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 

Dog Friendly? Woof!

On our Florida coast the weather invites outside entertainment and dining all year round. If you are a dog owner, you might appreciate being able to bring your pooch along for lunch or dinner, as well as to the beach. However, who really knows where you can take Fido? Better to know ahead of time than to be turned away. 

 

Beaches

If you think you can just take your dog to the beach to frolic in the waves, think again. Beach patrol will quickly inform you that your dog is not welcome. BUT! In Flagler, there is a beach where your dog can feel the sea breeze in her fur as she races along the sand and surf! Well, as long as she’s on a leash. North of Gamble Rogers State park to 13th Street South is the beach area in which dogs are welcome.

Ponce Inlet Dunes Park also welcomes leashed dogs.

Restaurants

In New Smyrna Beach, there are lots of places to bring your dog! Spanish River Grill, Dolphin View Seafood Restaurant, Third Wave Café and Wine Bar, Café Heavenly, Norwood’s Seafood Restaurant, and a few more. Moreover, you can bring your dogs to the NSB Farmers Market on Saturdays, both at Old Fort Park and at Norwood’s Restaurant.

In Port Orange you can enjoy outside dining with Fluffy at Boondocks on the river, at Hidden Treasure on Rose Bay, the popular Aunt Catfish, also on the river, and TGIF on Nova and Dunlawton Avenues.

In Ormond Beach, Lulu’s Oceanside Grill, Lagerhead’s Bar and Grill, the famous Hull’s Seafood, the upscale Vince Carter’s, and Black Sheep Pub are all dog friendly!

In Daytona Beach, the Blue Grotto is open to you bringing your canine friend. In Ponce Inlet you can visit Hidden Treasure Rum Bar and Grill (same owner as the Hidden Treasure in Port Orange) also welcomes dogs.

Your best bet is to call ahead, of course. Also check out Bring Fido for your area, which has fairly up-to-date listings of where dogs are welcome. 

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet's Real Estate Site