By Nanette Wiser
MOUNT DORA
Take a daytrip to this quaint historic Florida town, explore antique shops and delightful dining. With a population of 13,000, the town was the setting for the 1981 film Honky Tonk Freeway, and many buildings were painted pink for the movie. Once a popular winter retreat for hunters, fishermen, and boaters with notable visitors that included presidents Coolidge and Eisenhower, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford.
Stay overnight in the charming Lakeside Inn, which dates back as The Alexander House, opened in 1883 with 10 hotel rooms, and later renamed The Lake House (1893), then Lakeside Inn (1903). Plan to dine at the 1921 Restaurant, Pisces Rising, The Windsor Rose or Goblin Market.
For a quiet meander, visit during the weekday or plan to go for Mount Dora’s major events (sailing regatta, Mount Dora Arts Festival, Bicycle Festival, Antique Spring Show, annual Christmas lighting and 2022 Scottish Highland Festival Feb. 19-20. Enjoy the Plant and Garden Fair Nov. 13-14 and All The Hype Beer Festival Nov. 13. Make reservations now for The Lakeside Inn’s Thanksgiving Feast noon-4:30 pm, $65 per person, children’s menu available. www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/central/mount-dora/
SHELLING ON SANIBEL ISLAND
Island hopping around Fort Myers is just a short drive south. You can visit the botanical gardens at the Edison Ford Winter Estate before driving over to Sanibel Island, known for its shells and a favorite of Edna St. Vincent Millay.
Kayak at J.N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge where you can explore 6,400 preserved acres of mangrove wilderness teeming with birds and wildlife. Bike around Sanibel or book a boat tour with Captiva Cruises to Cabbage Key and Useppa Island. Or ferry over to Cayo Costa State Park. You’ll want to explore Sanibel’s Historical Museum and Village and the Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum where you can learn about the Calusa Indians who used shells as tools.
For good eats, stop in at McGregor Café, Mudbugs Cajun Kitchen (fried green tomatoes, crawfish fritters), Mad Hatter (blue crab cakes) and Sweet Melissa’s. Retire and watch the sunset from Beachview Cottages, Beach Road Villa or Blue Dolphin Cottages. On your way home, stop in Ft. Myers or Estero for Norman Love Confections, some of the world’s best chocolates. www.sanibelisland.com
EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Explore six continents from The Alps to Brazil through Nov. 20th during Disney’s 50 Year Anniversary in Orlando.
Dine on delectable dishes at delightful marketplaces, including returning favorites like Canada, Greece, Germany, and Appleseed Orchard. Discover a cornucopia of cultures, cuisines, and innovative cooking techniques from chefs worldwide. This food aficionado’s paradise is replete with delicious dishes, fine wine, craft beer, spirits and other beverages, including a new Brew Wing featuring chicken wings, Kenya, Mac & Eats, Noodle Exchange, Rotunda Bistro’s seafood and lobster markets; plant-based Earth Eats’ Impossible™ Burger Slider with Wasabi Cream and Spicy Slaw on a Sesame Seed Bun and at Hops & Barley, the craft beer house, one of Tampa Bay’s own–81 Brewing Company’s strawberry and lime beer.
The Global Marketplaces are open daily from park open to park close, unless otherwise noted and a park reservation and Epcot admission is required. Food and beverage offerings require a separate purchase and menu items may change.