One of the best things about living in Central Florida is that you are never more than a couple hours from something amazing. Last weekend, Kristy and I decided to ditch the screens, leave the laptops at home, and take a spontaneous day trip up to Mount Dora. If you have never been, you are missing out.
The Perfect Saturday Morning
We left Apopka around 9 AM — which for us is practically sleeping in. Nikki gave us her classic guilt-trip look as we headed out the door (if you have a Jack Russell, you know the look), but she was already cozied up on the couch before we pulled out of the driveway.
Mount Dora is only about 30 minutes from us, but it feels like you have stepped into a completely different world. The downtown area has this charming small-town feel — antique shops, local boutiques, and restaurants that are not part of any chain. It is the kind of place where people smile at you on the sidewalk and actually mean it.
Exploring Downtown
Kristy is an antique shop magnet. I have accepted this about myself — I am the guy standing in the back of an antique store pretending to be interested in vintage silverware while my wife is having the time of her life. But honestly? I have come to enjoy it too. There is something cool about holding an item that is 100 years old and imagining its story.
We found this great little shop on Donnelly Street where Kristy picked up a beautiful vintage picture frame. The shop owner told us the whole history of the piece — where it came from, how old it was. Those little moments are what make these trips special. You do not get that at Target.
Lunch at the Lakeside Inn
We grabbed lunch at the Beauclaire Restaurant at the Lakeside Inn — Florida’s oldest continuously operating hotel. The food was great, but the view of Lake Dora was the real star. We sat on the patio, watched the boats go by, and just talked. No phones on the table. No checking email. Just us.
As someone who spends most of his waking hours staring at screens and data, these moments of genuine disconnection are like oxygen. I am a better marketer, a better husband, and a better person when I step away regularly. Kristy has taught me that — she is much better at being present than I am.
The Lighthouse and the Sunset
After lunch, we walked down to Grantham Point Park to see the Mount Dora Lighthouse. It is one of the only inland lighthouses in Florida, and it is this adorable little structure right on the lake. Is it the most impressive lighthouse in the world? No. But standing there with Kristy, watching the sun start its descent over Lake Dora, it felt pretty perfect.
We ended the day at a wine bar downtown, sharing a bottle of something red (Kristy picked it — she is the wine expert in this relationship) and people-watching. The streets were lively with other couples, families, and their dogs. Mount Dora just has this warm energy that draws you in.
Why These Days Matter
I write about marketing, SEO, and AI most of the time. Those are my professional passions. But days like this remind me why I work hard in the first place. It is for moments like these — a lazy Saturday with the person I love, discovering something new 30 minutes from home.
Kristy and I have made a pact to do at least one adventure a month. Could be a day trip, a new restaurant, a hike, or even just exploring a part of Orlando we have never been to. Life is too short to spend every weekend on the couch (sorry, Nikki).
If you are in Central Florida and looking for a great day trip, I cannot recommend Mount Dora enough. And if you have suggestions for our next adventure, let me know — we are always looking for new spots to explore.
