Mount Dora is a perfectly preserved turn-of-the-century Old Florida village, yet within a scenic 40 minute drive of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and Cypress Gardens. Guests can explore the fun parks from an authentic, Old Florida masterpiece: Lakeside Inn, the heart of Mount Dora.

Compared to the thrilling adventures of Orlando, visitors to Mount Dora's historic Lakeside Inn are delighted to discover that often the best thing to do is . nothing. Sipping a cool refreshment from a white wicker rocking chair on the verandah as the sun sets over Lake Dora is the quintessential Lakeside Inn experience, and has been for more than 100 years.

When the mood calls for something more active, stroll down the lawn, walk to the pool for a swim, or to the beach and lake dock for boating, fishing and bird-watching. Or pick up a golf club or croquet mallet for a sporting good time. The irresistible town of Mount Dora is just steps away, luring shoppers to its one-of-a-kind boutiques.

Mount Dora and the Lakeside Inn offer a beautifully rounded vacation experience, whether you're strategizing your partner's next chess move during a fireside parlor game, or using your "fish sense" to know where the bass are biting.

This year the Lakeside Inn is offering sightseeing tours in a large, famous type of seaplane, a DeHavilland Beaver. This sturdy plane is known for its reliability, strength and comfort. Everyone enjoys a window seat and an aviation headset to communicate, ask questions and hear the narrated tour.

John Justad has been flying sightseeing tours in his native Minnesota for the last four summers and has had over 4000 passengers ride in the Beaver there. This winter is John's first "snow bird" winter in Florida and he's delighted to be based at the Lakeside Inn. Flying for over 15 years with commercial, instrument and seaplane ratings, John has over 3500 hours of flying experience.

The tours all originate from the Lakeside Inn's large dock and the plane is usually ready to go 7 days a week at 9 am. The last flight of the day needs to start just before sunset.

Call for details. 218-682-2006. John will usually answer directly unless out flying and he'll get right back to you. Please visit the website

Also based here at Lakeside Inn is Premier Boat Tours, who offer a 2-hour narrated Eco-tour through the unspoiled Dora Canal past towering 2,000 year old cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Herons, ibis, egrets, anhingas, turtles and alligators are commonly seen on the slow passage through this pristine, primitive setting. The trip to the Dora Canal is a comfortable, fun ride across Lake Dora where it is common to see ospreys and bald eagles searching for prey.

Premier Boat Tours also offers a 1-hour sunset cruise to the adjoining Lake Beauclaire. Drinks may be purchased at the Inn before departing on a slow and relaxing ride that features both beautiful scenery and breathtaking sunsets.

Call (352)434-8040 for information and to make a reservation, or visit www.doracanaltour.com