Mount Dora Favorites

This time of year there is a lot of emphasis on shopping small and shopping local. There is even a designated day for it: Small Business Saturday. This is fantastic, but I think we need to make an effort every day to support small businesses – especially local ones.

Small business owners work long hours to support their families. They are entrepreneurs and artisans who have built their businesses from the ground up with their own hands. They pour their love, time, passion, and skill into everything they do.

Local businesses provide opportunities for personal connection and benefit the regional economy. They also contribute to the story and character of the area.

These business owners need us, and we need them.

So today I wanted to share a few of my Mount Dora favorites with you. If you are in the area, stop by and check these businesses out. I would also like you to think about the small businesses that are close to you. There are less than 10 days left until Christmas! How can you make an impact by shopping in your local community?

Mount Dora Favorites

Stitch & Gather – Personalized Gifts to Celebrate Everything
Tia is dedicated to making even the smallest moments in life special. Her motto is “celebrate everything” and she has curated a gorgeous shop full of treasures that you can personalize for different occasions. She will also do custom embroidery on your own items. From baby gifts to monogramed items to team spirit accessories, Stitch & Gather is your one-stop destination.

Rose & Grace – Home décor that celebrates the charm of the old and well-loved
Caitlin and Cheryl are a mother-daughter team that run a gorgeous little store at Renninger’s, our local antique center. They offer antique and vintage items, textiles, stationary and art, furniture…pretty much anything that will make your home beautiful. They believe that love is in the details, and it is those details that become a collection to tell your story.

Papilio – Nature Inspired Art, Gifts, & Plants
Henry & Joel have created a little secret garden in the middle of downtown Mount Dora. Papilio has plants and handcrafted butterfly artwork but also much, much more including soft goods, books, games, and children’s items. My favorite things are their adorable planters (they have everything from boho to flamingos to sculpted faces), but the entire store is a fun experience. They also hold workshops and help with plant care advice.

Black Swan Mercantile – Old Southern Charm and Flirty French Inspiration
Black Swan is an sweet little boutique in downtown Mount Dora. The shop is Parisian inspired and it is full of florals and pretty things. It is always a treat to step into Black Swan and gather ideas from their displays and products. Inside you will find pieces for your home, garden, body, and soul.

Checkered Moon Mount Dora
Sharon is a Florida native that now lives in Illinois. Checkered Moon’s irreverent style is inspired by Sharon’s Florida roots and her sense of humor. The store is bright and cheery and there is always something new to see, whether you are window shopping or actually going in. There are pieces for everyone: candles and scents, tabletop, books and games, beauty and wellness, and more. When I can’t get into the store, I enjoy browsing their Instagram feed to keep up with what is new!

Maggie’s Attic
Maggie’s is a local family-owned wine bar that has so much more than just wine. The shop has a cozy, eclectic feel with lots of comfortable seating that allows you to enjoy the company of others. There is a great selection of wine and beer that you can purchase to drink there…or take it with you to enjoy later! Maggie’s offers wine-themed accessories, home décor, live music, and regular tasting events. It is one of our favorite places to visit on date nights.

Under the Cherry Blossoms
Lynn’s goal of opening a positive gift shop has blossomed (put totally intended!) into a beautiful boutique that supports and encourages others. She features local creatives and their one-of-a-kind offerings of art, accessories, and jewelry. Everything in the store is carefully chosen to foster connection and positivity. Each item is unique, made by hand, and made with love.

These days it has become so easy to click a few buttons on your phone or computer and have your order delivered right to you. But that doesn’t bring jobs or growth or character to the places where we actually live.

Small, local businesses are a huge part of what makes up our communities. It is so important to support them, because as we build them up, they give right back to their own cities and towns. And so I want you to hear about your favorite local places! Leave a comment and tell me who they are.