Explore Small Towns in Central Florida

Mount Dora

Whether you are a lifelong resident of Florida or planning your first visit, this lovely small town should be on the top of your list of things to see. It has a rich history, unique charm, and lots of natural beauty. Great for a day trip!

Mount Dora offers a glimpse of Old Florida, and it's only an hour from the Central Florida Coast. Bed and breakfasts, antique shops, unique restaurants, and gorgeous historic homes are some of its biggest attractions. You can spend time just strolling through Mount Dora, or you can come to experience one of the many festivals and events throughout the year.

Mount Dora Seafood Festival – August 26-28

Three days of seafood and live music on the waterfront. Don't miss this year's event which will be expanded and offer even more seafood than last year!

FREE admission to the event areas and concerts all weekend.

November 20th -  Antiques Extravaganza

Three times a year, (November, January, February) there is the Antiques and Collector's Extravaganza at Renninger's in Mount Dora, FL. The show runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Nearly 800 vendors from all over the country come in to set up and sell out in the show field, in the antique center, and under the pavilions. The Extravaganza will run rain or shine.

Admission: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 8:00 am - 5 pm

Friday: $10.00, Saturday: $6.00, Sunday: $4.00, Three-Day Pass: $15.00 - and Free Parking!

Orange Blossom Cannon Ball Express 

One of Mount Dora’s claims to fame is this vintage train that runs between Mount Dora and Tavares. The train was used in many a Western movie, and depending on when you book, you may experience a Western reenactment on the 45 minute train ride!

Best of all is taking the Cannon Ball Express during the Christmas season, though. Read on for more on that!

Christmas in Mount Dora

Spectacular street decorations and carolers delight as you stroll through the streets of Mount Dora during the holiday season. You can find out about all the Christmas activities here.

All through December, the Christmas Cannonball runs from Mount Dora to Tavares and back. The train is decked out for the holiday, Santa boards the train at the North Pole to visit with kids of all ages and present each child with a gift. Add Santa's elves and you have a special evening filled with fun and inspiration. This trip is great family entertainment!

So put Mount Dora on your to-see list! You will not regret it. 

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet Sells 

The Magic of New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach, known as NSB by locals, combines historical roots, a charming downtown, and a hip surf scene and turns it into a magical place. The town with roughly 24,000 permanent residents lies on the Atlantic coast with waterfront along Ponce Inlet and Indian River, giving access to a lot of water. Surfers from all over the world are drawn to NSB, as well as other visitors, and new residents. The fact that NSB is the shark capitol of the world (yes, the world) does little to deter from the many things it has to offer.

Canal Street

Canal Street is the heart of downtown NSB. It has many historic buildings, quaint shops, wonderful restaurants, The Hub – a vibrant art center with exhibits and shows  , the weekly Farmer’s Market, the First Saturday Art Stroll, festivals, shows, and more! Parking is free and plentiful making strolling and exploring easy. 

 Flagler Avenue

This vibrant street runs five lively blocks from the river right to the beach. There old-school t-shirt and souvenir shops, keeping up with the beach town flair. But you will also find urban coffee houses, charming wine bar, fabulous restaurants, a speakeasy, and more. Flagler Avenue is also host to many festivals, parties, and themed walks all year round. Most notable is the Fourth-Saturday Wine Walk, which is a progressive wine tasting. It costs $25 including a tasting glass and the walk takes you up and down the entire stretch of Flagler Avenue.

Whether you live in Central Florida full time or part time – or if you are visiting – make sure to check out New Smyrna Beach and all its happenings.  

Referrals are how we build our business, and it is an honor to help your friends and family with their real estate needs.

Creative Florida Living 

Janet Sells

Fall Festivals - Riverfront Wine & Food Walk

Here in Florida, autumn is not the harbinger of months of cold, wet weather. Instead we are lucky to have sunshine and beautiful temperatures! Whether you live here, are visiting, or are considering moving to the central Florida coast, autumn is the time to enjoy – and it is the time of Fall Festivals!

Every town from Flagler to Edgewater boasts their own famous festivals, featuring food, wine, music, art, contests, activities, and so much more. Creative Florida Living will bring you an overview of which festivals to watch for!

 Riverfront Wine & Food Walk

Back by popular demand! Wine and food lovers will enjoy an afternoon in Downtown Daytona Beach tasting wines and delicious tapas samplings while strolling through the beautiful Riverfront Shops.

Tickets are available online  HERE or may be purchased at Cinematique located at 242 S. Beach Street or Wine Me located at 204 S. Beach Street, Daytona Beach. Tickets are $20.00/person and will be available online, at Cinematique and at either check-in station on the day of the event.

Check-in stations will be located at Cinematique of Daytona, 242 S. Beach Street, and the Plaza Park at the corner of Beach Street and International Speedway Blvd. where attendees will receive their Wine & Food Walk Passport and beverage tickets.

Event attendees will spend the afternoon strolling through Downtown Daytona Beach visiting participating merchants and enjoying red and white wine tastings and delectable tapas.

 

Also featured will be musical performers and the opportunity to register for give-a-ways. In addition, the first 50 ticketed attendees that arrive for the walk will receive a free gift!

Attendees must be 21 to participate, proper ID required. This is a rain or shine event.

Saturday, September 19, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM 

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet Sells