Mt. Dora Exploras

A recent day trip with friends took us to this central Florida hamlet known for its antiques shops. If hardcore antiquing is what you’re after, here’s a hint: skip the old lady boutiques in town and head for Renninger’s on U.S. 441 for a real avalanche of the stuff.

Seriously, the downtown stores are nice—if you’re shopping for your granny or your bridesmaids: a lot of frilly, girly stuff and tacky gifts no one really needs, with miscellaneous knick knacks scattered in between. (The smarter shopkeepers plant Man Benches outside their doors for gravity-weary companions.) To be fair, I did find a couple of interesting boutiques and a good cupcake shop, but it wasn't enough to make me want to go back.

For lunch: The Goblin Market scored points for the mysterious, secluded entry into a viny, hidden courtyard. We might have been sneaking into the Goblin’s own library, all book-lined walls and dimly-lit exotic décor. Then the stuffiness set in. They need to throw open the windows once in a while. Stale air quality makes me feel like I'm dining in a place that's perhaps past its prime. (i.e: Gypsy Cab Co. in St. Augustine.)

I might have liked the food more if the whole experience rated a little higher. Everything took FOREVER, from ordering to getting the check, with nary a hint of apology from the lackadaisical crew. We were all starving by the time our salads and sandwiches arrived, at that point when just about anything tastes good.

I’m almost wishing we’d tried the intriguing Icelandic pub with its crazy beer-liquor mixed drinks or the seafood house with the gorgeous veranda view of the lake.

(By the way—theme of the day: scary dolls. We just started seeing a trend.)

After lunch, we headed to the mother of all antiques emporiums, Renninger’s. Set on acres of tree-dotted hillocks, it’s an indoor/outdoor wonderland featuring every make, model and era of vintage paraphernalia that one could hope for. In one corner, a path winds through a makeshift “village” of freestanding shops.

Then there’s the massive warehouse of vendor booths showcasing everything from miscellaneous ephemera to mission furniture. Even if you’re not in buying mode, it’s a treat to chat with the knowledgeable dealers and learn about their various wares.

Renninger’s aside, the next time I’m in the mood to explore a quaint central Florida town, I’ll probably head for Winter Park.

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