Mt Dora with it's Quiet and Confortable " Southern Charm"

This lovely lakefront community nestled amongst the gentle hills and orange groves of Central Florida evokes that quiet and comfortable "Southern Charm" and hospitality that always make you feel at home in the deep south.

At an elevation of 184 feet above sea level, Mt Dora is Florida's equivalent of a mountain top town. It is one of the most popular places in the area for anyone who enjoys fishing, boating and hunting activities. It is also a crafts and antique lovers dream come true that can exhaust even the best of bargain hunters.

A Brief History:

In the early 1880s this small town was known as Royellou named after the three children of the postmaster at that time.

Since this area was a bit higher in elevation than other parts of Florida it is called a mount. Government surveyors befriended a woman homesteading close by while surveying the area and named the nearby lake after her, so now we have Mount Dora.

Some of the first entertainment and recreation in this area were snake hunts, fishing in the lake and picnics. The town has hosted and entertained many different senators and governors as well as a president in its time.

However, one of the most influential occurrences for this beautiful site was the arrival of the railroad in 1887 since it enhanced the local economy by carrying freight as well as tourist to and from the area.

Entertainment and Recreation:

A short stroll leads to the town's restored Victorian-era train station. A train still runs through here, taking visitors on a short but scenic three-and-a-half-mile jaunt around the lake. Normally the train is pulled by a small diesel engine, but from time to time the train operator borrows a period steam engine, which makes the trip even more authentic.

However, there are various interesting activities such as the amusement parks nearby which include Cypress Gardens, Sea World, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World.

There are also wineries, museums and parks. You may also enjoy other recreations such as golfing, swimming, bird watching, fishing, boating, golfing or playing a rousing game of croquet.

Events and festivals include the Chamber Rummage Sale, the Downtown Village Antique Fair, the Festival of Music and Literature, the Sailing Regatta, Kids Fest and 4th of July Fireworks, the Craft Festival and the Bicycle Festival, as well as the Christmas Walk and Christmas Tour of Homes, the Festival of Exotic Cars, the Antique Boat Festival, the Plant and Garden Fair and many others.

One of a kind boutiques dot the area and offer all sorts of wonderful treasures for you to find.

Accommodations:

Built in 1883, the elegant Lakeside Inn still serves guests iced tea or frosty lemonade on the shady porch. Among the famous guests have been Thomas Edison and President Calvin Coolidge.

Whether you are looking for a respite from the pressures of life and seek solitude overlooking the beautiful vista, or you desire shopping and recreation to compliment the many festivals and community events, you can find it all in Mt Dora.