finding visit in my quest for unusual destinations in the Orlando area, I came across a small town called Mount Dora only about 45 minutes north of Orlando. I had read that was a very picturesque town situated on a lake, and a major attraction is a roller coaster.
Mount Dora is only 27 miles or 43 km northwest of Orlando. It has a height of 184 meters above sea Dora, which makes it only in Florida "mountain city". To the hills andwinding roads are a welcome feature, generally flat topography of Florida.
Mount Dora history dates back to 1800. In 1846 he was named for Dora Ann Drawdy Lake Dora. She and her husband homesteaded two miles south of Mount Dora. In 1880 the name of the city Royellou first, after the three children of Postmaster RC Tremain called - Roy, Ella and Louis.
Then in 1883 the city was renamed Mount Dora. Incorporated as a city in 1910 with 370 inhabitants, the city hasa population of about 10,000 people. The first railroad service through Mount Dora began in 1887 and until 1915 there were two passenger trains daily in each direction. At one time citrus was the main industry in the region, delivered with a lot of Mount Dora, while today Mount Dora important industry is tourism.
According to the local Chamber of Commerce, the city also has a number of claims to fame, including:
- The Small Town Friendly
- The best antique shops
-The New England South
- The City of Parks
- Festival City
- Top 100 big cities of America
- Best romantic getaway
- Money Magazine's top places to live today "
What drew me here personally ride on the "Herbie Express", which is part of the Lakes Railway, Mount Dora and Eustis, was in Florida. The trip went on a one-hour train ride between Mount Dora and Wooton Park in Tavares. We traveled in a Pullman sleeperoriginally in 1949, then as a car commuter train has been transformed into construction.
The route takes you along Lake Dora initially and then inland past shopping malls and suburban residences. A young conductor explained the local sights to us and entertained. The Lake Eustis / Mount Dora Railway also features other train rides, such as the Lake County Champion, the Blue Swan Dinner Train, and so train the Magnolia room. The Lake County Champion round trip is 2 hours and 20Minutes, the chance to enjoy a short visit in Eustis Ferran Park and surrounding area businesses.
The oldest building is the Mount Dora Lakeside Inn, established in 1883. It features a wrap-around porch, gingerbread trim and a steep roof crowned with a corner tower. The grounds are beautifully landscaped.
Many of the hiking and trolley through the picturesque city on the first home 1915 Atlantic Coast Line Depot, home to the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce since 1973. Montearchitectural jewel is the most famous Dora Donnelly House. The Queen Anne-style structure uses design elements characteristic of the Victorian era.
The Donnelly House was built in 1893 by John Phillip Donnelly, the first mayor of Mount Dora. The home sits on Donnelly Street within walking distance of downtown Mount Dora. The Donnelly House is just one of many restored 19th and early 20th building in the Golden Triangle.
This charming town alsohas a number of retailers and is one of the greatest centers of Antiques and Collectibles in Florida. Renninger Twin Markets is renowned for its antique shops, is. The city also has a variety of souvenir shops, boutiques, art galleries, decorative, interesting cafes and restaurants and charming bed and breakfast.
One of my favorite features of this city, which also refers to himself as "City of Parks", are the many public green spaces in the sea.Donnelly Park is located in the heart of the city since 1924, offers free concerts and other civic events. The park also has a tennis court and shuffleboard facilities.
After my demanding stroll through the narrow streets Mount Dora, I went to the water for Evans Park, situated opposite the lighthouse. The view from the waterfront bench was magnificent and I relaxed on the bench as I soaked up the sun. The park is adjacent to the Mount Dora Lawn BowlingClub, one of the largest in the United States. Its 300 member companies host club for the local and regional tournaments.
Simpson Cove and Grantham Point are in addition to Iceland Palm Park and have the only lighthouse in Florida. This lighthouse was built of bricks and donated by local residents. Gilbert Park features a public boat ramp, picnic area, croquet lawn and a children's playground along Alexander Creek.
Palm Island Park has a 1,700 feet coolWater path and boardwalk through oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Other wildlife, eagles and local levels, including plants indidgenous can be seen here.
The city hosts many major events like the popular "Mount Dora Arts Festival". The event attracts over 150,000 people a year and has demonstrated the technology's top-rated country. Other events include the Antique Boat Show, Antique Car Show, Golf Tournament, Bicycle Festival, Crafts Fair and Plantand beautiful garden.
While I was exploring this charming town, my husband played golf at the Mount Dora Golf Association. He played a beautifully maintained full-size 18-hole, and $ 18, including cart, this trip was a real bargain. Mount Dora also offers a variety of other golf courses including Black Bear Golf Club, the Country Club of Mount Dora, Iceland Deer Golf Club, Eagle Dunes Golf Course, Heathrow Country Estates redtail Golf Course, Mission Inn Golf& Tennis Resort and the Pine Meadows Country Club.
I rounded my explorations with a delicious ice cream in the late afternoon on the terrace of Monte Sunshine Bakery, felt the sun waiting for my husband's golf adventures. Mount Dora is a great day trip from Orlando and we enjoyed our return trip through the countryside of rural Florida.
For more information about Mount Dora you can visit the website of the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce.
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