Blog Archives

The best local pumpkin patches

10/13/2021

It’s arguably the most fun family activity leading up to Halloween: the annual trek to the pumpkin patch in search of the perfect pumpkin. Here’s a list of local pumpkin patches that run the gamut from a place to simply purchase great pumpkins to larger farms with fun activities for the whole family

ATWOOD FAMILY FARM
Location: 36111 CR 44A, Eustis
This farm’s pumpkin patch is available during its Fall Festival on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until October 31. After Halloween, the Pumpkin Destruction Day is November 6th.
Hours: Fridays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

FAR REACH RANCH
Location: 1255 South Dora Blvd, Tavares
The pumpkin patch at this seasonal blueberry farm is open every day. The Spooky Hollow event on October 29th and 30th is from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

G.R.I.T.S. 4-H CLUB PUMPKIN PATCH
Location: Lil’ Bit of Life Farm, 2920 Robie Ave, Mount Dora
Hours: Call farm to confirm pumpkin patch hours. (407) 461-3091
Charity: Proceeds are split between VineLife Foster Closet and Lake County 4-H

EAST LAKE COMMUNITY PUMPKIN PATCH
Location: 24214 Sorrento Ave., Sorrento
Hours: Weekdays 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. until October 31 or until the last pumpkin is sold.
Details: Choose from a selection of pumpkins in a variety of shapes and sizes. Cash and checks accepted.
Host: East Lake Chamber of Commerce

LONG & SCOTT FARM COUNTRY MARKET
Location: 26216 CR 448A, Mount Dora
Plenty of pumpkins and photo opportunities are outside the entrance to Scott’s Country Market. On weekends families can also enjoy the corn maze, bounce pillow and more for an added admission fee.
Hours: Tues - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

SANTA'S FARM PUMPKIN PATCH
Location: 35317 Huff Rd, Eustis
This seasonal Christmas tree farm and petting zoo also has a pumpkin patch during the fall that runs until October 31. The farm also has hayrides, a bounce pillow and more.
Hours: Open weekends through October 31 from 10 a.m.
Admission: $8 - $15 when purchased onlin

SUNSATIONAL FARMS
Location: 40541 Roger Giles Rd, Umatilla
This farm has a free weekly Fall Farm Festival in October on Saturdays featuring a pumpkin patch, and tickets can be purchased for games, a maze and more.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

Mount Dora's Steampunk Show draws the creative and curious on Oct.16 & 17

10/1/2021

Above: Firebreather at prior Steampunk Industrial Show at Rennningers in Mount Dora (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

What happens when you combine Victorian costumes with innovative technology and the industrial age? To make it really interesting, add a heaping dose of drama and fantasy.

The result is Steampunk, a fantastical world where Albert Einstein, the wild west and Mad Max collide.

Renninger's Steampunk Industrial Show has grown to what is arguably the largest festival of its kind in the Southeast. The free event is set under the oak trees of Mount Dora and features some of the best people-watching in Central Florida. Goggled time-travellers stroll among the show’s vintage vendors, steampunk entertainers, and impressive live musicians and artists. The event takes place twice a year in January and October.

“Steampunk,” first coined in 1987, refers to the Victorian age of steam-powered machines melded with the “punk” attitude of non-conformity, creativity and unrestrained individuality. This increasingly popular science-fiction genre is present in art, music, fashion, film and especially literature.

The family-friendly Steampunk Industrial Show runs October 16 through 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Renninger's Antique Center, 20651 US 441, Mount Dora. Watch the local entertainment calendar for the upcoming schedule of events. Parking and admission are free.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

Mount Dora’s 'Fall in the Field' ushers in the season Oct. 2 & 3

10/1/2021

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In sunny Florida, don’t look for changing leaves to signal the fall season. However, every year there is one reminder for Central Floridians that a cooler time of year is approaching.

The tell is the annual Fall in the Field at Renningers in Mount Dora. The sprawling, two-day event blends an exotic heirloom pumpkin patch with plenty of primitive fall decor and a large dose of vintage shopping. This year the event is October 2 and 3 and celebrates its 10th anniversary.

In addition to the shopping experience, the weekend also features make–and–take crafts for all ages at the complimentary craft tent located at the Pavilion. Fall in the Field runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m on both days, rain or shine. Admission and parking are free.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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Top-ranked Mount Dora Craft Fair returns Oct. 23-24

10/1/2021

Above: Mount Dora Craft Fair (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

As cooler weather returns, so does one of Central Florida's biggest craft fairs. The heart of downtown Mount Dora comes alive on October 23 and 24 with more than 400 crafters from across the country.

The Mount Dora Craft Fair is among the top-ranked craft fairs across the U.S. The event, featuring an eclectic mix of handmade items ranging from jewelry, photography and textiles to paintings, leather goods and woodwork, spans two days with an expected 100,000 visitors, according to its organizers. Downtown’s many unique stores and restaurants are also open during fair hours to accommodate shoppers and diners.

The festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking restrictions begin downtown in the late afternoon on Friday to allow for the craft vendors to set up. Street parking is limited, so as visitors drive into Mount Dora, they are encouraged to look for signs for the various park-and-ride shuttles located near the different entry points into the city. Pets are not allowed inside the festival for their own safety and that of other visitors.

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

The Best Fall Events in Lake County

10/1/2021

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Fall is here and with it comes the start of Lake County's festival and event season. There are so many diverse events to choose from, here's the list of the ones you don't want to miss:

FALL IN THE FIELD, OCT . 2 & 3

Above: Heirloom pumpkins and gourds available during Fall in the Field. (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

You’ll swear there is a change of seasons at this two-day event that welcomes fall with vendors selling fall decor, antiques and vintage items. The array of “fall finery” comes from some of the best primitive antique dealers in the Southeast. Free admission.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days
Location: Renningers Antique Center, Mount Dora

THE GREAT FLORIDIAN MULTISPORT FESTIVAL, OCT. 23

Headlined by a full triathlon, The Great Florida Triathlon, this event kicks off early and takes place in a city renowned for its triathlons and training facilities.
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Victory Pointe, Clermont

STEAMPUNK INDUSTRIAL SHOW, OCT. 16 & 17

Above: Accessories for sale during Steampunk Industrial Show (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

The best people-watching in Central Florida happens during this two two-day festival filled with all-things Steampunk--music, costumed fire-breathers, a sword-swallower, imaginative vendors, entertainment and Victorian shenanigans. Free admission. More info
Time: 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
Location: Renningers Antique Center, Mount Dora

BOO! FESTIVAL, OCT. 29

This annual one-night event features family fun with live music, carnival games, trunk or treat, hayride, costume contest, food vendors, and more. Free admission.
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m
Location: Downtown Tavares

ROCKTOBERFEST & MONSTER SPLASH SEAPLANE FLY-IN, OCT. 16

Above: Wooton Park lakefront in Tavares (Mount Dora Buzz photo).

Part concert, part airshow above Lake Dora and part kids’ party in the park, this family event features seaplane flying contests and a fun “Pumpkin Bomb Drop.” Kids are welcome to paint the pumpkins before the bomb drop. Free admission.
Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Wooton Park, downtown Tavares waterfront

MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR, OCT. 23 & 24

Above: Mount Dora Craft Fair (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Now in its 37th year, this is Mount Dora’s most popular fall festival. The event was recently ranked #4 for craft festivals in the U.S. Over 400 crafters line the city’s downtown streets, plus there’ll be food, bagpipes and other entertainment. Free admission. More info.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Mount Dora

TRICK-OR-TREAT MOUNT DORA, OCT. 31

Participating downtown merchants open their doors and hand out candy and treats to young, costumed trick-or-treaters during an evening of spooky family fun from 6pm to 8 pm.

LADY OF THE LAKES RENAISSANCE FAIRE, NOV. 5-7 & 13-14.

Take a step back in time into a European village during the Renaissance era. Guests can enjoy the food, music, crafts and entertainment of the time. Adult tickets $16 (includes $2 fee). More info
Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: 12835 County Landfill Road in Lake Idamere Park in Tavares

PLANT & GARDEN FAIR, NOV. 13 & 14

Above: Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Located in the heart of downtown Mount Dora, the annual fair boasts over 12,000 plants for sale ranging from exotic tropicals and orchids to native and drought-tolerant varieties. The two-day event also features garden decor, education exhibits, plants, containers and more. Free admission.
Time: Begins at 9 a.m on Saturday
Location: Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora

ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA, NOV. 19-21

This mega antique festival is one of the largest is the Southeastern U.S. with over 800 dealers on the sprawling acreage of rolling hills and majestic oaks. The food and music are a bonus. Admission price varies each day.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Renningers Antique Center, Mount Dora

LEESBURG CRAFT BEER, WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL, OCT. 15

Wine, beer and food lovers can graze to their hearts’ content at this outdoor festival at Venetian Gardens. Tickets are $35.
Time: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Location: Towne Square, downtown Leesburg

LIGHT UP MOUNT DORA, NOV. 27

Above: Holiday lights display at Mount Dora Marina (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

As “Light-Up” ceremonies go, it’s hard to top downtown Mount Dora’s impressive annual event on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Millions of lights come on in the park, a large musical Christmas tree awakens, and Mount Dora Marina's impressive display comes alive while unique shops with festive window displays are open late for holiday shopping. Free admission. More holiday event info
Time: Festivities start at 5 p.m. Light turn on after dusk.
Location: Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.