A Nice Afternoon in Mount Dora

Mount Dora is a nice beautiful town a bit on the secluded side when considering the connectivity of Central Florida. It has a lot of the old-school Florida charm while mostly ignoring the tourism quirks that has harmed places like Kissimmee and Orlando. Known as one of the top cities for festivals in the state, Mount Dora almost always has something special happening in its small downtown area. But even when there isn’t a festival going on, there’s still plenty to do, and plenty to see.

This was my personal itinerary for when I visited a couple months ago that I think was a great success. For the record, I have yet to enjoy their famous boat tours through their canals and chain of lakes, which is usually the biggest draw in the region. I’m sure the boat tours are fun and dandy, but here are other places worthy of your time, money, and attention.

Renniger’s Flea Market

I have written extensively about this place (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3), so I’m not going too deep into the weeds here. Basically, this place is a must-visit, whether it be for an hour, a morning, or an entire day. Anything you can think of is likely being sold here, as there are hundreds of small stands and markets and places to buy from local vendors. Start the day here on your way to Downtown, because you never know what treasures you might find.

The Wave

This is the Asian fusion restaurant that asks a simple question: Why Not? This wild location sells all the usual Asian classics like sushi, rice bowls, egg rolls, etc. However, their claim to fame are the wild sushi-based inventions that is scatted throughout the menu. Sushi hot dogs, sushi burgers, sushi pizzas, sushi burritos, and other insane combinations are available to consume and feel guilty consuming. Definitely a spot to go with other people, the portions are grand, the variety is wacky, and it features one of the best appetizers in ALL of Florida.

Krab Rangoon mozzarella sticks.

10/10 work of art that can almost double as a meal by itself, especially if you decide to tackle all four of these behemoths. They are giant, gooey, crispy, rich morsels of sheer joy. Picture the best mozzarella stick and then combine that with creamy crab Rangoon surrounding all the stretchy cheese. THIS item alone makes the place worthy of a visit.

I’ve gone a few times and have once tried one of their fun sushi creations. The sushi burrito is also a behemoth, very likely meant to be shared, and is basically a typical sushi roll on exaggerated steroids. You’re not coming here for tradition, you’re coming here for fun culinary insanity.

Gilbert Park and Palm Island Park

These parks are located right next to each other and within a ten-minute walk from downtown Mount Dora (probably 30 minutes in the brutal Florida summer). Each park provides plenty of green relaxing space, with Gilbert being more for those with families and Palm Island existing for those who want to traverse through some nature while walking over and alongside one of Mount Dora’s large lakes.

Palm Island Park has a large boardwalk that stretches at least half a mile, with benches throughout the small journey in case you want to absorb some of the nature and lakeside views. Plenty of animals to see, plenty of nice viewpoints for photography and for enjoyment, and also a few hidden paths that takes you into the center of the preserve and away from the traffic noise. It’s a nice quick getaway to walk off calories, touch grass, and experience sunlight (and hidden gators).

Mystic Ice Cream

Downtown Mount Dora has plenty of good and popular restaurants that have won acclaim, awards, and have survived thanks to the loyalty of the local crowds. The dessert/coffee options aren’t as prevalent, but maybe it’s because it’s impossible to compete against alcoholic ice cream.

Yes. Homemade ice cream with alcohol. And yes, its delicious. This place isn’t the largest or the most glamourous, but it always warrants a visit because their ice creams pack a quality punch, no matter the flavor (or alcohol, teehee).

Vibes are nice, the staff is very friendly, and the options are plentiful. Then the evening presents itself with entertainment options to bring in the crowds and enhance the vibes. One advantage Mystic has is its very close proximity to a public square that features a slew of benches and public bathrooms. So even if Mystic fills up, you have more available space close by.

P.S. The Kahlua ice cream mixed with vanilla is my go-to.

I have barely scratched the surface of what Mount Dora offers. We are fortunate to see this place surviving and thriving long after the railways abandoned the small towns all over Florida in favor of the interstate. Give this place a visit and you won’t be disappointed. The old-school charms of Florida mixed with innovation and southern hospitality and ingenuity gives Mount Dora its delightful personality worthy of positive recognition.