Mount Dora/Sanford Getaway (Day 1): Boat Tour & Bike to Blue Springs State Park

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE YOU SIGN UP !!

We had to limit the boat tour to 43 people (maximum capacity) but have no limit for the rest of the day. So please sign up if you are interested in joining us without the tour.

This getaway is supposed to be a social event and involves an overnight stay in Sanford, a picturesque town with a historic center at Lake Monroe.
With over 470 historic buildings, it has the largest collection of historic structures in the country.

During this trip we will take a scenic pontoon boat tour on Lake Dora and The Harris Chain of Lakes followed by a walk through picturesque Mount Dora. After that we will ride our bikes on wonderful trails surrounded by nature, discover some of the many springs in the area, walk among eye-catching Victorian homes and be able to enjoy some of the many restaurants and coffee shops.

We will stay for two nights from Tuesday, March 24th to Thursday, March 26th. Accommodations are mostly AirBnB style (some with the ability to share) but you will find a wide range of hotels within a 15 mile radius if you prefer. In any case, you might want to book your accommodations as soon as possible.

However, if you do not want to spend two nights in a hotel or any other accommodation, you can still sign up for each or any of the three days individually.

If you want to do several days, please sign up for each day separately so that we know whom to expect.

The two boats have a maximum capacity of 22 and 21 people respectively and are reserved and fully prepaid.
We kindly ask all those on the "going" list to reimburse us for their share of $ 35.00 via PayPal, Venmo or cash. Text us at (917)774-0941 for more details.

3 Day Getaway (Day 1):

08:20 AM: Park your car for free at the Mount Dora Parking Garage (250 N Donnelly St, Mt Dora, FL 32757). Please be on time.

08:30 AM: Meet in front of main entrance at the historic Lakeside Inn ((100 Alexander St, Mt. Dora, FL 32757)

Those who don't make it onto the Boat Tour can meet us at 11:00 AM in front of the main entrance at the historic Lakeside Inn and join us for a walk through Mount Dora or at 01:00 PM at Lake Monroe Park (975 S Charles Richard Beall Blvd, DeBary, FL 32713) for the bike ride to Blue Springs State Park.

08:45 AM: Boarding our private boat (Tour operator is Premier Boat Tours)
Restroom is available onboard. If you are late, you will miss the boat!

09:00 AM: Departure of our 2-hour tour that includes the famous Dora Canal, which has been described as "The most beautiful mile of water in the world."

11:00 AM: Meet those who couldn't make it onto the boat tour in front of the historic Lakeside Inn.
Walk through picturesque Mount Dora with its many shops and restaurants. You could grab a sandwich if you are hungry or go for a coffee.

12:30 PM: Drive about 30 min. to Lake Monroe Park (975 S Charles Richard Beall Blvd, DeBary, FL 32713).

01:00 PM: Meet those who skipped Mount Dora

01:20 PM: Bike ride to Blue Springs State Park (22 miles r/t)

02:45 PM: Discover the State Park known for its manatees
Entrance fee will be $2.00 per bike.

03:45 PM: Return to Lake Monroe Park

Those who don't like to check in immediately can join us for the evening:

05:00 PM: Drive 15 min. to Swamp House Riverfront Grill (488 W Highbanks Rd, DeBary, FL 32713)

05:15 PM: Dinner with old Floridian vibe right at the St. Johns River

07:00 PM: Drive about 20 minutes to your accommodations
Maybe you can still enjoy the sunset at 07:39 PM?

Day 2 on March 25th will start at 08:00 AM with Breakfast in historic downtown unless you want to skip it. It will be followed by a 27 mile bike ride, late lunch with outdoor seating and a walk through historic Sanford to enjoy the many Victorian homes.

As always, if you need directions or have questions, you can contact us at (917)774-0941.