Is There Really A Mountain in Florida?
Well, not quite! However, if you happen to be a visitor, or a Florida resident living within the east coast area covering Palm Coast to Orlando, then Mount Dora and Lake Dora are well within your reach. In fact, there are 1400 named lakes in the area surrounding Mount Dora, so if you like fishing, there’s a spot for you!
“Mount Dora sits at an elevation of 184 feet above sea level which, in the State of Florida, qualifies it as a mount.
In 1846, Lake Dora was named for Dora Ann Drawdy. She and her husband homesteaded two miles south of town of Royellou, so named by combining the names of the three children of Postmaster R.C. Tremain: Roy, Ella and Louis. In 1883, the town was officially renamed Mount Dora. (See: Mount Dora History)”
Mount Dora is a delightful contradiction of sleepy and vibrant, historic and timeless, and small with a large personality. Whereas people think mostly of Florida as sandy beaches and giant theme-parks, Mount Dora offers something entirely different, i.e., a step back into a simpler, sweeter time, with downtown shoppers, and friends galore.
The Lakeside Inn
The Lakeside Inn is the oldest hotel in the entire state of Florida, built in 1883.
“The former president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, visited the Lake House in 1930. He dedicated the newly completed additions of the Lake House known as the Gables (1928) and Terrace (1930). In a gesture of good will his wife Grace planted a pine tree at the community center, as the entire world fixed their attention on the small, romantic town of Mount Dora.” (See: History of Lakeside Inn)
Whereas I tried to take an appropriate image of the Inn, I was at a disadvantage of neither being able to step back far enough, nor could I fly. So I combined the two images of the early 1900’s, and the Inn as it appears now.
That is the main Inn. In the image below, sitting on the deck enjoying lunch and looking out toward the lake, you see the annexes to the left and right of the park and pool were dozens of other guest rooms are housed.
“The 90 guest rooms and suites of Lakeside Inn are located in four distinct and historic buildings, which are named Lakeside, Gables, Terrace and the Sunset Cottage (sits behind the Gatehouse in this image). The Inn’s fifth building, the Gatehouse (green awning on the right), features a ground-floor gift shop, named The GateHouse Gift Gallery and a second floor function space named the Donnelly Room.” (See: Lakeside Inn)
The Rooms At Lakeside Inn
Remember, however, Lakeside Inn is “quaint,” and its rooms represent the roots of “early American inns.” So don’t arrive expecting four-star accomodations like one of your “big city” hotels. The rooms are comfortable, but limited in decor. My wife was taken aback by the pedestal sink, no vanity, and old-fashioned medicine cabinet with a hazy, splotchy mirror. There was a small, round table and two chairs, two bedside tables, and a small closet. (See below: Video of room 5075) All of the charm of the 1900’s.
A Town Where Time Slows Down
Wandering through downtown Mount Dora feels like slipping into a postcard. The streets, lined with brick-paved walkways that are dotted with quaint boutiques, antique shops, and cozy cafés. Unlike Florida’s flashier destinations by the shore, Mount Dora invites you to meander, to pause, to savor it’s charm. Soda shops, candy shops, ice-cream, and more places for good food than you can imagine, there is also some great shopping venues like Walk In The Woods, or a leisurely browse through Renninger’s Antique Center, where treasures from yesteryear whisper their stories. Oh, and the train tracks and old station house (now the visitor’s station, stop in and pick up a map of the town, lots of good info) are still situated next to the Inn, but sadly, the old train ride is no longer offered.
The Heartbeat of the Town: Lake Dora
Mount Dora isn’t just near a lake: Lake Dora, part of the Harris Chain of Lakes, is the town’s shimmering heart, offering a daily dose of tranquility.
Offered for a fee are the scenic boat tours where you can see the Mount Dora Lighthouse, Florida’s only inland lighthouse located at Grantham Point. Whether you’re taking the boat tour, kayaking through the cypress-lined shores, or simply watching the sun dip below the horizon in a riot of orange and pink, the lake is an ever-present reminder of nature’s quiet majesty. (See: Lighthouse_Youtube)
A Cultural Haven in a Small Package
(Image used with permission of subject) Cody’s On 4th
Our visit was a gift for our 54th wedding anniversary, for which we thank our son and his wife who so graciously arranged everything, and now we are convinced that Mount Dora will be one of our GO-TO places for future day trips. Despite having spent the entire weekend, there is so much that we haven’t done or seen, and so many stores and restaurants we haven’t visited, that return trips are an absolute must.
However, when we return, we hope it will be with family, i.e., children and grandchildren. “Spread out, shop, and reconvene at one of the many restaurants, like **Cody’s On 4th,” which is where we met a lovely representative and lifetime resident, Makenlee, who says “I would never live anywhere else,” and we can see why. Mount Dora seems such a peaceful and gentle community.
There is a long list of recommended things to do and see, for instance, we are told that we should still visit the Mount Dora Center for the Arts and to check their calendar for the various hosted events like the Mount Dora Arts Festival. We were told also that there is also an annual Scottish Highland Festival, a quirky nod to Celtic heritage, complete with bagpipes and kilts. (Thankfully, a kilt is not required.)
Why Mount Dora Captivates the Soul
There’s an undeniable feel to Mount Dora, a charm like that of “old America” where walking the streets, though sometimes hot in the Florida sun, is still a restful exercise. Maybe it’s the old-world charm, the sun-on the lake, or the shopkeepers who seem genuinely happy to see you. Or maybe it’s just the magic of the town: a place of beauty, history, and a gentle invitation to slow down.
In a world that’s always in a hurry, Mount Dora reminds us that it’s not necessary to always be in a rush—it’s better to just take some time, slow down, and linger in the moment. Ya’ll should visit sometime! (Note **Cody’s On 4th – 111 East 4th Avenue, open Seven Days A Week: 7:30 am – 2:00 pm, breakfast served until 11:00 am)
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