Find rolling hills and quintessential lake town vibes.
There ’s something inherently fishy about a place address “ Mount ” anything in pancake - flat Florida . And no , you wo n’t involve any crampons to visit Mount Dora , but the gently rolling hills and tranquil lakes dotting the landscape painting make it feel like more of an escape than anywhere else in the state . Mount Dora has been aweekend destinationfor more than 130 year , first lure vacationing Floridians with its idyllic magical spell in the 1880s . Today , it ’s Florida ’s secure example of a truelake town , where street fan out from Lake Dora and fill with boutiques , pet - friendly restaurants , and a smattering of local BAR .
Mount Dora ’s calming temptingness extends past its witching business district . It ’s also a jumping off point to the abundant nature of Lake County , from the wilds of the Dora Canal to the mud flat and lakes around Clermont . The town is an ideal finish for pet owners looking for a range of pet - well-disposed activities . The arena ’s smooth , even geography is perfect for senior dogs to navigate . Meanwhile , energetic ducky looking for more fervor will be thrilled to go up the more hilly regions ’ outrageous pinnacle changes and explore Lake Dora .
So occur along to Florida ’s best lakeside escape , and see why Mount Dora is such a particular weekend pickup finish for you and your four - legged supporter .
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Drive Time
4 hours and 15 minutes from Miami
If you don’t do anything else: Get out on Lake Dora
The 4,385 - acre Lake Dora is Mount Dora ’s centrepiece , where you may drop an afternoon sportfishing for largemouth black bass sea bass , bluegill , crappie , and mudcat . Lake Dora has a collection of heel - friendly parks includingPalm Island Parkand an off - leash park . If you ’re look for something more relaxing , plainly kick back in an Adirondack chairman and revel the beauty of its still water system from the historicLakeside Inn .
The waters can be mighty inviting , and the best way to explore them is on a Cat Boat withCat Boat Adventures . These little , one - passenger power boats are like H2O - stick to go - karts , permit you high - speed access to all of the lake . A two - hr tour takes you deep into the Dora Canal , a slice of Old Florida carved to link Central Florida ’s Harris chain of mountains of lake . Despite the name , however , Cat Boat Adventures are not pet - friendly , so you will require to leave your furred admirer behind for this tour of duty .
For something even more peaceable that your furred companion can also savor , rent a kayak or standup paddleboardAdventure Outdoor Paddlein Tavares , about 15 minutes away by car . You ’ll participate the canal from a different advantage point , but the scenery is the same . While the kayaks and paddleboards are safe for pet , please see that your pelt baby wears a life singlet at all times .
If you ’d rather a bigger vessel take you along the lakes , Premier Boat Toursruns a exchangeable two - hour outing that departs from the historical Lakeside Inn . Perfect for small dogs , pets under 20 Egyptian pound are welcome on the Premier Boat Tours sashay , as long you notify the company ahead of time and keep ducky leashed .
For a pet - friendly option that will keep you drier than the kayaks and also offer tiffin , check outRusty Anchor Boat Tours .
Fill your weekend with:
Outdoor activities
On dry kingdom , guide toLake Louisa State Park togallop into the midst of Lake County on horseback . During the hourlong rides , you ’ll learn all about the timber surrounding you and the wildlife that calls it home . Then , cap the whole thing off with bubbly and charcuterie at sunset . Pets are allowed in most park areas but are prohibited from accede the playground , swim area , cabins , or park buildings .
The park also offers a handful of“glamping tents”if you want to outride overnight . They ’re somewhat simple but do have Florida ’s most crucial amenity : gentle wind conditioning .
Wine tasting
Not that anyone ’s confusing Mount Dora with Napa Valley , but it ’s as close as you ’re getting to awine country escapewithin a Clarence Day ’s drive of Miami . Nestled in the mound near Clermont you ’ll regain the picturesque vineyards of theLakeridge Winery , a sprawl production estate of the realm open to pawl as well as those under 21 and tender liberal tours almost every day . As with most winery in the southeast , sweeter wines made with muscadine grape are the speciality , so if you ’re into that fussy style , Lakeridge is absolute heaven .
Even if you ’re not a sweet wine cognoscente , the winery also produces Cabernet Sauvignon , pinot grigio , and other varieties on - site . Whatever your wine preference , Lakeridge allows you to do something you ’d seldom expect to find in the flatlands of Florida , bringing the scenery and relaxation of wine-colored rural area just a few minute from Miami .
Pet-friendly restaurants and bars in Mount Dora
For local look : Mount Dora ’s restaurants profit considerably from its proximity to Central Florida farm , and the best plaza to go through its bounty is1921 , a boutique eating house in a 100 - year - sure-enough house whose walls are line with modern art . The menu changes seasonally , but always sample the veggie plate ’s potpourri of roots , super C , and grains to get an idea of how the chef uses rotating crops . Goblin Marketis every bit telling , plate local food in a setting that find more like an flowery library than a restaurant . The Salted Fryis probably the townsfolk ’s most interesting construct , a gluten - free restaurant specializing in gourmet Gallic fry initiation .
For breakfast that ’ll hold you over all day : Even if you ’re not a big breakfast person , it ’s hard to defy the offerings atTwisted Biscuit . This locals ’ preferent diner has been a kinsfolk - owned basic for tenner , known best for its freshly made biscuits topped with everything from hogfish to deep-fried Gallus gallus and fresh Chuck Berry . If you ’re not down for a morning time food for thought comatoseness , tryFoxtail Coffeedowntown for a pastry and some cold brew .
For pre - dinner drinks : No bar put you in the Mount Dora country of mind quite like the one at the historicLakeside Inn . Grab a beer from the bar , relax out on the covered terrace , and enjoy watch the sunlight congeal over the lake like vacationing Floridians have for over a century . you’re able to get an even closer sight of the water from the hotel’sWaterside Bar , which abuts the swimming puddle and the lakeside . Away from the water , murder the cleverly namedOne Flight Up , a wine-colored Browning automatic rifle and cafe with a bounder - friendly deck overlooking Mount Dora ’s business district .
Cat Boat Adventures|Photo courtesy of Discover Lake County
Where to stay in Mount Dora
For history : The iconic choice in Mount Dora is the historicLakeside Inn , the oldest continually operating hotel in Florida . It ’s been around since 1883 , fastidiously keep up to give you a signified of what weekend pickup were like before strain conditioning . The hotel has AC now , do n’t interest , along with rooms in both its historical main menage and retentive wing . Kick back by the waterfront pool or run your toes through the cool sens on its baronial lawns . Then retire to the saloon at Nox for piano music and classic cocktails . Dogs under 25 pounds are welcome to rest at the inn , but unfortunately , if your strain is bigger , you will have to lodge elsewhere .
For large groups ( and dogs):The Estate at Mount Dorais a fab option set in a 6,750 - square - foot palazzo . Originally named the Fansworth House , The Estate is another piece of Mount Dora chronicle . The prop is nearly a one C and a half old and is equipped with a carriage sign and a 19th - century piano . It offers charge for individual , couples , and groups of up to 28 masses who want to hold the full property . frank are welcome to stay at the acres for a fee with no restrictions on sizing .
Photo courtesy of Lakeridge Winery
Lakeside Inn|Photo courtesy of Discover Lake County
