Every enthusiast has a must visit destination. For art lovers, it’s Miami’s Art Basel. Bikers have the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on their wish list. For fans of Jane Austen, it’s the town of Mount Dora, Florida for the annual Mount Dora Jane Austen Fest.
Every February, ladies in Regency era dresses and bonnets fill the vibrant downtown streets of Mount Dora. Laughter and chatter fill the air as they discuss the finer points of Pride & Prejudice and Northanger Abbey. Above all, they are eager to spend time with other Austen aficionados, learning about all things Jane.
“We like to say it’s a foot in the 21st century and a toe in the Regency era,” said Margaret Jane Andersen, president, and founder of the Mount Dora Jane Austen Fest. The event offers workshops where attendees can try their hand at bonnet making and paper quilling, as well as speakers discussing fashions popular in Jane Austen’s day. A highlight of the event is the Regency style ball where a dance caller sends attendees through the reels and elaborate footwork of the dances popular in the Regency era.
The event’s appeal has widened thanks to modern Regency era fiction and the popularity of shows like Bridgerton on Netflix. “We introduce a lot of people to Jane Austen,” shared Andersen. “It’s an opportunity to share Austen and her life with younger generations.”
It’s easy to be charmed by the town of Mount Dora, the central Florida town hosting the event. Founded in 1874, Mount Dora is “the Jewel of Lake County”. Sitting on the shores of Lake Dora, it’s also home to one of the few freshwater lighthouses in the state.
Rail travel to the area brought tourists looking to hunt, fish, and enjoy the many lakes in the area. The Lakeside Inn, once known as The Lake House, even hosted public figures like President Eisenhower, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison. Highlighting its old Florida charm, Mount Dora is now known for its many quaint shops and bed and breakfasts across town. The city hosts many events during the year, including Oktoberfest, a Scottish highland festival, antique and art festivals, and the annual Jane Austen Fest.
“Even though it’s a different stage in history, the historical ambience and small town feeling of Mount Dora really adds to the event,” said Andersen. “Every year we hear how this is the most perfect place to host this festival.”
Its appeal has created a destination with great fine dining options and an active shopping scene.
Those looking for fine dining will appreciate The Goblin Market, featuring an intimate, book lined dining room and high-end food and wine offerings. 1921 Mount Dora offers locally sourced ingredients in a historic space with modernist art touches.
Those looking for vintage shopping will find treasures in the many antique stores in Mount Dora. Renninger’s has been drawing shoppers to Mount Dora for years. Located on 117 acres, shoppers can spend hours strolling through the antique center and flea and farmer’s market on the weekend. The site also hosts special events, including car shows, swap meets, and vintage garden shows throughout the year.
While the historical charm of the town is a big draw to visitors, it would surprise many to learn it’s also home to The Modernism Museum, featuring the largest collection of works of the Memphis group from Milan. The collection includes over 75 pieces of functional art objects popular in the 1980s, many from the estate of David Bowie.
If you’re a Jane Austen lover, a weekend at the Mount Dora Jane Austen Fest will allow you to immerse yourself in the Regency era for a weekend of fun and frivolity in a charming small Florida Town. It’s a destination guaranteed to appeal to history lovers of all generations.
What to Do
Mount Dora Jane Austen Fest ● February 9-11, 2024 – janeaustenfest.com
Renninger’s Vintage Antique Center & Farmer’s Flea Market ● 20651 US-441 ● (352) 383-8393 renningers.net/mt-dora Antique center open Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-5pm.
Flea and Farmer’s market open Saturday & Sunday 8am-4pm.
Mount Dora Modernism Museum ● 145 E 4th Avenue ● (352) 385-0034 ● modernismmuseum.org Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday – 10am-5pm. $8 adults. $7 seniors & students with ID. $5 Children 4-17.
Rusty Anchor Boat Tours ● 400 W 4th Avenue ● (352) 383-3933 ● www.rustyanchormountdora.com Explore Lake Dora and surrounding canals by boat. Tours start from $25 and are wheelchair friendly.
Where to Stay
Lakeside Inn ● 100 North Alexander Street ● (352) 383-4101 ● lakeside-inn.com This historic Inn opened in 1883. 90 guest rooms and suites are available starting at $169/night.
Magnolia Bed & Breakfast ●347 East Third Avenue ● (352) 735-3800 ● magnoliainn.net Award-winning Inn offering the true bed-and-breakfast experience. Six guest rooms and suites are available starting at $169/night (includes gourmet breakfast each morning).
Adora Inn ● 610 North Tremain Street ● (352) 735-3110 ● adorainn.com A modern retreat hosted by professional chefs. Stay includes breakfast each morning with box lunches and dinner at the inn available at an added cost. Six guest rooms and suites are available starting at $189/night (includes gourmet breakfast each morning).
Hampton Inn Mount Dora ● 19700 US Highway 441 ● (352) 383-4267 ● Hilton.com Hilton property offering clean and modern accommodations. Rooms start at $133/night. (Includes hot breakfast each morning).
Where to Eat
The Goblin Market ● 330 Dora Drawdy Way ● (352) 735-0059 ● goblinmarketrestaurant.com Charming, intimate eatery with book-lined dining room. Vegetarian friendly. Price Range $15-$59.
Frog and Monkey Pub ● 411 N Donnelly Street ● (352) 383-1936 ● thefrogandmonkey.comClassic Pub atmosphere in basement location. Vegetarian friendly. Price Range $10-$26.
Pisces Rising ● 239 W 4th Avenue ● (352) 385-2669 ● piscesrisingdining.com, Florida cuisine with views of Lake Dora. Vegetarian friendly. Price Range $14-$50.
1921 Mount Dora ● 142 E 4th Avenue ● (352) 385-1921 ● 1921mountdora.com, Modern Florida cuisine with sustainably sourced ingredients. Vegetarian friendly. Price Range $12-$82.
About the author:
JoAnn Chang is an accomplished writer with a strong appreciation for both travel and the literary arts. You can follow her journey at joann-chang.com.
Photo Captions:
1 – The highlight of the Jane Austen Fest is a regency style ball where participants in period dress put their dance skills to good use. Photo Credit JoAnn Chang.
2 – Jane Austen Fest attendees wait for their tea sitting outside The Donnelly House. Photo credit Mount Dora Jane Austen Fest.
3 – The Lakeside Inn has been a fixture of Downtown Mount Dora for over 140 years. Photo Credit City of Mount Dora.
4 – The Grantham Point Lighthouse is one of only three freshwater lighthouses in the state of Florida. Photo Credit City of Mount Dora.
5 – Mount Dora’s historic downtown district offers a wide variety of local restaurants and gift shops to explore. Photo Credit City of Mount Dora.
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