My Annual Christmas in Mt. Dora Visit

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 11:59 pm

Like we really have "Mountains" around here!

Anyway, I finally went to Mt. Dora in the daytime when the shops were open. Usually we go at night for the fantastic Christmas lights. It was about 72 degrees and partly cloudy.

I only photographed 2 places because I met some British people and we ended up sitting and talking about life and death and morals, ethics, personal responsibility, choice and the meaning of the word love for 3 Hours!Then it got dark and the shops closed

We met in this beautiful place called The Garden Gate Tea Room. I thought I was in heaven!

Oh boy- are you in for a treat!

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:06 am

This is where I parked my car. It is a B&B, built about 1896.
They invited me right in! Very nice people. The owner is a chef from Miami and recited the next morning's menu to me! I said "You are really INTO tomorrow's breakfast aren't you? You can't wait!" His face glowed thinking about it.

Please, if any photo is cut off, click on the pic in the *Box* and it will open on a new page.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:11 am

The Garden Gate Tea Room. They said it was built c. 1929 and had been a doctor's home and office.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:14 am

Garden Closeup

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:18 am

Garden Courtyard

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:20 am

Courtyard Closeup- Dove

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:28 am

Tea Room proper

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:30 am

Tea Room Fireplace Close up

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 12:32 am

Looking out the window

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 1:21 am

A room on the tea room *porch*

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 1:38 am

Gift Shop

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 1:44 am

Gift Shop

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 1:47 am

Gift Shop

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 1:52 am

Lovely isn't it?

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 4:03 am

What an exquisitely beautiful place !!

Tracy...

shakiboo · Post by **shakiboo** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 9:25 am

enchanting! totally enchanting! thanks for sharing!!

augusta · Post by **augusta** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:08 pm

Thank you for sharing all those lovely photos, Kat! It was like taking us with you - without all the rigamarole. It's so gorgeous. Interesting people you met, too. Now I'm curious what the chef said was for breakfast. I'll bet he didn't serve cold mutton.

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:30 pm

Nice Photos Kat and what a wonderful looking place. Nice building (s?).

But allow me to employee some ignorance here.

Where is Mt Dora and what is its claim of fame?

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 6:31 pm

Stefani first took me there.

It is a mystical place, high atop the only mountain in Florida, where time stands still and everyone smiles and chats and no one grows older.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 6:49 pm

Here are pics of another visit to Mt Dora, if anyone is interested. The first one is of the outside of the Tea Garden- I did not go inside on that visit.

viewtopic.php?t=933&highlight=dora

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 9:14 pm

Our Diana provided me with an interesting link to Mt Dora's Lakeside Inn.
In the text it refers to the John Schlesinger movie, Honky Tonk Freeway. Stefani is in that movie!

A part in the *crowd*, but she is easily seen at least once!

Thanks Diana! I could not remember the name of that movie!

http://www.lakeside-inn.com/history.htm