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 body of water encompassing more than 4,000 acres. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at this park with lakeside views.
Jane Austen Festival
Break out your Regency-era finery to celebrate the famed author’s 250th birthday. Registration is required to join high tea, workshops inspired by her writing, and more literary-inspired events happening Feb. 7-9.
Modernism Museum
This art museum hosts a unique array of modern art, featuring work by artists like George Nakashima and Wharton Esherick. 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 to 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
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.
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: You have to try the brown sauce, trust us.
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.
Foxtail Coffee
Test out this Central Florida staple before it opens a location in Lakeland. We recommend keeping things fresh with one of the cafe’s seasonal drinks, but a classic caramel latte always hits the spot, too.
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-style 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.
Mt. Dorable
For a cozy place to lay your head, rent this charming 1930s bungalow located in the city’s historic district.
The Carlton
This one’s for the foodies. This rental is just a three-minute walk from the dining district and has 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 stop at bodega Market for locally made options. Also, bookmark this map so you have no trouble finding all of our recommendations while visiting Mount Dora.
