Early morning Kayak on the Dora Canal
Heron resting in Dora Canal
Falling in Love with Old Florida in Historic Mount Dora
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By Kirsten Harrington Photographs Courtesy of Madden Media, Discover Lake County and Kirsten Harrington
ou have probably never heard of Lake County, Florida, but one visit to this hilly countryside just thirty-five miles north-west of Orlando and you are sure to fall in love. The small towns of Mount Dora and Tavares offer a taste of Old Florida. Time moves more slowly here, with endless opportunities for birdwatching, boating, and exploring. In late March, when spring break crowds flocked to Florida beaches, I headed to Mount Dora for a quick staycation. The lakeside location, oak-lined streets, and historic buildings filled with shops and restaurants make this a local gem. KAYAKING THE DORA CANAL I started my weekend adventure with a solo kayak paddle through the Dora Canal that connects Lake Dora with Lake Eustis. Lake County has more than 1,000 lakes to explore. Katrina from Adventure Outdoor Paddle gave me a few tips as she launched my boat into the canal. “Scoop from your feet to your seat,” she said as she demonstrated with the paddle. “Keep right and do not forget to look up. It is nesting season, and you will see tons of birds.” She handed me a map, waved goodbye, and gave my kayak a final shove. “I’ll be back in two hours,” she said. I took a deep breath and started paddling, pushing thoughts of alligators out of my mind. After about five minutes, the small cottages on the shore slipped behind me, and I entered a natural wonderland. Cypress trees adorned with Spanish moss lined the canal; stumps with ferns provided resting spots for herons and turtles.
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up and away
I relaxed as I found my rhythm, paddling left and then right. The chatter of bald eagles, the shrill call of brown-feathered limpkins, and the chirping of ospreys filled the air. The owners of these melodies hopped from tree to tree and soared overhead. I looked up, counting dozens of nests. My early start meant I had this magical place mostly to myself. As I paddled back, I thought about the hands that dredged the narrow canal in the late 1800s, allowing steamboats to enter. The Dora Canal is part of a network of waterways that made passage from Central Florida to the Atlantic Ocean possible before train travel. Several movies have been filmed in this jungle-like setting, including African Queen. THE HISTORIC LAKESIDE INN AND CARRIAGE RIDE Feeling pleased with my solo adventure, I made the short drive to Mount Dora for lunch. I treated myself to a Greek goddess flatbread at PizzAmoré and devoured the whole thing. My next stop was Lakeside Inn, Florida’s oldest continuously operating hotel. Welcoming visitors since 1883, this grand Victorian hotel counts former President Calvin Coolidge and First Lady Grace amongst its esteemed guests. Guests from near and far come to experience “Old Florida.” They dine on the covered veranda, relax in rockers under the oak trees, and watch the sunset over the lake. After checking in, I took a carriage ride around town with Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company. Instead of the traditional horse drawn rig, my ride was an innovative white and gold electric chariot. It was a fun and unique way to learn more about the area’s history.