Hotel, Bed & Breakfasts

from Mount Dora Business Directory & Relocation Guide

Gold In Art Jewelers

There’s so much to see and do in Mount Dora. One day is not enough. Besides, why leave? The atmosphere is so warm and inviting. Who wouldn’t want to linger longer? Mount Dora area is full of attractive accommodation options, from upscale resorts to cozy rental cottages.

Family-friendly or adults-only, there is a place for you. Whether you want quaint or lavish, you’ve come to the right place.

Our location also makes us the ideal headquarters if you’re planning an extended Florida stay with excursions to the Central Florida theme parks and attractions as well as visits to both ocean and gulf beaches.

Should you choose to go with a bed & breakfast, all of the B&Bs in Mount Dora have received 5-star reviews and ratings on travel websites such as TripAdvisor and Booking. com, which makes finding the perfect spot for you and yours so much easier. If you’re planning an extended stay or prefer privacy, check out the many available vacation cottages and home rentals.

Located mainly in our downtown areas, most of these accommodations are kid- and pet-friendly and provide you with most of the comforts of home while you’re away.

As we are busy during specific times of the year, like holidays and festival season, we recommend making your reservations as far in advance as possible. No matter where you choose to stay, we can guarantee you that nothing is more invigorating than waking up in Mount Dora! 

Once a haven for retirees, Mount Dora has seen its population take on greater diversity. The rapid growth of the Central Florida region, in general, has attracted a wide variety of newcomers to our area.

Mount Dora’s population was only 623 people in 1920. A decade later, it had actually declined to just 612 in 1927. It’s estimated that more than 16,000 people call Mount Dora home. The median age continues to grow younger as the area gains more families with children as well as young professionals who move here for a less crowded, more leisurely pace of life.

According to the most recent census, there are 6,908 households of which 20.1% had children under the age of 18. Just under half (47.6%) of our homes are occupied by married couples, while 6.0% were single parent households. The average household size was 2.25 people and the average family size was 2.79.

Our population is pretty evenly divided by age and gender:

0-19: 19.3%

20-24: 5.4%

25-44: 25.5%

45-64: 23.1%

65-Older: 32.3%

Female: 58%

Male: 42%

The median household income in Mount Dora is $51,964 while the median family income is $71,932.

Sources for demographics: https://data.census.gov/tabl e?g=1600000US1247050&tid=ACSST5Y2021.S1101; https:// worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/mount-dora-flpopulation 

Mount Dora attracts new residents and visitors of the four-legged variety too! Take a stroll downtown or visit any of our pet-friendly parks, and you’ll discover this for yourself.

As such, we have many places to stay as well as lots of local businesses that are pet-friendly. According to a recent survey, you can find more than 75 Hotels/Motels in the area that will welcome your fur babies. There are also vacation cottages and home rentals where pets can bring their humans. As always, make sure you inquire about whether or not pets are welcome and what extra charges you may incur when you’re making your lodging reservations.

Most, but not all, of our downtown businesses allow pets. But all that do require your pet to be on a leash and under control. Some require you to hold your pet in your arms. Businesses may not always have a sign posted indicating they are petfriendly, so make sure you ask before taking your pet inside.

Most of our restaurants with outdoor seating also allow pets. But again, ask first. A stone’s throw from our historic downtown area is an off-leash dog park just behind the Ice House Theater at the corner of Unser Street and 11th Avenue.

While a few merchants may have water available for your pet, it is always recommended that you carry ample water with you when walking with your best friend, particularly during the warm summer months.

Also, make sure you bring doggie bags with you so you can clean up after your pet.

While Mount Dora is very pet-friendly, you should be aware that during outdoor events requiring street closures, such as our annual Art Festivals, pets are not allowed in the closed event area by law.

As a vibrant, growing community, Mount Dora is home to many top-tier educational facilities. You’ll find everything from Pre-K through advanced academic degrees available in our area.

We are currently home to:

19 Preschools

12 Elementary Schools

11 Middle Schools

9 High Schools

These schools are distributed between 4 public district schools, 1 charter school, and 21 private schools, which offers area students a wide variety of choices in pursuing their education.

Beyond high school, there are 58 colleges within 100 miles of Mount Dora, the closest being Lake Sumter State College, just 10 miles from the center of town. There are many other schools, both public and private, that offer 2- and 4-year degree programs. Many of these institutions also offer postgraduate degrees.

Of particular interest is Beacon College, a private 4-year college located in historic downtown Leesburg that caters to students with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and ADHD.

It was founded in 1989 by a group of parents trying to provide education to their kids who struggled because of learning disabilities.

“It’s a great place for students with these challenges to come where the pedagogy builds in the support systems, strategies, and protocols they need to be successful learners,” said Darryl Owens, Director of Communications at Beacon. 

• 780+ Students

• 12 to 1 student/ teacher ratio

• Daily chapel and Bible class

• Biomedical Sciences Institute

• 24+ sports for 6-12th grade

• 14+ clubs and activities

• 12 AP courses offered

Minutes Matter: Trust Lake County’s #1 ER

Healthcare is a vital component of any community. Residents and visitors will find multiple healthcare facilities in and around the city, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and assisted living centers, as well as medical practitioners and specialists in private practice.

AdventHealth: A 269-bed facility and 24-hour emergency room located in Tavares. It is the closest facility to Mount Dora. It features a newly designed ER, nationally accredited chest pain care, and pediatric services at their Center for Women and Children.

Other Hospitals Servicing Lake County: Leesburg Regional Medical Center

The Villages Regional Hospital

South Lake Hospital

Mount Dora also hosts great senior care options such as Waterman Village. Waterman Village is a retirement community that offers indepedent living, assisted living, nursing and rehabilitation, and memory support residences. They also serve the area with home health care and physical, occupational, and speech therapy clinic open to the public.

Another great option for memory care is CERTUS Premier Memory Care Living Community here in Mount Dora. They offer short-term respite care on top of state of the art memory care and Adult Day Care.

In addition, Lake County is also home to 17 healthcare clinics, 13 nursing homes, 37 assisted living facilities and 1 hospice. 

Emergency care close to you when you need us.

When every second counts, count on us to be there for you at our two Lake County AdventHealth emergency rooms. It’s the most advanced care you want — when and where you need it most.

If you experience any of the symptoms below, don’t hesitate to seek emergency care:

• Abdominal pain

• Chest pain

• Debilitating back pain

• Fractures

• Head injuries

• Pelvic and urinary pain

• Severe headaches

• Shortness of breath

• Head injuries

• Pelvic and urinary pain

• Severe headaches

• Shortness of breath

Community Foundations work closely with you and your loved ones to develop a customized giving solution to meet all of your charitable goals. Est. in 1972, we have been pooling resources to make needed impact locally, and keep our town “Someplace Special.”

Give Your Way

Share your charitable goals with us, and we will develop a customized giving solution that meets your needs.

Impact

Our funds are intended to create a legacy. You can rest easy that with our sound investments, your mission will live on indeﬁnitely.

Joy. Not Paperwork.

You get to experience the joy of giving and the peace of mind knowing we handle all the paperwork for you.

Mount Dora is known nationally as “The Festival City,” and with good reason! Our picturesque, historic downtown area and year-round outdoor weather make this the perfect location for celebrating all year!

Offering a wide variety of arts, crafts, music, food, drink, and more, some of our most popular annual festivities include:

Annual Florida Storytelling Festival – Our year begins with a January gathering of the most talented storytellers in America. You can also take advantage of storytelling workshops, concerts, story swaps and more.

Annual Arts Festival – Nationally ranked as one of the Ten Best Art Festivals in the country, this annual celebration takes place in February and is one of Mount Dora’s real signature events.

Scottish Highland Festival – February brings a celebration of all things Scottish featuring Celtic music, Irish dancing and Highland games.

Annual Blueberry Festival – Taking place in April, this delicious experience celebrates our growing blueberry industry with a wide assortment of blueberry delicacies.

Annual Mount Dora Taste & Craft Beer Fest – Mount Dora’s finest dining establishments, culinary delights, beer, bourbon, wine, music & dancing and are all on the menu for a night you’ll always remember.

Annual Oktoberfest Mount Dora – Get your lederhosen ready for Oktoberfest! Experience Local Craft Beers and German Food from our vendors, Dance, and Sing along with the Live Music! Make it an even more memorable experience with the VIP Bierhaus.

Annual Craft Fair – For more than three decades now, Mount Dora is home to a craft fair currently ranked #1 of on the list of “The Best 200 Shows in America” by Sunshine Artist. Scheduled for late October, it’s the perfect kick-off to the holiday shopping season.

Light Up Mount Dora – Our yearly Christmas festival draws thousands to the downtown area to watch more than 2,000,000 lights turn on in single incandescent moment, inaugurating our Christmas Season.

Other notable events include:

The Christmas Walk

Village Market – Open-Air Farmer’s Market on Sunday

Plant & Garden Fair

Mount Dora Annual Bicycle Festival

Spring Festival

Freedom on the Waterfront 4th of July Celebration

In addition, every year sees a large number of concerts and special events. No matter what the time of year, there’s always something to do in Mount Dora!

April 2023

April 15, 2023 - Earth Day Mount Dora - 9am-3pm

Join us in Donnelly Park for FREE music, exhibits, raffle, & fun. Details: Visit MountDoraEnvironment.org. or call 352-988-4022

April 29-30, 2023 - Mount Dora Blueberry Festival - 9am -5pm

A celebration of the rapidly growing blueberry agriculture business in Central Florida. We highlight local Blueberry farms and celebrate all things blueberry. Join us in Donnelly Park with over 100 vendors, live entertainment, kids’ activities and much more! 530 N Donnelly Park. Free. Details: call 407-9134140 or Visit MountDoraBlueberryFestival.com.

May 2023

May 6 - Mount Dora Taste & Craft Beer Fest 6pm-10pm

It will be a spectacular evening of culinary delights & craft beers prepared by Mount Dora’s finest restaurants & breweries. At Sunset Park (4th Ave. and Alexander St.) in beautiful downtown Mount Dora. Details: Visit MountDora.com or 352-383-2165.

July 2023

July 3, 2023 - Freedom on the Waterfront - 5pm

Join us in Elizabeth Evans Park for an old-fashioned celebration of our Independence Day with food, live music, & fireworks at dusk. Details: Chris Carson at the City of Mount Doracarsonc@ci.mount-dora.fl.us

July 4, 2023 - Independence Day Parade - 10am

Join us in downtown Mount Dora for a patriotic tribute parade celebrating our country’s independence! Details: Chris Carson at the City of Mount Dora – carsonc@ci.mount-dora.fl.us

*Dates & Times of Events Subject To Change*

August 2023

August 12-13, 2023 - Mount Dora Florida Highwaymen Art Show, Sale & Benefit - 11am – 5pm Located at the Donnelly Park Pavilion on the corner of 5th and Donnelly Street. Details: Heron Cay B&B at 352-383-4050

October 2023

October 7, 2023 - Oktoberfest Mount Dora - 3-10pm

Get your lederhosen ready for Oktoberfest at Sunset Park! Experience Local Craft Beers and German Food from our vendors, Dance, and Sing along with the Live Music! Make it an even more memorable experience with the VIP Bierhaus. Details: 352-383-2165 or MountDora.com

October 14-15, 2023 - Mount Dora Bicycle Festival Attracting cyclists from all around the US; this is Florida’s oldest and largest bicycling event! With rides of varying lengths and skill levels, cyclist of all ages come to see why Lake County is recognized as one of the best places in the world to ride. Details: Visit CycleMountDora.com

October 28-29, 2023 - Mount Dora Craft Fair - 9am-5pm

This nationally ranked juried event continues to attract over 200,000 visitors and over 350 of the best crafters in the country. Details: 352-217-8390 or MtDoraCraftFair.com

November 2023

November 5, 2023 - Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair 9am-5pm Located at Donnelly Park (new location) in downtown Mount Dora. Admission is FREE. Central Florida’s top growers bring more than 12,000 plants. Garden antiques, festive flags and unusual containers are also a focus. Details: MountDoraPlantAndGardenFair.com

*Dates & Times of Events Subject To Change*

1921 Mount Dora takes a forward-thinking outlook on the bounty of ingredients and culinary traditions that encompass the local community as well as a true reflection of contemporary Florida cuisine.

LUNCH/BRUNCH SERVICE

Friday 11:30am - 2:00pm

BRUNCH SERVICE

Saturday and Sunday 10:30am - 2:00pm

“Waterman Village provides all the services we need, both now and in the future.

We only wish we’d made the decision to move sooner!”

- Jack and Carol

ONLY MOVE ONCE | We offer four levels of living: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support and Healthcare/Rehab.

STAY ACTIVE LONGER | A robust activity calendar and comprehensive wellness programming help you stay social, active and healthier longer than if living alone.

MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICES | Take control of your future, relieving others of having to make difficult decisions for you later.

EAT WELL | Six unique dining venues provide you with a variety of meal options.

ENJOY CONVENIENCES | Numerous services and conveniences located on-site let you enjoy retirement with less stress while staying independent and active.

November 17-19, 2023 - Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza - 8am

An antique lover’s dream! This event is one of the largest gatherings of antique dealers in the south with over 1500 dealers attending. Details: please contact the Renninger’s Twin Markets at 352-383-8393 or visit Renningers.net

November 25, 2023 - 40th Annual Light Up Mount Dora - 3:30pm

Join us for the lighting of Donnelly Park and downtown Mount Dora with over 2 million sparkling lights!

Details: Chris Carson at the City of Mount Doracarsonc@ci.mount-dora.fl.us

December 2023

December 1, 2023 - Mount Dora Christmas Walk 6pm-9pm FREE admission to a family friendly street party in downtown Mount Dora featuring music, dancing, shopping, Santa. Details: Visit MountDora.com

December 2, 2023 - Christmas Parade - 10am Christmas parade through the streets of downtown Mount Dora. Details: Mount Dora Lions Club at 352-449-8443 or email communications@mtdoralions.org

December 2, 2023 - Christmas Lighted Boat Parade 7pm

Enjoy the 28th Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Dora. Parade begins at the lighthouse on Grantham Point, across from Gilbert Park on Tremain Street and Liberty Avenue, Downtown Mount Dora. FREE event. Details: Contact Scott Alderman with Rusty Anchor Boat Tours at 352-383-3933.

December 2-3, 2023 - Christmas Tour of Homes Sat. 11am-4pm, Sun. 11am4pm. Tour several local homes that are beautifully decorated for the holidays. This is a self-driving tour to the various homes. Details: visit the Women’s Committee of Fine Arts of Mount Dora’s website, WCFAMountDora.net.

*Dates & Times of Events Subject To Change*

December 9, 2023 - Children’s Christmas in the Park with Snow - 5pm-9pm

Join us in Donnelly Park for a chance to go snow sledding. Details: please contact Mount Dora Parks and Recreation at 352-735-7183. FREE event!

December 16-17, 2023 - Mount Dora 5K & Half Marathon - 7am

This event offers 2 walk/run distances, a single loop half marathon, and a 5k run/walk. The half marathon is a USATF Certified Course. Details: MountDoraHalfMarathon.com or Vickie Blate 352-729-2150.

December 31, 2023 - New Year’s Eve - 9pm-until midnight

Join us in Sunset Park in Downtown Mount Dora for an evening of celebration dedicated to ringing in the New Year. Enjoy food and drinks in the streets as well as live entertainment and fireworks at midnight over Lake Dora. Sunset Park at 230 W. 4th Ave., Mount Dora.

January 2024

January 13-14, 2024– Mount Dora Florida Highwaymen Art Show, Sale & Benefit –11am-5pm. Visitors can enjoy the scenic renderings of Florida’s landscape expressed in the Classic Highwaymen art style. Admission is FREE!! Contact Heron Cay B&B at (352) 383-4050.

January 19-21, 2024 - Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza -

January 19-21, 2024 - Central Florida Film Festival -

A fun filled three-day event at the state of the art Epic Theatre in Mount Dora, Florida (40 minutes from Orlando) over the weekend. Details: CENFLO Film Festival at (352) 216-2716 or visit CentralFloridaFilmFestival.com.

*Dates & Times of Events Subject To Change*

January 25-28, 2024 - Florida Storytelling Festival

Swappin’ Grounds, Storytelling Competition, Youthful Voices & Family Fun Tent, Story Swaps, Story Cruise on Lake Dora, Story Store. Lakeside Inn, 100 N. Alexander St. Details: Visit FLstory.com.

February 2024

February 3-4, 2024 - Mount Dora Arts Festival - 9am-5pm

This nationally ranked fine arts festival attracts 285 artists from all over the world. The fine arts are displayed throughout the downtown village attracting thousands of visitors. Details: call Mount Dora Center for the Arts at 352-383-0880 or visit MountDoraArt.com.

February 9-11, 2024 - The Mount Dora Jane Austen Fest

Join us and step back into the Regency Era through Workshops, Speakers, Entertainment, Tea Time, Jane Austen Dinner, Friday Night Soirée, Vendors, Camaraderie with other Jane Austen enthusiasts, and just plain fun! Non-profit offering women college scholarships.

Details: Email Info@JaneAustenFest.com or JaneAustenFest.com.

February 16-18, 2024 - Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza - 8am

*Dates & Times of Events Subject To Change*

February 17-18, 2024 - Scottish Highland Festival - 10am - 5pm

Enjoy Scottish bands and musicians performing throughout the weekend as well as an afternoon of Highland Games in Gilbert Park.

Details: contact the City’s Parks & Recreation Department at 352-735-7183. Tickets on sale at MountDoraScot.com.

March 2024

March 17-18, 2024 - Mount Dora Spring Festival - 9am-5pm

Over 200 vendors displaying treasures on the downtown streets of Mount Dora.

Details: 352-217-8390 or MountDoraSpringFest.com.

March 24-25, 2024 - Mount Dora Yacht Club Sailboat Regatta

Sat 12 noon – 4:30pm - Sun 10:30 – 4:30pm

The oldest in the state will prove to be a fun day for the whole family.

Details: call (352) 385-1400 or visit MountDoraRegatta.com.

*Dates & Times of Events Subject To Change*

1921 Mount Dora / 46-47

AdventHealth / 39

Allstate - Lynette Barba / 11

Barnwood Country Kitchen & Smokehouse / 20

Cat Boat Tour Adventures / 22

City of Mount Dora / 19

Country Club of Mount Dora / 28

Dave Lowe Realty / Back Cover

Elevate Lake / 7

Fifth Avenue Streatery / 21

First National Bank of Mount Dora / 2

Glide Adventure Tours / 22

Gold In Art / 16

Hillcrest Insurance / 57

Kim Varnadore State Farm / 3

Leslie Campione, P.A., Attorney At Law / Inside Front Cover

Magic Carpet & Furniture Cleaning / 34

Magnolia Place Townhomes / 10

Mazenko Law Firm / Inside Back Cover

Medallion Home / 15

Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina / 92

Mount Dora Center For The Arts / 26

Mount Dora Christian Academy / 37

Mount Dora Community Trust / 40

Mount Dora Country Club / 29

Mount Dora Transit / 41

Olive Branch Grille & Bar / 56

Renninger’s Twin Markets / 1

Rusty Anchor Boat Tours / 41

Unlimited Healthy Water & Air Depot / 55

Walk In The Woods / 4

Waterman Village / 46-47

Watson Realty Corp / 13

Weichert Realtors HP - Betty Hensinger / 5

Area Chamber Of Commerce

Involvement in committees, event sponsorships, welcome center volunteers and ambassadorships are key to personal and business recognition within the community as well as an excellent way to extend your reach and marketing efforts.

Low cost advertising opportunities, exposure on the Chamber website which links directly to yours, and listings in the Business Directory & Relocation Guide are just a few ways that the Chamber helps promote partner products and services.

The Chamber is committed to remaining actively involved in developing, promoting and sustaining an economically viable community while also preserving the community’s character and the quality of life of its citizens.

To build your business and to become part of the community’s growth and economic development, consider joining the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce, where partner benefits are at the forefront of what we do. We offer numerous opportunities for partners to become acquainted with other area businesses to develop lasting relationships where support, business referrals and shared ideas create a healthy climate for growing and maintaining a business. Through continued interaction at Business at Breakfast, After Hours Events, Open Houses and Ribbon Cuttings, relationships flourish.