Blog Archives

Best local Mother’s Day outings & restuarants

5/1/2022

Planning a fun and thoughtful Mother’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank. To help plan the perfect day, here's Mount Dora Buzz’s cheat sheet of the best local Mother's Day outings and restaurants that run the gamut from cheap to a bit pricey.

thoughful outtings with mom

Boat Rides on Lake Dora
Choose between a relaxing cruise on the Dora Queen, a New Orleans-style paddlewheel boat with a full bar, 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

Horse-drawn Carriage Ride
Take mom and up to three other people on a half-hour ride through downtown Mount Dora.
Cost: $100

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)

Noonan Butterfly Garden
On your way to lunch or brunch, surprise mom with a stop by this little treasure, located at the W.T. Bland Library. It may be a small garden, but it’s currently abuzz with blooming flowers, and they are sure to bring a smile.
Cost: Free
Location: 1995 N. Donnelly Street, Mount Dora

Emerald Cut Kayak Adventure
This 2-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 mom to enjoy lush nature with a sandy bottom beneath her paddle.
Cost: $59 per person, all gear included.
Location: King’s Landing, 5722 Baptist Camp Rd, Apopka, FL 32712

U-pick Blueberries
This is the perfect activity if Mom loves the outdoors and healthy, local produce, Here’s a list of the best U-pick farms nearby. Some, like Atwood Farms, also provide shaded picnic areas and other activities.

Mount Dora Marc Walking Tours
If Mom is new to the area or you have company in town celebrating Mother’s Day, this informative and leisurely walking tour is the perfect activity before taking her to lunch. The tour starts at 10 a.m.  Read more
Cost: $20 per person

Walking Trails
If Mom loves nature, pack a picnic lunch and take her on one of the beautiful nature trails in the area.  More info

great dining options for mom

When you’re looking for a slightly indulgent meal for mom, try one of these options:

Goblin Market, downtown Mount Dora
Chris’ Place, downtown Eustis
Mission Inn, Howey-in-the Hills
Pisces Rising, downtown Mount Dora
Olive Branch, downtown Mount Dora
Lakeside Inn, downtown Mount Dora
Cafe Gianni, downtown Mount Dora

If you’re looking for someplace delicious, but more casual, these diverse options offer a wide variety of delicious food and attentive service.

El Mezcal, Mount Dora
Shiva Indian Restaurant, downtown Mount Dora
Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant, downtown Mount Dora
Momiji Sushi & Japanese Restaurant, Eustis (near Sorrento)
J.K. Thai Garden, downtown Mount Dora
La Perla Tapatia Mexican Restaurant, Eustis
Frog & Monkey, downtown Mount Dora
Tiki West, downtown Tavares

nearby escapes for mom

Canaveral Seashore (more info)
Apopka Wildlife Drive (more info)
Downtown Winter Garden (more info)
The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg (more info)
Leu Gardens, Orlando (more info)
Central Florida Zoo, Sanford (more info)
Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales (more info)

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

What's hot?

Best local Mother’s Day outings & restuarants

thoughful outtings with mom

great dining options for mom

nearby escapes for mom

POLL: What retailers would you like to see in Mount Dora

Vote for the 2022 Best of Mount Dora!

Mount Dora Buzz

Categories

Archives