On the shores of Lake Dora sits the majestic and historic Lakeside Inn

In the early 1880's Mount Dora was known as Royellou. The town consisted of no more than a post office. The postmaster Ross Tremain named the lakeside outpost after his three children; Roy, Ella and Louis.

The sixteen families who lived along the shore of Lake Dora decided the town needed a hotel. It was about this time Royellou was renamed Mount Dora. "Mount" for the uncommon attribute (for Florida) of being 184 feet above sea level.

Town Father John Alexander entered into a partnership with Annie MacDonald Stone Donnelly, wife of John P. Donnelly, and Colonel John A. MacDonald to open the Alexander House in 1883. The Alexander Inn still stands as Lakeside Inn's most historic building.

In 1893 the Alexander Inn was sold to Miss Emma Boone who changed the name to Lake House. At this time guests arrived by rail to the inn's backdoor. In 1903 Lake House was renamed The Lakeside Inn by Emma Boone and her new husband George D. Thayer.

The Lakeside Inn enjoyed its heyday in the 1920's despite prohibition. It is rumored the inn served as a speak-easy. (Possible evidence to the rumor is the secret passage in the lobby.)

In 1924 Charles Edgerton purchased the inn and remained the owner for 55 years. He added three buildings to the inn; The Sunset, The Gables and The Terrace. In 1930, President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the new buildings during his post-retirement vacation at the inn.

The Lakeside Inn has entertained the likes of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

In 1979 the inn closed for the winter season for the filming of Honky Tonk Freeway, a John Shlesinger film. The inn was painted pink and an Indian elephant was shipped in and taught to water ski on Lake Dora for the film.

The inn boasts 86 guestrooms divided among the four historic buildings. Visitors can count on a peaceful stay with views of beautiful Lake Dora while the inn offers all conveniences of a modern premier resort.

Looking to visit Mount Dora, Florida? Find out more information or make reservations: http://lakeside-inn.com