It’s quaint, there are real hills, a historic downtown with no chain stores or franchise restaurants, it has a lake view that stretches across the horizon, and the town hosts some kind of fun festival most weeks of the year. Mount Dora is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and the perfect place to escape to for the day.
At an elevation of 184 feet above sea level, Mount Dora is Florida’s equivalent of a mountain top town. Mount Dora evokes that quiet and comfortable “Southern” town charm and hospitality of a lakefront community nestled amongst the gentle hills of Central Florida. With a thriving downtown district and weekly events, the City of Mount Dora plays host to many unique shops, restaurants and festivals. Three of the city’s major festivals include the Art Festival, Light Up Mount Dora and the Craft Fair which bring thousands of residents and visitors to the downtown area. The season kicks off in the fall, with the Craft Fair which is a top-ranked event featuring a mix of arts and crafts, from sculptures to paintings to woodworking. It’s the perfect adventure for finding unique holiday gifts and shop at our local stores. At Christmas time, the streets come alive with over two million lights that decorate downtown. Festivities include a parade, music, performances of the Nutcracker, wine walks and a festive New Year’s Eve celebration. In February, the Mount Dora Art Festival brings local and national artists to the spotlight that celebrates a weekend of art. Vendors include artists of all mediums and plenty of local food to tempt the palate. MORE