Although the entire town covers only 3.6 square miles, there are a few ways to get acquainted with the area. Specialized tours are a great way to learn more about Mount Dora's history, people, shops, and architecture.
The Mount Dora Road Trolley (352/357-9123, $7.50 adults, $5.50 ages 3-13) is a very informative tour of the village, lakefront, and historic neighborhoods. The tour lasts about 50 minutes, and along the way the hostess is delivering a wealth of little-known facts about the town's pioneers, heroes, and ne'er-do-wells. The mode of transportation (aboard a very plush and comfortable trolley) adds to the enjoyment of this tour.
Residents are naturally proud of Lake Dora, the broad
backdrop for the terraced town. You can see what the fuss is all
about later in the afternoon on a sunset cruise. Although the
Rusty Anchor's (400 E. 4th Avenue, 352/383-3933) pontoon boat
isn't a sleek watercraft, the tour of the lakeshore and the chance
to watch one of Florida's finest sunsets is a perfect end to a
Mount Dora day.
A second -- and more plush -- option is aboard the Captain Doolittle, (866) 269-6584, a wheelchair-accessible, 35-foot, shallow draft vessel that seats 32 passengers. Like the Rusty Anchor, the Captain Doolittle tours the shorline of Lake Dora. On the 90-minute, $20 cruise, you'll get an effortless education on the area's wildlife, environment, and the history of Mount Dora. Bon voyage.