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Lakeside Inn News |
March 2012 |
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Greetings!
Please forgive me if I use the word "great" a few too many times, but so often it seems like the perfect word. In looking back on February, for example, I want to report that it was a GREAT month. By and large, our business levels were great, both the Mount Dora Art Festival and the Mount Dora Music Festival were great, overall the weather was pretty great... and the grand opening of The Gatehouse, well that was simply fantastic.
March is going to be a whole lot of fun. Our entertainment schedule alone will knock your socks off, but if that ain't enough, how about a Classic Car Show, the annual Wooden Boat Festival, or the Spring Antiques, Collectibles and Craft Show and the Classic Raceboat Regatta on Lake Dora. Of course if your thoughts are more about relaxing in a rocking chair or simply strolling around the community and enjoying the relaxed pace of a small town... well there is an abundance of that around here as well. As for me, well I'm hoping to get my hands a bit dirty as we get started on a number of our spring landscaping and gardening projects. Sometimes, a few hours spent digging in the dirt is just what the doctor ordered and helps to keep it all fun. Apart from the landscaping work, we are continuing the exterior and interior improvements to each of our five buildings, the docks, the parking lots, as well as a whole host of what we expect will be fun events and festivals for later this year and beyond.
I hope you will have a chance to come and see us soon. If you can't... please send a neighbor or colleague. I know, I know, a rather shameless plug for business, but hey... it all goes back into the restoration and rejuvenation of this, the most historic hotel in the State of Florida. I'm thrilled with the progress we've made this past year and well aware of just how much more there is left to be done. What an adventure. Jim
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The Gatehouse
Last month I told you about the opening of our new retail shop, The Gatehouse. Well, the grand opening was planned to coincide with the Mount Dora Art Festival, which proved to be a stroke of brilliance... or at least a bit of luck. The good news is that the enthusiastic and positive comments about the space and all that is contained within, have not slowed in the least. As of this writing, the finishing touches are being made to an adjacent space, which will be called the Garden Room. The wall colors alone are enough to make you smile as you enter the space. We are very confident that it will be a positive complement to the shop. For the latest information on our featured artists and crafts people... or upcoming events, please visit The Gatehouse on Facebook.
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The Garden Room |
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National Golf Association Hooters Tour
It was our pleasure to serve as the host hotel two weeks ago when the National Golf Association's Hooters Tour came to play at the Black Bear Golf Club in neighboring Eustis. It was gratifying to hear that these talented young golfers and tour officials found the Inn and Mount Dora to be a relaxing and memorable spot in which to spent a few days. We look forward to welcoming them back in 2013. |
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Renovation
We recently began work on the exterior of the Sunset Cottage. Originally constructed in 1914, the Sunset Cottage is the 3rd oldest building on the grounds and last to be built pre-World War I. When I first purchased the Inn, I didn't fully appreciate the architectural design and detailing of this building, as I do now. I look forward to watching the progress.
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When Walking Just Won't Do...
One of the more interesting aspects of Mount Dora is the number of unique ways available to "see" the area... whether by land, air or water.
By Land:
Other than sitting in a rocking chair on our Veranda, what could be more relaxing than a slow horse drawn carriage ride through the streets of Mount Dora. Rides are available on a walk-up basis or via reservation. The horses are calm, friendly, very photogenic and love a thank-you pet from passengers and an occasional apple from the driver.
Please visit A Hitch in Time for more information.
If something a little more high tech is more to your liking, then perhaps seeing Mount Dora while operating your own Segway is the better choice. No previous experience is necessary, as each rider is provided a short instruction period and test ride before setting out on the tour. Each Segway has a speaker system through which the guide can directly communicate with each rider. Please visit Segway of Central Florida for more information.
By Air:
Located at the end of our large dock is a seaplane flight service that should be on everyone's bucket list. Our own John Justad is available on a daily basis for short flights of the area aboard his 1957 DeHaviland Beaver. A ride aboard this powerful and beautifully maintained plane is truly a must-do when visiting the Inn. For more information on John and his plane, please visit Lake Country Air Service. 
If you have something more quiet in mind, then how about a ride aboard a hot air balloon. Noted balloonist Chuck Rohr operates Rohr Balloons here in Mount Dora and will be pleased to help arrange your once-in-a-lifetime experience while floating silently over the lakes and groves of this area. For more information, please visit Rohr Balloons.
By Water:
A two hour eco-tour through Premier Boat Tours which departs several times daily from here at the Inn, will provide you with perhaps a broader understanding of the important role this Central Florida Lakes Region plays within the delicate Florida eco-system. The tour also features a trip through the legendary Dora Canal, home to beautiful waterfowl, alligators and centuries old Cypress trees. Please visit Premier Boat Tours for more information.
If going it alone is more your style, then consider renting a boat for a half or full day from Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina. They are located about 200 yards from our parking lot, so getting there is easier than easy. It is a very friendly, family-run business that has been operating here in Mount Dora for over 20 years. They will take excellent care to ensure you have a great time on the water.
One of the great things about each of these businesses is that they are small, family-run services that take the time and interest to ensure that each passenger is comfortable, safe and having a great experience.
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Some Lakeside Inn History
The history of classic wooden boats on Lake Dora is practically as old as the town itself. In 1910 a boatbuilder from Wayzata, Minnesota, Captain Harry Wise moved to Mount Dora. In 1921, with help from the then owner of Lakeside Inn, Charles Edgerton, he opened Wise Boatworks on Boathouse Row, just past the Mount Dora Yacht Club, where for many years he designed and constructed many of the classics we enjoy to this day. |
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Save the Date!
Every Wednesday evening from 6-9 PM in Tremain's Tavern, enjoy Lakeside Inn's own Bluegrass band, Lakeside Moon.
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March 7th
* March 11th 11AM-2PM here at the Inn. *
March 13th
Tea at the Inn
In honor of St. Patrick's Day, Ireland will be the featured country in this month's afternoon tea from 2-4 PM.
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March 16th-18th
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March 18th
The great guitarist, Jim Hurst will be performing in Tremain's Tavern from 6-9 PM. *
March 24th-25th
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March 26th
An evening of music and comedy performed by Andy Wahlberg on his harp guitar. Tremain's Tavern from 7-9 PM. *
March 29th-April 1st
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March 31st
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April 14th
Tea at the Inn
In memory of this tragic event on its 100th anniversary.
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April 15th
For the 2nd year, magician Robert Smith will entertain us with an unforgetable afternoon
of magic.
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Summer Concert Series
June 16th
July 7th
July 21st
August 11th
All concerts are free. Donations are requested to help support the Lake Cares Food Pantry.
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Pool Memberships
Now available for the 2012/13 season, please contact Kim Chambers at (352) 383-4101 for more information.
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For the most up to the minute information on events and activities here in Mount Dora, visit:
Herbie Update
Herbie continued to remain somewhat aloof throughout February. But now that spring has arrived, he is back at his post, watching over our docks and shoreline.
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Upcoming Events | |
March 16th-18th
This 6th Annual event is sponsored by the Classic Raceboat Association of Florida and is a unique opportunity to see vintage racing boats from as far back as the early 1900's.
March 16th-18th
This invitational event will feature a classic car show here at the Inn on Saturday, March 17th.
March 24th-25th
Join us as our downtown streets come alive with antiques and collectibles dealers, crafters and artists displaying their treasures for show and sale.
March 22nd-25th
This year marks the 25th year of this event on Lake Dora and is a chance to enjoy one of the largest gatherings of classic wooden boats in the country.
March 29th-April 1st
A rare opportunity for aspiring banjo, bass and guitar players to participate in workshops with the members of this internationally renouned Bluegrass band. The Kruger Brothers will be performing a concert on Saturday evening in the Mount Dora Community Building. Call us at (800) 556-5016 for reservation and ticket information.
March 31st-April 1st
Lake Dora will be filled with sail boats competing in a variety of classes in this popular annual event.
April 8th
Easter Weekend and Brunch at the Inn
Enjoy a relaxing weekend at the Inn and our lavish Easter Brunch and visit from the bunny himself on Easter Sunday. The brunch price is $34.95 and reservations are required. Please call us at (800) 556-5016 to reserve.
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Spring...
I know, I know, don't jinx it by saying "it looks like spring has arrived"... but I can't help it. Maybe it's seeing guests returning once again to lie on a lounge chair around the pool, or maybe it's all of the blooming azaleas. Then again it could be the non-stop commercials for March Madness and The Masters. Whatever it is, it feels good. Spring this year means flowers, herbs and vegetables. That's right... we're going to start gardening. Different from the landscaping work we've been doing up to this point, it is our plan to start an herb, vegetable and cut-flower garden here at the Inn. I'll be the first to admit that my previous gardening experience consists primarily of pulling weeds. But I come from a long line of German gardeners, so I'm hoping that somewhere in my gene pool the recessive gardening gene will somehow become dominant. If not, I guess I'll have to give my mom a call to come give us a lesson or two. Stay tuned, this could get interesting.
What's really crazy is that Easter is just a little over a month away. If you don't already have plans, come spend the weekend with us here at the Inn. There will be plenty of activities and of course our traditional Easter Brunch, featuring our version of Jimmy Stewart's 'Harvey', which will be Justin from the front desk dressed up as the Easter Bunny... definitely a must-see. Give us a call, we would love to have you join us that weekend.
Wishing you all the best!
Cheers!
Jim Gunderson
Keeper of the Inn
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Spring Value
Rates |
This spring plan a short get away and take advantage of either of our Great Getaway Rates, which start at just $117 per night for a stay of two nights or longer... or, our Extended Stay Rates which start at just $112 per night for a stay of three nights or longer. Both of these rate offers include a full breakfast for up to 2 people each day and may be booked online through our website at www.lakeside-inn.com or by calling us directly at (800) 556-5016.
| | Offer expires 05/31/12. |
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