Gigi & Jorge’s Guidebook
Food Scene
Dora Cafe
3201 N Hwy 19ABreakfast is really good. Amazing coffee.
Jeannie's Place
209 E Gottsche AveGreat Breakfast and lunch.
The Frog and Monkey Restaurant & Pub
411 N Donnelly StOne Flight Up
440 N Donnelly StOlive Branch Mediteranean - Italian
115 W 3rd AveGreat atmosphere and food.
Pisces Rising
239 W 4th AveGreat atmosphere and food.
Sol De Mexico
125 N Bay StLakeside Inn
100 Alexander StA must see.
Goblin Market
330 Dora Drawdy WayGreat place for a romantic dinner. Excellent dining experience.
Las Palmas Restaurant
351 N Donnelly StGood Cuban food.
El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Mount Dora
18750 U.S. 441Good Mexican food.
City/town information
Mount Dora is a city in central Florida. It's known for its antique shops and annual festivals. Downtown, the Modernism Museum displays modern furniture. Housed in a 1923 fire station, the Mount Dora History Museum documents local history. An extensive collection of classic cars, plus a replica of a 1940s gas station, are on display at the Museum of Speed.
215 locals recommend
Mount Dora
Mount Dora is a city in central Florida. It's known for its antique shops and annual festivals. Downtown, the Modernism Museum displays modern furniture. Housed in a 1923 fire station, the Mount Dora History Museum documents local history. An extensive collection of classic cars, plus a replica of a 1940s gas station, are on display at the Museum of Speed.
First Friday Street Party events provide family-friendly, community social events to promote the downtown businesses and showcase Historic Downtown Eustis. These events, held on the First Friday of every month from 6:00 - 9:00 pm, are renowned throughout Lake County. Events normally have two stages of entertainment and 25-50 vendors. Depending on the time of the year and weather conditions, the streets of Downtown Eustis see anywhere from 700-2,000 people.
21 locals recommend
Eustis
First Friday Street Party events provide family-friendly, community social events to promote the downtown businesses and showcase Historic Downtown Eustis. These events, held on the First Friday of every month from 6:00 - 9:00 pm, are renowned throughout Lake County. Events normally have two stages of entertainment and 25-50 vendors. Depending on the time of the year and weather conditions, the streets of Downtown Eustis see anywhere from 700-2,000 people.
America's Seaplane City - Tavares is a city in the central portion of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Lake County. The population at the 2020 census was 19,003, and in 2019 the population was estimated to be 17,749. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area.
30 locals recommend
Tavares
America's Seaplane City - Tavares is a city in the central portion of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Lake County. The population at the 2020 census was 19,003, and in 2019 the population was estimated to be 17,749. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Amusement Parks
Walt Disney World Resort
Universal Studios Florida
6000 Universal BlvdSeaWorld Orlando
7007 Sea World DrEpcot
200 Epcot Center DrDisney's Hollywood Studios
351 S Studio DrDisney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
2901 Osceola PkwyLEGOLAND Florida Resort
1 Legoland WayUniversal's Islands of Adventure
6000 Universal BlvdBusch Gardens
10165 McKinley DrKennedy Space Center
Sightseeing
Tubing, snorkeling, picnicking and lounging at the beach area are favorite activities at this Orange County park. Although there are no rentals of canoes or kayaks, guests can bring their own and use the primitive launch ramp at neighboring Camp Joy. The park’s hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer months and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter. Admission is $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people and $5 per vehicle with 3 to 8 occupants. Admission is $1 for walk-in. Call the park in advance to check the availability of the spring’s tubing and swimming waterway, along with its pavilion and playgrounds during COVID-19 safety protocols.
169 locals recommend
Rock Springs Kelly Park
400 E Kelly Park RdTubing, snorkeling, picnicking and lounging at the beach area are favorite activities at this Orange County park. Although there are no rentals of canoes or kayaks, guests can bring their own and use the primitive launch ramp at neighboring Camp Joy. The park’s hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer months and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter. Admission is $3 per vehicle for 1-2 people and $5 per vehicle with 3 to 8 occupants. Admission is $1 for walk-in. Call the park in advance to check the availability of the spring’s tubing and swimming waterway, along with its pavilion and playgrounds during COVID-19 safety protocols.
Known as a designated manatee refuge, this 2600-acre park has the largest spring on the St. Johns River. . During manatee season (mid-November through March), the spring run is closed to all water activities. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear 73-degree water during the designated swimming season. Picnic tables are available and fishing, canoeing and boating can be enjoyed on the St. Johns River. A self-guided tour inside the historic Thursby house, built in 1872, can also be experienced. Guests that want to stay longer can reserve a campsite or cabin. The park is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to sundown. Entry Fee: $6
407 locals recommend
Blue Spring State Park
2100 W French AveKnown as a designated manatee refuge, this 2600-acre park has the largest spring on the St. Johns River. . During manatee season (mid-November through March), the spring run is closed to all water activities. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear 73-degree water during the designated swimming season. Picnic tables are available and fishing, canoeing and boating can be enjoyed on the St. Johns River. A self-guided tour inside the historic Thursby house, built in 1872, can also be experienced. Guests that want to stay longer can reserve a campsite or cabin. The park is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to sundown. Entry Fee: $6
This popular recreation area in the Ocala National Forest offers swimming and lounging by the refreshing spring pool, picnicking, a 1.1-mile hiking loop on the Timucuan Trail, plus kayak and canoe rentals that allow guests to get up close and personal to Florida wildlife. Entry fee is $6 per person on weekdays and $10 per person on weekends.
48 locals recommend
Alexander Springs
49525 County Rd 445This popular recreation area in the Ocala National Forest offers swimming and lounging by the refreshing spring pool, picnicking, a 1.1-mile hiking loop on the Timucuan Trail, plus kayak and canoe rentals that allow guests to get up close and personal to Florida wildlife. Entry fee is $6 per person on weekdays and $10 per person on weekends.
This 7,00-acre park provides miles of trails that range in different lengths to hike, bike and horseback ride or view the wildlife beneath the springs by snorkeling and swimming. This park also contains the headwater of the Wekiva River. Camping is available onsite with water and electrical hook-up along with areas to lounge and picnic. Entry fee is $6 per vehicle.
Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
1953 E Welch RdThis 7,00-acre park provides miles of trails that range in different lengths to hike, bike and horseback ride or view the wildlife beneath the springs by snorkeling and swimming. This park also contains the headwater of the Wekiva River. Camping is available onsite with water and electrical hook-up along with areas to lounge and picnic. Entry fee is $6 per vehicle.
Guests can head out for a paddling adventure or float down the river on a glass bottom boat or head out on land to enjoy walking and biking the park’s scenic trails. This Marion County park dates back to the 1870’s and is home to the Silver River Museum. It offers space for weddings, family gatherings and reunions. There is also a colony of non-native rhesus monkeys which were introduced to the park in 1938 by a tour boat operator to enhance his "Jungle Cruise" attraction. The entry fee is $8 per vehicle.
218 locals recommend
Silver Springs State Park
5656 East Silver Springs BoulevardGuests can head out for a paddling adventure or float down the river on a glass bottom boat or head out on land to enjoy walking and biking the park’s scenic trails. This Marion County park dates back to the 1870’s and is home to the Silver River Museum. It offers space for weddings, family gatherings and reunions. There is also a colony of non-native rhesus monkeys which were introduced to the park in 1938 by a tour boat operator to enhance his "Jungle Cruise" attraction. The entry fee is $8 per vehicle.
Besides “live mermaids,” visitors can explore caverns and caves or slide down four of the park’s water slides in the park’s Buccaneer Bay. Canoes and paddleboard rentals are available to explore the Weeki Wachee River. Enjoy tree jumping, rope swinging or kayaking through nature. The entry fee is $13 for adults, $8 for kids ages 6 through 12 and free for kids 5 and under.
556 locals recommend
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
6131 Commercial WayBesides “live mermaids,” visitors can explore caverns and caves or slide down four of the park’s water slides in the park’s Buccaneer Bay. Canoes and paddleboard rentals are available to explore the Weeki Wachee River. Enjoy tree jumping, rope swinging or kayaking through nature. The entry fee is $13 for adults, $8 for kids ages 6 through 12 and free for kids 5 and under.
View wildlife and take the family to meet America’s oldest, 60-year-old hippo named, “Lu.” The park features a variety of other captive animals such as alligators, black bears, red wolf, key deer, flamingoes and whooping cranes that serve as ambassadors for their species, Experience the water by boat, tube or surfboard and adventure on land by shelling or mountain biking. The entry fee is Adults 13 and up $13, kids ages 6 through 12 are $5 and kids 5 and under are free.
187 locals recommend
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S Suncoast BlvdView wildlife and take the family to meet America’s oldest, 60-year-old hippo named, “Lu.” The park features a variety of other captive animals such as alligators, black bears, red wolf, key deer, flamingoes and whooping cranes that serve as ambassadors for their species, Experience the water by boat, tube or surfboard and adventure on land by shelling or mountain biking. The entry fee is Adults 13 and up $13, kids ages 6 through 12 are $5 and kids 5 and under are free.
Rainbow Springs State Park
19158 SW 81st Pl RdIchetucknee Springs State Park - Southern Entrance
U.S. 27Ginnie Springs
7300 Ginnie Springs RoadGilchrist Blue Springs State Park
7450 NE 60th StThings-to-do
Jones Brothers offer seaplane adventure tours around Central Florida. Flight tours begin at 15 minutes in duration and last an hour. Jones Brothers also offer exciting seaplane packages including seaplane bar hops, dinners, lunches, breakfasts at the springs and wedding proposals and wedding flights around the Tavares, FL area.
18 locals recommend
Jones Brothers Air & Seaplane Adventures
210 E Ruby StJones Brothers offer seaplane adventure tours around Central Florida. Flight tours begin at 15 minutes in duration and last an hour. Jones Brothers also offer exciting seaplane packages including seaplane bar hops, dinners, lunches, breakfasts at the springs and wedding proposals and wedding flights around the Tavares, FL area.
Want to get away from the crowds? First time out and about after sequestering? Join us for a relaxing, stress reducing visit to the country. As a boutique farm winery, we are limiting the number of guests on property and staggering arrival times through reservations. Following CDC guidelines, our goal is to keep our staff and guests safe. Staff will be wearing masks and gloves, and maintaining social distancing when possible. Masks are not necessary for guests while touring the farm or enjoying tastings. Sit, relax, drink wine, and enjoy a walk around our vineyard and orchard.
Lake Seneca Farms
36047 East Lake Seneca RoadWant to get away from the crowds? First time out and about after sequestering? Join us for a relaxing, stress reducing visit to the country. As a boutique farm winery, we are limiting the number of guests on property and staggering arrival times through reservations. Following CDC guidelines, our goal is to keep our staff and guests safe. Staff will be wearing masks and gloves, and maintaining social distancing when possible. Masks are not necessary for guests while touring the farm or enjoying tastings. Sit, relax, drink wine, and enjoy a walk around our vineyard and orchard.
This 80-foot New Orleans style paddlewheel boat located in Tavares, Florida, offers 2 hour cruises Wednesday through Sunday and serves as a unique venue for private events. Take in the majestic views of beautiful Lake Dora from the comfort of our lounge style seating while enjoying music and cocktails from the upper and lower deck bars
7 locals recommend
Dora Queen
375 S Joanna AveThis 80-foot New Orleans style paddlewheel boat located in Tavares, Florida, offers 2 hour cruises Wednesday through Sunday and serves as a unique venue for private events. Take in the majestic views of beautiful Lake Dora from the comfort of our lounge style seating while enjoying music and cocktails from the upper and lower deck bars
Cruise Lake Dora on a floating Tiki Bar! Bring along your friends & favorite beverage and relax while a USCG licensed captain takes you on a tour of the beautiful lake Tiki style.
Cruisin' Tikis Lake Dora
150 East Ruby StreetCruise Lake Dora on a floating Tiki Bar! Bring along your friends & favorite beverage and relax while a USCG licensed captain takes you on a tour of the beautiful lake Tiki style.
Cruise through ancient Cypress swamps in search of Birds, Turtles and Alligators. You’ll explore “The most beautiful mile of waterway in the world!”
11 locals recommend
Rusty Anchor Mount Dora
400 W 4th AveCruise through ancient Cypress swamps in search of Birds, Turtles and Alligators. You’ll explore “The most beautiful mile of waterway in the world!”
Adventure Outdoor Paddle
210 E Ruby StGolf
The Country Club of Mount Dora
1900 Country Club BlvdDeer Island Country Club
18000 Eagles Club House WayWater Parks
Discovery Cove
6000 Discovery Cove WayDisney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
1145 E Buena Vista DrDisney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
1534 Blizzard Beach DriveUniversal's Volcano Bay
6000 Universal BlvdAquatica, SeaWorld's Waterpark Orlando
5800 Water Play Way