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Hello From Orlando – Part 9: Exploring Scenic Mount Dora The Herbie Express
In my quest to find unusual destinations to visit in the Orlando area, I came across a small town under the name of Mount Dora, about 45 minutes north of Orlando. I read that it was a picturesque town located on a small lake, and one of its main attractions is a scenic railway.
Mount Dora is only 27 miles or 43 km northwest of Orlando. It has an altitude of 184 feet above Lake Dora, which makes the only Florida city on mountain top. Indeed, the slopes and winding roads are a unique feature in the Welcome generally flat topography of Florida.
Mount Dora's history dates back to 1800. In 1846, the lake was named for Dora Ann Drawdy Dora. She and her husband settled two miles south of Mount Dora. In 1880, the name of the city Royellou was named after the three children of Postmaster RC Tremain – Roy, Ella and Louis.
Then in 1883 the town was renamed Mount Dora. Incorporated as a town with 370 inhabitants in 1910, the city now has a population of about 10,000 people. The service first railroad through Mount Dora began in 1887 and 1915 there were two passenger trains daily in each direction. At one time citrus was the main industry in the region, with a large expedition of Mount Dora, while today Mount Dora's main industry is tourism.
According to the Chamber of Commerce local, the city also has a number of claims to fame, including:
– The friendliest small towns
– Best Antique Shopping
– New England South
– The City Parks
Festival City –
– Top 100 American cities
– Best Romantic Escape
– Money Magazine "high places to live today "
What drew me here personally ride on the Express of the "Herbie", which is part Railway inland lakes, located in Mount Dora and Eustis, Florida. The journey I went on a tour of one hour train between Mount Dora and Wooton Park Tavares. We left in a car Pullman berth, built in 1949 which was later refunctioned as a commuter car.
The road first takes you along Lake Dora and continued later, the indoor malls past, and suburban residences. A young conductor explained the local sights to us and kept us entertained. Lake Eustis / Mount Dora Railway also features other train rides, as Lake County Champion, the Blue Swan Dinner Train, and Magnolia Sun Lunch Train. The trip around the Lake County Champion for two hours and 20 minutes, with a possibility for a short visit in Eustis to enjoy Ferran Park and the shops.
The oldest structure in Mount Dora is the Lakeside Inn, established in 1883. It has an envelope-around porch, gingerbread trim and a steep roof surmounted by a spire corner. The grounds are beautifully landscaped.
Many hiking and carriage by this picturesque town at the beginning the old Atlantic Coast Line Depot in 1915, the home of the Mount Dora Chamber of commerce since 1973. The Mount Dora most renowned architectural jewel is the home of the Donnellys. This structure of the Queen Anne-style uses design elements characteristic of the Victorian era.
The Donnelly House was built in 1893 by John Phillip Donnelly, the first mayor of Mount Dora. The home sits on Donnelly Street within walking distance of downtown Mount Dora. Donnelly House is just one of many restored 19th and early 20th century buildings in the Golden Triangle.
This charming little town also has a multitude of retailers and is one of the largest antiques and collectibles of Florida centers. Renninger Twin Markets is renowned for its antique shops. The city also has a wide variety of gift shops, boutiques fashion, decorative art galleries, cafes and interesting restaurants, and charming cottages.
One of my favorite features This city, which also refers to himself as "city parks", are the many public green spaces by the water. Donnelly Park, located in the center of town and dating from 1924, offers free concerts and other civic events. The park also has a tennis court and playground facilities shuffleboard.
After my demanding stroll through the winding streets of Mount Dora, I went down to the waterfront to Evans Park, which is situated opposite the lighthouse. The view from the seafront bench was magnificent and I relaxed on the bench as I absorbed the sun. The park is adjacent to the Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club, one of the largest in the United States. Its 300 member association welcomes local and regional tournaments.
Simpson Cove and Grantham Point are adjacent Palm Island Park and feature the only inland freshwater lighthouse in Florida. This lighthouse was built of bricks and donated by local residents. Gilbert Park has a public ramp, picnic area, croquet court and children's playground along Alexander Creek.
Palm Island Park features a 1700 foot trail of fresh water and a walk through the oaks draped with Spanish moss. Other animals, including bald eagles, and native plants indidgenous you can see here too.
The City hosts many major annual events such as the popular "Mount Dora Arts Festival. This event attracts over 150,000 people each year and has been ranked among the top art shows in the countries. Other activities include the Antique Boat Show, Antique Car Show, Golf Tournament, Bicycle Festival, craft fair and Plant and Garden Fair.
During I was exploring this charming little town, my husband plays golf at the Mount Dora Golf Association. He played a neat in its original size 18 holes, and $ 18 including cart, this output has been a godsend. The Mount Dora area also offers a variety of other golf courses including the Golf Club Black Bear, Country Club of Mount Dora, Deer Island Golf Club, Eagle Dunes Golf Course, Heathrow Country Estates Redtail Golf Course, Golf & Tennis Resort Mission Inn and Country Club Pine Meadows.
I crowned my explorations with a delicious ice cream on the afternoon terrace of the Sunshine Mountain Bakery, soaking up the sun while waiting to hear about the adventures of golf with my husband. Mount Dora is a great day trip from Orlando and we appreciated the way back through the countryside of rural Florida.
For more information about Mount Dora you can visit Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce website.
For the full story, including photos please visit
http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_mount_dora.htm
About the Author
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of Travel and Transitions (<a href=”http://www.travelandtransitions.com”>http://www.travelandtransitions.com</a>), a popular web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new section featuring FREE ebooks about travel.