Have Fun at the Antique Markets in and Around Orlando, Florida

By: Janice McSherry

When people think of fun things to do in Orlando, they usually start imagining the theme parks and similar attractions. But if you adore antiques then you can also have some fun at the amazing antique markets in and near Orlando. Let?s take a look at what you can find.

First of all, right in the city limits of Orlando you can head over to Orange Avenue which the antique center of the city. There you will find many antique stores along the north and south sections of Orange Avenue. You can get started at the Orange Avenue Antique Market, 1829 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804, 407 895 9911 and work your way up and down the street or take a look at the local yellow pages to find exact locations of all the antique shops in this area.

If you would like to combine your antique shopping with a nice drive out of Orlando then you should plan on an outing to Mt. Dora. This is a beautiful small town located 25 miles Northwest of Orlando. With a population of 8,000 and many well maintained turn of the century buildings you will think that you have turned the clock back 100 years.

While Mount Dora is justly famous for all the antiques on sale here, its location in the middle of Lake Country, an area with more than 1,400 lakes, also make it an attractive location for a day?s outing. In case you are curious about the name, there is a Mount Dora. It is a hill that soars to the height of 184 feet, and you can even buy a tee shirt proudly proclaiming that ?I climbed Mount Dora.?

According to the Mount Dora chamber of commerce, there are more antique dealers per square foot in Mount Dora than any other place in Florida, so it shouldn?t be too difficult for you to find the antique shops in this town.

While you can buy antiques here on any day of the year, Mount Dora really comes alive on the weekends of Renninger s Antique Extravaganza, which is among the largest in the South, featuring more than 1,400 antiques and collectibles dealers. Thousands of antique enthusiasts flock to Renninger s Antique Center to view and purchase antiques, heirlooms and collectibles spread over 117 acres.

In case you are traveling with members of the family who are not antique shoppers, then there are many other things to enjoy in Mount Dora such as biking, fishing and evening cruises on the lake.

In addition to the Renniger?s Antique Extravaganza, there are also other special events that draw thousands of people to this small town. For example during the first weekend of February artists come to Mount Dora to exhibit their paintings and sculpture.

In April it is the turn of the antique boat fans, who come to the marina and enjoy charter boat and boat rentals during the first weekend of the month. On the second to last weekend of April, skilled sailors compete in the largest inland regatta of Florida, on Lake Dora. Finally, on the second to last weekend in October, the town becomes a cycling hub as cyclists pour in for a celebration of their sport.

You can make your trip to Mount Dora a day?s outing, or you can stay overnight in the quaint bed and breakfast inns that serve the many visitors to the town.

For more information about tourism in Mount Dora get in touch with the chamber of commerce: 341 Alexander Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757, Phone: 352 383 2165, Fax: 352 383 1668, Email: chamber@mountdora.com

Author Resource:-> Janice McSherry writes frequently about Orlando tourism and is the proprietor of Homes Near Disney, a firm offering vacation rentals near Disney World. Visit her website for great deals on vacation rental homes: http://www.homesneardisney.us

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