The weather was absolutely beautiful and so was the drive through the Florida sort of-countryside to get there. Orlando continues to spill out in every direction.
Minutes melted into hours as I strolled from shop to shop. Just never quite enough time to do it all!! I'll post some of my finds tomorrow.
I so wanted to snap some photos inside the stores I enjoy, but they were crowded, and I didn't feel like asking permission, and elbowing my way around to get a shot. These outdoor pics should give you an idea as to why I love this little town so much.
The entryway into the first little shop I saw as I stepped out of my car. I want the whole door!!
One of the side walks leading to shops surrounding a garden terrace
A beautiful fountain on the terrace
A shop I hadn't visited yet...
And couldn't because they closed early for New Year's (next time!!)
It seems every few steps there is a little alley-way
The walkway as you approach a favorite dining spot of mine
The Garden Gate is a lovely, quaint, shabby chic restaurant that is chockful of charm and delicious food
The gateway into the outdoor dining area
A peek through the gate to the stairs leading up to the tearoom
A glimpse of the tearoom. Quite enchanting, isn't it?
One of the murals painted on the side of a building
Sorry this pic is too light. I shot almost directly into the sun, but wanted to show one of the balconies overlooking the shopping area. Many of them are outdoor dining areas, and are delightful; similar to the look of the French Qtr. in New Orleans.
It can't be Florida without palm trees. These Queen palms line a couple of different streets. Gotta love them!!
Only one thing left to say:
I'll take more pics on future trips! If you live anywhere in the central Florida area and haven't visited this town definitely put it on your list of places to see! They offer real steam engine train rides, weekend and seasonal carriage rides, and charming accomodations.
:) Becky
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Oh that looked so pretty! I hope you had a great day...and purchased some nice things as well!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thank you for the tour. I felt like I was right there with you. I would love doing something like that with a friend. Actually my hubby enjoys that kind of thing too. So we sometimes browse that kind of stuff. Need to find a place around here to browse for fun and has a charming place to eat lunch at while we are there.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the beautiful pictures - it looks like such a quaint place! That tearoom looks like the kind of place I'd love to spend some time in. :)
ReplyDeleteYour Mt. Dora reminds me of our little quaint town of Blowing Rock a 20 minute drive from home here. They have neat shops like the ones you've shown and my Mom and I love to go up there and just look if we're not shopping. :o) And it is up in the mountians with great scenic views. THanks for sharing and for stopping by my place.
ReplyDeleteLoved the tour! I have a friend in Cross City, she takes me to a great town for antiques called High Springs, if I remember right. Its on my side bar. I did work down there while we were traveling a month or so each year. I love to go to Pass A Grille, eat on the beach and shop the gift shops. So if you are close to any of these its great.I loved the door!
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