Tea at the Inn - Celebrate Women's Equality Day

V.I.P. - Visitor Incentive Program

Do you need some incentive to Play, Shop, Dine & Stay in Mount Dora?  Try these offerings from many Mount Dora businesses who would love to have you visit.

V.I.P. - Visitor Incentive Program

Dine with 30th U.S. President Calvin Coolidge

Get your tickets NOW for the Calvin Coolidge Dinner Show!

$27.00 per person all-inclusive for the Dinner and Show.

$10.00 for the Show.

Click Here for tickets:  Calvin Coolidge Dinner Show Tickets 

Sweepstakes Winners & their Mount Dora experience.

I had the opportunity the other day to interview the winners of the Mount Dora Play, Shop, Dine & Stay Summer Sweepstakes via email and wanted to share their comments and experience with everyone. The getaway sweepstakes is a promotion sponsored by the Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association, Inc. in conjuction with WhatToDoInMountDora.com in an effort to create awareness of our fabulous town as a destination.


Frank & Arlene Miracola from Northport, FL were the July sweepstakes winners chosen randomly from nearly 2000 email entries at that time, there are almost twice that many entries as of today. Frank & Arlene won a lodging, dining, shopping & activity spree in Mount Dora worth $600. I will share her comments as she provided them.

A big thanks to all of the participating merchants who have made this program a big success for Mount Dora. Some of you are well thought of as you will see from Arlene's comments. Congrats on receiving such a glowing report.







Dear Brian,

We are more then happy to reply about our wonderful "weekend" in Mt. Dora as the Getaway winners. We got to Mt Dora on Saturday and were greeted by our gracious and very accommodating hosts John and Arthur proprietors of the beautifully appointed Adora Inn. To say it was a serene and calming home is an understatement.

We left our bags and proceeded to Pure Aveda. The staff immediately had us defrazzled with their attention to our needs. We each had 1 hour massages( h e a v e n) What a way to start our weekend. We definitely will be booking another round when we return in December.

We wandered around our fave shops for a while and went down to Goblin Market to inquire about their menu and late dinner reservations. The hostess Diane was just so happy to hear we were the weekend winners and made our dinner plans for us. The dinner was above and beyond what we expected and we now have a new cocktail suggested by Diane " Ruby Red Grapefruit Martini" yum yum yum!!!

We then strolled over to the Frog and Monkey to listen to a great band and had a couple of Blue Moon drafts. The evening ended with a walk in the full moonlight back to Adora. We had the Tree House room with roman bath. We both slept like very sated, pampered and spoiled babies. Breakfast was superbly prepared the next morning by our hosts who made us feel like family. John and Arthur are truly genuine and unpretentious.

Sunday was shopping day and I think we hit every place in town. Wine from Maggies Attic, Coffee, candles and caviar from Dianes Tasteful Indulgences, Jewelry and candles from Emz on 5th. Lots of trinkets and gifts from Whispering Winds. We revisited One Flight Up and the best Cuban we ever ate at Chew Chew express. Every one of these aforementioned places were just so nice and happy to hear we were the weekend winners.

Of course we always visit Timeless Keepsakes and the owner there is a very nice woman and didn't have a problem when we asked if she participated in Dora dollars. We can't say enough about what a glorious time we had. We sincerely thank everyone for all the attention and good will we felt.

We love Mt Dora and can't wait to return to our favorite escape. We would like to make one suggestion, It would be really helpful if the winners were given a list of merchants who accept Dora Dollars with the packet. A few times it was embarrassing for us as some shop keepers didn't know or had to ask someone and it was a bit tense in a few situations. Otherwise IT WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!!

Thank you again,
Fondly.
Arlene + Frank Miracola
North Port Florida

Professional Food & Travel Blogger Jaden Hair visits Mount Dora.

WhatToDoInMountDora.com & select members of the Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association played host to Tampa Tribune columnist, popular online & TV personality Jaden Hair and family in mid-July. Jaden is better known in the online world as "Steamy Kitchen." Her food & travel blog is ranked amongst the top 50 in the world and her appearance on the TV show "Daytime" is syndicated on over 100 network channels around the country.

She discovered Mount Dora via Twitter after coming across my Twitter account, @MountDora, where I promote our quaint little destination 24/7 to the online world. Since then we have become fabulous friends and will be playing host to Jaden and family periodically as they come to Mount Dora to visit.

While in Mount Dora in July, Jaden had the opportunity to meet many Merchant Association member businesses and restaurants. Many of these businesses are featured in her blog post at www.SteamyKitchen.com where you can read the story of her visit to Mount Dora and see some amazing photos.

Mount Dora Historic Inn's Jim Tuttle has a soufle recipe that is featured in the blog and based on the number of comments left by readers it seems safe to say that "soufle's will be a cookin'" all over the globe shortly. Jim's recipe and Jaden's Mount Dora trip will be featured in her upcoming Tampa Tribune column, which I hope to post a link to soon.


A recipe for Uni Shooters from Mount Dora Sushi Company will be featured in an article about eco-friendly seafood in an upcoming Florida Aquarium magazine article. And in September, in collaboration with Jaden, our very own Rachelle Lucas will be live on "Daytime" making one of our very own Mount Dora innkeeper breakfast recipes on TV. Not bad considering I just met Jaden on Twitter only recently.


Looking forward to Jaden and family's next visit to Mount Dora.
Brian

Death for Dinner!

August 29th, It's Death For Dinner.

Don't miss this very special event!
A combined progressive dinner and theater experience.

Cocktails: 6:30pm at O'Keefe's
Dinner: 7:15pm at Gracie's
Desert: Later at The Cellar
Murder: Anytime, Anywhere!

Your evening will include:
House or Caesar Salad,
Chicken Cordon Blue or 8oz Prim Rib,
Rice Pilaf and Vegetable Medley.
1 Bottle of wine per couple,
Complimentary Cocktail,
Cordials and Desert,
A Hilarious Good Time,
and . . . Murder.

All For The Ticket Price of $65 plus tax and gratuity.

Seating is limited - call early for your reservations and tickets.
(352)383-5451 or (352)343-0745
or e-mail us at Maggie's.

Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association Dora Dollar program!

The first winner in the drawing for the $100.00 Mount Dora Village Merchant & Business Association "Dora Dollars" was Merchant Association member George Gregory from Memories & Marvels. I asked George what he did with the $100.00 over the weekend and he replied;

"We had a delicious dinner at the Beauclaire Dinning Room at the Lakeside Inn. With the remaining dollars we bought coupons at the Big Twist so that our nine grand kids can experience his delicious premium soft serve ice cream."
George

The "Dora Dollar" program was created by the Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association to entice members and potential members of the association to attend the monthly meeting. It is also intended to create awareness of local shopping and dining opportunities amongst Merchant members.

The Dollars are won in a drawing of business cards from a bowl at the meeting. For your chance to win the $100.00 "Dora Dollars" plan on attending the next monthly meeting of the Mount Dora Village Merchant's & Business Association. The meetings are held on the last Wednesday of every month at the Donnelly House (Masonic Temple) at 5:30pm. Come at 5:00pm and enjoy refreshments from Merchant member restaurants while networking with members and guests.

See you at the meeting.

Brian

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.

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.

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.

VisitMountDora(tm) TV Commercial airing on Fox TV.

Pizza returns to Downtown Mount Dora!

PizzAmore

Pizza with crust you can't help but eat. Try it out next time you are in Mount Dora. See the PizzAmore video here.

Highlights from New Year's at 5th Avenue Cafe.

The party was rolling at the 5th Avenue Cafe in celebration of the New Year. Leigh Love put on her 4th annual wine tasting dinner and it was as fabulous as ever. I have not missed a single one of these festive events since their inception. Don't miss out next year and check the 5th Avenue Cafe website for other wine tasting dinner events throughout the year. PS Click on the link above and take advantage of the offer for a free glass of wine! Brian

Official "March of Wines" Press Release!

Holiday Season Marches on with the 'March of Wines

MOUNT DORA, FLORIDA: To raise funds for the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots campaign, the Mount Dora Lodging Association will present the Second Annual March of Wines on Sunday, December 14, 2008 from 5 to 9 pm, in downtown Mount Dora. The progressive holiday wine tasting will tour three festively-adorned inns, including the Heron Cay, Mount Dora Historic Inn and the Mount Dora Cottages.

The spirit of the holidays begins as Christmas carolers from the Warren Acting Company greet guests boarding an old-fashioned trolley. Arriving at the inns, guests will sample a selection of regional wines provided by The Wine Den, The Cellars at Maggie's Attic, and Wine Cellars of Mount Dora. Showcased wines will be paired with select finger foods and desserts prepared by the Goblin Market, Frosty Mug, 5th Avenue Café, One Flight Up, and Saucy Spoon Catering. Wrapping up the tour, Victorian-costumed carolers from the First Presbyterian Church will entertain with songs of the season.

Many guests will leave for home carrying their own Christmas gifts courtesy of Mount Dora merchants, restaurateurs, and innkeepers who are donating exclusive raffle items such as bed and breakfast gift certificates, decorated gift baskets, complimentary dinners, wine packages, salon treatments and more.

"Last year's event was a big hit," says John Cataldo, president of the Mount Dora Lodging Association. “Not only was it a sellout, we filled two SUV's with toys and donated a $1,000 in cash. This year with more inns participating we're hoping to contribute even more to Toys for Tots.”

Tickets for the 'March of Wines' holiday tour are $50 per person and limited seating is available. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy donation for Toys for Tots. For more information and to reserve your seat now, contact the Adora Inn at (352) 735-3110.

The Real Deal Mexican Grill...

Muchos kudos to Captain Barry and Tamara for taking us to El Maguey Mexican Grill last month. Since that first trip we have visited a half dozen times. Not since I lived in Guadalajara, Mexico in the 80's have I had this tasty style of Mexican food. Certainly not the Tex-Mex on the typical gringo menus in most other places.



The chips are not the garden variety from a Tostitos bag and the salsa does not come from a Pace Picante jar. The green salsa is very spicy and not for the feint at heart so use caution!

El Maguey is just past Eudora road on Old 441 heading toward Eustis. Certainly worth a visit next time you have a hankering for some authentic tasing Mexican chow.

Adios

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

Taste of Mount Dora

Now, this is my kind of evening. A big street party with live music, good friends, and more food than I can eat. Over 10 restaurants participated representing a whole international smorgasbord from Japanese, German, Italian, and American Bistro. All were serving their best appetizer, entree and dessert in tapas style portions.


Julie Black kicked off the evenings entertainment with some soulful blues that you just couldn't help but tap your foot and shake your bum too. At least I know I was shakin' in the volunteer tent. Julie's song "Angel For Blues" recently hit #3 in Bluesville's Top 10 on XM Satellite Radio. Also an artist, Julie created the album cover for her cd. Art ... music ... She fits right into the groove of our town!

The Lost Cats kept us moovin and groovin for the remainder of the evening with all of our favorite local musicians ... Robert Cohen, Andrew Johnson, Garry Bringman, Cliff Shooker, Ruth Blake and also featuring Central Florida jazz & blues singer Jacqueline Jones. Currently, Jacqueline is starring in the Mount Dora Theatre Company's production of A Little Moonlight celebrating Billie Holiday through May 25th.

Check out the photos of this event posted in our Photo Gallery. And when you're looking for a place to dine and have a good time, check out the Winners of the 2008 Taste of Mount Dora ...

People’s Choice:

Appetizer/Side Dish
1st Lakeside Inn -- Beauclaire Dining Room -- Mandarin Chicken Salad
2nd 5th Avenue Café -- 5th Avenue Spring Salad

Entrée
1st 5th Avenue Café -- Chicken Dorati
2nd Waterman Village Bistro -- Scallops au Poivre over Rice Pilaf

Dessert
1st Waterman Village Bistro -- Lemon Pie Croizer
2nd Lakeside Inn – Beauclaire Dining Room -- Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

Judges:
(Walt Disney World Resort: Bob Getchell & Michael Thompson & Mount Dora BBQ Company: Larry Baker)

Appetizer/Side Dish
1st Pizzeria Corleone -- Roni Rolls
2nd Waterman Village Bistro -- Baked Brie with Quince Paste Crustini

Entrée
1st Casa Mia Café -- Penne Boscaiola
2nd Pizzeria Corleone -- Muffelatta n’Awlins

Dessert
1st The Gables Restaurant -- Austrian Apple Strudel
2nd 5th Avenue Café -- Crème Brulee
2nd Waterman Village Bistro -- Lemon Pie Croizer

--Rachelle

Hankerin for BBQ

No body does bbq like the south. Case in point ... last time we were vacationing in Colorado, we had a craving for some hot and spicy bbq to warm us up from the cold. So, we went downtown to the local joint to grab a bite to eat. The service was slow, the meat was dry, the bread was stale, the sides had no flavor and there was only one choice for bbq sauce. The only redeeming factor is that the beer was served in a glass the size of your head.

Here we're lucky to have, not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR bbq joints in town!!! And then if you're still hankerin' for more sweet and sassy bbq there are an additional five more barbeque joints within a short drive. All with their unique flair and flavor.

Tonight we tried the new Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill in Eustis, which is only a short 10 minute drive. And like any good Southern barbeque place, the food was fresh & quick with a multitude of different sauces to choose from and a fabulous blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream to top it all off. Hmmm Mmmm.

The Florida Bar B Que Association will be holding a "Planes, Trains & Barbeque" festival in May if you want to have a taste.

--Rachelle

A Little Pot of Tea

This afternoon I had the lovely opportunity to have tea with a good friend and her young daughter. It was a special occasion, because at only 2 1/2 years of age, this was Katie's first tea party. Only ... she opted for sweet lemonade. The gracious host at the Garden Gate served the chilled lemonade in a Peter Rabbit tea pot accompanied with a china cup and dainty doily.



The way Katie held her tea cup so carefully so as not to spill an ounce or drop the cup was absolutely precious. Good job, Mom, in raising a lady!

Jackie and I sipped on a refreshing raspberry and peach infused iced tea while catching up on life and nibbling on a healthy lunch.

The Garden Gate Tea Room is a special, whimsical place adorned with lace and flowers, doves in the garden and china cups and saucers. If you have time for more than lunch, you can make reservations for high tea which is a fancy treat. It's everything girlie and a fantastic place for any special occasion ... even just catching up with an old friend.

--Rachelle

"I'm a little teapot, short and stout. Here is my handle. Here is my spout. When I get all steamed up hear me shout, just tip me over and pour me out."

Cheeseburger in Paradise

Tonight reminded me of the theme song for Cheers, "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name ... and they're always glad you came ..."

Such is the atmosphere at the Retro, which is Mount Dora locals secret hang out. Located in the basement of the Renaissance Building, this place is quite the opposite of a dark damp pub. It is light, uplifting, full of friendly faces and all the beer, wine and food you could ever want.



You're always sure to run into someone you know here, sit down, order a bottle (or two) of wine, enjoy the live music and have a fabulous time.

I particularly prefer their selection of appetizers and light bites for when I'm feeling "snacky" and just want to graze on a variety of flavors. Tonight we tried a Retro original ... cheeseburger flat bread. Started off with Cheers, then ended with Jimmy Buffet on the brain. All the yummy burger bits and melted cheese without the guilt of thick heavy bread. Because ... of course ... cheese and meat are GOOD for you! That's the diet I'm on right now anyway. Order up another one ... it is the weekend after all!

--Rachelle