Mount Dora

With a population of about 16,000, Mount Dora is a relatively small central Florida town with big-time charm, especially in its quaint downtown area, where you’ll find many charming restaurants, antique shops, and even a few annual festivals that line the streets.

For instance, The Mount Dora Arts Festival, which is held the first weekend of February, is a yearly favorite, attracting about 200,000 travelers annually.

While here, we recommend checking out the museums dedicated to various subjects, from modern furniture to local history. Peppered with lakes and live oaks, this road trip-worthy small town’s slow pace is a refreshing taste of old Florida.