They don't seem to have done much planning for the Mount Dora vlog. It's a nice place. Not flashy. Not theme park-y. More like small, sleepy little town (the downtown proper area, at least).
She said something about street parking and no community lots. There's several community lots, including a good-sized parking garage (free). But if you go on a weekend, it'll be more crowded. Still, they never research anything, do they? Oh, and we must remember they have an eLeCtRic CaR "because Elon Musk is terrible." (Tim's words, if you don't know)
Magical Meat Boutique is one place I would NOT go to. Hit / miss reviews. Despite any of the good reviews on TripAdvisor or elsewhere, the bad reviews speak volumes. It also looks trashy whenever we'd walk by and I'm a total sucker for food from across the pond and have been to many such places here in Central Fla.
They went by the train station but it's also a welcome center. You can go in and get maps, some small-ish souvenirs, brochures of things to do around town, etc. Not sure why they didn't go in, unless they're not allowed to right now, but I know that Lake County doesn't have a mask mandate so not sure why it'd be closed.
They could have done a boat ride. It takes you through the canals and across the lake, pointing out historical things and / or wildlife. Very nice.
Don't eat at Windsor Rose Tea Room, Jenn. Service sucks. I was a loyal patron for well over a decade.
They also failed to show anyone the Mount Dora History Museum which is kinda cool (original jail cells on display). I think Woo did a vlog on Mount Dora once and went to the museum - watch the Woo vlog; it's better. The museum is a nice place. Tons of stuff for being so small. Typically a very friendly and talkative volunteer is on-site to tell you about things. Only opened Saturdays (as of what I know right now). If they were there on a Sat. - or actually did some P-L-A-N-N-I-N-G - they could have made a more interesting vlog.
There's also a nice public park just down Donnelly (the main street) and you can go to Grantham Point and see the Mount Dora Lighthouse. There's also the Palm Island Boardwalk you can walk, taking in the sights of the water and wildlife.
There's quite a few restaurants in the area (I like Goblin Market and Bavarian Haus) and also Wolf Branch Brewing. Used to be a nice wine bar too downtown. Spice & Tea Exchange is there, as well as quite a few good antique shops, coffee and ice cream shops, home decor shops, etc. (Edited to add: Piglet's Pantry has been there forever and if you have dogs, it's like THE place to get cute little things. I have cats right now and there's a few cat things too - got some nice catnips toys before. They let the dogs come inside and pick out the homemade treats! Always fun)
But, I guess since there's no Disney outlet shop there, the Trackers were befuddled.
Man, they missed a lot of stuff!
If a small, New England-y sort-of town is your thing - without hustle and bustle and out of the theme park bubble; slow-going and nice day out (completely walkable), I'd give Mount Dora a recommendation for a visit.
The city is beautifully decorated at Christmas. I'd recommend going then.
Just don't let the Trackers lead you on any tours.
