Ride and Dine Carriage Tours by Olde Mount Dora Carriage Co. - Orlando, Florida

Ride and Dine Carriage Tours by Olde Mount Dora Carriage Co.

Orlando, Floridaeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required

Overview

Experience Mount Dora’s historic charm with Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company’s Ride and Dine tours. Combining scenic carriage rides with gourmet dining, these tours offer a unique way to see and savor this lakeside town.

Details

Mount Dora, Florida, charms visitors with its blend of historic streets, vibrant lakeside views, and a pace that invites leisure and discovery. At the heart of this quaint city, Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company offers an experience that reinvents classic sightseeing with their signature Ride and Dine tours. This isn't just a carriage ride; it’s a carefully curated journey through time and taste, appealing to locals and visitors alike.

The Carriage Company’s Ride and Dine packages combine the comfort of an elegant horse-drawn carriage with gourmet dining stops such as the acclaimed Pisces Rising, where guests often savor meals on decks that face glowing sunsets. The carriage, adorned with tasteful lighting and plush blankets, provides a uniquely intimate setting as it glides past charming landmarks, colorful murals, and historic architecture. Friendly drivers like Colleen and Laurie enhance the trip with a deep knowledge of Mount Dora’s history—whether sharing tales about the town’s early settlers, or highlighting architectural gems rarely noticed from the road.

What sets this experience apart is its remarkable adaptability: perfect for families, romantic dates, or special moments like proposals. Guests have shared memorable evenings watching Christmas lights, cozying beneath blankets during cooler nights, or savoring sparkling Prosecco alongside homemade treats. The calming clip-clop of hooves coupled with personal photo opportunities creates lasting memories.

As one of the few carriage services operating in the region, Olde Mount Dora Carriage Company preserves an old-world mode of transportation while showcasing the city’s natural lakeside beauty and preserved historic character. This tour offers a peaceful alternative to the hustle of typical tourism, inviting you to slow down, engage with the past, and enjoy Mount Dora’s scenic streets in a distinctively genuine way.

Olde Mount Dora’s Ride and Dine is an essential outing for anyone looking to see this charming Florida town from a fresh perspective — where every turn carries a story, every stop invites indulgence, and every journey feels personal.

Adventure Tips

Book Evening Tours for Best Atmosphere

Evening carriage rides offer cooler temperatures, sunset views, and often special lighting for a magical ambiance.

Arrive Early for Dining Reservations

Secure your table at local dining spots like Pisces Rising before the tour to ensure a smooth Ride and Dine experience.

Dress Comfortably but Warmly

Florida evenings can get cool, so bring a light jacket or use provided blankets for comfort during the carriage ride.

Communicate Special Requests in Advance

The staff is accommodating—inform them of any celebrations, dietary needs, or photo requests ahead of time.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Sunset Park for lakeside views
  • Palm Island for quiet nature walks

Wildlife

  • Egret and herons around Lake Dora
  • Florida turtle species near wooded areas

History

Mount Dora was incorporated in 1910 and retains much of its early 20th-century charm through preserved architecture and historic streets.

Conservation

The carriage tours emphasize sustainability by using horse-drawn carriages, promoting low-impact ways to enjoy the cityscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Sunset
Early evening with carriage lights on

Best Viewpoints

  • Along Donnelly Street
  • Pisces Rising deck
  • Lake Dora waterfront park

What to Photograph

Historic buildings
Sunset over the lake
Festively decorated carriages

Recommended Gear

Light Jacket or Sweater

Essential

Keeps you warm during cooler evening rides, especially in fall and winter.

fall specific

Comfortable Footwear

Good shoes help during pre- or post-ride strolls in Mount Dora's historic district.

Camera or Smartphone

Essential

Capture memories during the ride, from charming streets to sunset views.

Sunglasses

Useful for daytime rides when the sun is bright.

spring specific