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Mount Dora

Mount Dora, Florida is a picturesque town in Central Florida known for its historic charm and Victorian architecture. With a population of just over 12,000 people, Mount Dora is a small but vibrant community with plenty to offer.

The town was founded in 1880 by David Simpson, who purchased the land from Native Americans and named the area after his wife Dora Ann Drawdy. The local economy relied heavily on agriculture for many years until citrus groves in the region were hit by severe freezes in the late 1800s and early 1900s. By the mid-1900s, tourism had become an important part of Mount Dora’s economic base.

Located just north of Orlando, Mount Dora provides a slower-paced atmosphere than larger cities nearby while still offering plenty of attractions to explore. The city’s downtown area is particularly noteworthy: Its streets are lined with quaint restaurants, antique stores and other unique shops that give it an Old World feel reminiscent of days gone by. Annual events like Craft Fair of the Great Smokies draw visitors from all around Florida and beyond looking to experience some of Mount Dora’s charm.

In addition to its vibrant downtown area, Mount Dora also boasts many outdoor recreational activities that take advantage of its warm climate year-round. Visitors can rent canoes or kayaks along Lake Dora or hike along trails at nearby Lake Norris Conservation Area. Yearly festivals such as Bike Fest let cyclists hit the roads and enjoy some scenic routes around town or through neighboring towns like Eustis or Tavares.

For those looking for a little culture, there are also plenty of options available in Mount Dora such as art galleries, movie theatres, museum exhibitions and live music performances throughout the year at venues like Gilbert Park or Melon Patch Theatre. No matter what visitors are looking for during their stay in Central Florida, Mount Dora has something special to offer everyone!