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Business Buzz

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

11/30/2015

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This year some downtown businesses went all out for the annual Holiday Window Competition.  Store entries included everything from traditional and elegant holiday themes to more creative endeavors including a tree made of flip flops, and upside down tree, illuminated canning jars, and a Christmas tree dress made of garland.  

​This year restaurants were given their own category and an opportunity to win bragging rights. 

The public had four days to cast their ballot for their favorites.  This year's winner for 'Most Creative Store Window' is Julianne's Coastal Cottage (135 E. 4th Ave.) for their Florida Christmas tree made of festive flip flops.  The winner for "Best Use of Lights in a Store Window" is Home and Garden Treasures for its Frosty The Snowman window (430 N. Donnelly St).  The restaurant with the winning decorations is Goblin Market (330 Dora Drawdy).

The decorations will be up throughout the season, so residents and visitors are encouraged to stroll by and enjoy.

Get local news and events here...
Get the scoop for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis on Facebook here
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Most Creative Store Window:  Julianne's Coastal Cottage (Above)
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Best Use of Lights in a Store Window: Home & Garden Treasures (Above)
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TIPS FOR DOWNTOWN SHOPPING:  MOUNT DORA SHOPPING & GIFT GUIDE

11/28/2015

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2015 MOUNT DORA
​SHOPPING & GIFT GUIDE

If you want to shop locally, but don't know where to start, use this guide to easily find something thoughtful for everyone on your list.  You'll see lots of of grateful faces, get free gift wrapping and never stand in a long line. 

MOUNT DORA OLIVE OIL COMPANY

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Cooks and foodies drool over the selection of fine balsamic vinegars and quality olive oils in this contemporary space.  Shoppers can choose from the traditional varieties or a variety of infused flavors.  Custom gift boxes with the flavors you choose are available in a variety of sizes, and they offer complementing items like pastas, oil bottles, bread dipping spices and more to create just the right gift.  
Editor's Choice:  Persian Lime Olive Oil, traditional balsamic 

351 N. Donnelly Street, downtown Mount Dora, Phone:  (352) 735-8481
www.mountdoraoliveoil.com ​

THE SPICE & TEA EXCHANGE

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A rustic and aromatic space, The Spice & Tea Exchange is dedicated to fabulous spices, herbs, sea salts, teas and accessories.  For convenience the store offers a selection of  'Grab & Go' gifts that are perfect for hostesses, cooks, office parties, and college students on your list.  Shoppers can also choose to build a customized gift with themed favorites.  The knowledgeable staff is eager to help customers get familiar with the store's diverse offerings and assist in creating a custom gourmet gift.
Editor's Pick:  Florida Sunshine spice blend shaker
431 N. Donnelly St., downtown Mount Dora, Phone:  352-729-6762 
www.SpiceandTea.com/mountdora

DOUBLE CREEK POTTERY

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This bright gift gallery has whimsical and contemporary gifts and decor for all the light-hearted personalities on your shopping list.  The owners are local artists with works of art as colorful as they are cheerful.  The handmade items include ceramics with bold patterns with bright hearts, flowers, butterflies and  more, as well as whimsical fish wall plaques perfect for a Florida room. The store also features handmade, fair trade items and affordable gifts by other artists, including Romero Britto.
Editors picks:  Poppy pattern pottery and Romero Brito mugs
237 W. 4th Ave., downtown Mount Dora, Phone: (352) 735-0058
www.Facebook.com/Double-Creek-Pottery

JULIANNE'S COASTAL COTTAGE

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In addition to their coastal inspired brands, this downtown store features the top gourmet brands that make perfect gifts for husbands, hostesses and cooks.  The Candied Jalapeno or the Boozy Bacon Grill Sauce are perfect edible surprise for dad's stocking .  The store also sells Mud Pie entertaining accessories that make buying thoughtful hostess gifts easy, fast and affordable.  Ask about their selection of Florida wines, wine smoothie mixes, plus the Suzy Toronto line and a wide selection of coastal decor and gifts
Editor's Picks:  Candied jalapenos and anything from Stonewall Kitchen 
135 E. 4th Ave, downtown Mount Dora, Phone:  (352) 383-1794
www.JuliannesCoastalCottage.com ​

HOME & GARDEN TREASURES

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Inside this full Donnelly Street store, shoppers can find something for everyone.  The store sells the popular bohemian brand "Natural Life" which is perfect to fill the stockings of teens and college students.  The store also stocks a big selection of adult coloring books ranging from garden and nature themes, to more contemporary designs.  For the gardeners on your list, you'll find interesting garden decor, including solar powered, hand-blown glass lights in many colors and designs.  There is also a big selection of scarves and accessories.
Editor's Picks:  Coloring books for adults, plus Natural Life plaques and head scarves
230 N. Donnelly Street, Phone:  352-735-4302

www.hgtreasures.com 

PAINTING OUTSIDE THE LINES GALLERY

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Up a short flight of stairs, you'll discover this two-room gallery that offers diverse, original art from established local artists.  The collection includes the bright acrylic canvases of the gallery's owner, Bev Neal.  Landscapes, street scenes, flowers and bicycle paintings are all on display.   In addition to the art and gift certificates, the gallery also offers painting classes, plus two gift packages this season.  One is a bicycle themed package and the other is an original art package and range in price from $49-$89.  
Editor's Picks:  Gift certificates which can be used for painting classes or original art.
440 N. Donnelly Street, upstairs, Phone: (240) 731-1637
www.paintingoutsidethelines.com 

THE SECRET GARDEN

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In addition to fashionable apparel, this boutique features plenty of gifts for the women on your list.  The store exclusively carries the popular Papaya line of coin purses and totes in Mount Dora, as well as Israeli jewelry and accessories by local designers.  For the children on your list, this store carries adorable boutique clothing for little girls that isn't available in large retail stores.     Meanwhile, the French music CDs you hear playing in the store are also for sale and make perfect stocking stuffers..
Editor's Pick:  Large totes from Papaya and amazing belt buckles by local designer, Karen Hillman
442 N. Donnelly Street, downtown, Phone: 352-735-9000
www.SecretGardenMtDora.com ​

MALENA & MAGDA'S BOUTIQUE

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For the women on your list that can never have too many clothes or accessories, this store features a wide selection of both.  Their cotton clothing is perfect for Florida's climate.  Malena & Magda's handbags range in style from clutches to totes and come in many brands including Nicole Lee.   The boutique also boasts a big assortment of affordable scarves and one-of-a-kind jewelry.   All of their accessories were spotted in both bold and understated styles.
Editor's Pick:  Any of their colorful scarves
107 E. 4th Avenue, downtown Mount Dora, Phone: (352) 735-3241
www.Facebook.com/MalenaAndMagda

BLUE SKY BLUE WATER

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This shop features apparel for men and women perfect for Florida's lifestyle and temperatures. It has a popular line of exclusive handbags with airplane cable handles and wood bottoms in a variety of colors, shapes and styles.  For men, check out the Kuhl men's jackets which are as handsome as they are versatile and practical.   Tokyo Milk fragrance line of perfumes, lotions, and candles is well stocked and is always an appreciated gift.  The rear of the store is dedicated entirely to Christmas, so shoppers can find the perfect ornament for everyone's stocking. 
Editor's Pick:  Kuhl men's jackets, Tokyo Milk perfume
120 E. 4th Avenue, downtown Mount Dora, Phone:  (352) 735-4554 
www.Facebook.com/Blue-Sky-Blue-Water  

walk in the woods

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Sometimes it's difficult to shop for the men on our lists, but this store always makes it easy.  They sell a big selection of Life is Good shirts, caps, mugs and more, comfortable Vionic footwear, plus lots of accessories for an active lifestyle.  Their line of waterproof Gecko backpacks is perfect for the boater, surfer, outdoorsman and paddler on your list.  The store also sells women's apparel and footwear in the same brands.
Editor's picks:  Anything from Life is Good
116 W. 5th Avenue, downtown Mount Dora, Phone: 352-735-3788
www.facebook.com/Walk-in-the-Woods-store

TWO B'S STUDIO

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For the contemporary girl on your list, the is a must shopping stop.  Jewelry designer and silversmith, Barbara Boyce, creates all the pieces in her adjoining workshop.  Boyce exhibits at juried art festivals throughout Florida yet her studio is in the heart of Mount Dora.  Choose from simple sterling silver earrings to medallion necklaces with pearls, as well as textured spinner rings and her signature handmade chain necklaces.
Editor's picks:  A gift certificate for silversmith classes, and the spinner rings
301 N. Baker Street, top floor
www.two-bs.com ​

ZEN COWGIRL

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This is a tiny slice of paradise of horse lovers and modern bohemians.  This boutique features artistic equine mugs, prints, coasters, plus hand-made, western-inspired jewelry and gifts.  Women that love boho clothing and jewelry will discover new and vintage accessories from this creatively inspired store.  The shop also has an ever-changing selection of redesigned furniture and creates amazing, custom farm tables and benches for customers' differing decor requirements.  When shopping for a creative woman, this is a must-stop shop.  
Editor's picks:  Leather cuffs and the special-order farm tables 
120 W. 5th Avenue (in rear), downtown Mount Dora, Phone:  (352) 223-3246
www.Facebook.com/TheZenCowgirl ​

sonya watson jewelry

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This jewelry gallery exclusively features the acclaimed designs of local artist Sonya Watson.  The small, creatively-inspired gallery features one-of-a-kind bracelets, necklaces and earrings in a mix of vintage and contemporary styles in sterling silver and other metals.  A necklace from the 'Laced Up Heart" collection is a great gift for any creative woman on your list.  If Watson's designs looks familiar, it may be because you've seen her the Mount Dora Art Festival and other juried art shows in Florida.
Editor's pick:  Sterling vine bangles
301 N. Baker Street, top floor,  Phone: (352) 409-2442
www.SonyaWatsonJewelry.com  

maggie's attic

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Wine lovers are right at home in this intimate wine store that offers a wide selection of boutique wines and craft beers starting at very moderate prices.  For the guys on your list, this is the spot to pick up a selection of hard-to-find craft beers and accessories.  For wine divas, Maggie's insulated wine purses mix style with practicality and a touch of humor.  There is also a good selection of wine and cheese accessories, wine-related gifts and fun signs.
Editor's pick:  Insulated wine purses
237 W. 4th Avenue, downtown Mount Dora, Phone:  (352) 383-5451
www.maggiesattic.us/ ​

BARREL OF BOOKS & GAMES

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It's difficult to find an independent book store anywhere.  Luckily, Mount Dora not only has one, but has a fantastic one.  A local favorite, this store offers games for kids, as well as adult board games.  There are plenty of gifts for bookworms, students and teachers, plus seasonal gifts like Elf on a Shelf and Mensch on a Bench. The store always provides a discount off the cover price of new books and shoppers can special order books without a charge for shipping.
Editor's pick:  Books and gift certificates
128 W. 4th Avenue, downtown Mount Dora, Phone: (352) 735-1950
www.BarrelofBookandGames.com 

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Click on parking map to enlarge.
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VOTE FOR MOUNT DORA'S BEST HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

11/27/2015

 
No place does Christmas like Mount Dora.   For the next four weeks, the city becomes the 'North Pole of the South'.  

Hardworking, creative elves have been working over-time in stores to create festive holiday windows for the enjoyment of shoppers, gawkers and visitors.  

This weekend is the time to stroll through downtown, check out the decorations, then vote for your favorite holiday store window, as well as which restaurant has the best Holiday decorations.

Voting will be now through noon on Nov. 30. 

For more holiday events in Mount Dora, click here...
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DOWNTOWN CONVENIENCE STORE OPENS

11/9/2015

2 Comments

 
Visitors, residents and downtown employees are finally getting what they've asked for.

A new convenience store, Green Apple Market, opened in the rear of the Renaissance Building to provide customers with everything from sodas, snacks and toiletries to household goods and coffee.  The small space will also provide copy, fax and lamination services.  

The enthusiasatic owner, Susan Heuer, has experience working in convenience stores in the past and is excited about her new venture.  The Caracas, Venezuela native was raised in Jacksonville and has lived in Lake County for the last several years.   

For more news and events, click here.
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2 Comments

RAMBLING GOOD TIMES HEADED TO MOUNT DORA, TAVARES AND EUSTIS

11/3/2015

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First, onlookers see something very big and cheerful coming their way.  Then they catch a glimpse of the whimsical, random objects on the roof.  Finally, they are happily engulfed by a trail of bubbles and lively tunes  

As the The Fun Bus rambles through downtown streets, it has been turning heads and generating wide, curious smiles. Later this month the renovated, purple school bus will start operating and taking passengers on family-friendly tours of Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis.  The 90-minute excursion will share the area's sights, interesting history and fun local secrets.  The lively bus will have a crew of three on each ride, including the driver and two comedic characters.

The 28-passenger, 1986 bus has been completely remodeled inside and out.  The exterior is uniquely outfitted with an Everready Bunny hood ornament, a bubble machine and long pink eyelashes.  The eclectic rooftop is loaded with a tandem bike, chicken coop, and even a kitchen sink.  The cheerful interior features paisley upholstery, black and white checkered floors, festive lighting, and a larger flat-screen monitor.  

The tour's impassioned crew of eight has worked hard to ensure passengers will leave with smiles.   Their efforts are lead by Dave Hurley, a long-time Lake County businessman and enthusiastic resident.  The goal of the endeavor is to connect the communities while providing passengers with a positive, fun activity without alcohol, said Lynn Wisniewsky, one of the instrumental crew members and owner of Under the Cherry Blossoms, a downtown Mount Dora boutique.  Eventually, the bus will also be available for parties and as a shuttle.

The bus is also accessorized with a side-kick to add to the experience.  It's a fully restored, 1963 Ford Galaxy police car adorned with a Mayberry police badge on the door.  

Tickets for The Fun Bus be available online for $34.99. The tour will depart from the heart of Mount Dora's historic district and make a fifteen minute stop in downtown Eustis for passengers to explore.  For more information call 352-735-5FUN.

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