Back-to-school fever is as hot as 2 p.m. asphalt in Lake and Sumter counties. Events to score supplies are cranking up like the thermostat, and Mount Dora is premiering its first-ever Restaurant Week.
Mount Dora Area Restaurant Week
The first-ever Mount Dora Area Restaurant Week invites residents and visitors to explore the local dining scene from Saturday, July 25 through Sunday, Aug. 2. Participating restaurants across Mount Dora, Eustis and Tavares will offer special menus in addition to their regular offerings, giving diners a chance to try featured dishes, revisit favorite spots, and discover something new.
Speaking of special menus, we’ve been impressed by the affordable offerings posted by the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce.
For instance, Eden Abbey Brewing Community has created a yummy-looking $50 Brews & Bites Flight for 2 available for lunch or dinner throughout Mount Dora Area Restaurant Week.
Crafted Concoctions is participating in Mount Dora Area Restaurant Week with specials available for both lunch and dinner. You can have the full visual and gastronomic BTW experience, including creative burgers, tacos, waffles and other dishes, while taking in one of the most playful dining rooms in the area, with undeniable nods to Alice in Wonderland.
The weeklong event comes as Mount Dora continues to receive national recognition for its dining scene. Lunches are capped at $30 per person and dinners at $50 per person. Details: MountDora.com
Live entertainment at Brownwood Paddock Square
The Villages has a full weekend of free entertainment queued up at Center Stage in Brownwood Paddock Square. On Friday, July 24, catch a live set by CLUB CTRL featuring DJ Lu-S. Since it is also National Tequila Day, local spots like Fiesta Grande will be serving up margarita specials to celebrate. On Saturday, July 25, enjoy a live musical performance by Swing Theory. Wrap up the weekend on Sunday, July 26, with live music from Dance Express. All performances run from 6 to 10 p.m. at Center Stage, Brownwood Paddock Square, The Villages. Details: TheVillages.com
Christmas in July at Lake Square Mall
Celebrate the holidays a little early in Leesburg. Join Santa-Elmo and his friends for a festive Christmas in July celebration with a tropical twist. The whole family can meet the characters, take photos, and enjoy the holiday spirit. The fun kicks off at 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at the Lake Square Mall, 10401 U.S. 441, Leesburg. Details: LakeSquareMall.com
‘All Shook Up’ at IceHouse Theatre
A fun-lovin’ musical comedy featuring the songs of Elvis Presley will shake things up this summer at the Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse. “All Shook Up” tells the story of a magical jukebox, a leather-jacketed stranger, and the rock ‘n’ roll impact they have on a loveless town. Performances run from Friday, July 17, through Sunday, Aug. 9.
The cast, according to director Darlin Barry: Will Booker plays Chad, “a charismatic, motorcycle-riding roustabout”; Aspen Thompson is Natalie Haller, “a tomboyish mechanic who is instantly smitten”; Sam Spare is the shy nerd, Dennis, “who carries a torch for Natalie and a dream of attending dental school.”
Showtimes vary, with evening performances at 7:30 or 8 p.m. and weekend matinees at 2 p.m. Individual tickets are $28 for adults, $15 for college students with ID, and $10 for youth ages 5 to 17. The theater is located at 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora. Details and tickets: icehousetheatre.com or 352-383-4616.
Groveland Back 2 School Backpack Bash
Join parents, officials and local organizations for the annual Groveland Back 2 School Backpack Bash to help students start the year off right! Families can enjoy a fun-filled morning featuring a Kids Zone, free ice cream and local vendors. Students in grades K-8 will receive free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last; children must be present to receive a backpack). The event kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, at the Nathaniel Community Gymnasium at Hope International Church, 13806 State Road 33, Groveland. Admission is free. Details: Groveland-FL.gov
Eustis Downtown Cruise-In & Classic Car Show
Roll up to Eustis for a vintage auto-extravaganza held on the fourth Saturday of each month. Roughly 150 classic cars will be on display for the Cruise-In & Classic Car Show in beautiful Ferran Park in Downtown Eustis. Enjoy the cool cars, great music, and check out the local downtown shops and restaurants. The event runs from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at Ferran Park, 250 Ferran Park Drive, Eustis. Admission is free. Details: Eustis.org
Eustis Community Alliance Back-to-School Event
Make a splash before the school bell rings. The Eustis Community Alliance Back-to-School Event has fun for students of all grade levels. Expect activities and helpful resources for the upcoming academic year. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at the Eustis Aquatic Center, 250 Ferran Park Drive, Eustis. Admission is free.
AMVETS Christmas in July & School Supply Drive
Another opportunity to get into the holiday spirit while giving back to the local community, AMVETS Auxiliary Post 2006 is hosting a Christmas in July Party and School Supply Drive to benefit Beverly Shores Elementary. Bring clear backpacks and school supplies to donate, and stick around for a delicious $8 dinner featuring Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, salad and dessert. The night will be capped off with live music by Toiya Lee. Donations and dinner run from 5 to 7 p.m., with live music keeping the party going until 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at AMVETS Post 2006, 500 N. Canal St., Leesburg. Details: Facebook
Sunday markets in Clermont and Mount Dora
Stroll through historic downtown Clermont and shop for fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and unique crafts at the Downtown Clermont Farmers Market. It’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning supporting local vendors and finding fresh ingredients for the week ahead. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, at 752 W. Montrose St., Clermont. Admission is free. Details: ClermontDowntown.com
Over in Mount Dora, the popular Mount Dora Village Market brings together more than 70 vendors offering fresh seafood, local produce, plants and artisan foods in a scenic lakeside setting. At 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. at Sunset Park in downtown Mount Dora. Admission is free. Details: Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce.
A look ahead …
Aug. 1 | Clermont Summer Family Food Fest
Get ready to chow down and chill with your crew at this ultimate summer family food fete in the heart of downtown. The Clermont Summer Family Food Fest features a fleet of food trucks, live entertainment, local vendors, sweet treats and games for all ages. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Historic Downtown Clermont, 670 W. Montrose St. Admission is free. Details: ClermontDowntown.com
Aug. 1 | Florida Blue back-to-school event
Join Florida Blue in Clermont for Florida Blue: Mission Ready, a space-themed free school-supply giveaway, cosmic activities for the kids and resources to help students reach for the stars. Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be a Florida Blue member to participate, and there is no cost to attend. Takes place Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Clermont Center, 2601 S. U.S. 27, Clermont. Details: 352-242-6800. RSVP at https://appointments.floridablue.com/fbevents/s/event-details?eventId=a2Wan0000015CJJEA2
Aug. 1 | Drag Bingo Night at Pinesmoke Bee Co.
Get ready for a night of fierce glam, giggles and high-stakes fun at Pinesmoke Bee Co. The popular downtown shop is touting its fabulous Drag Bingo Night, where you can grab a drink at the Honey Mead Bar, enjoy delicious nibbles and prepare to holler “Bingo!” alongside some of the most dazzling queens in town. The evening promises jaw-dropping performances, cheeky banter, fabulous prizes and surprises all night long. The games begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Pinesmoke Bee Co., 117 N. Bay St., Eustis. Details: pinesmoke.com
Aug. 7 | Eustis First Friday
Get the weekend started early at the Eustis First Friday Street Party on Friday, Aug. 7. Held on the first Friday of every month, this family-friendly block party takes over Historic Downtown Eustis with a wide variety of food, local vendors, and live music. The party runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at East Magnolia Avenue and North Eustis Street. Admission is free. Details: Eustis.org
Aug. 1 | Road Trip Summer Concert in Montverde
Does your heart yearn for the open road? Lake Community Arts understands this feeling all too well and performs tunes you will relate to in their Road Trip Summer Concert at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Woodlands Lutheran Church in Montverde.
“This exciting evening will take audiences on a musical journey across highways, backroads, and unexpected destinations through songs that celebrate adventure, travel, and the joy of hitting the open road,” the group posted on social media. “Featuring the talented voices of Lake Community Choir, this concert is packed with energy, fun, and music the whole family will enjoy.” Woodlands Lutheran Church is at 15333 County Rd 455, Montverde. Tickets at LakeCommunityArts.org/tickets
Aug. 10 | Mount Dora Back-to-School Bash, Vol. 5
Peachy Enterprises, along with local community partners, presents its fifth annual Back-to-School Bash at the Mount Dora High School Cafeteria. Families are invited out for an afternoon of fun activities, helpful resources from local schools, and free backpacks filled with school supplies and personal hygiene items (while supplies last). Includes free food, free haircuts for children 17 and younger, and a live DJ. The bash takes place from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at Mount Dora High School, 700 N. Highland St. Pre-registration is encouraged. Details: Email PeachyBTSBash@gmail.com
Aug. 14 | Barron Ryan performs in The Villages
Enjoy an evening of genre-blending music with piano virtuoso Barron Ryan at The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center. Having grown up in a home filled with the sounds of amazing artists ranging from Chopin to Michael Jackson, Ryan masterfully combines a wide array of musical influences into a captivating live performance. No wonder his tagline is “classic meets cool.” The concert takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, in The Villages. Details and tickets: TheSharon.com
Aug. 15 | ‘Reel Requests Live!’ by Bay Street Players
Experience the magic of classic radio request shows with a cinematic twist. Reel Requests Live! is a high-energy concert-comedy event celebrating the greatest movie songs of all time. Presented by acclaimed vocalist Ashley Wilcox and Request Line Live!, this immersive theatrical show features live performances of beloved movie hits, hilarious call-ins from iconic movie characters, fake movie trailers, and plenty of audience interaction. The performance begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at Eustis’ historic State Theatre. Tickets are $30 and up. Details: eustisstatetheatre.org/shows/reel-requests-live
Aug. 21–23 | Annual 3-day fest at Lakeridge Winery
Celebrate the arrival of harvest season with grape-stomping competitions, continuous live music and scenic vineyard views. Lakeridge Winery’s signature three-day Annual Harvest Festival at Lakeridge Winery features local food trucks, outdoor bars pouring wine, beer and soft drinks, and a bustling vendor marketplace. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy performances by local bands on the outdoor stage. The festival runs Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 21-23, at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, 19239 U.S. 27 N, Clermont. Admission is free. Details: Lakeridgewinery.com
Aug. 21 | Dokken at Mount Dora Music Hall
Get ready to rock out with ’80s hard rock legends Dokken as they return to Central Florida for an explosive night at the Mount Dora Music Hall. Opening the night is special guest Hairborn, a tribute band celebrating the biggest anthems of ’80s hair metal. It’s the perfect lead-in to a night of head-banging and singing along in a rare, intimate venue. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, at the Community Building, 520 N. Baker St., Mount Dora. Details and tickets: https://www.mountdora.gov
Sept. 10 | Wedding event at The Venue
Planning your special day? Clermont’s newest event space, The Venue, is hosting the Premier Wedding Expo for engaged couples and their families. Meet face-to-face with top local vendors — including photographers, florists, DJs, cake designers and travel planners — while enjoying complimentary appetizers, door prizes and a chance to win $500 off an event booking. The free expo runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, at The Venue, 2400 S. U.S. 27 (Bldg. 1-101 Unit A), Clermont. Advance registration is encouraged. Details and tickets: Eventbrite or thevenueclermont.com.Did we forget anything? This list will be updated throughout the summer. Email us your event at news@dailycommercial.com
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: 9 things to do in Lake & Sumter plus a look ahead
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial | USA TODAY Network
