Dive into central Florida's land o' lakes
Surrounded by an endless landscape of glittering lakes about 30 miles northwest of Orlando in central Florida, Mount Dora exudes a healthy dose of small-town charm. A historic preserved downtown hosts a regular farmer's market and offers some of the best antiquing for miles around. A Mount Dora vacation rental is a water lover's dream, and will treat you to some top-notch fishing, as well some of the prettiest sunsets you've ever seen. Whether you're a culture vulture or more of the outdoorsy type, there's something for you in charming Mount Dora.
There's a marvelous museum to suit every taste
A Mount Dora vacation rental is heaven for museum buffs. There are too many to list, but a couple of the most intriguing include the Mount Dora Museum Of Speed, showcasing muscle cars, automobile memorabilia, and classic Americana in a replica art deco building, and the Mount Dora History Museum, set in a former jail. Art lovers will want to check out the Modernism Museum Mount Dora and the Mount Dora Center for the Arts. Be sure to glimpse the iconic red-and-white-striped Mount Dora Lighthouse, one of only three freshwater lighthouses in the state.
Things are heating up in central Florida
Leave the winter coats behind when you head to your Mount Dora vacation rental. Be prepared for temperatures in the 90s or even higher in the summer months of June to September (sunscreen is a must). That time of year you'll also see daily rainstorms passing through, so take advantage of the time to sneak in a quick nap. In the coldest months of December and January, highs are still in the upper 60s, while lows can drop into the 40s overnight. Hurricanes are most prominent in September and October, so check the forecast in advance.
Spoler alert: There's no mount in Mount Dora
You may assume that the town takes its name from a mountain, but there are no peaks to be found here. What the area lacks in elevation it makes up for in lakes, with more bodies of water than you can count. Set in the Harris Chain of Lakes, you'll find numerous conservation areas nearby, which are home to otters, bobcats, and several species of birds, as well as plenty of thriving local plants. Just keep your eyes peeled for alligators – it wouldn't be Florida without them.
Traveling to and around Mount Dora
The nearest airport is in Orlando Intl. Airport (MCO), located 32.8 mi (52.8 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could book a flight to Leesburg, FL (LEE-Leesburg Intl.), which is 10 mi (16.1 km) away.