"Meet Me Downtown" - Mount Dora Weekend

Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau chooses Mount Dora for a destination in their 67 Days of Smiles promotion!

The OCVB sponsored a contest over the summer featuring video submissions from contest entrants to win 67 days of amazing activities in Central Florida. The contest also featured $25K in cash to the winners in addition to the 2 months of daily fun! Kyle & Stacey from New York won the contest and thus came to Florida to indulge in Central Florida's finest attractions.

The OCVB contacted the Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association through travel author & Mount Dora resident Gary Mckechnie. Gary is an entire BLOG all by himself and I will get to that later. Check Gary out at www.SeeTheUSA101.com.

Day 60 of Kyle & Stacey's Central Florida marathon was to include a stop in Mount Dora for the 25th annual Craft Fair and any other activities I could squeeze in for them. Visit their official Blogsite for the promotion at www.67DaysOfSmiles.com to see all of the Central Florida activities they experienced.

I contacted Segway Tours (Thank you Dave H.) and Lake County Waterways (Thank you Tim Coates) to arrange a tour. Check out Rachelle's video of these activities at her Blogsite www.InnTheKitchen.com. You may also read Kyle & Stacey's BLOG about their Mount Dora experience.

We were delighted to have the opportunity to be a Central Florida destination for the 67 Days of Smiles promo. BIG thanks to Denise Spiegel at the OCVB for contacting us.

Brian

The Secret Garden of Mount Dora summer sale!

The Secret Garden at 442 N. Donnelly Street is having a huge Anniversary Sale with 20% off storewide on regular priced items for a limited time starting July 1^st! This is our biggest sale EVER! Great prices on apparel, hats, jewelry, gifts and décor.

We are located in the heart of downtown Mount Dora and offer a unique shopping experience. Drop by to see our wide selection of fashions and gifts with a distinctive and tasteful Victorian flair.

VisitMountDora(tm) TV Commercial airing on Fox TV.

Mount Dora in the Herald Tribune...

Mount Dora made the news in a Florida West Coast newspaper. Visit the Herald Tribune online to see the article.

www.HeraldTribuneOnline.com

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090307/ARTICLE/903070375

Fashion Show and Garden Tea

March 21, 2009

11:00a and 3:00p seatings

Limited Seats available and going fast!

$25.00pp includes show, delicious eats, and tea

Tickets available at either The Secret Garden or The Garden Gate Tea Room

Event will be held under a beautiful tent in the Wedding Garden at The Garden Gate Tea Room.

Lake County Blueways. Discover them now!

Discover a kayaker's and canoeist's paradise in Lake County with over 130 miles of scenic Blueways. From novice to advanced boaters there is something for everyone.

Brian

Top 10 Theme Park Survival Essentials

Mount Dora is so close to all the action in Orlando ... and thankfully it feels a world away! But when you have a hankerin for some hustle & bustle, speed, adventure & thrills ... no one does it better than our World class theme parks such as SeaWorld, Universal Studios & Disney.

We recently had family in town from North Carolina and became a tourist for a day with them at SeaWorld Orlando. This is probably one of my favorite parks because of how much I love animals.

With all of the theme parks, there is so much to see and do that you might feel a little sensory overload. Growing up around Orlando I've gone to the parks more times than I can count and over the years I've learned a few things that have made exploring these attractions more fun.


Here are my Top 10 Theme Park Survival Essentials

1) Comfortable Shoes -- Do not underestimate the value of comfortable shoes. It never ceases to amaze me to see fashionistas wearing heels or dressy shoes at a theme park. Believe me when I say there is not going to be anything attractive or trendy about the blisters on your feet at the end of the day. Over the course of a day at the parks you can walk on average 8 to 10 miles. Cozy sneakers are best. Your toes will thank you!

2) Backpack -- Pack it with all your Theme Park Survival Essentials. I have some suggestions for these continuing in the list below.


3) H2O -- You can never get enough this one. However, instead of weighing yourself down with a 6 pack of Zephyrhills, bring a durable bottle that you can refill as you go. Not only is this "green" for the environment, but it's also greener for your wallet. For those that still want to lug around a 6 pack of water, I was delighted that SeaWorld had added recycling bins for aluminum and plastics since I last visited. Some parks will have vendors that sell big collectible mugs that you can buy and then refill throughout the day and save yourself more moolah.


3) Poncho -- This is not just for the rain. There is usually a ride in every park that will soak you to the bone. And while it might feel refreshing at first, you'll soon be cranky in those wet drawers. You might also want to bring a set of flip flops. Having wet feet all day is no fun. See item #1.


4) Hat & Sunglasses -- Inevitably, these are always the things you think about when you're a couple miles down the road and yell, "Doh! I forgot my (fill-in-the-blank). When you're outside all day in the Florida sun, your eyes will be thankful you brought these.


5) Sunscreen -- You may think that you'll be able to dodge the rays and find bits of shelter and shade, but don't risk it.


6) Snacks -- A protein bar, some granola, an apple, some cheerios. Any little bit that will give you the energy fix you need. All the parks have a wide selection of restaurants and eateries, but you'll be grateful that you had a little something stashed away for yourself when the lines are long and your stomach is growling louder than the shows.


7) Hand Sanitizer -- Wet wipes, purrell gel, etc. I even found these cool towelettes by Giovanni that are scented with an organic essential oils such as grapefruit and lavender and they're biodegradable to boot! More green goodness!

8) Camera -- This seems like a given. But I want to remind you to also pack extra film or a memory card, batteries, and a plastic zip lock bag to protect it from getting soaked in a splash zone or river rapids ride and, of course, the crushed cheerio crumbs dusting bottom of your bag by the end of the day.


9) Quarters and dollar bills -- There will be some rides that will not allow you to bring your bag on with you, but typically lockers are provided. You'll need some loose change to take advantage of this convenience.


10) A good night's sleep -- No, you can't pack this one and take it with you. Unless, of course, you prefer a grande latte with a triple shot of espresso to a nap. Get some rest, you'll need your energy for the adventures Orlando has is store for you.


Got any other tips, insider scoop or must-haves for going to the theme parks? Then comment below and let us know!



--Rachelle

Paddling, Pancakes & Ponce De Leon

So, what do these three things have in common you might ask? Well, as it turns out, the fountain of youth does really exist! And, just like I imagined heaven to be, breakfast is served all day and you can eat a lifetime's worth of gourmet pancakes. It's all at De Leon Springs of course!

Just 35 miles outside of Mount Dora, Ponce De leon discovered the fountain of youth ... or so the legend says. The springs bubble up 19 million gallons of clear cold H20 daily. And in the hot and humid Florida summer a dip in this 72 degree natural pool is a refreshing shock to the system and enough to make anyone think they've been jolted back to life.

Long after Ponce De Leon made it to Florida's waters, settlers had built a sugar mill and plantation around the springs that later became a popular winter resort. Ironically, this winter retreat at one time featured a water skiing elephant, Sunshine Sally. Mount Dora had it's own water skiing elephant during the filming of the movie Honky Tonk Freeway. Might they have been the same elephant? Hmm? But I digress. Let's talk about breakfast some more.

The Old Spanish Sugar Mill has now become a novelty restaurant where the experience is hands-on with frying up your own eggs and pancakes on a griddle in the center of your table. Now why on earth, you ask, would I want to wait in line to cook my own breakfast? Because it's fun. Because the food is just darn good. Because the pancakes are delish and they offer a myriad of toppings including fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, pecans, peanut butter, chocolate chips and of course maple syrup & honey.

To burn off your sugar high and carb-loaded calories, there are an array of activities to keep you occupied all day including canoeing, kayaking, historical boat tours, swimming and scuba diving. If water sports don't float your boat, then you could take a 4 mile hike through a Wild Persimmon trail or spend some time in the Visitor's Center learning about the park's interesting history and watch a eco-educational presentation on Florida's waterways.

Admission to the State Park is $5 per vehicle. Arrive early or bring a book, blanket and a bathing suit to bide your time as the wait for the Sugar Mill Restaurant is about an hour on a slow day. But well worth every minute ... and calorie! A great day trip from Mount Dora.

--Rachelle

Your Highest Point

I really THOUGHT Mount Dora was the highest point in Florida. Maybe I assumed so because we are called "mount." Or perhaps because a lot of us here have basements in our homes which is really unusual in flat and sandy Florida.

But I was wrong. Bok Tower Gardens is the highest point on peninsular Florida at 295 feet above sea level. Standing on top of Iron Mountain, where Bok Tower is perched, you can almost imagine this beautiful little garden at one time being an island surrounded by the ocean in some other millennium. The horizon stretches as far as the eye can see in every direction and I bet the sunrise and sunsets are spectacular.

Only an hour drive outside of Mount Dora, Bok Tower Gardens has a rich and interesting history and must be a photographer's dream with all of the saturated colors, textures and light.

I'm one of those people who loves to hear a truly all-American success story. You know the one ... where a person arrives on US soil by boat with 25 cents in their pocket and a head full of hopes, only to become extraordinarily rich achieving their "American Dream" and becoming a humanitarian to boot, making the world a better place because they lived in it. Such is the story of Edward Bok.

Only a child when he arrived in America from the Netherlands, He learned to speak English and mastered the language so well that he became the editor of The Ladies' Home Journal by the time he was 26 years old. Under Bok's watch, The Ladies' Home Journal became the first magazine to sell over 1 million subscriptions. Bok earned the loyalty of readers by using the best paper, the best graphic artists, becoming the first to include full color, and keeping editorial integrity by refusing the easy dollar of "patent medicine" advertising, otherwise known today as snake oil medicinals.

Bok set a standard for himself of always using the best of the best. When he decided to build a carillon tower at his winter home in Florida, he employed the best craftsmen from all trades. The best architects, the most talented medal workers, sculptors, landscape architects and Carillon makers created a national historic landmark for all to enjoy and be inspired by.

Edward Bok later offered The American Peace Award, a $100,000 cash prize to whomever could author the best practicable plan by which the US may cooperate with other nations to achieve peace in the world. (We're still waiting for this prize to be awarded.)

The entrance to the park includes a message from Bok's grandmother that she told him when he was a boy, "Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it." I think Edward Bok accomplished both within his lifetime.

They call Bok Tower Gardens Florida's "Higher Place." And with such inspirational stories and breathtaking views, I couldn't agree more.


--Rachelle

Hansel & Gretel's Happy Ending

Today I took my grandmother out to the Yalaha Bakery for some pastries and coffee. It's always such a peaceful country drive through the orange groves and around Lake Harris. Plus the bakery has such a European flair with it's unique German architecture and tall, narrow Italian Cypress trees. Walking into the bakery and eyeing all the lovely treats, it's so difficult to decide on just ONE dessert. There is everything from rum raisin cheesecake, chocolate eclairs, strawberry mousse cakes, key lime tarts, cheese & pear tortes, almond horns, German apple pie, cannolis ... and confectioner's high goes on and on. I pause for a moment and I think, "big inviting German house ... in the middle of the woods ... offering an endless supply of pastries, cakes and hearty breads ... did Hansel & Gretel have a happy ending???" When they served our coffees and chosen desserts, it was certainly a happy afternoon for us!

Outside the bakery, we walked over to Blue Bayou Farms & Market where the blueberries are so fresh ... they're picking them right there in front of you! We purchased some of those fresh berries and other produce along with some Amish cheese.

Tomorrow Yalaha Bakery will be having live music and the Blue Bayou Farms are holding a corn roast with fresh local Zellwood Sweetcorn. This will be the last live musical event at Yalaha Bakery until the fall.

--Rachelle

Spring Jazz Stroll

Wine ... jazz ... picnic in the park ... bare feet in the grass ... laying back on a blanket and stargazing ... could there be a better date night?


We had the wonderful opportunity to meet up with some friends for the Spring Jazz Stroll at Leu Gardens in Orlando. We even unexpectedly ran into a few fellow Mount Dorians ... which I'm not surprised since we are all known for loving wine and good music.

This event is every bit about culture and relaxation. People march through the gates pulling their red wagons full of food, blankets, camp chairs and toting coolers full of beverages while winding through the garden pathways illuminated with candles.

Gardenia's, jasmine and honey suckles perfumed the air and I noticed some jazz stroll veterans even went a little fancier bringing fold-up tables with linens and candelabras.


We parked our picnic on the grassy lawn by the lake next to the second house and munched on cheese, chocolates and wine while enjoying the smooth bluesy tunes of Beautiful Bobby Blackmon and Steve Moore & Moore than Jazz.

--Rachelle

Steam Train in Mount Dora

The steam train has arrived in Mount Dora. For about a month now we have been treated to the authentic sound of a steam train whistle every weekend. Finally we had to check it out for ourselves and ended up taking a ride.

The steam engine is a family project and comes from Indiana. After restoring this beautiful piece of history they decided to take it around the country and share it with everyone else. It happens
to be small enough to tote around on a truck.

Hard to say how much longer the steam train will be in town but for more information on railroading in Mount Dora and the surrounding area please visit www.InlandLakesRailway.com. They operate dinner trains and tours daily from Mount Dora and Eustis.

Animal Exotics.

If you are an animal lover you will not want to miss one of the coolest places in Central Florida for getting up close and personal with some of the most exotic creatures on Earth. A day trip to Animal Exotics should be on your menu of options when next visiting Mount Dora.

Here you will find many retired animal movie stars each with a fascinating story. In this photo I am interacting with a baby Capuchin monkey. What an amazing treat this was and is included in the price of admission.

All of the proceeds go to the care and comfort of these awesome creatures. Some of the collection of animals here include rare and endangered species which may one day only be seen at places such as Animal Exotics.

If you have ever fantasized about petting a Tiger or a beautiful black Leopard this is one of the few places on Earth this can happen in complete safety in a controlled environment. Never mind the waiver you must sign that if you should be eaten there is no liability on the part of Animal Exotics! hahahaha....

Amazing Exotics
17951 SR 452, Umatilla 32784
(352) 821-1234
www.amazingexotics.com

Super-Highway

Do you remember, 10 to 15 years ago, the commercials running about the future of information. The little actress from the movie "The Piano" talking about the "information super-highway" that was to become the internet?

I had to drive to Tampa this week and that memory popped up on my road trip. Not because I was checking email or blogging while driving ... heaven forbid! Simply just the term "super-highway" in relation to the 429.

I was no more than 30 minutes away from my driveway in downtown Mount Dora when I was already passing the exit for Disney and could see the big globe at Epcot in a distance. This new road has put all the major theme park attractions within reasonable traffic-free driving distance.

Now ... if only they could clear up the congestion around Lakeland, life would be perfect!