The Cinnamon Inn Bed and Breakfast in Mount Dora.                   All photography: Jeff Titelius (except where noted)

Nestled among the pines and oaks just outside downtown Mount Dora is the Cinnamon Inn Bed and Breakfast, a quintessential country inn located in a little town that time forgot, Tangerine, Florida. One can’t help but think of Mayberry as they drive through this small but charming community whose Main Street is about a block long. But for what Tangerine lacks in size and commercialism, it more than makes up for with its idyllic settings and the promise of an escape from the outside world. The Cinnamon Inn conjures images of a much simpler time, an age when life was enjoying a glass of lemonade on the front porch swing surrounded by family and friends. This is the very heart of the Cinnamon Inn Bed and Breakfast and its waiting to welcome you home! (Virtual tour slide show) (Video Tour at bottom of article)

When you first enter the Cinnamon Inn, you’re immediately surrounded by all the comfort and charm an inn can serve up. Among its ambience, you’ll find antique settings, a cozy living room with a crackling fireplace place (in the winter of course), and a dining room with picturesque views overlooking the natural settings just beyond the panes. Upstairs, four elegant rooms nicely appointed and decorated with fine wooden furnishings and the small touches that create all the charm of a cozy bed breakfast you’d expect to find. And the piece de resistance - you’ll need to read through the end.

Our tour begins with check-in. On the day you arrive, you’re greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and your hosts, Kathy and Carole. You’re led into the kitchen to fill out your paperwork when suddenly, fresh from the oven, mouthwatering chocolate chip cookies and a ice cold glass of milk are set before you. After registration and indulging, Kathy and/or Carole will escort you on the grand tour pointing out all the comforts of home and the tiny treasures tucked away here and there.

After the tour of the first level, your escorted upstairs to one of the four bedrooms – each named after Carole and her three sisters, and each with its own themed décor complete with picture of your room’s namesake. Each room features private bath, free internet and local phone access, armoire with TV and DVD player, a mini-fridge and logo embroidered bath robes to round out the luxurious experience that awaits.

First up is Hilda’s Room. You could call it the honeymoon suite because it’s the only room that features a four-poster king-sized bed, a two-person Jacuzzi tub and a gas fireplace for an unforgettable evening or two.

Next is Carole’s Room, yes one of your hosts at the Cinnamon Inn. An Asian themed room with a queen bed, oversized walk-in shower and a velvet sofa. Around the room, you’ll find Buddha statues and Far Eastern décor adoring the walls and shelves.

Room number three is Linda’s Room or at the inn, it’s known as the “Prohibition Room” because of the armoire that contains secret wooden panels that open to reveal a hiding place for your potent potables. Around the rest of the room, you’ll find décor from 1934 with all its fine appointments.

Finally, Dean’s Room is the last and the only other room that features a tub with safety rails rather than walk-in shower. This room is elegantly appointed with 1930s décor with a Victorian flair.

Outside the four rooms, you’ll find a coffee station, set to go off one hour before you wake from your slumber and a library of books and DVDs. In keeping with the promise above of that piece de resistance, well it’s probably the most important amenity that this cozy bed and breakfast has to offer - fresh-baked cinnamon buns that greet you in the morning with their aroma wafting upstairs to tempt your taste buds as you [quickly] prepare for the day. Following, is a specially prepared breakfast from your fine hosts with beverages of course.

How much will all of this charm and homemade cooking run you? Pricing at the Cinnamon Inn ranges between $120 and $140 per night and one-night’s deposit is required to confirm your reservation.

The Cinnamon Inn Bed and Breakfast is located at 7241 Lake Ola Drive, Mount Dora, FL. Telephone number: 352-383-6541. Visit TheCinnamonInn.com for more information.

That rounds out the grand tour of the Cinnamon Inn Bed and Breakfast, a haven of comfort and respite, good food and elegant accommodation.

• Learn more about Mount Dora, the New England of the south!
• Dining in Mount Dora
• Mount Dora Art Festival

You're invited!  Take a video tour with your host, Kathy Sasser. 

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