A Fun Getaway at the Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora, Florida

Lakeside Inn, Mount Dora, Florida.  Please click on any photo to enlarge for easier viewing.

The MacMillian Dictionary defines a 'getaway' as:  1. a place away from home where you can relax and 2. a short vacation.  My husband and I recently spent a lovely three day getaway in Mount Dora.  It was just a two and a half hour drive from where we live in St. Petersburg but it was as if we had taken a trip back in time.  The historic downtown area of Mt. Dora is picturesque with wonderful old buildings, antique stores, restaurants, gardens, and oak trees dripping in Spanish moss.

We stayed at the Lakeside Inn, which was originally founded in 1883 and was very popular in the 1890's and early 1900's.  In fact, President Calvin Coolidge and his wife were on a month long vacation at the Inn in 1930 and participated in the dedication ceremony for the Terrace Building.  President Coolidge had a very special birth date for a president of the United States:  July 4, 1872! We were there over the July 4th weekend and a banner hung over the railing of the porch wishing President Coolidge a Happy Birthday.   

The first picture at the top left is of the front desk.  Notice the wooden mailboxes for each room!  The bottom left and right photos were taken in the lobby. The center photos are of the main building of the Inn and the front porch. The center picture at the bottom is one of the other buildings housing guest rooms.

Having more fun and planning for fun were part of my New Year's Aspirations this year.  (Check the post HERE for an explanation of the Aspirations.)  When my Tim came home from a business trip in late June and suggested going to Mount Dora for a mini vacation, I had mixed emotions.  I was happy to be going away to relax but sad, too.  This would be the first trip without our children (now 20 and 21 years old).  Both of them had work and/or other social commitments.   A family milestone had been reached before I was ready for it:  a happy era had come to an end.  On the other hand, it would be nice to get away, just the two of us.

I am so glad that we went!  We had a wonderful time.  It was so relaxing just doing whatever we felt like and eating wherever and whenever we wanted.  

One side of the enormous front porch of the Inn is a dining area.  Tim had breakfast there each morning (and brought me tea in bed).

The other side of the porch has a long row of rocking chairs.  Heaven!

The Gatehouse: A Gift Gallery of Regional Art on the Lakeside Inn property.

Tremain's Tavern is on the ground floor of the main building in the Inn and has nightly entertainment.

Beautiful etched glass in Tremain's Tavern.

The Beauclaire, the Inn's dining room.  We had a delicious southern style dinner here one night.

The pool with both covered seating with tables and chairs and a sunning area with lounges.

Another picturesque guest house.  Notice the porch swing!

One of the best things about the trip was the July 3rd fireworks over the lake bordering the Inn.  We went out to the end of the dock to watch the wonderful fireworks display.  People came from all over town and sat on blankets on the sand and grass to enjoy the fun.

Lakeside Inn beach, boat and sun decks.  Chairs were set up at the very end of the dock for a great view of the fireworks.

The very long deck had side sections

The gardens are exquisite at the Lakeside Inn.  Everywhere you turn there is another gorgeous view.

This quiet little spot just charmed me!  I sat and enjoyed the swing and contemplated the gardens.

I hope you enjoyed the photos and information about the Lakeside Inn.  It really is a beautiful and relaxing spot:  a perfect getaway.  We are not affiliated with the Inn in any way nor have I been compensated for my 'review' of our stay.  I just wanted to share a 'rare find'.

I am linking this post to Mosaic Monday HERE.  There are so many gorgeous photos to enjoy at the party.  Please drop by and check them out.
I am also linking up to Make it Pretty Monday HERE.  Please visit and see all the 'pretties'.

Have a joy-filled day!