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Mount Dora celebrates Juneteenth on June 18

6/13/2022

Mount Dora will join other communities across the country by hosting a Juneteenth Jubilee on Saturday, June 18. This year the annual family-friendly festival will be held at Cauley Lott Park from noon to 6 p.m.

The free community event will feature vendors, food, and live music including local artist Ruth King and Soul Therapy. There will also be cake walks, prize giveaways, face painting, balloon art, and water slides for the kids.

Juneteenth, the oldest celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., has been a tradition since the late 19th century and is now recognized in at least 43 states.

June 19, known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Emancipation Day, is the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. Although Abraham Lincoln freed all slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, Texas was geographically remote and its slave owners ignored the new law. Only Texas slaves that escaped could enjoy freedom in the North.

June 19 marks the date Union General Gordon Granger arrived on Galveston Island with 2,000 troops to establish a federal presence in Texas and officially free its slaves.

Today, community Juneteenth festivals celebrate African-American freedom and achievement, encourage respect for all cultures, and strive to create new bonds of friendship and understanding. Celebrations often include public BBQs, live music, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation and singing of traditional spirituals.

Cauley Lott Park is located at 1717 N. Highland Street in Mount Dora.

Follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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Best local Father's Day outings & eateries

6/1/2022

This year Father's Day is June 19 and planning a fun day for Dad is easy when you live in Lake County. To help plan the perfect day, here's Mount Dora Buzz’s cheat sheet of the best local Father’s Day outings and restaurants.

OUTINGS FOR DAD:

Fishing
Grab the poles and head to one of the local fishing spots for bass and crappie. Check out shady Trimble Park, Palm Island Boardwalk, Wooton Park and Simpson Cove.

Mount Dora Bike Trail
Throw the mountain bikes in the car and take Dad for a workout on the Mount Dora Mountain Bike Trail. The trailhead is located at Lincoln Park just east of the dog park.
Cost: There is no entry fee.

Boat Rides on Lake Dora
If Dad is in the mood for a more relaxing day, chill on Lake Dora with a cruise on the Dora Queen, a New Orleans-style paddlewheel boat with a full bar and live music; or a guided tour of the Dora Canal on the Rusty Anchor or Premier Boat Tours.
Cost: Approximately $15-$37 per person, depending on the option selected.

Nature walk and picnic at Trimble Park
This scenic park is draped in a mature oak canopy and straddles Lake Beauclaire and Lake Carlton just south of Mount Dora. The 71-acre natural paradise has shaded picnic tables and benches tucked throughout.
Cost: There is no entry fee to the park
Location: 5802 Trimble Park Road, Mount Dora (Tangerine)

Wolfbranch Brewing & Maggie’s Attic
If everyone in your brood is 21 or over, belly up to one of the 2022 Best of Mount Dora winners. For some cold craft brews, head to Wolfbranch Brewing, which was voted “Best Place to Grab a Beer.” If Dad is more of a Cabernet or Chardonnay kind of guy, head over to Maggie’s Attic, which won “Best Wine Spot.”

Emerald Cut Kayak Adventure
This two-hour guided tour from crystal-clear Emerald Cut at Rock Springs Run is perfect for beginners or advanced paddlers. It’s a great way for Dad to enjoy lush nature with a sandy bottom beneath his paddle.
Cost: $59 per person, all gear included.
Location: King’s Landing, 5722 Baptist Camp Rd, Apopka, FL 32712

Father’s Day hike
If Dad loves nature, pack a picnic lunch and take him on one of the beautiful nature trails in the area.  More info

great local eateries for dad

Breakfast:
Twisted Biscuit, Tavares

Burgers & Beer:
Frog & Monkey Pub, downtown Mount Dora

Lasagna and pasta dishes:
Olive Branch Mediterranean Bar & Grille, downtown Mount Dora

Pizza:
Mount Dora Pizza & Subs, Mount Dora
PizzAmore, Mount Dora
Back Porch Pizza Bar, downtown Mount Dora

Seafood:
Tiki West, downtown Tavares

Steak:
Goblin Market, downtown Mount Dora
The Back Room Steakhouse, Apopka

Ethnic meals:
La Perla Tapatia Mexican Restaurant, Eustis
Las Palmas Cuban Cuisine, downtown Mount Dora
Momiji Sushi & Japanese Restaurant, Eustis (near Sorrento)
Shiva Indian Restaurant, downtown Mount Dora

NEARBY ESCAPES

A special day trip can be the perfect getaway for Dad. Here are some nearby suggestions he’ll enjoy that won’t have you on the road all day:

J.B.’s Fish Camp, New Smyrna Beach
DeLand Naval Air Station Museum
Canaveral Seashore (more info)
Apopka Wildlife Drive (more info)
Florida Air Museum, Lakeland
Bass Pro Shops, Orlando

Follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

Arts & Entertainment

Mount Dora celebrates Juneteenth on June 18

Best local Father's Day outings & eateries

OUTINGS FOR DAD:

great local eateries for dad

NEARBY ESCAPES

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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