every February, downtown Mount Dora transforms into an open-air gallery when roughly 300 juried artists display paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and ceramics along tree-lined streets.
This isn’t your average craft fair; judges select only the best talent, so expect museum-quality work at sidewalk prices.
Stroll past booths while live music drifts through the air and food vendors tempt you with everything from gourmet tacos to kettle corn.
Chat with artists about their creative process and maybe snag a piece that’ll spark conversations for years. Bring a wagon if you’re serious about shopping.
Mount Dora Fall Craft Fair
When autumn rolls around, over 100,000 visitors flood into Mount Dora for one of the top-ranked craft festivals in the United States.
Handmade goods dominate the scene; think hand-stitched quilts, carved wooden signs, pottery, candles, and jewelry that you won’t find at any mall.
Vendors come from all over the country to showcase their skills, and the energy buzzes like a beehive on espresso.
Grab a funnel cake and wander through endless rows of creativity. Fair warning: your wallet might feel lighter, but your home will look a whole lot more interesting.
CatBoat Tours on Lake Dora and the Dora Canal
Forget passive sightseeing; CatBoat tours hand you the tiller of a two-person catamaran and let you captain your own adventure across Lake Dora and into the lush Dora Canal.
Glide past cypress trees draped in Spanish moss while turtles sunbathe on logs and herons fish in the shallows.
No sailing experience? No problem. The stable catamarans are beginner-friendly, and guides provide quick lessons before you set off.
Pack sunscreen and a sense of adventure, because once you’re out on the water, you’ll understand why locals never leave.
Mount Dora Historic District with National Register Landmarks
Walking through Mount Dora’s Historic District feels like flipping through a living history book, with National Register landmarks like Donnelly House, the Lakeside Inn, and the old Atlantic Coast Line Depot dotting the streets.
Victorian architecture and century-old oaks create a postcard-perfect backdrop for an afternoon stroll.
Pop into boutique shops housed in restored buildings or grab coffee at a cafe that’s older than your grandparents.
The old ACL Depot now serves as a museum and event space. Snap photos of colorful storefronts and intricate gingerbread trim; your Instagram will thank you.