Someplace Special

Enjoy Mount Dora - By Land, Sea or Air

By Gretchen Losi

If you’re ready for that laid back country vibe, head over to Mount Dora. The slow paced lifestyle coupled with being one of the antique capitals of the world, make this a perfect spot to spend a day or two - or six. Self promoted as “Someplace Special” - they nailed it. And they offer a plethora of ways for you to discover it on your own. Depending on what part of town you want to discover first, you can pick your mode of transportation, that can include a long leisurely New Orleans style paddleboat cruise, a flight on the seaplane, or cruise down Lake Dora and the Dora canal on a Catboat. For the most comprehensive tour of the town one should consider a segway tour. It goes on for more than an hour and covers the lake, the historic business and residential district, Palm Island Park and of course the iconic lighthouse. The 35-foot lighthouse in Granthan Point Park is the only one registered in the state as an “inland aid.” It was created from “road rubble” and has become one of the area’s most famous landmarks. Get your swampy-spooky time on with a Mount Dora Ghost tour. For over an hour you will be haunted by the town’s history as the dead come to life. And with so much history within the town, that’s sure to be a spooktacular time. If you happen to be in town for the

Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association

Sunlight peeks through a moss-covered live oak tree at Palm Island Park in Mount Dora. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

A couple sits bench-side to the inland lighthouse in Mount Dora at Grantham Point Park. (Eryn Reddell Wingert)

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weekend, Mount Dora’s open-air farmers market is a treat offering freshness from over 40 vendors. The area is known for its blueberries so be sure to get some if you can. The local blueberries are so universally popular that each spring they hold an annual Blueberry festival to showcase their sweet jewels. This special event is loved and anticipated by thousands for its blueberry beer, wine and pie eating contest. While in town you’ll want to stop and pay homage to its most infamous resident, “Old Joe.” Once a feared king among the banks of Lake Beauclair, in the 1800s Old Joe would spend his days lunching on local livestock and unsuspecting small animals. Today the 15- foot long gator legend is still around as a 1,200-pound bronze statue standing as a proud and menacing reminder to stay vigilant and safe along Florida’s vibrant coast. Mount Dora is also unique in that it holds festivals and events year-round thanks to its incredible weather. Be sure to check out their calendar of events online so you don’t miss anything at www. whattodoinmtdora.com.

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A bronze sculpture of the legendary “Old Joe” stands guard near the water’s edge at Palm Island Park in Mount Dora. (Photo by Eryn Reddell Wingert)

Revolutionizing the Ice Industry

We Invite You to Join the Ice Revolution!

The traditional ice distribution model where ice is produced at one location and then transported to be sold at another location, is extremely ine cient and continues to drive the cost of ice up. The Ice Depot is revolutionizing the way ice is distributed by completely cutting out the middle man and simply making the ice on site. We have developed a reliable store front vending machine that makes the ice, collects money and dispenses ice, without any empolyees required.