This Is The Friendliest Small Town in Florida
Mount Dora’s tradition of hospitality dates back to the very origins of its name. Local legend has it that Lake Dora, the lake that inspired Mount Dora’s name, was named after Dora Ann Drawdy. Known for her warm hospitality, she befriended federal surveyors in the mid-1800s, leading them to name the lake in her honor. While the truth of this tale may be up for debate, what is undeniable is Mount Dora’s enduring reputation as one of Florida’s friendliest towns.
Since the late 1800s, it has drawn in visitors as a winter retreat for fishermen, boaters, and hunters. Today, this inviting Central Florida town continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with annual arts festivals, thriving art co-ops, and decades-old restaurants. Not sure where to spend your vacation in 2025? Mount Dora offers a welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
A Town of Festivals
Offering over 25 festivals annually, Mount Dora has earned itself the nickname, “Festival City.” Many of Mount Dora's events revolve around the arts, with the Mount Dora Arts Festival, occurring in February, standing out as a major highlight. Each year, this renowned festival draws over 300 artisans, including many from international destinations. Transforming the streets of downtown into an open-air gallery, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. In addition to the art booths, there will also be live music, food vendors, and cocktails available for purchase. This year, the festival will be celebrating its 50th year, so it is definitely an event to remember!
Even if you can’t visit Mount Dora in February, there are plenty of other welcoming festivals to check out throughout the year. The Central Florida Film Festival takes place at the end of January and features three days of film screenings, panel discussions, and an award ceremony. The Florida Storytelling Festival happens around the same time frame, with storytellers from across the state coming into town to participate in workshops, story swaps, and storytelling concerts. Three times a year, antique hunters travel to Mount Dora for Renninger's Antique Extravaganza. With up to 1,500 dealers setting up shop, the event promises a full day of shopping. If you have been looking to adorn your house with more plants, don’t miss out on the Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair, taking place in November. This tradition, going on its 31st year, brings in nurseries and vendors from all over the state to sell both native and exotic plants to the public.
Art and Museums
If it was not already apparent from all of the festivals, Mount Dora is deeply supportive of its art community, providing an environment where many artists thrive. To experience a piece of Mount Dora’s art community, make sure to visit some of the art galleries and co-ops around town. The Artisans of Mount Dora Inc. is an excellent starting point. This co-op, a non profit organization, showcases the work of 35 regional artists that visitors can browse at its on-site gallery. The co-op also offers workshops and art classes, ranging from acrylics and oil painting to bead weaving and fused glass.
The Modernism Museum is another artistic staple in town, home to several contemporary collections and rotating exhibits. The museum is also home to a contemporary cuisine restaurant, 1921 Mount Dora, and a museum shop that sells contemporary-inspired gifts.
Outdoor Recreation
Surrounded by lakes and parks, Mount Dora offers plenty of outdoor activities, making it easy for residents to embrace a relaxed lifestyle. Lake Dora, spanning 4,385 acres, has its eastern shores along Mount Dora and is a popular spot for residents to go bass fishing on a sunny day. The Palm Island Boardwalk is also along the shores of the Lake and is an 8-acre natural preserve that features a wooden boardwalk, nature trails, and 3 picnic pavilions for an afternoon outdoors. Grantham Point Park is a great park to visit, home to the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, a 35-foot lighthouse built in 1988 that is one of only a few inland lighthouses in the state.
Culinary Scene
Many of Mount Dora’s restaurants serve more than just good food—they also offer a taste of the town’s history. 1921 Mount Dora, for example, is an innovative restaurant located in a converted 1921 home. The restaurant focuses on sourcing its ingredients from local sources, supporting the local agricultural community. The Goblin Market Restaurant is another important culinary staple in town. This restaurant, serving upscale seafood, steak, and poultry, has served the community since 1996 and allows guests to dine in one of three cozy, book-lined dining rooms. Looking for a hearty breakfast or lunch? Highland Street Cafe is a town favorite, offering signature dishes like strawberry french toast, biscuits and gravy, quiche, and pot roast.
Final Thoughts
While it is hard narrowing down Florida’s friendly towns to just one, Mount Dora has an undeniable welcoming spirit, evident in the countless visitors who come to find refuge in the community each year. Even during the heart of winter, the town comes alive with cultural festivals that keep people returning time and again. Outdoor attractions like Lake Dora add to the town’s laid-back atmosphere, providing residents and visitors with a peaceful escape. No matter where you are from, you will find a friendly community in Mount Dora.
