Central Florida’s 2024 Best Main Streets – Spotlight On Mount Dora
Full of history and charm, Mount Dora is known for its small-town atmosphere. A city with an expansive tree cover, opportunities to connect with nature are also prevalent.
Mount Dora
We sat down with Mount Dora Mayor Chrissy Stile to discuss what makes Mount Dora unique, and why it’s such a great neighborhood with a unique main street. After growing up in the small town of Fishkill, New York, Stile moved to Central Florida in 1994 to attend Stetson University. She graduated from Stetson in 1998 with a B.A. in Accounting and continued to earn her MBA in 1999. On how she fell in love with Mount Dora, Stile says “when I was a student at Stetson, I visited a friend on the crew team who was rowing in Lake Dora, and that’s when I fell in love with Mount Dora, the canopy of trees over the street, etc. I never forgot that day. And when I was ready to buy my first house in 2005, I bought it here, and it’s been 19 years!”
The city’s main street encompasses Third Avenue and Donnelly Street, both adorned with an array of boutique shops, art galleries and local eateries. “I own the ‘Barrel of Books and Games’ store on North Donnelly Street. It’s our 13th anniversary in December,” Stile says. When asked about the main street’s history, Stile was quick to point out that “yes, it is so historic, but so much has also changed. Our unique shops and base of restaurants keep growing. The Goblin Market is one of the most popular spots now, along with 1921 Mount Dora. It’s only three-square blocks but there is so much to discover.”
Full of history and charm, Mount Dora is known for its small-town atmosphere. A city with an expansive tree cover, opportunities to connect with nature are also prevalent.
The annual Mount Dora Arts Festival, which draws artists and art lovers from across the country, transforms this charming downtown into an open-air gallery, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions. Stile notes “we are known as the festival city.”
In Mount Dora, the allure of nature is always within reach. The city’s location along Lake Dora provides not only stunning views but also a plethora of recreational opportunities. Palm Island Park, a natural gem with a meandering boardwalk, offers a tranquil space for residents to reconnect with nature. At the same time, Gilbert Park and Grantham Pointe, home to the iconic Mount Dora Lighthouse, provide a perfect setting for picnics and leisurely strolls. Stile encourages residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the town. “Right near our lighthouse, there is an entrance to Palm Island Boardwalk with a new kayak and canoe launch. The walk around Lake Dora is quite lovely, and it’s a great opportunity to spot some local wildlife.”
Stile told us the boardwalk was completely renovated just four years ago, with more seating added so there are plenty of places to stop and rest and enjoy. You may even spot boaters putting their boats in for a tour around the lake itself. Another park near downtown, Elizabeth Evans Park, hosts many annual events, including the Scottish Highland Games. There are plans to build a bandshell as well.
Goblin Market and One Flight Up Cafe, which overlooks downtown Mount Dora.
Homes in and around the main street area are very desirable, especially the corner lots. Styles vary from Victorian to Old Florida, with mid-century and cracker-style bungalows. The residents who live within the walking distance from downtown support local businesses, shop locally, dine locally and engage in community events.
Relationships and connections are strong in Mount Dora, and it shows. “It’s like a Hallmark Movie, especially during the holiday season,” Stile says with a smile, and it’s hard not to agree.
