Ride and Drive: Mount Dora offers eastern charm with southern hospitality

Mount Dora is all about small town, storefronts and
festivals (Photo courtesy of WhatToDoInMtDora.com)

Likely you've never heard of it: Mount Dora, Florida.  Sure you know the other cities and towns of America's tourist mecca.  Orlando, Ocala, Tampa, Miami, but Mount Dora?  Where in the world is it?  And really, why should we care?

Nestled in the lake country of Lake County, Mount Dora oozes the quintessential allure of a classic Hollywood movie.  One is tempted to ask around for the Bailey family, certain they'd stepped into Bedford Falls of It's a Wonderful Life.

This is a town Norman Rockwell must have dreamed of, where eastern charm meets southern hospitality.  Set upon the shores of Lake Dora, the town was created to reflect the eastern towns left behind.

Almost the geographic center of Florida, Mount Dora grew to life in 1874.  Originally named for the children of the area's first post master, the town once known as "Royellou", got there by combining Roy, Ella and Louis.

But, times were changing for this little town by the lake, and by 1883, the town's landmark hotel, The Alexander House had opened, and Mount Dora changed it's name.

Named in part for Lake Dora, (itself named for local resident, Dora Ann Drawdy), the "Mount" part was in honor of the town's most unusual location - set upon a "Florida mountain", 184 feet above sea level.

And so Mount Dora, the budding tourist destination, stepped into its future.

With the railroad coming through town in 1887, fishing and other outdoor sports drawing in visitors, and The Alexander House now The Lake House, tourism was no longer the future of this community, it was the present, and growing.

But was it?  Freezes in 1894 and 1895 destroyed the groves in the area, and threatened the town's growth.

A dog-freindly town, Mount Dora welcomes your furry family
members to join the festivities
(Photo courtesy of WhatToDoInMtDora.com)

Yet, this was a little town with a lot of try.

The Lake House became Lakeside Inn.  Still open today, it has hosted over the years, Presidents and the famous, from Coolidge and Eisenhower to Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

This is a town where one pictures George Bailey running past, and the families of Bedford Falls taking evening strolls, greeting neighbors, enjoying this little world of theirs.

Mount Dora, sitting among rolling hills and more than 1000 named lakes, is a place at the threshold to Florida's more well known attractions, yet offers by itself, a whole world of tourism opportunities.

Almost an enigma, Mount Dora is the charming cousin of the popular kid.

You won't find flashy attractions or high rise hotels lining this town's streets.  Yet, as you dip yourself into the hospitality of its friendship, you'll find a hometown feel, where Main Street USA is alive and well, everyone knows your name, trees line quiet streets, and ice cream on a hot day while sitting in the town park is the most pleasant way to while away.

Yet, do not underestimate the modern draw of such a small town.

For outdoor lovers, this area is prime for fishing, boating, bicycling, tennis, golf, and hiking.  Love antique boats and cars?  Mount Dora is your place.  Along with their many festivals, the Antique Boat Festival, Dragon Boats, and crazily decorated cars of the Antique Car Show, are all a part of what you'll find throughout the year.

  Among the festivals throughout the year, an antique boat festival...
includes unique boats (Photo courtesy of WhatToDoInMtDora.com)

Stroll through town, take a boat ride, visit the antique shops, or enjoy the restaurants, Mount Dora has so much to entice.

Set so close to many of Orlando's top attractions, come to town for a day, or stay here, and visit in the other direction.  Mount Dora offers a variety of lodging options including B&B's cottages, hotels and vacation rentals.

Don't leave your furry friends at home either.

Mount Dora is a dog friendly community, with many places welcoming your pets around town.  Proper behavior is expected, but this is a town where taking a walk with your dog companions is part of the every day homeyness.

This is a special little town.  Small and quiet, alive and energized, you'll find ways to work up a sweat, or relax and enjoy the peace.  And it's all located within an easy drive of many of Florida's finest attractions.

So, if you are looking for a way to step back in time, into a home town or want to enjoy all the attractions Florida has to offer, but then take a step back, Mount Dora is just the place for you.

How far are other towns from Mount Dora?  Orlando (27 "smiles"), Tampa (106 "smiles") and Miami (259 "smiles").  Walt Disney World is a 45 minute drive.  I've been assured this is a door to door timeframe.

If you are considering a trip to Mount Dora, or just want to learn more about it, these are outstanding resources:

Mount Dora, Florida Examiner.  Check out Jeff's articles introducing you to all Mount Dora has to offer.  Jeff is a resident and will give you the inside scoop.

What To Do In Mount Dora.com  Brian Young has taken his love for this community and created a top website to help you plan your visit.  Brian is also a resident of Mount Dora, and the proprietor of Tremain Street Cottages.  Brian joins me for two other articles.

Tremain Street Cottages.  These cottages are within walking distance of the downtown of Mount Dora, are pet friendly, and offer several lodging options.  Your host is Brian Young, a good guy, and Mount Dora expert.