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The City of Mount Dora has a fascinating history. Local legend suggests that The large, beautiful lake upon which the city grew is named for Ms. Dora Ann Drawdy (1819-1885), who homesteaded in the mid-1800s and befriended federal surveyors with her warm hospitality. In 1846, the surveyors named Lake Dora for her, and years later, in 1883, the small but growing town was named for the lake. Today, Ms. Drawdy is buried in Umatilla.

Research has shown that the first survey maps were published in 1848 with the name “Lake Dora.” The William and Dora Ann Drawdy family is listed as farmers in Georgia, not Florida, on the 1850 U.S. Census. They arrive in Mount Dora before the 1860 census. So the mystery remains of the identity of the first Dora for whom the lake is named. More settlers came to the area after Ms. Drawdy, including Mr. Ross C. Tremain and Capt. John Philip Donnelly, and each proved crucial to the growing settlement’s vitality. Tremain became the town’s first official postmaster in 1880. The town was known as Royellou at the time, unofficially named for Tremain’s three children, Roy, Ella, and Louis. Three years later, the town’s name was officially changed to Mount Dora to reflect the fact that the settlement rests upon a plateau 184 feet above sea level – an unusual feature in Florida.

As the new community Mt Dora grew in popularity as a winter retreat for hunters, fishermen, and boaters, The Alexander House opened in 1883 – a two-story hotel with 10 rooms. The Alexander House was renamed The Lake House in 1893, and in 1903, The Lake House was renamed Lakeside Inn and remains in operation today. Visitors included Presidents Coolidge and Eisenhower, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford. In 1887, the arrival of the railroad stimulated the local economy and carried tourists and freight. Tremain opened the first orange-packing house in 1891, although surrounding groves were destroyed by the great freezes of 1894 and ‘95. Also during the 1890s, fertilizer factories were established as well as a cannery.

In 1910, the town was granted a charter with Capt. John Philip Donnelly as its first mayor. With 371 residents, Mount Dora boasted two general stores, a hardware store, a drugstore, two churches, and a town hall. The Mount Dora Voice became the town’s first newspaper. Donnelly’s home, a Queen Anne-style structure, was originally built in 1893 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and home to the local Freemason lodge. The early 1920s marked a significant boom in residential growth and business development, and Mount Dora began the transformation from a country town into a city.

During this time, Mount Dora began investing in its public infrastructure. Streetlights, a water system, curbs, and paved roads were installed. The town’s first two public parks, Gilbert Park and Donnelly Park, were created after landowners Earl Gilbert and J. P. Donnelly donated prime pieces of land downtown and along Lake Dora’s shore. The Mount Dora Community Building was built largely from funds raised by Mount Dora residents, despite economic hard times during the late ‘20s. A determined group of residents pulled together to raise the necessary funds, and in 1929, the impressive Mediterranean-style structure opened with one seat for every Mount Dora resident — approximately 800. Since then, the building has served as the city’s primary performance and meeting venue. In 2009, the citizens again came together despite economic challenges to restore and renovate the Mount Dora Community Building with improved seating, structural improvements, and an expanded lobby while at the same time preserving its unique style and exterior. If you are interested in some noteworthy thing about Mt Dora – here you go:

1. Grantham Point
This park is across the street from Gilbert Park on Lake Dora. It is sometimes referred to as “Lighthouse Park” since one of Mount Dora’s most famous landmarks, Grantham Point Lighthouse, is located here. This is the lighthouse that you see on many symbols and is also one of three freshwater lighthouses in Florida. If you don’t know what to do in Mount Dora, this is a great option.

2. Mount Dora Museum of Speed
If you love fast cars as much as I do, this is a museum for you. This is an exciting car museum that includes memorabilia collected by its curator and benefactor as well as classic and muscle cars. You will also see an antique gas station and a gift shop with all kinds of signs and more.

3. Trimble Park
A really nice park that has a lake, three picnic areas, a scenic walking trail, a playground for kids and facilities for camping. There is also lots of wildlife here. It has a lot to offer and families will enjoy spending time here. Lots of people celebrate special occasions here such as birthdays and baby showers.

4. Donnelly House
This gorgeous historic house is one of the most popular Mount Dora attractions. It is known as the Mt. Dora Lodge No. 238 F&AM that was constructed Queen Anne-style in 1893. An interesting fact is that the historical site was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places on April 4, 1975. Lastly, the house is used as a site for weddings and other special occasions these days. It is truly a beautiful place for such occasions.

5. Renningers Mount Dora Flea Market and Antique Center
Another thing I love to do is shop, so this twin shopping complex and flea market is a must for me. What a twin shopping complex is a place that has indoor and outdoor markets There are two large buildings and many open air shopping areas at this place. This includes everything from clothing shops to high-quality antiques and collectibles as well as produce. The markets are only open on weekends, so stop by if you in town.

6. The Cellar Door Wine Bar
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Mount Dora with friends, head to this delightful wine shop and bar in the downtown area. This is a great place to enjoy a few drinks. Dogs are also welcome here, and the place supports such causes as the Humane Society of Lake County. They even hold an event for dogs where 10 percent of the proceeds from the night benefit the cause.

7. Palm Island Park
This is a wooded nature park that offers a barbecue area, picnic pavilions, a fishing pier, and scenic trails. The most attractive part of this park is a wooden boardwalk that winds through an area that consists of native trees and plants.

8. Mount Dora Taste of Our Town Tours
If you’re booking fun Mount Dora activities, be sure to add this guided food and wine tasting tour, which will enlighten you about the history of Mount Dora and take you to the not-to-be-missed scenic spots in the city. What you get on this tour is a chance to experience wine tasting at about six to seven local restaurants. wine bistros and gourmet shops.

9. Modernism Museum
This is a modern art museum in Mount Dora that offers a unique collection of fine art and design. I say unique because the art here highlights the Style Art Movement. That means that the art found at this museum is from mid-century works to those currently being created. Live music shows are held here periodically.

10. Mount Dora Historical Society Museum
This is a history museum that was Mount Dora’s first fire station and city jail. The museum was renovated recently to include exhibits that showcase activities that occurred in the town from the 1880s to the 1930s. All during the year, the Historical Society offers speakers and events to educate people about the history of Mount Dora.

11. Dora Canal Boat Tour
One of the best parts about traveling to a new place is discovering the history behind every structure or place. When in a bustling American state like Florida, learning about its rich culture and history while on a boat seems to be a good idea. Book a boat tour with Premier Boat Tours on the Dora Canal and see first hand “the most beautiful mile of water in the world” with guides sharing stories, annecdotes, and fun facts on the most amazing flora and fauna around the area. Join the Sea Haven Tour Boat that can carry 22 passengers in a 25-foot pontoon boat going around the scenic Dora Canal.

12. Long and Scott Farms
When in Mount Dora, don’t miss out on the chance to spend a day at Long and Scott Farms, a fourth-generation family farm in Florida. Far from a dull farm visit, this place is perfect for families. Your kids will love Scott’s Maze Adventures, where they can play, run around, take turns on the 60-feet (18-meter) slide, and navigate through the corn maze. After romping around, savor a delicious meal at Scott’s Country Cafe. Before leaving, buy a bottle of jam from the market as a souvenir.

13. Village Antique Mall
If you love antiquing and look forward to buying a unique souvenir from your Mount Dora trip, head to Village Antique Mall on Highland Street. With over 60 vendors, you won’t be able to leave without making a purchase. Whether you’re looking for costume jewelry, kitschy home accessories or a one-of-a-kind antique furniture piece, this place has it all and more. Parking is also available at this mall.

14. Mount Dora Center for the Arts
If you love exploring the local arts scene wherever you travel, then a visit to Mount Dora Center for the Arts is a must. It started as an arts festival in 1975, and 10 years later, it established a home base along Fifth Avenue. It has become a community committed to providing exhibits and educational programs. Stop by to check out the latest exhibits or sign up your little ones for a fun art class. If you happen to be in Mount Dora in February, don’t miss out on attending the annual Mount Dora Arts Festival.

15. CatBoat Adventure Tours
Fun-seekers and fans of watersports should sign up for an afternoon of adventure with CatBoat Adventure Tours. You can even book a sunset tour of Dora Canal or rent a CatBoat and explore the water on your own. You don’t even need boating experience – on a CatBoat, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights. You’ll be given instructions before you take off, and life jackets are provided.