THE TOWN: Downtown Mount Dora has more than 20 restaurants within a three block radius, is home to several antique shops and according to their website, is “Someplace Special to Play, Shop, Dine, Stay.” This charming historic village in the heart of Central Florida situated on the shores of Lake Dora in the Harris Chain of Lakes feels like a step back in time but in a good way. It’s known for its annual art and antique festivals, being the “Bass Capital of the World,” and a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle.

WHAT TO CHECK OUT: The old bookstore Barrel of Books and Games on W 4th Avenue; high tea at Windsor Rose Tea Room; the Modernism Museum Shoppe; Mount Dora’s Olive Oil Company, and the train tracks near Lakeside Inn. For a glimpse at the infamous Starry House, a residence that’s been in the news after the city fined them for painting a mural of Vincent van Gogh’s starry night on the side of their home to make their autistic son happy.

WHERE TO EAT: If you’ve visited Mount Dora before, obvious answers here are Goblin Market Restaurant and 1921 by Norman Van Aken. They’re both STUPENDOUS. But the view at Pisces Rising just won’t quit. Other personal (and super affordable) favorites include PizzAmoré, Copacabana Cuban Cafe and Wave Asian Bistro.

WHERE TO BOOZE: Mermaid Juice for people-watching and antique shopping. The Frog & Monkey Restaurant & Pub is always full of storytellers and cold draft beer. Also, check out Mount Dora Brewing & Rocking Rabbit Brewery — the people here are super friendly and local beers aren’t half bad. For wine, coffee, and live music, head over to One Flight Up Cafe.

WHAT PUTS IT ON THE MAP: While it’s neighboring town, Tavares, actually takes the title of seaplane capital of the world, Mount Dora is home to many seaplane adventures. It’s also known to draw quite the crowds from all over the world to its art festivals, specifically the big annual one in February. And three times a year, thrifters, antiquers, and curious locals alike flock to Mount Dora for the Renninger’s Antique and Collectors Extravaganza.

WHERE TO STAY (IF YOU STAY TOO LONG AT THE BREWERY): Our personal favorite: The Lakeside Inn. While some amenities are outdated, the charm of this place definitely isn’t. Nor is the history. Runner-up? The Flower Patch Farm B&B.

DETOUR(ish): If you’re there on a weekend and have some time, you MUST take a ride on The Royal Palm Railway Experience. Head over to Tavares or to Eustis to take in the views on Lake Eustis and to explore its entertainment district.

THE INSTAGRAMMY GOES TO @thesunshinetribune for this little ditty.

Tag us on Instagram if you make it out there and let us know how it goes.

This was your first installment of a new series of Road Trips by Pulptown. Be on the lookout for more heading your way. And if you have an idea for us, a road to take, by all means, send them over to hello@pulp.town.

A permanent Pulse. The interim memorial at the Pulse Nightclub site which opened earlier this year has received an expiration date of sorts. The OnePulse Foundation has launched an “Ideas Generator” as a call out to our creative community to present ideas ranging from “architecture, landscape, urbanism, and artistic intervention” for a future permanent site. OnePulse specifically states that “this is not a design competition, but a request for ideas.” Submissions will be taken through August 31 here. (Bungalower)

Paul Paulson appalls. Paul Paulson, the former candidate for Mayor of Orlando and former Florida agriculture commissioner, is accused of running a “sham charity” and was sued earlier this week by six states and the Federal Trade Commission. Help The Vets Inc., the nonprofit in question, told donors their contributions would help wounded and disabled veterans. Instead, those donations went to Paulson and for-profit fundraisers he hired to solicit donations. The case was settled the same day it was filed with Paulson agreeing to donate $1.75 million to legitimate veterans’ charities. (Orlando Sentinel)

Change of duty station? Bring your lawyer. Spouses of military members who are licensed to practice law in other states may now do so in Florida, as long as their spouse is stationed in the Sunshine State. The Florida Bar Association proposed this change to prevent military spouses from staying behind or giving up their careers when their partners get assigned to Florida duty stations. (Orlando Sentinel)

Not sure how to interpret this. An Orlando National Guardsman who got a visa to come to America after being wounded as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Iraq has filed a suit against the government for not completing his citizenship application. 36-year-old Haeder Al Anbki was stopped from officially becoming a U.S. citizen at a 2017 naturalization ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia with no explanation. (Chicago Tribune)

Can’t miss what you never had A Wisconsin farmer just gifted $19 million to the Florida State Parks Foundation. The farmer had a relationship years ago in which he believed he had fathered a son, to whom he left his estate, pending a paternity test.  He was not the father. Luckily, the farmer included a plan B in his will that donated his wealth to Florida state parks, a place where he had fond memories of scuba diving in the ’90s and early 2000s. (Orlando Sentinel)

BEFORE YOU GO…

Just THINK of all the possibilities. Kittens and yoga, OH MY.

Keep the weird and zany and cuddly coming,

– Pulptown