Where to go & what to do while staying in Mount Dora, Florida -Mt Dora, Fl ideas, restaurants, antiques and attractions

Mt. Dora, Florida is a sleepy little town about 40 minutes north of downtown Orlando. Once you hit Zellwood you have another 10 minutes of driving. Look at for the road signs. The turn into town sneaks up on you. It is surrounded by countless lakes and creeping alligators. Be sure not to let you children (or dogs) too close to the water. My family has lived near this area as long as I can remember, still I am having a hard time searching my mind for great local recommendations.
Here are a few that come to mind right away. More to come.

One Flight Up - This is probably the best coffee shop I have been to, ever. It isn't that their drinks are particularly amazing but they have lots of creative seating spaces to tuck away in for the afternoon. This cafe is located on the second floor of a historic building in downtown Mt. Dora. They have a pet-friendly balcony along with several little rooms and alcoves to hide in while sipping your beverage of choice and reading one of the many books they have scattered about. Several local Mount Dora artists also show their works in the little halls of the second floor cafe. A great place to hang out with friends or alone.

• 440 North Donnelly Street, Mount Dora Florida

The Garden Gate - The cutest place in town. A shabby-chic inspired cafe; complete with ladies in flowing beige skirts, frilly hats, lace everything and teacups stacked on top of teacups. Be sure to dress the part of suffer the consequences. Several times I have strolled in wearing less than lady-like attire only to be given scornful glances and poor service. Still, it is worth it for their Salmon Roulade or Blackend Chicken Salad with Honey Lime Dressing. Yum. They have lovely lemonade but skip the iced tea and dessert.

• 142 East 4th Avenue Mount Dora, Florida

Gilbert park & Palm Island - I have been coming to these spots since I was a young lassie. They are brilliant places to spent the day with young and old alike. Gilbert park is an old wooden playground with lots of hidden spots for hide-and-seek. The wooden castle maze is almost completely shaded by ancient trees covered in Spanish Moss. Perfect for quick relief from the scorching summer sun. Palm Island consists of a few natural trails and boardwalks that border Lake Dora. Be careful to stay on the trails. Bring your camera and some extra bottles of water. These parks are just a short walk from the downtown area. Make a day of it!

• 310 South Tremain Street, Mt Dora, Florida

SugarBoo's Bar-B-Q - Great BBQ! Great prices! This is real southern goodness. SugarBoo's is a super secret spot located in the residential part of town. Only locals know about it - so consider yourself lucky that I am letting you in on this secret. Friday & Saturday 11-8pm. Sunday 11-6pm.

• 1305 Grandview Street, Mount Dora, Florida

Whale's Tale Fish House - My parents own this little mom & pop seafood spot. I don't actually get along with them and am cringing as I write this, but their food deserves mention. My mother grew up in Baltimore and has reinvented some old family seafood recipes for their place. The food is actually quite good. Try the Maryland Lump Crabcakes & the clam strips. Tell them Sherry sent you and make sure to give them a hard time. If it was your restaurant they were attending, they would do it to you. Be sure to mention that you do not approve of them using styrofoam products. Hopefully one day they will see the light.

• 2720 West Old 441 Hwy, (next to Mt Dora Pizza), Mount Dora, FL

Village Antique Mall - This is one of the larger antique stores in Mount Dora. They have over 60 vendors with a wide variety of treasures to look through. I have found beautiful vintage opal rings, old fashioned broaches, tons of colored glass bottles and much more. Stop in and discover something wonderful. This is a great way to waste at least an hour or two.

• 405 North Highland Street, Mount Dora FL 32757