For so many active adults all across Central Florida, trips into Orlando are a beloved way to get their fix of world-class dining, culture, and entertainment. And if you're headed into town on a Saturday or Sunday, there's no better way to kick things off than a fun, sociable, relaxing, delicious brunch with a few friends—and probably a few mimosas. Or maybe some sangria or a Bloody Mary or two... 

Below is a quick roundup of 10 of the absolute best restaurants for a weekend brunch in Orlando. Every one is a must-try! 

Best Saturday and Sunday Brunches in Orlando 

Dexter's Thornton Park (website) 

There are multiple Dexter's locations, and they're all good for brunch, but the Thornton Park spot is a standout place to eat—and drink. And conveniently, it's just a few blocks from the Sunday Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola. Do yourself a favor and have the blackened shrimp and jack cheese grits or Belgian waffle with country fried chicken and bacon jam. Head over Saturday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm or Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Maxine's on Shine (website) 

Literally a hidden gem, this restaurant is tucked away in a primarily residential area between the Thornton Park and Mills50 districts. It's a fun and fabulous restaurant serving some particularly indulgent brunch items taking creative approaches to classic Southern comfort food. You'll definitely be glad you discovered it. Brunch on Saturday goes from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; on Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Osprey Tavern (website) 

Offering adventurous, imaginative, and particularly fresh and high-quality fare, this Baldwin Park restaurant is heaven for true foodies. You can't go wrong with any order here, with every item easily qualifying as a work of culinary art. And don't miss out on the excellent cocktail menu. Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. 

Santiago's Bodega (website) 

The antique shops in the charming Ivanhoe Village neighborhood make it a great weekend destination, and so does bottomless food and drink for brunch at this popular Spanish restaurant. Sit out front on the patio and consider ordering the French toast or a fantastic custom-made omelet. The service and atmosphere are as exceptional as the food. Dig in Saturday or Sunday between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. 

Se7enbites (website) 

This bakery in the Milk District neighborhood never disappoints. Brunch has a decidedly Southern comfort flair, and its biscuits are some of the best you'll ever have. We really can't gush enough about this place, and it's impossible to recommend just one or two dishes—everything is amazing here. Don't worry... no matter what you pick, you'll be back to try more. Saturday and Sunday brunch is served from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Slate (website) 

If you're on or near Restaurant Row in the Dr. Phillips section of the city, this is the place to go for an exceptional meal and all around exceptional dining experience. There's a fairly diverse menu that even includes a few upscale pizzas. Enjoy some of the most flavorful brunch items you'll find anywhere from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Soco (website) 

Soco is short for “Southern contemporary,” an appropriate description of the cuisine at this Thornton Park restaurant. The food is interesting, quite tasty, and on the meat-heavy side, and there's an exciting selection of brunch cocktails. A meal here can also coincide with a trip to the Sunday Orlando Farmers Market at Lake Eola, held just a block away. Weekend brunch is served from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

Teak Neighborhood Grill (website) 

Hands-down one of the best places to get a burger in Orlando, this MetroWest restaurant is also a leader in the weekend brunch scene. The dishes are simple but imaginative, and the menu is especially appealing if you want some meat with your meal. The Bloody Mary menu and craft beer selection are big draws too. Stop in for weekend brunch between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

The Boheme (website) 

For an upscale, unforgettable jazz brunch featuring an Imperial Grand Bösendorfer piano worth about a quarter-million bucks, head to the restaurant inside the gorgeous Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando, right across the street from the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The prix-fixe, all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunch runs from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. 

White Wolf Cafe (website) 

For perfectly prepared, simple, standard brunch dishes, visit this Ivanhoe Village institution. The crab cakes Benedict are particularly delicious. As mentioned, this neighborhood is an antiquing destination, and you're right around the corner from Loch Haven Park's museums and theaters. You can get an earlier start here than other places, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and 3:00 pm on Sundays.

Lake County, FL, like most of Central Florida, is well endowed with hiking trails perfect for active adults of all skill and fitness levels. They showcase the area's natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, beautiful plant life, and amazing array of birds and other wildlife. And, of course, they provide an excellent opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air. 

There are too many hiking trails in Lake County to list them all. We've rounded up some favorites while trying to cover places all around the county and offering a variety of lengths and experiences. 

Happy hiking! 

Hiking Trails in Clermont, FL 

Lake Louisa Hiking Trail at Lake Louisa State Park incorporates some of the area's rolling hills, so it's a little more demanding than flat alternatives, and it takes you through a variety of local habitats. It's just over 4 miles long, but linear, so you do have to walk back as far as you go. 

The nature trail at Crooked River Preserve spans 1.7 miles of largely scrub habitat, but also runs in part along the Palatlakaha River and to an untouched corner of Lake Louisa. The loop trail carries you through some prime fishing and wildlife spotting territory. 

Hiking Trails in Eustis, FL 

Lake Alfred Trail at Hidden Waters Preserve is used by the Lake County Water Authority to manage the enormous sinkhole known as Eichelberger Sink. You descend a steep slope into the sinkhole, so it's demanding on return, but it's a great opportunity for geology fans (as well as birding enthusiasts).

The nature trail at Trout Lake Nature Center take you past hammocks of age-old oak trees at Trout Lake and through various other beautiful habitats. The mile-long loop with spur is a peaceful place to appreciate Central Florida's natural tranquility. 

Hiking Trails in Ferndale, FL 

The nature trails at Ferndale Preserve are at a high elevation by state standards, with the preserve being just a few miles from the highest point on Florida's peninsula. The 1.6-mile loop and half-mile nature path offer amazing views of Lake Apopka and even the distant Orlando skyline on clear days.  

Hiking Trails in Fruitland Park, FL 

The nature trail at Lake Griffin State Park is just one of many offerings at this 620-acre park, which is home to plenty of alligators and other wildlife, as well as Florida's second-largest live oak tree, estimated to be around 400 years old. 

Hiking Trails in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 

The nature trail at Sarah Maude Mason Nature Preserve only stretches a little over half a mile, but it's a beautiful walk. Mostly on a boardwalk, the loop borders Little Lake Harris and affords some amazing birding opportunities. 

Hiking Trails in Leesburg, FL 

Island Hammock/Daubenmire Trail at Flat Island Preserve offers about 4 miles of natural splendor, including the access trail, 3-mile loop, and two cross-trails. The land here was converted into a preserve to protect its notable botanical diversity. 

Dr. S.J. Stephany Memorial River Trail at Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve (PEAR) Park runs along the Palatlakaha River for 3 miles. Enjoy the untouched portion of what was formerly a University of Florida agricultural research center.   

The nature trail at Twin Lakes Park is short but sweet, running about one-quarter of a mile and including a nature trail and boardwalk. Combine your walk with birding here in the fall and see how many of the 73 recorded species you can spot. 

The nature trails at Haynes Creek Preserve are perfect for nature lovers. Owls, woodpeckers, and numerous other bird species call this place home, as do more than 20 species of dragonflies and butterflies, alligators, river otters, and more. 

Hiking Trails in Mount Dora, FL 

The nature trail at Palm Island Park is a 1-mile loop with a boardwalk that takes you to Palm Island. This 8-acre nature preserve is a renowned spot for people interested in birdwatching, and there are also lots of native plant species on display. 

Hiking Trails in Paisley, FL 

The nature trail at Paisley Community Park is set in this attractive 8-acre park, where you'll also find the Paisley County Library along with sports and picnicking facilities. Deer sightings are common here, and the majestic oak trees are a pleasure to behold. 

Hiking Trails in Sorrento, FL 

Rock Springs Run Hiking Trail at Rock Springs Run State Reserve incorporates two stacked loops spanning a little over 12 miles. The area is known for its black bear population. Be aware that hunting occurs here in season, and that poor trail markings and numerous cross roads make this an easy place to get lost.  

Hiking Trails in Tavares, FL 

The nature trail at Lake Idamere Park is a 2-mile-long hike in this attractive, serene 45-acre park ground on the shore of Lake Idamere. It's a prime birding location with 85 recorded species, and it's notably rich in other animal, insect, and plant life as well. 

The nature trail at Lake Jem Park isn't all that long, but it's a soothing, scenic walk of about half a mile. The park, which features gorgeous live oak trees, is most popular for its boat ramp and canoe, kayak, and fishing access to the Beauclair Canal.

Hiking Trails in Umatilla, FL 

The nature trail at North Lake Regional Park runs for almost 1.5 miles around the perimeter of this park and large sports and recreational complex and includes an additional 0.75-mile natural path. It's a beautiful setting with lots of activity and surrounded by citrus trees.

While you may have heard of a reverse mortgage, few people are aware of a related financial product available since 2009 called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase. For many buyers 62 and older, it's an excellent way to purchase a new (or sometimes second) home for only half the asking price, with no monthly mortgage payments.

This can be a fantastic option for stretching your retirement funds much further, either by paying half as much for that active-adult home you're after, or by buying a house that costs twice as much as you're budgeted for.

How an HECM to Purchase Reverse Mortgage Works 

To qualify for HECM financing for the purchase of a new home, a borrower must be at least 62 years old and must supply a down payment of approximately half the home price. Age does have its advantages, though; the older you are, the smaller the down payment you need. The loan is for buying a primary home that you'll live in at least part time. 

You make no monthly mortgage payments on your new home. As with standard HECM reverse mortgages (which we explain a bit about below), you're getting a Federally insured loan that accrues interest until you no longer live in the home. Fixed and variable interest rates are available. You own your home, holding the title and deed, and it passes to your heirs.

To be approved, there are some underwriting guidelines, including a credit report pull (no score required) and proof of income and assets. That's because you're still responsible for paying property taxes, insurance, home upkeep and maintenance, utilities, and other normal expenses of home ownership. You have to demonstrate your ability and willingness to meet these obligations.

While it's not necessarily right for everyone, an HECM to Purchase is an exceptionally safe loan. That's because it includes a non-recourse feature in which the FHA guarantees that the borrower or heir will never owe more than the home is worth, even in the event of a real estate bubble bursting. This benefit is backed by the Federal government via the Mortgage Insurance Premium charged to the buyer.

If you want more specifics about the HECM to Purchase loan program, please feel free to contact us and we can connect you with a specialized lender.

About Standard Reverse Mortgages

And just in case you don't know about standard reverse mortgages, they're something to be aware of if you're a homeowner 62 or older who could use some cash to supplement retirement income, pay healthcare expenses, or deal with an unexpected cost.

Instead of making monthly mortgage payments, you get a loan against your home's equity. It's usually not taxed, nor does it generally interfere with Medicare or Social Security benefits. It accrues non-tax-deductible interest—and rates can change—until all named borrowers no longer live in the property. Sometimes you can get a fixed rate if you take the loan in a lump sum; you'll often be approved for a smaller loan this way, though. 

You typically have to cover some fees when taking out a reverse mortgage. You retain the title and deed to your home and are still responsible for all associated costs, including property taxes, utility payments,  maintenance and repairs, etc. 

Various individual factors affect whether a reverse mortgage might be right for you. Consult a trusted financial advisor for personalized counseling, and have them or a qualified attorney review the terms of the reverse mortgage before signing up. 

3 Types of Standard Reverse Mortgages 

Single-Purpose Reverse Mortgages 

These are the least costly option, offered by some State and Municipal governments and nonprofit agencies. They aren't available everywhere, but they're fairly easy to qualify for if you have low or moderate income. The main catch is that you and the lender agree on a single purpose for the money, whether it's medical bills, home improvements, or whatever. 

Proprietary Reverse Mortgages 

These are private loans from private companies. They are often the best way to get a more substantial loan, particularly if your home has a high value, and you can use the money however you like. However they tend to be more expensive—sometimes considerably so—than single-purpose loans. 

Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) 

HECMs are insured by the Federal government and issued through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Unlike with cheaper single-purpose reverse mortgages, the money can be used any way you like. Generally speaking, the older you are, the more equity your home has built up, and the less you still owe on your home, the larger the loan you'll qualify for.

If you're looking to spend an entertaining day in or around Orlando without spending much, don't worry. There are so many fun, enriching things to do on the cheap to suit any mood. We've rounded up 20 highly recommended budget-friendly activities for the area that are perfect for your active adult day trip. 

Low-Cost Things to Do in the Orlando Area 

1. It's only $6 for adults and $5 for those 60 and older to tour Winter Park's Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, which has the world's biggest, most comprehensive collect of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
2. Head down to the other end of Park Avenue to Rollins College, where you can tour the Cornell Fine Arts Museum for free.
3. While you're in Winter Park, visit the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden for $4 if you're over 60, or $5 if you're not.
4. Admission prices are the same as above to The Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando's Loch Haven Park.
5. And almost right across the street is the Orlando Museum of Art, which runs $10 per ticket for adults and $7 for seniors 65 and up.
6. If it's history you're after, visit the Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando for only $7 per ticket if you're 60 or older, or $8 if you're not quite there yet.
7. General admission to Maitland's beloved alternative cinema, The Enzian, runs $11 for adults or $9 for seniors—but if you decide on some tasty food and/or drinks from the on-site Eden Bar, you're probably going over $20.
8. Entry into the beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens, a botanical garden in Orlando's Audubon Park neighborhood, is only $10 per person.
9. If you'd prefer to bike a natural trail instead, head to Bikes and Blades at the West Orange Trail in Winter Garden, where you can rent bicycles for just $7 per hour (or $30 for the whole day).
10. When's the last time you went to the zoo? The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford costs just $19.50 per adult or $15.95 per guest 60 and up.
11. Take a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour to see the city—and some of its swankiest homes—from the vantage point of its lakes and channels for $14 per person.
12. If you're into improv comedy, admission to most shows at the SAK Comedy Lab in downtown Orlando runs between $5 and $15.
13. And if you're into heights—like 400-feet-high heights—get a view of the entire area by braving the Orlando Eye on International Drive for $20 per person. Disclaimer, though: you have to buy your ticket online ahead of time for this price, otherwise it's $25. Sorry. But it's a cool enough experience to be worth sorta kinda bending our made-up arbitrary rule.
14. Explore life in Florida's pioneer days at Fort Christmas Historical Park in the town of Christmas—for free!
15. In Lake Wales, there's a gorgeous destination called Bok Tower Gardens, and it's a must-do Central Florida experience that only costs $12 per adult (or $18 if you want to add on the self-guided tour of Pinewood Estate). 

A Few Budget-Friendly Options for the Grandchildren 

If the grandkids are visiting and you're not looking to spend the time and money for the full theme park experience, there are still lots of fun things to do with them that won't break the bank. Here are just a few suggestions: 

1. The Orlando Reperatory Theatre at Loch Haven Park puts on excellent plays and musicals for the kiddos, with tickets running $14 for kids and $18 for those 55 and older.
2. Also at Loch Haven Park, the Orlando Science Center is a fun, educational, interactive museum that'll run you $13.95 for kids and $17.95 for adults 55 and up.
3. Ripley's Believe it or Not is a unique good time, and you can go to the one on International Drive for $19.99 per adult and $12.99 per child (plus you can save a few bucks per ticket if you buy online in advance).
4. Right down the street—or, the I-Drive—is the Pirate's Cove mini golf course, which costs $13.50 for adults and $11.95 for kids.
5. One more for I-Drive, but we're bending the rule against slightly... to meet our qualification of being less than $20 per person, again, you have to buy in advance online—but it's a great place, so do it! With advance purchase, tickets to SeaLife Aquarium are $20 per adult and $15 per child (tickets are $5 more at the door).

Winter Garden, FL is easily one of Central Florida's most charming little cities. Located about 15 miles west of downtown Orlando in Orange County, you can't help but be intrigued by its motto, “A charming little city with a juicy past.” 

Of course, that's a reference to the importance of the citrus industry in the city's early years, not an excess of good local gossip. This quaint city perfectly balances a historical feel with plenty of the contemporary atmosphere and offerings people look for today. It also strikes an ideal balance of genuine maturity and an energetic vibe. 

This is a convenient location for whatever you want from your Central Florida home. It's just removed enough from the excitement of Orlando and its tourist corridor to provide peace and quiet, while still letting you hop in the car and quickly reach any excitement you're in the mood for. And besides having Orlando right down the road, you also have easy access to state parks, nature preserves, lakes, beaches, campgrounds, springs, other major metropolitan areas and unique small cities, and more. 

If you're wondering whether Winter Garden, FL might be the perfect place to find a new or second home in an active-adult 55+ community, here's a little more info about it to help you decide: 

• Winter Garden is just under 16 square miles and has a population of about 38,000
• A little more than one-third of city residents are over the age of 45
• The median home value in Winter Garden is $228,100 as of mid-2016, which is an increase of 7.8% over the past year
• It only takes about 25 minutes to drive to downtown Orlando from Winter Garden, under an hour to reach The Villages, and about an hour and 20 minutes to get to downtown Tampa
• Lots of enjoyable small cities are close by for day trips or weekend getaways, like Clermont, Mount Dora, Tavares, Sanford, DeLand, Winter Haven, and Lakeland, just to name a few
• State Road 50 bisects the city, connects to numerous major roadways, and makes it easy to get anywhere
• The popular, laid-back commercial downtown strip, known as the Winter Garden Downtown Historic District, features great shopping, dining, culture, and entertainment
• The Winter Garden Farmers Market is a beloved community event taking place downtown every Saturday
• Downtown's Plant St. Market is an amazing place for artisanal local food, drink, and other products
• Catch a free concert any Friday night from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at downtown's Centennial Plaza (the event is called Fridays on the Plaza)
• Train enthusiasts and the grandchildren will love the Central Florida Railroad Museum
• Garden Theatre, also located downtown, is a great place to catch a play, concert, or movie
• Winter Garden is a main access point for the West Orange Trail, a scenic 36-mile nature trail for walking, jogging, biking, and more (with a parallel equestrian trail) 

Article Image Credits: Mapio

Nothing beats farm-fresh produce, and we're really lucky in Florida to have such diverse offerings throughout the course of the year. The state is a huge blueberry producer, and our season starts earlier than in other places, peaking in March and April. 

For the second half of peak blueberry season, many Florida farms open up their grounds for U-pick blueberry harvesting in April. As in, show up and harvest your own. It's always a great time, it's another reason to get outside and immerse yourself in nature, and of course it's an excellent way to support local growers. 

There are plenty of places in Central Florida and all around the state to indulge in some U-pick blueberry fun. Find options near you on the Florida Blueberry Growers Association website.

Leesburg, FL was founded in 1857. It's the oldest and second-largest city by population in Central Florida's Lake County, after only Clermont. Its convenient location in the middle of the state means everything Florida has to offer is easily accessible. That includes numerous big and small cities, state parks, huge lakes, campgrounds, springs, beautiful beaches, and more.

If you're an active adult looking for a new or second home in a Central Florida 55+ community, Leesburg has a number of popular, well-appointed options offering affordable homes, amazing amenities, thriving social programs, and more. This location is a particularly good choice if you're looking for a quiet retreat surrounded by nature, removed yet not too far from the hustle and bustle of more urban areas.

Here's a quick profile of the city of Leesburg to help you get better acquainted and decide whether it warrants closer examination during your house hunt:

• Leesburg is 24.5 square miles
• The city has about 21,000 residents
• Just under half the population is age 45 and older
• The median home value in the city as of early 2016 is $138,100, a 3.5% rise over the past year
• It's a predominantly residential area with a small commercial downtown
• A number of major Florida highways pass through Leesburg, making road travel convenient
• It's less than half an hour's drive to The Villages from downtown Leesburg, less than an hour to downtown Orlando, and less than 1.5 hours to downtown Tampa
• Some of the small nearby cities that make for great day or weekend trips include Tavares, Mount Dora, Winter Garden, Sanford, DeLand, Daytona Beach, Winter Park, Clearwater, Winter Haven, and Lakeland
• The city sits between Lake Griffin to its north and Lake Harris to its south; Lakes Dora, Eustis, and Yale are also nearby, so lake-based recreation is a big part of life in Leesburg
• Venetian Gardens Park is a beautiful draw in the city
• Golf lovers feel right at home at Arlington Ridge Golf Club
• Learn to dive with Underwater Adventures, a local institution in business for more than 40 years
• Paquette's Historical Farmall Tractor Museum is a unique local attraction for agricultural and heavy machinery enthusiasts
• Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe in downtown is a great place to gather with friends and pick up some bottles for home
• Leesburg is home to Lake-Sumter State College and Beacon College

Article photo credits go to the Orlando Sentinel.

If you haven't heard, Florida has a lot of beaches. Beautiful beaches. World-famous beaches. From the Panhandle to the Keys, east coast and west coast. No matter where you are in the state, you're never too far from the beach.

Central Florida has a bunch of amazing beaches, from undeveloped natural coastal expanses in protected parks to quaint waterfront towns to bustling seaside cities. Here's a closer look at four Central Florida beach destinations every beach-loving area resident should visit. We've included two from the Gulf Coast and two from the Atlantic, and one relatively undeveloped, one developed on each coast.

Fort De Soto Park

Maintained by Pinellas County, this beach is on Mullet Key just south of St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach (a glorious destination in its own right). It's a serene, private escape from the action of the Tampa Bay area and idyllic spot to enjoy a day at the beach and the gorgeous blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

There's some supervised beachfront with snack bars within this 870-acre park, as well as plenty of untouched stretches where you're unlikely to be within several hundred feet of anyone else. It's a well-known stop for migratory birds, and you can also go camping and fishing in addition to sunning and swimming on the beach.

The actual Fort De Soto, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is still there; you can check it out free of charge. If you're into military history, the site has four 12-inch M1890-M1 mortars, and they're the last ones you'll find anywhere in the world besides a few in the Phillipines.

Clearwater Beach

If you're looking for more development, activity, and people when heading to Central Florida's west coast, go to Clearwater Beach. This renowned white sand beach is frequently included on lists of the most beautiful in the US, but there's also plenty to do in the area besides soak up the sun and swim.

Clearwater Beach is on a barrier island just off the coast of the city of Clearwater. Beach Walk, the location's twist on a traditional boardwalk, runs along the beach and features restaurants, shops, hotels, public art, and more. While here, we recommend stopping at Frenchy's South Beach Cafe for a meal and a few drinks.

Any late afternoon to early evening of the year (weather permitting), check out Sunsets at Pier 60. It's a free festival that starts two hours before sunset and lasts till two hours after. Go for the music, street performers, arts and crafts, and other fun. And, of course, the city of Clearwater is just minutes away, offering lots more to see, do, eat, and drink.

Canaveral National Seashore

Moving over to Central Florida's Atlantic coast, Canaveral National Seashore offers a wonderful, quiet beach escape. The 25 miles of untouched coastline are perfect for a calm nature-oriented getaway. In fact, this is the longest undeveloped stretch of land on Florida's east coast.

There are no shops, so bring whatever you want with you. Just keep in mind that you have to park several hundred yards from the beach,so you'll be hauling it; that's part of what keeps it so perfectly peaceful here.

This national seashore park, on a barrier island between Titusville and New Smyrna Beach, actually contains a few different named beaches, including Apollo, Klondike, and Playalinda beaches. It's a particularly great stop for birding and wildlife enthusiasts.

More than 1,000 plant species and 300+ bird species call this paradise home, and it's an important nesting area for sea turtles. You can also visit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which protects more than a dozen endangered or threatened animal species. And for space enthusiasts, the John F. Kennedy Space Center is a short drive from the beaches.

New Smyrna Beach

Just north of the Canaveral National Seashore is New Smyrna Beach, a better known destination offering pristine coastline and a quaint, quirky little town. Kick back and relax on 13 miles of white sand and watch the surfers do their thing.

There's a surprising number of excellent restaurants here. Around the beach, Third Wave Cafe is a little cafe, coffee shop, and wine bar with a great outdoor dining area; The Garlic is a recommended stop for Italian cuisine; oh, and definitely head up into the treehouse bar at Norwood's Eatery and Wine Shop.

Downtown's historic Canal Street District is a charming, artsy area to stroll, shop, and eat, too. If you're here and hungry, Yellow Dog Eats Kitchen and Bar is well worth a visit. And be sure to investigate the Turnbull Ruins. Some scholars believe they're remnants from a Spanish colony that actually predates St. Augustine, the reputed first city in the US.

Mount Dora, FL is a picturesque city in Lake County, a prime example of “small town charm,” complete with large rolling hills that are such a rare landscape feature in Florida. It's a famed antiquing destination with quiet residential areas, some amazing active-adult communities, and a quaint and quirky downtown with lots of shops, restaurants, and other fun. 

The city's central location in the state is perfect for 55+ folks looking for easy access to everything Florida has to offer. When you live there, beautiful Lake Dora is right at your doorstep, as are a few other large lakes. Plus, state parks, springs, campgrounds, other interesting large and small cities, Orlando's theme parks and resorts, gorgeous beaches, and so much more are only a short drive away. 

If you're starting to look at Central Florida as a possible location for your new or second home in a resort-style age-restricted community for active adults, take a little time to investigate Mount Dora. It has a lot going for it, and some great buying opportunities. Here's a quick overview to help you get a better feel for the city. 

• Mount Dora is a little under 6 square miles and has a population of about 13,000 residents
• A little over half the population is 45 and older
• The median home value is $172,300 as of early 2016, representing a 5.6% increase over a one-year period
• It's just about a 40-minute drive from Mount Dora to downtown Orlando, under an hour to The Villages, and less than 2 hours to Tampa
• Other interesting nearby smaller cities include Tavares, Clermont, Sanford, Winter Garden, Winter Park, DeLand, Daytona Beach, Clearwater, Winter Haven, and Lakeland
• The city maintains a number of scenic public parks, while Lake County maintains a few nature preserves in Mount Dora
• This is a culturally oriented place, home to the Mount Dora History Museum, the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, the Modernism Museum Mount Dora, the Mount Dora Museum of Speed, as well as galleries, studios, and other cultural offerings
• Mount Dora is nicknamed “Festival City” for its extensive year-round roster of special public events dedicated to arts, crafts, antiques and collectibles, gardening, music, seafood, and more
• February's annual Mount Dora Arts Festival is a huge draw for fans of fine art
• The Sailboat Regatta is held every April and is the oldest in Florida
• The Mount Dora Fall Craft Fair is the city's largest annual event, held in October, bringing in more than 250,000 visitors
• The 3-day Bicycle Festival in October is the state's oldest
• There's also a Scottish Highland Festival in town every November
• Mount Dora is home to Renninger's Twin Market, an antiques and flea market-lover's dream
• There are more than 25 golf courses in the Mount Dora area

Article Feature Image Credits:  Mount Dora Official Website

Saving for retirement is a big issue for the 55+ crowd. There are, of course, many individual factors to consider when calculating how much money you'll need to retire in the manner you want, and that's not really something we're qualified to give advice on. Consult a professional financial planner to talk about what you need and how to get there.

We do, however, want to make sure you take into account common unexpected expenses in retirement, and we've also written a little about how to decide when it's the right time to retire. And we'd also like to just introduce you briefly to MyFRS, the Florida Retirement System, which is in many cases a convenient option for saving toward your retirement.

About MyFRS

The Florida Retirement System offers employees a way to save for retirement, particularly if their employer doesn't offer a 401(k) or its own pension. It's not necessarily right for everyone, and again, that's something to discuss with your financial advisor. Still, it's important to know your options—especially if you don't realize you have them.

MyFRS has two different plans: the MyFRS Investment Plan and the MyFRS Pension Plan. With either, you make a mandatory contribution of 3% pretax, while your employer (who has to opt in) contributes a little more than half of the money put into your retirement account. Employer contributions are determined as a fixed percentage of your gross salary.

Comparing and Contrasting the MyFRS Plans

Here's a quick look at some of the big differences between the two plans to help get a better idea which would be the more appropriate for you.

The MyFRS Investment Plan, a 401(k)-style investment program, is geared towards employees who don't foresee being with their current employer for a long stretch of time. You qualify for benefits after only one year of service. On the other hand, the MyFRS Pension Plan, which is basically a traditional pension plan, is for the long-term employee, with benefits only kicking in after 8 years of service.

If you opt for the MyFRS Investment Plan, your employer contributes 3.3% of your monthly salary, while the Florida State Legislature dictates the contribution from your employer with the Pension Plan. However, your contributions and your employer's are both subject to change by the State Legislature with either plan.

With the Investment Plan, you choose from various options for how your retirement savings are invested. Alternatively, the State Board of Administration directs your money with the MyFRS Pension Plan.

Also, it's important to consider how you want to receive your money when you retire. With the MyFRS Investment Plan, you can choose a total payout, lifetime monthly checks, or to roll the account over into another retirement account. If you have the Pension Plan, you receive monthly checks.

For More Information

If you'd like more information about MyFRS and saving towards your retirement through the Florida Retirement System, visit the website here.