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EUSTIS GEARS UP FOR SPRING BIKE RALLY & MUSIC FEST

4/13/2021

Bikes and music will fill Eustis on April 23 and 24. The bike rally kicks off on Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and continues on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The free, two-day event is bigger than previous years with four stages of live entertainment, bike shows, free bike parking and vendors in both Historic Downtown Eustis and beautiful lakefront Ferran Park.

The line-up of live music will feature Wicked Serenity, Signs of Sacrifice, Big Engine, Jeff Howell Blues Trio, Crashrocket, Papa Wheelee, Southern Chaos, The Smokin' Torpedoes, Jen-n-Tonix, Greye, Time Machine, Sniper, and East Side Rock! Other entertainment includes The Wall of Death, ADV Fest and Mechanical Motorcycle.

On Saturday visitors can check out the Baggerz & Tailz Custom Bike Show downtown and adventure motorcycles will be on display in Ferran Park. Meanwhile, classic cars from all over Lake County will converge on Fountain Green.

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.

LOCAL DINING GUIDE

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY IN MOUNT DORA ON APRIL 17

4/7/2021

It may be a small spot on the globe, but Mount Dora has an abundance of natural beauty and diverse wildlife, so it's no wonder the city's residents love to celebrate Earth Day.

Although Earth Day is observed every year on April 22 to raise awareness for the environment, Mount Dora is getting a jump on it and observing it a few days early. This year's free event will be held at Donnelly Park on April 17 beginning at 9 a.m. The day's festivities will include eco-friendly exhibits, plants, handmade products, yoga and a fundraising silent auction. The one-day event has multiple end times posted, but the earliest is 2 p.m. and the latest is 4 p.m.

Admission is free and proceeds from the one-day event help fund the purchase and planting of trees in Mount Dora.

The first Earth Day, was organized in 1970 by founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, to promote ecology and raise awareness of the growing problems of air, water, and soil pollution.

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MOUNT DORA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL RETURNS ON APRIL 24 & 25

4/7/2021

Take your pick or try it all. This month’s Mount Dora Blueberry Festival occurs during the berry’s peak season so visitors can enjoy fresh berries and a variety of food and beverages made from the locally grown superfood.

Now in its fifth year, the downtown festival runs April 24 and 25 celebrates the growing agricultural importance of blueberries to Central Florida.

Local blueberry farms will sell their freshly picked berries, while other vendors offer blueberry plants, fresh blueberry pies, blueberry beer, cobblers and other edibles. Crafters, live music, a pancake breakfast, blueberry wine and a blueberry pie-eating contest will also be featured at this free two-day event.

Mount Dora Blueberry Festival runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days in Donnelly Park, downtown.

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"PLANES, TUNES & BBQ" KICKS OFF APRIL 9 IN TAVARES

4/7/2021

A big weekend is planned at the downtown Tavares lakefront this week. Planes, Tunes & BBQ is a free three-day event that kicks off on Friday April 9. The family-friendly festivities include live music, a twilight acrobatic airshow, seaplane competitions, BBQ, vendors, a family fun zone and a fireworks show on Saturday evening.

Here’s the schedule of events:
Friday, April 9th: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

BBQ, plus food & merchandise vendors
Live Music: Dallas Tyler Band (4 p.m. – 7 p.m.)

Kennedy Wood Band (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, April 10th: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

BBQ, plus food & merchandise vendors (10 a.m. – 10 p.m.)
Fun Zone in Tavares Square (interactive games for all ages, trackless train) (noon– 7 p.m.)
Seaplane Contests (11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
Live Music - Derek Trull & EasyStreet
Live Music - Kennedy Wood Band (6:15 p.m.)
Twilight Airshow featuring the AeroShell Aerobatic Team (7:50 – 8:15 p.m.)
Fireworks (8:15 p.m.)
Headline Act: A Thousand Horses (8:30 p.m.)

Sunday, April 11th:

Jones Brothers Seaplane Bingo (11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

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Local Dining Guide

5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HEADING TO LAKE COUNTY FAIR

4/1/2021

Above: Mount Dora Buzz file photo.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Lake County Fair. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker heading for the rides or prefer to keep your feet on the ground and take in the exhibits, here’s a quick cheat sheet of what you need to know about this year's Lake County Fair that runs April 8-17.

1. LOCATION
Lake County Expo Center is located at 2101 N. County Road 452 in Eustis.

2. FAIR HOURS
Weekday opening: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Weekend opening: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

3. BYPASS THE LINE
Purchase your 2021 Lake County Fair admission tickets online to save a couple of dollars and skip the ticketing line. Just have your pre-purchased tickets in hand (paper or on your cell phone) and proceed to the VIP/Fast Pass Gate for easy entry.

3. SHOWS, EXHIBITS & CONTESTS
Please note, some shows begin before the full fair opens.
Creative arts and photography competitive exhibits run throughout the fair.
Livestock shows run April 8-17
Pie-eating Contest: April 9, 7 p.m.
Fair Pageant: April 11, 2:30 p.m.
Spaghetti Eating Contest: April 14, 7:30 p.m.

4. REGULAR ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: $9
Seniors: $7
Kids ages 6 to 11: $3
Kids ages 5 & under: Free with a paying adult.
Note: Rides are not included in any admission prices. Separate wristbands can be purchased for rides (see below).

5. RIDE WRISTBANDS & ADMISSION SPECIALS
Thrillseekers looking for unlimited rides can buy wristbands which are valid from open to close for the day of purchase. The cost of wristbands is additional to the cost of admission into the fair.

All Fridays & Saturdays:
Wristband $25 per day.

Thursday, April 8
$20 wristband.

Friday, April 9
2-for-1 Gate/Rides
Two people admitted for the price of one, and two people ride for the price of one.

Saturday, April 10
$25 wristband.

Sunday Funday, April 11
$2 admission, $2 per ride.

Monday Dollar Day, April 12
$1 Admission, $1 per ride.

Tuesday, April 13
$18 wristband.

Wednesday Carload Night, April 14
$55 Carload admission & wristbands, each person must be in a seat belt, max 8 people. Regular tickets are also available.

Thursday, April 15
$20 wristband.

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DAY TRIPPIN': MOUNT DORA TO DALI AND CHIHULY

4/1/2021

A special day trip to one city on Florida’s west coast is guaranteed to make art lovers giddy. Two of the State’s most impressive art collections are permanently housed in St. Petersburg, just a two-hour drive from downtown Mount Dora. Beautiful downtown St. Petersburg is home to The Dali museum and the spectacular Chihuly Collection about a mile away.

Visitors can enjoy both collections on the same day if they take in the Chihuly Collection first and then make the quick mile trek to The Dali, which remains open until 9 p.m.

CHIHULY COLLECTION
BY MOREAN ARTS CENTER

720 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Just over a mile away from The Dali, art lovers will find another permanent collection from a world-renowned artist. The Chihuly Collection, presented by the Morean Arts Center, presents the bold and innovative glass works of internationally acclaimed American artist Dale Chihuly. The permanent collection is housed in a building that was designed specifically for the artist’s unique work to allow the art and architecture to work together to create a captivating experience of light, color and form. A much deeper appreciation is gained for the methods, potential and creativity of glass art after experiencing such an impressive display.

The intimate collection includes Chihuly’s large-scale installations like Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier and several impressive series works including Niijima Floats, Macchia, Ikebana, Persians and Tumbleweeds, which have captivated art lovers around the world.

Chihuly’s work is bold and awe-inspiring and leaves a lasting impression. The American artist’s impressive international installations include “Chihuly Over Venice” with his glass sculptures installed over the canals and piazze, and "Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem,” attended by more than one million visitors. “Chihuly Bridge of Glass” in Tacoma, Washington, and the “Lime Green Icicle Tower,” a 42-foot glass and steel sculpture housed in Boston's Museum of Fine Arts are two more of his spectacular large-scale works.
Guests to the Chihuly Collection in St. Petersburg can continue their glass journey by watching local glass artists create new works in the Morean Glass Studio and Hot Shop located at the Morean Arts Center. Glass Blowing demonstrations are offered at the top of every hour from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and Sundays, but there is no noon demonstration on Sundays. The Morean Glass Studio is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Adult tickets to the Chihuly Collection By Morean Arts Center are $20. Student tickets (with current student I.D.) are $13. Buy tickets here.

the dali
(THE SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM)

1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Located on downtown St. Petersburg’s waterfront, The Dali is home to an impressive collection of over 2,400 works by Salvador Dalí, the Spanish surrealist artist. The collection includes 96 oil paintings and the museum boasts a three-star Michelin rating.

This museum, housed in a contemporary architectural masterpiece, never disappoints. After visitors enter the awe-inspiring building with its blue reflective glass panels, they can ascend the winding modern staircase to enter the galleries where they will find Dali’s work as well as world-class visiting art exhibits.

Visitors that arrive by June 13 can experience Van Gogh Alive, an immersive and over-sized art installation that allows viewers to experience the art in a transformative way. The visiting art exhibition showcases more than 3,000 Vincent Van Gogh images of enormous scale viewed using high-definition projectors and synchronized to a classical score. In addition to the Dutch artist's iconic artwork, guests will also discover his inspiration via photos and videos.

The Dali’s distinctive gardens on the waterfront and Café Gala, featuring authentic Spanish cuisine, provide additional memorable experiences for guests.

Admission is $25 and there are discounts for students, seniors and youth. The Dali is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Buy tickets here.

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CREATIVITY TO BE IN FULL BLOOM AT MOUNT DORA'S VINTAGE GARDEN SHOW

4/1/2021

Spring has sprung and beautiful weather means more time in the garden.

Inspiration for gardeners will be sprawled under Mount Dora’s oak trees for two days in April. An eclectic collection of garden treasures and plants will be available at the Vintage Garden Show on April 3 and 4. 100 local and out-of-state vendors will be selling everything from up-cycled outdoor decor, fresh herbs and plants, to architectural wrought iron, vintage patio furniture and a mix of curiosities just waiting to be repurposed.

Garden enthusiasts will also find a huge selection of ferns, succulents, flowers, and landscaping plants, plus gardening classes and demonstrations throughout the weekend. The show will also feature live music, plus food available for purchase.

The Vintage Garden Show runs both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Renningers Antique Center located at 20651 U.S. 441 in Mount Dora. Admission and parking is free.

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

BUSKERS COMPETE IN EUSTIS' FESTIVAL ON MARCH 27

3/14/2021

A ton of fun is in the making when an event combines amazing talent, competition and a bit of creative enterprise.

Those ingredients will be abundant when dozens of live performance artists from across the US converge for the free Eustis Buskers Festival on March 27.

Busking, entertaining in a public place for donations, is sometimes credited with adding charm to intimate settings, like historic downtown districts. Eustis’ fifth annual festival will provide buskers a bigger stage, while treating residents and visitors to a free event packed with entertainment. The family-friendly performances occur from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at “Busk Stops” throughout downtown.

The day-long festival will feature performers such as musicians, dancers, comedians, jugglers, mimes, living statues, artists and acrobats. Each busker will perform two 30-minute acts throughout the day. Judges will rate each act and invite the top performers to the Grand Finale which will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the bandshell at Ferran Park.

Top performers from each division will perform and compete for prizes including the $3,000 grand prize, a $1,500 People’s Choice prize, a $1,000 second prize, a $750 third place prize and 1st, 2nd & 3rd place divisional prizes.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

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MOUNT DORA CELEBRATES THE SEASON WITH ANNUAL SPRING FESTIVAL

3/14/2021

ABOVE: Bag Pipes play during a previous year's Mount Dora Craft Festival in the Fall.

The Central Florida city known for its vibrant festivals won’t disappoint in March. The historic streets of downtown Mount Dora will be awash with visitors again March 20 and 21 during the annual Spring Festival, the city’s celebration of the arrival of spring.

The free event showcases 200 vendors selling their handmade wares plus a variety of food vendors. Crafters and artists are selected based on their originality, quality, and scope of work. Downtown’s many unique stores and restaurants are also open during the festival.

The family-friendly event, now called "Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts,” marks the last large street festival of the season in the city, although park festivals like Mount Dora Blueberry Festival and Mount Dora Seafood Festival will be held in the coming months at Evans Park on the waterfront.

Mount Dora’s Spring Festival ranked #49 on Sunshine Artists Magazine’s list of Top 200 Contemporary/Classic Craft Festivals in America for 2020. The event’s hours are Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.

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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Local Dining Guide

EUSTIS CELEBRATES GEORGEFEST THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

2/1/2021

The City of Eustis is gearing up to celebrate George Washington’s birthday with a month-long list of festive activities. This year marks the 120th time the city will gather its community, neighboring cities and visitors to honor the country’s first president. GeorgeFest is the longest running celebration of its kind in Florida and the second longest running in the entire U.S. This year’s theme is “Spirit of Eustis.”

RUNNING OF THE GEORGES 5k RUN (FEB. 6)
Day of Race Registration is 6:30 a.m. at Ferran Park. The race begins at 8:00 a.m.

GEORGEFEST CHILI COOK-OFF (FEB. 6)
Tasting begins at 4 p.m. at Ferran Park. The People's Choice winner receives a $500 a cash prize. The Humane Society of Lake County will be at the park with pet adoptions from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

GEORGEFEST CARNIVAL (FEB. 25-28)
The annual Georgefest Carnival will once again be set in Historic Downtown Eustis. There will be rides for all ages, along with food vendors and carnival games. It kicks off on Thursday, February 25 at 5:00 p.m. and continues through Sunday, February 28 closing at 9:00 p.m. Thursday Night (Wristband Night) tickets are available for pre-sale for only $15 and include unlimited rides.

Hours:
Thursday (Wristband Night) 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Friday 5:00 - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 - 9:00 p.m.

FIREWORKS SHOW (FEB. 26)
Eustis ends the first night of Georgefest with a bang! The GeorgeFest Fireworks Show takes place right over Lake Eustis at 9:00 p.m. Spectators gather at Ferran Park to enjoy the best vantage point.

GEORGEFEST DOG JOG (FEB. 27)
GeorgeFest Parade kicks off with a one-mile Dog Jog, the much-loved tradition that shows off patriotic pooches as they walk or jog along the parade route beginning on the corner of Bay Street and Stevens at 9:45 a.m. Prizes are awarded for the top finishers, as well as for the most patriotic dog.

WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY PARADE (FEB. 27)
Starting at 10 a.m., the streets of Eustis will be flooded with families eager to view the artistic floats that will glide through Bay Street.

GEORGEFEST ANNUAL BASS FISHING TOURNAMENT (FEB. 28)
Anglers will get their lines in the water early to compete for the guaranteed $8,000 in prizes (based on 100 boats). Co-presented by Florida BASS Nation, the annual tournament is in honor of Private First Class Derek Gibson, a Bronze Star recipient from Eustis killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 2, 2007.

GEORGEFEST HEADLINER CONCERT (FEB. 28)
Enjoy a free concert at Ferran Park’s bandshell stage on the edge of Lake Eustis. Bring your own lawn chair. Time is still to be announced.

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

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DINOSAURS DESCEND ON MOUNT DORA LIBRARY

1/5/2021

They’re back! Dinosaurs have once again invaded the lobby of W.T. Bland Library in Mount Dora, but this time a T-Rex is among the prehistoric reptiles.

Kids, as well as kids at heart, are invited to experience the museum-grade dinosaur replicas. crafted to scale by Planet Earth Sculptures, a Mount Dora-based company. These lifelike models reflect the newest scientific theories that many dinosaurs had fur and feathers. The precise features of the reproductions were vetted by academics in the field, as well as museum curators.

RELATED: Check out the area's local entertainment calendar

“We are so pleased to be able to offer this exhibit to our patrons for the second year in a row,” said Library Manager Cathy Lunday. “The fact that these models are all to-scale really lets your imagination soar and contemplate what their lives might have been like.”

Mount Dora is only a pitstop for these creatures, as the models are destined to be a traveling exhibit for participating museums. Works from Planet Earth Sculpture are on display in the Smithsonian Institute and various natural history museums across the country.

The captivating dinosaur display can be viewed now through the end of February. W.T. Bland Library is located at 1995 North Donnelly and is open Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, call (352) 735-7180, option 5.

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

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DRIVE-IN LASER LIGHT SHOW COMES TO EUSTIS

1/1/2021

ABOVE: Lasers show by Cabin Fever, the organizer of the Eustis event. (Photo provided by Cabin Fever)

Who knew drive-ins would be making a comeback, but it’s become the perfect entertainment option this season. Later this month a travelling drive-in laser light show will entertain carloads of people at Eustis Fairgrounds for one weekend.

On January 21, 22 and 23, two shows per night will feature music, mesmerizing lasers and graphic effects. Guests will pull into their parking spot and tune to the designated FM station for instructions and sound. Every parking space will have its own tailgate area for guests to bring their own chairs, blankets and refreshments.

RELATED: Entertainment calendar for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis.

“This is a Drive-in Laser Show intended to offer safety and social distancing. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we ask that you remain around your vehicle during the duration of the show,” wrote the organizer Cabin Fever Productions on its event information.

Showtimes start at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. each day and the family-friendly shows last between 35 and 40 minutes. The event is rain or shine and tickets can be purchased from the event's Facebook page. The cost is $25 per car and tickets can be purchased here. Lake County Fairgrounds is located at 2101 County Rd. 452 in Eustis.

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

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HUGE ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA COMES TO MOUNT DORA ON jANUARY 15-17

1/1/2021

Vintage lovers and treasure hunters are getting giddy.

Once again, Mount Dora will play host to Central Florida's massive and eclectic shopping experience on January 15, 16 and 17.

Three times a year  Renningers Antique Center organizes the Antique Extravaganza, the motherlode of vintage and antique shopping, set in the rambling hills under majestic oaks.

Make no mistake. There is antique shopping and then there is the “Extravo” shopping. That’s the term seasoned buyers and “pickers” use for the event that boasts over 800 dealers during its three-day run spread on a scenic portion of a 130-acre property.

RELATED: Entertainment calendar for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Dealers from across the U.S. descend on Mount Dora to offer a tremendous variety of vintage finds and fine antiques at every price. Eager collectors, decorators and vintage shoppers from across Florida show up in droves to uncover treasures and find the best deals.

Extravos only happen the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of November, January and February. Shoppers and the curious can roam the hills from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday admittance costs more, but eager shoppers get first dibs on hard-to-find treasures. Sunday shoppers get better bargains, but some vendors do pack up early.

Parking is free. Admission is $10 on Friday, $6 on Saturday, and only $4 on Sunday. A three-day pass is $15. Renninger’s Antique Center is located at 20651 US Hwy 441.

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 HOLIDAY COCKTAILS IN MOUNT DORA, TAVARES & EUSTIS

12/18/2020

ABOVE: The White Christmas cocktail served at Olive Branch Mediterranean Bar & Grille in Mount Dora

‘Tis the season to be jolly, so Mount Dora Buzz scoured local bars to find festive libations that are sure to bring a few rounds of holiday cheer. Here’s the top picks of this season’s holiday elixirs:

ABOVE: Bad Santa mulled cocktail at Crafted Concoctions (photo by Miracle Pop-Up)

Bad Santa
On one of Florida’s cooler evenings, warm up with this mulled wine with tawny port, orange liqueur, and Christmas spices. This hot cocktail is sure to turn you warm and cozy.
Crafted Concoctions
115 E. Main Street, Tavares

RELATED: Entertainment calendar for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

ABOVE: Christmas Carol Barrel served at Crafted Concoctions. (Photo by Miracle Pop-Up)

Christmas Carol Barrel
This fun craft cocktail is served in a barrel and features Reposado tequila, coffee liqueur, dry Curaçao and spiced chocolate.
Crafted Concoctions
115 E. Main Street, Tavares

ABOVE: Egg Nog Martini at the Olive Branch.

Egg Nog Martini
A spiked version of the seasonal favorite, this rich and smooth recipe calls for Early Times whiskey, Fireball and fresh eggnog topped with ground cinnamon.
Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille & Bar
115 W. 3rd Avenue, Mount Dora

RELATED: 2020 Best of Mount Dora winners

ABOVE: Grinch Cocktail served at The Olive Branch.

Grinch Cocktail
There is nothing “bah-humbug” about this festive elixir. It’s a colorful mix of Midori melon liqueur with the perfect amount of lemon juice and one sugar cube.
Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille & Bar
115 W. 3rd Avenue, Mount Dora

ABOVE: Mistletoe Mojito at Momiji Japanese Restaurant.

Mistletoe Mojito
Muddled and shaken to perfection, this spin on the classic light rum, fresh mint and lime cocktail adds cranberry juice and is garnished with fresh cranberries and served in a handled mason jar.
Momiji Japanese Restaurant
24400 State Rd. 44, Eustis

RELATED: Local Dining Guide

Peppermint Patty Martini
This dessert cocktail is like an adult York Peppermint Patty in a glass. The recipe mixes Peppermint Schnapps, Dark Creme De Cacao, coffee liqueur shaken with heavy cream. It’s the perfect Christmas drink mix for Santa.
Momiji Japanese Restaurant
24400 State Rd. 44, Eustis

ABOVE: Floral Spritz available at Pisces Rising.

Seasonal Floral Spritz
Refreshing and bubbly, this is perfect for Florida’s holiday season. This cocktail combines Absolut vodka, pear juice, elderflower, Champagne, hibiscus simple syrup and a splash of lemon and on top of that it’s garnished with fresh rosemary and an orchid.
Pisces Rising
239 W. 4th Avenue, Mount Dora

ABOVE: Snickerdoodle Martini at Momiji Japanese Restaurant.

Snickerdoodle Martini
The decadent, creamy martini is dessert in a glass and it’s hard to have just one. Vodka, Irish Cream, butterscotch schnapps and Amaretto are shaken with half-and-half. Oh, Lawd!
Momiji Japanese Restaurant
24400 State Rd. 44, Eustis

ABOVE: Spiked Peppermint Hot Cocoa at Pisces Rising.

Spiked Peppermint Hot Cocoa
The holiday season isn’t complete without classic hot chocolate topped with melting marshmallows. This adult version of the seasonal favorite is spiked with Peppermint Schnapps and is guaranteed to warm your bones.
Pisces Rising
239 W. 4th Avenue, Mount Dora

ABOVE: White Christmas Cocktail served at The Olive Branch

White Christmas Cocktail
Decadence at its best. Coconut and vanilla vodka blended with white chocolate liqueur and topped with coconut shavings, this drink is delicious and beautiful.
Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille & Bar
115 W. 3rd Avenue, Mount Dora

Enjoy! And please remember, don’t drink and drive. Happy Holidays! For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online event calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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MOUNT DORA CITY COUNCILMAN PENS "TALES OUT OF SCHOOL"

12/1/2020

He’s known about town as the approachable city councilman with talent for listening. Now, Mount Dora is seeing a new side of its elected official -- novelist.

This year Marc Crail, who represents Mount Dora’s District 4, penned “Tales Out of School,” a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the rookie year of a young teacher. The main character stumbles and bumbles his way through thanks to a lot of luck and the support of a very understanding principal and colleagues. There are lots of highs and lows and plenty of funny tales, many of which are true, according to Crail. The book could be the ideal gift for teachers this year.

Before moving to Mount Dora, Crail spent his entire 35-year career in education working in Northeast Ohio, During that span, he taught fifth and sixth grades for five years and became an elementary principal before ultimately serving as a Superintendent of Schools for 17 years.

Mount Dora Buzz asked the councilman-turned-author a few questions about his 229-page unexpected journey into semi-autobiographical fiction:

BUZZ: What made you decide to write "Tales out of School"?
CRAIL: I just thought that America was looking for a book a bit sexier than “Fifty Shades of Gray,” more poignant than “Of Mice and Men,” and at the reading level of Harry Potter. The other reason is that is that I’ve been laid off from Disney’s Animal Kingdom for more than seven months due to the pandemic and I needed a project.

BUZZ: How long did it take you to write the novel?
CRAIL: The stories have been rolling around in my head for years now. Once I decided to go for it, it took about five months to complete. There’s no bad language, and the font is fairly large so it’s appropriate for all audiences.

BUZZ: Tell me about your experience as an educator and administrator in the school system.
CRAIL: I enjoyed every minute of each of my jobs. I was very fortunate to have worked with extraordinary kids, some of the best teachers in the universe in communities (mostly small to middle-sized towns) where education was a high priority and for caring and thoughtful school boards who gave me the opportunity to do the things I believed would make a real difference for our students. No one has been luckier than me.

BUZZ: What would you like readers of your book to walk away with?
CRAIL: Teachers have long been undervalued, as well as underpaid, but the work they do is incredibly important to our society and to the future of America. We must allow and encourage our teachers to be creative to meet the unique needs of their students. Textbooks and state tests have value but relationships among parents, teachers and students are far more important.

“Tales Out of School” is available locally at Barrel of Books and Games in Mount Dora and can be ordered in paperback for $10.99 or for electronic readers for $3.99. There are other books with the same title, so be sure to purchase the one by Marc Crail.

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

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