Itching to get out of town, Lakelanders? Jump in your car for a road trip to Mount Dora. From shopping ’til you drop at Renningers markets to sushi waffles at Wave Asian Bistro — we’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in the “New England of the South.”
📍 Essential info
Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Year city was established: 1880
Est. population: 16,665
Find a moment of peace along the shores of Lake Dora.
Photo by @adam_brockett
🎟️ Experience
Elizabeth Evans Park
The town of Mount Dora surrounds Lake Dora, a 4,000+ acre body of water. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at this park with lakeside views.
Jane Austen Festival
Celebrate the famed author with high tea, workshops, and more literary-inspired events happening from Feb. 10-12. There will even be a Regency ball on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Modernism Museum
This art museum hosts a unique array of modern art, featuring work by artists like George Nakashima and Wendell Castle. Visit the current featured exhibit “Space Oddities: The Sequel” to see modern art from David Bowie’s estate.
Plaid in the Park
Head downtown for this monthly celebration of Scottish culture, featuring bagpipe music and traditional food and drink. Don’t forget to pack your kilt.
Renningers Florida Twin Markets
Shop these antique, flea, and farmers markets from Friday-Sunday to find one-of-a-kind goods. Be prepared to spend some time here — the markets cover 117 acres and host nearly 200 vendors.
Where’s the beef? Not in these sushi burgers at WAVE.
Photo by @marv.foodtography
🍔 Eat
Grilled Cheese Gallery
Try a twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich with toppings like mac and cheese or ribeye steak.
WAVE Asian Bistro
“Unique” doesn’t even begin to describe the culinary creations found here. You can order your sushi as a burger, pizza, donut, and more. You’ll just have to see it to believe it.
Bubbles + Juice
Order a drink from this mimosa bar window with your favorite mixer — grab it to-go and sip while you walk around downtown Mount Dora.
Magical Meat Boutique British Pub
Dine on a traditional plate of fish and chips or start your day with a full English breakfast. Pro tip: Trust us, you’ve got to try the brown sauce.
Pisces Rising
For an upscale meal, it doesn’t get much better than eating fresh seafood with a view of Lake Dora. Visit on Sundays to try the brunch menu.
Edge Coffee
Get a caffeine kick and a pastry to eat on the patio at this coffee shop. Nutella empanadas, anyone?
Do you prefer your accommodations to be historic or modern?
Photo via Vrbo
🏨 Stay
Lakeside Inn
Make your stay historic in Florida’s oldest operating hotel. As the name suggests, the inn’s cozy rooms have views of the lake.
Adora Inn
Stay steps away from downtown in this modern inn. Each morning, dine on a gourmet breakfast prepared by the chefs.
Magnolia Inn Bed & Breakfast
A Mediterranean estate built in 1926 is now home to this bed and breakfast. Choose from four uniquely furnished rooms where you can get away from it all.
Conch House
For a cozy place to lay your head, rent this renovated cottage near downtown Mount Dora.
The Carlton
This rental is just three minutes from the dining district, with a vintage carriage house feel.
Wait a minute, Lakelanders. Before you head out the door, find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank and stock up on road trip snacks — we recommend a bag of Born & Bread granola or a pack of Mike & Mike’s cupcakes — from Publix GreenWise Market. Also, bookmark this map so you have no trouble finding all of our recommendations while visiting Mount Dora.
