Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, about an hour north of Orlando, lies a charming town that feels more like New England than the typical Florida destination you might expect. Mount Dora, often called “the New England of the South,” offers a refreshing escape from the theme park crowds and strip mall sprawl that defines much of Central Florida. This historic lakeside community has mastered the art of small-town charm while maintaining a vibrant arts scene, exceptional dining, and outdoor adventures that showcase Florida’s natural beauty.
A Craft Scene That Rivals the Big Cities
Mount Dora’s craft and arts community is nothing short of impressive for a town of just over 15,000 residents. The city has become a magnet for artists, craftspeople, and creative entrepreneurs who’ve discovered that inspiration flows as freely as the Spanish moss draping the ancient oaks.
Mount Dora has over 30 festivals each year, and this small town sure loves to celebrate! The crown jewel of these celebrations is the Mount Dora Arts Festival, which transforms the historic downtown into an outdoor gallery featuring work from hundreds of artists. But the creativity doesn’t stop there. The Craft Fair, which is a top-ranked event featuring a mix of arts and crafts, draws thousands of visitors each fall, turning the tree-lined streets into a treasure hunt for unique, handmade pieces.
What sets Mount Dora apart is that the arts scene isn’t confined to weekend festivals. The Mount Dora Center for the Arts anchors a year-round creative community, while local galleries and studios dot the downtown area. Walking through the historic district, you’ll discover everything from pottery studios to jewelry makers, woodworkers to painters, many of whom have made Mount Dora their permanent home precisely because of the town’s supportive artistic environment.
The town’s commitment to the arts extends beyond just selling crafts. There are art strolls, wine walks, and regular cultural events that make creativity a living, breathing part of daily life here rather than just something that happens during designated festival weekends.
Culinary Delights in a Small-Town Setting
Don’t let Mount Dora’s small size fool you when it comes to dining. This town punches well above its weight class in the culinary department, offering everything from casual comfort food to sophisticated fine dining experiences that would make Orlando restaurants take notice.
The Mount Dora Bistro is a full-service French inspired neighborhood eatery honoring dining traditions in beautiful historic downtown. They celebrate dining traditions and the classic arts of culinary, music, and photography, creating an atmosphere where excellent food meets cultural appreciation.
For those seeking a more casual but equally delicious experience, Fifth Avenue StrEatery serves down-home food with southern twists on old favorites, all made from scratch. It’s described as a cross between a fine dining establishment and a food truck, perfectly capturing Mount Dora’s ability to blend sophistication with accessibility.
The dining scene gets even more impressive when you consider the lakefront options. Pisces Rising is a celebration of Florida cuisine, lovingly wrapped around a Florida cracker bungalow style home built in the 1920’s, overlooking Lake Dora and the setting sun. This eclectic seafood and steak restaurant is dedicated to delivering fresh, local cuisine, embodying Mount Dora’s commitment to quality and sense of place.
The Goblin Market has been charming locals and tourists alike since 1996, proving that Mount Dora’s restaurant scene has staying power. For those wanting to explore multiple venues, food and wine tasting tours offer a guided way to sample what local restaurants have to offer.
Lake Activities That Showcase Natural Florida
While Mount Dora’s downtown charms are undeniable, the town’s location on Lake Dora adds an entirely different dimension to the experience. Lake Dora spans more than 4,000 acres, providing ample space for water-based recreation that feels worlds away from crowded beach destinations.
Bass fishing enthusiasts will find Lake Dora to be a hidden gem. The lake offers excellent bass fishing opportunities, with local guides and outfitters available to help both beginners and experienced anglers make the most of these productive waters. The lake’s size and relatively undeveloped shoreline mean you can easily find peaceful spots to cast a line without fighting crowds.
For those who prefer to stay above water, the lake offers scenic boat tours that provide a unique perspective on Mount Dora’s natural beauty. You can see the Mount Dora Lighthouse from the water, along with the historic homes and natural areas that ring the lake. The oldest sailboat regatta in the state takes place here, offering a fun day for the whole family to sit on the shore and watch these beautiful pieces of art coast through Lake Dora.
The lake also serves as the backdrop for many of Mount Dora’s festivals and events. Freedom on the Waterfront showcases an incredible fireworks show on Lake Dora, turning the natural amphitheater of the lake into a spectacular venue for celebration.
Small-Town Charm That Feels Authentic
What truly sets Mount Dora apart from other Florida destinations is how it has maintained its authentic small-town character while growing into a legitimate tourist destination. “It has a lot of charm and a calming effect,” says Mayor Cathy Hoechst. This isn’t charm that’s been manufactured for tourists; it’s the real thing, built over decades of community investment and careful preservation.
The town’s historic downtown is walkable in the truest sense, with tree-lined streets that actually provide shade, sidewalks that connect meaningful destinations, and a pace that encourages strolling rather than rushing. The architecture tells the story of Florida’s development, with buildings that date back to the early 1900s lovingly maintained and repurposed for modern uses.
Community favorites include Light Up Mount Dora, where the entire City is decked out in holiday decorations, and Snow in the Park, which allows many local children to go sledding in Donnelly Park in the heart of downtown. These kinds of events highlight how Mount Dora has maintained the sense of community that many places have lost to development and chain businesses.
The town strikes a remarkable balance between welcoming visitors and maintaining its identity as a place where people actually live, work, and raise families. You can “explore local landmarks by aircraft or boat, stretch your legs on a walking tour, or mingle at a crafts fair,” but you can also simply “sit and relax on a bench” and watch the world go by at a decidedly non-Florida pace.
Planning Your Mount Dora Adventure
Mount Dora works well for different types of visits. When you are planning your visit, try to time it with one of the big events if you want to experience the town at its most festive. The fall and winter months are particularly magical, with the season kicking off in the fall with the Craft Fair and continuing through the holiday celebrations.
However, Mount Dora also shines during quieter periods when you can fully appreciate the town’s everyday rhythms. Mid-week visits offer the chance to explore without crowds, chat with local shop owners, and experience the town as residents do.
Whether you’re drawn by the promise of unique crafts, exceptional dining, lake activities, or simply the rare opportunity to experience authentic small-town Florida charm, Mount Dora delivers on all counts. In a state known for its theme parks and beaches, Mount Dora proves that some of Florida’s best experiences happen in places that feel nothing like the typical Florida destination – and that’s exactly what makes them so special.
This hidden gem reminds us that Florida’s diversity extends far beyond its coastline, offering experiences that surprise, delight, and create the kind of memories that bring people back year after year. Mount Dora isn’t just a day trip destination; it’s a glimpse into what makes Florida special beyond the postcard images.