Sunday, May 31, 2009

Karoake in the Beer Garden at Mount Dora Sushi!


Is it really Joe Cocker in the Beer Garden? Nah, just Eric covering his tunes.

Karoake was a big success and a very good time was had by all in the Beer Garden even after the "Blackout", when all of the Downtown lights went off for about an hour. And thanks to Dennis for the candles.

Stay tuned to the Mount Dora Sushi website for the entertainment schedule. Karaoke will be back soon.

Brian

Mount Dora Blues & Wine Fest Final Day!



You can still catch some fine wine and great blues at the Lakeside Inn through today. Visit the Mount Dora Blues Fest web page for today's lineup of great entertainment.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Johnny Daniels, Original Florida Highwayman Artist


One of the original Florida Highwayman Artists and friend of Mount Dora, Johnny Daniels, passed away this week. He was scheduled to be in Mount Dora for the two day Highwayman Art Festival August 8th & 9th. He will be missed.

See the article in TCPalm by following this link: Johnny Daniels

Friday, May 29, 2009

Wine Cellars Networking Wine Tasting Club of Mount Dora.


Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Help Build your Business Through Networking!

Wine Cellars Networking Wine Tasting Club of Mount Dora. This club will meet the first Tuesday of every month, from 6:30-8:30pm, at the Wine Cellars 2385 W Old US Highway 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757. The club was founded to allow local business owners to not only enjoy a wine tasting event in a friendly atmosphere but also to help build their business by meeting other local business owners and becoming a part of a terrific networking system. Approximately 45 people will be allowed to attend the club and there will only be one person per type of business/career allowed. The cost of this club membership is only $10 per month. One guest is allowed to attend with a member as long as the guest is not in the same business as another member. Sign up now to ensure your spot in this monthly event and help your business grow!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Win a Pizza Dinner for Two!


Enter your email address today for your chance to to win a complete pizza dinner for two at PizzAmore! Last chance to enter is June 15.

Here’s what’s included:
1 Garden salad
1 Large Pizza w/1 topper
4 Garlic Knots
1 bottle of house wine (or bucket of domestic beer)*

HERE’S HOW TO SIGN UP:

Just enter your email address on our website “Sign Me Up” and allow us to send you our future cool PizzAmore offers; you can cancel your membership at any time.

*Must be 21 years of age or older for wine/beer giveaway. Winner to be announced by June 30, 2009.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association kicks off it's "Dora Dollars" program this week!


It might look like "funny money" but any participating Downtown business will gladly accept it after Wednesday. In an effort to stimulate interest in "Shopping Local" the Merchant's Assn. has created a program for it's members and prospective members that will reward attendance at the regular monthly membership meeting.

A drawing will be held at each monthly meeting and the winner will receive $100.00 "Dora Dollars" to spend in any participating Downtown business. The catch is you must be present at the meeting to win and you must spend the "Dora Dollars" by the end of the weekend. The $100.00 dollars will be in increments of $10.00. No change will be provided which will encourage the Dora Dollar holder to spend all of the money.

This is the first step in a new awareness campaign the Merchant's Assn. is launching to enourage "shopping local" Stay tuned for more details which will lead to more savings for everyone.

Mount Dora Blues & Wine Fest this weekend!


See you at the Lakeside Inn for some fabulous Blues & Wine. Get your tickets soon.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association Play, Shop, Dine & Stay Sweepstakes!


The Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association, Inc. and it's 80 members is sponsoring a Mount Dora Getaway sweepstakes this summer. Register to win at www.WhatToDoInMountDora.com. No purchase necessary to enter or win the sweepstakes!

Winner will receive accommodations for 2 at their choice of any member lodging establishment, dinner and brunch at any member restaurant, a shopping spree at any member shop or store and an activity at any member spa or tour operation.

Register to win and stay tuned for more details.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Keeping up with Rachelle!












Last week Rachelle was sent to Tampa by Travel Channel.com to capture on video an overview of the City of Tampa and the "Tampa Top 5" for visitors. Stay tuned to TravelChannel.com for these videos and many more.

We visited the Lowery Park Zoo, Florida Aquarium, Plant Museum at U. of Tampa, Ybor City and Channelside. We interacted with Penguins, Giraffes, Camels, Budgies and an assortment of other creatures.

To follow Rachelle's latest adventures please visit her website at www.RachelleLucas.com.

Brian

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Calendar of local events of interest.

If you are looking for "things to do" on the local scene try taking a peek at the Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Assn. local event calendar. You will find member events here that will not appear on any other calendar such as wine tasting events, special dinners, grand openings, etc.

Click here to see the calendar:

MDVMBA events calendar.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day to all. This post is a link to another Mount Dora Blog and sums up the Memorial Day message about as well as it can be summed up. And it sends off one of Mount Dora's own with well wishes as he volunteers to serve his country on behalf of us all.

Click here:

http://blog.mtdorasushi.com/2009/05/21/memorial-day.aspx

Friday, May 22, 2009

Kayaking & Eco-Adventures.

Central Florida Kayak Tours

Wine Dinners at the Beauclaire Restaurant at the Lakeside Inn


Wine Dinners – last Wednesday of the month beginning January 28 through June 24. Enjoy our award-winning Chef Carter’s 3-course gourmet menu with three excellent wine pairings! $59 per person (plus tax and gratuity) Come and enjoy a middle of the week getaway and stay the night for just $99! Contact the Lakeside Inn at:


Toll Free 800.556.5016 or Local 352.383.4101
Email: info@lakeside-inn.com

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Sandwich Board Signs stay for now!


Sandwich Board signs were set to disappear from the Downtown landscape effective August of this year. City Council agreed last night to allow the signs to stay for at least 9 more months at which time a review will take place.

The caveat being that the sign must conform to codes and must be properly permitted. Only three businesses in Downtown have actually properly permitted their sandwich board signs.

Mount Dora Police will begin notifying offenders by letter shortly that the signs must be in compliance with codes and permitting. Contact Planning & Zoning for more information about the codes and the permitting process.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Super Summer Savings at Tremain Street Cottages in Downtown Mount Dora!




Summer Savings!
We've got a great way for you to spend your lazy summer days.

From now through August ...

Book any 2 nights and get your 3rd night FREE!

877-268-3672
(877- 2 - MT DORA)

Book online and save an additional $10.

There are plenty of ways for you to save and still get away!

Wine Tasting at the Wine Cellars of Mount Dora.

Mount Dora - 2385 W. Old Hwy 441; Mount Dora, FL 32757 PH -352.385.0053


Friday, May22 Wine Tasting 6-8pm

Pick that bottle night. You get to pick the wines to be opened.

Rules are that the wine be under $25.00 and that there is a least 3 bottles on the shelf.

This a great opportunity to come in and pick a bottle that you have been eye-balling.

The 1st 5 people to come in will pick the wines selected, additional

bottles to be picked as needed.

Something new at Breath of Green.


The moment you have ALL been waiting for is finally HERE!!! The first and only Oxygen Bar in Lake County is now open at Breath of Green.
Come One, Come All to help celebrate our unique, one of a kind Organic Store and the Grand Opening of our O2 Bar!
Friday May 22nd from 3:00pm - 9:00pm -experience the benefits of Deep Inhalation at our O2 Bar while you have a FREE 5 Minute massage and listen to live music provided by VONU, and KZ.
We will also have plenty of FREE Food provided by a few of our favorite Mt Dora Restaurants, a Henna Tattoo artist, amazing Bollywood Dancers, educational speakers, FUN, prizes and more!
Mark your calendars - We'll see you there!
~~~~~
Take the stairs next to the Key West Shop on 4th Ave and Come Up to Where the Air is Better ~ Breath of Green.
~~~~~
What can a little O2 do for you?
An Oxygen Bar is a place that offers non-medical oxygen mixed with various scents to provide aromatherapy. The air we normally breathe contains about 21% oxygen and the rest is Nitrogen, Argon and other trace gasses. The oxygen in oxygen bars is between 90% and 92% oxygen which allows you to breath 4 to 5 times the normal amount of oxygen.
As a result of breathing this oxygen rich air, you will leave uplifted and refreshed as well as have increased energy, detoxification and an overall good feeling.
Breathing higher concentrations of oxygen has also been reported to provide relief from headaches and stress, it clears your mind and promotes higher concentration levels.. Oxygen is also a proven detoxifier and has anti-aging properties.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

"Transformative Power of Children" Film Series: "Vitus"


Thursday, May 21, 2009

"Transformative Power of Children" Film Series:
"Vitus"

Murer's film studies a six year-old boy who is both a piano prodigy and a mathematical genius; sadly the child yearns to be "normal." The major influence in Vitus' life is his grandfather, wonderfully played by the legendary actor, Bruno Ganz. This is a very sweet film with extraordinary music. (Fredi Murer, Switzerland, 2006)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Painter's Daughter Art Gallery
Reservations recommended: 352 735 3470

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Sometimes our guests say it best!

As business owners we strive to provide our guests with the best Mount Dora experience possible and often enough the reward is this:

Brian and Rachelle,
"My Daughter, Diane and I want to thank you for the wonderful visit we had to your Nantucket Cottage and to the wonderful town of Mt. Dora. We wish we would have had longer, but we did have two great FULL days and a very restful sleep in your cottage. We have recommended it to several. The restaurants you suggested were awesome. Our last late lunch was at the Mt. Dora Sushi and we loved it. As I said in the note that we left you on the counter, we may make this an annual visit. Again, Thanks for all your help"
Carol Taylor

Saturday, May 16, 2009

3rd Friday in Mount Dora.



Highights from 3rd Friday in Downtown Mount Dora.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Ballroom Dance in the Park.

Every Thursday from 8pm to 10pm come on out for "Dancing in the Park" in the Donnelly Building in Donnelly Park on the corner of 5th Avenue and Donnelly St. Admission is only $5 and dance instructors will be available to assist you.. For more information please contact 352-735-7183.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Merchant's save BIG at PizzaMore!


Hey Mount Dora Village Merchant Association Members, save 15% on Tuesdays all day long at PizzAmore. Take advantage of this special offer and beat the economy, at least on Tuesdays!

Stay tuned for other business to business offers for Mount Dora Merchants.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Lake County Tourism Day on May 15th.

Many Mount Dora businesses will be on hand at Lake County Tourism Day on May 15th.
Take a ride on an all-terrain Segway courtesy of Segway of Central Florida or take a free carriage ride from Hitch 'N Time, both are Mount Dora based businesses.

The free event, which is sponsored by the Lake County Department of Tourism and Business Relations, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake County Welcome Center, 20763 U.S. Highway 27, north of Groveland.


Thursday, May 7, 2009

Adora Inn Sunday Soiree


The May schedule for the Adora Inn "Sunday Soiree" is out. Please click on the poster for all of the details. Seating is very limited.

Return of the Florida Highwaymen Artists.



Mount Dora has become one of the favorite stops for the Florida Highwaymen Artists. They will be back for a "super-show" in Mount Dora the weekend of August 8th and 9th. Of the surviving 19 Artists we may be lucky enough to see 12 to 14 of them at this show.

The show will be sponsored by the Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association, Inc. and a number of other affiliates to be named later. Stay tuned to www.MountDoraArt.com for upcoming details.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Dutch Henry Wine at The Wine Den.




Saturday, May 9th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at The Wine Den, meet Gary Koehler from Dutch Henry Winery.

DUTCH HENRY WINERY

Established in 1992, Dutch Henry Winery is a small family-owned and operated winery in Napa Valley. The Chafen family takes great pride in nurturing all aspects of their winery and vineyards. Less and Maggie Chafen have grown grapes in Napa Valley for over 26 years.

VisitMountDora(tm) TV Commercial airing on Fox TV.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Press Release: Mount Dora Lodging Association

May 3rd, 2009

For immediate release

Contact: Mount Dora Lodging, Inc.

(352) 735-3110

Mount Dora Village Merchants and Business Association Lends

Support to Mount Dora B&B businesses...

MOUNT DORA, FLORIDA: The Mount Dora Village Merchants and Business Association Board of Directors and 60 members have signed a petition to show their support of the B&B’s who want to expand their businesses during these hard economic times. The MDVMBA supports these requests in part due to contributions innkeepers have made to the community generating nearly $5 million in tourist spending over the last two years since they have come together in a mutual incorporation.

Proposed ordinance changes the innkeepers are requesting include the ability to host small events of 35 people or less depending on the maximum occupancy load of each inn as deemed appropriate by the City Fire Marshall. Secondly, with appropriate licenses, innkeepers are requesting permission to serve beer and wine to visiting guests attending events at their inn who are not overnight guests.

It is the second victory in five months for the innkeepers. Mount Dora City Council members recently approved a motion to allow Bed & Breakfast innkeepers to purchase state beer and wine licenses which permits them to serve complimentary drinks to their paying overnight guests. Additionally, innkeepers in certain zoning districts are now allowed to expand their room inventory based on the size of their property.

This show of support comes as innkeepers find their plans scrutinized by less the 2% of the residents. A petition circulated by residents opposed to the prospect of hosting special events, innkeepers believe most of the opposition stemmed from misinformation. Residents were being told that inns would transform into noisy bars or crowded restaurants. “We've put too much time, care and expense into our homes to let that happen” innkeepers shared. “When residents learned we were simply trying to continue hosting small gatherings appropriate for size of an inn, things started to calm down.”

Innkeepers believe the support of City Council and the Merchants Association speaks eloquently to the fact that Mount Dora B&B owners have been good neighbors, good for the community, and good for the economics of Mount Dora, people just needed to know the facts.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Mother's Day Savings at Tremain Street Cottages



Save 25% on two nights at the Tremain Street Cottages for Mother's Day. Book online and save even more.

Mount Dora Ghost Walk

A one hour lantern led walking tour through the shadowy streets and back alleys of Old Mount Dora. Where history meets mystery.....
Ghost Stories, Urban Legends and the history of Mount Dora. Tours originate from the Mount Dora History Museum, 450 Royellou Lane (between Donnelly & Baker streets and between 4th & 5th Avenues.
Reservations required call: (352) 308-9734. Check schedule at www.mountdoraghostwalk.com

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Discover Mount Dora's fabulous Inns, B&B's & Cottages


From sprawling estates filled with 100 year old oak trees to Victorian Style Manors, Mount Dora has lodging that will fit every taste. Visit www.MountDoraLodging.com for upcoming summer specials that will put you in the heart of the action in Mount Dora at an affordable price.

Check out the Innkeepers Blog at www.InnSideStory.com where you can find stories, fabulous Innkeeper recipes and guest comments to give you the Inn-Side track.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Planes, Trains & BBQ


From 10:00am to 6:00pm today in Wooton Park the City of Tavares presents, Planes, Trains & BBQ. Bring the family out for some fun, BBQ, train rides and sea planes.

Every hour from 11:00am to 4:00pm Inland Lakes Railways presents, "Train Robbery" for only $5 admission.

Free sample BBQ from the competition teams.

See you in Wooton Park.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Adora Inn Wine Dinners are back!

The regular attendees of the Adora Inn Wine Dinners, most of which are District 1 residents, are delighted that the Wine dinners are back. Unless you have experienced the expert pairings first hand you are just left to wonder what the fuss is about. We are delighted that the Adora Inn has decided to package their dinners and rooms on Sunday evenings and restore a fabulous tradition to our neighborhood. And it is all nice and legal. Congratulations guys and we will see you at the next rendition!

Brian, and the rest of the District 1 die-hard wine and foodies...