Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
328
A HOMESPUN ALTERNATIVE
Mount Dora
Finds
This haven for artists (and retirees) is also an enjoyable day trip,
not to mention a wonderful alternative to all that is Disney. The town, established in
1874, has the genuine feel of old Florida, with an authentic Main Street, far less crowded
than the one Disney has re-created. The 19th-century buildings lining the streets are
picture-perfect, leading to the calm, dark green waters of Lake Dora. Unlike most of
Florida, this town actually has rolling hills, adding to the charm. Highlights include
Renninger's Antique Center and Farmer's Market
(
&
352/383-8393
for the antique
center, or 352/383-3141 for the farmers' market; www.renningers.com). The hundreds
of shops and booths are open Saturday and Sunday. Up to 1,000 dealers attend Ren-
ninger's 3-day antiques extravaganzas held the third weekend of January, February, and
November. After you've worked up an appetite, take a lunch break at the Beauclaire Din-
ing Room at the historic
Lakeside Inn,
221 E. 4th Ave. (
&
800/556-5016
or 352/383-
4101; www.lakeside-inn.com). Enjoy lemonade and cookies while rocking on the front
porch overlooking the lake.
Mount Dora.
&
352/383-2165.
www.mountdora.com. Take I-4 exit
92, Hwy. 436, go west to U.S. 441, then north, and follow the signs to Mount Dora and its “busi-
ness district.”
SPECIALTY STORES
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
If you're looking for the retail version of fishing
and hunting (including archery) heaven, schedule a visit to this store in the Festival Bay
shopping center. The store also features areas for watersports equipment, camping gear,
and outdoor apparel, as well as a golf pro shop and an aquarium. The store is open daily,
usually from 9am to 6pm (closed Christmas).
5156 International Dr.
&
407/563-5200.
www.
basspro.com.
Ron Jon Surf Shop
This local Florida retailer opened its second store in 2003 at
Festival Bay on the upper north end of International Drive. The 15,000-square-foot
beach shop sports an island flair and offers a huge selection of its world-famous surfer
wear and beach gear, among its other unique (and occasionally offbeat) surfing-themed
merchandise. Complementing the store is the new Ron Jon Surf Park, also at Festival
Bay, which splashed onto the scene in late 2007.
5156 International Dr.
&
407/481-2555.
www.ronjons.com.
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