Top Things to Do in Mount Dora, A Charming City for Fun-Loving Seniors
September 21, 2021
If you’re looking to retire in Mount Dora, you may be wondering what there is to do in your charming new hometown. Don’t worry—Mount Dora hosts plenty of activities and locations for active adults looking to remain involved in their local community. Keep reading to find out about some of the enjoyable ventures at your disposal in Mount Dora during the breezy fall weather.
The Fun-Filled Festivals
Known as the “Festival City,” Mount Dora has plenty of fun-filled entertainment. With dozens of fall fairs, festivals and parades, Mount Dora has something for everyone. Here are just a few fall festival highlights:
Want to remain physically fit and enjoy thrilling activities? Attend the annual Mount Dora Bicycle Festival. Bike through natural trails through this sun-soaked city. Routes are designed for every skill level. Beginner cyclists are welcome at the shorter and easier-to-ride paths.
If the cycling paths over Mount Dora’s natural landmarks do not provide enough environmental scenes, visit the annual Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair. Vendors and nurseries from all over Florida will feature both native and exotic plants. Experts can provide you with gardening tips, and volunteers will help you take your plants home.
Perhaps you’d rather see the many works created by nationwide artists. The annual Mount Dora Craft Fair is ranked #2 by Sunshine Artist Magazine of the Best Classic/Contemporary Craft Arts Festivals in America. More than 350 artists from across the country are ready to show and sell their fine arts. Grab a beer or attend a wine tasting and take part in crafts and activities.
The Celebrated Arts Centers
In addition to the many artistic festivals, Mount Dora is also known for celebrating the arts year round. The Mount Dora Center for the Arts is the central hub for “all things creative in Mount Dora.” This arts center provides many classes in drawing, photography, dance and more. Get your hands dirty in the center’s ceramics class, or learn the fine art of glass and jewelry making. You can view works of art as well at the MDCA Gallery, which features exhibitions from award-winning local artists.
Another option to get your fill of artistic masterpieces is at the Modernism Museum of Mount Dora. Dedicated to showcasing Modernist art by American masters, this museum’s mission is to ignite the imagination, stimulate thought and provide enjoyment. The Modernism Museum of Mount Dora currently features collections from famous American artists Wendell Castle, Wharton Esherick and George Nakashima. This museum hosts various exhibitions to showcase captivating artists. Right now, the Modernism Museum of Mount Dora is hosting an exhibition featuring modernist art owned by the late David Bowie.
Performing arts more your style? The Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse community theater features year-round, live shows. Whether you prefer a musical or a comedy, you can enjoy many lively productions at the Sonnentag. You may be tempted to get on stage—this theater casts professional, semi-professional and amateur actors. “Everyone is welcome to become involved on stage, backstage, and front of the house,” the company specifies on its Facebook page.
The Many Parks
The beautiful fall weather can be observed at any of Mount Dora’s charming parks. Visit Palm Island Park to watch the birds or alligators along the edge of Lake Dora. Take a guided Segway tour through the park, and catch magnificent views of the water as the autumn breeze blows.
Want to sleep under the stars? Consider camping at Trimble Park, an area where ancient oaks surround the shorelines. This serene, 71-acre natural resource park features picnic tables, fire rings with a grill, water and electricity to make your camping stay simple. Make sure to bring an extra blanket to keep warm in the cool fall evening. This campsite can accommodate up to 50 individuals, so bring the whole family for a natural getaway weekend.
If you’re interested in historical sites, visit Grantham Point, also known as the Lighthouse Park. There, you can see the Mount Dora Lighthouse. This 35-foot-tall lighthouse, which is registered for inland navigation, has become one of Mount Dora’s best-known landmarks. This lighthouse was built in 1988 and is now the only inland freshwater lighthouse in Florida today.
The Beautiful Lakes
In addition to the many beautiful parks, Mount Dora features many beautiful lakes. Lake Dora is a staple to Mount Dora. It is the most well-known of the lakes in the Harris Chain of Lakes. The Harris Chain is made up of Lake Harris, Little Lake Harris, Lake Eustis, Lake Griffin, Lake Beauclair and Lake Dora. Lake Dora—most popular due to its location–is on the eastern shore of Mount Dora. This lake has become a favorite spot for fishing and recreational boating. If you’re interested in exploring Lake Dora, consider taking part in the water based CatBoat Adventure Tours. On these guided tours, you will experience the world-famous Dora Canal and other points of interest.
Meanwhile, on one of the city’s smaller bodies of water, something special is coming to the shores of Lake Margaret—Lakeside at Waterman Village, a new senior living community. With construction expected to be completed in early 2022, Lakeside at Waterman Village will encircle the picturesque Lake Margaret. Though smaller than Lake Dora, this beautiful lake will feature paved trails for all Lakeside at Waterman Village residents to enjoy. Don’t worry about walking at night; the paths will be well-lit. These pathways will connect to the Lakeside Grand building, which features several resort-like dining, fitness and social amenities.
Lakeside at Waterman Village is a total retirement living solution. It offers luxury amenities for everyone living in the brand-new independent residences, like our state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor pool and spa. Plus, all residents receive a free membership to The Country Club of Mount Dora. Don’t forget about our fine dining and sports bar where you can grab a drink with your new friends and neighbors. This community is a place that lets you live your best life while securing your future with a trusted suite of on-site healthcare services should the need ever arise. To learn more about Lakeside at Waterman Village, visit our website or give us a call at 352-385-1120. Don’t wait to contact us – our residences are already more than 85 percent reserved!
