We live south of Orlando, but have friends in Lake Mary and love Mt. Dora. Usually make it there a couple of times a year. They have a great local theater group, charming downtown shopping/eating area. Traffic does get very bad when they have their big art show in early February. On the outskirts, there is also a large flea market/antiques market. There are a few other drawbacks, but lots of pluses to be in that general area. Look up the Quilt Shop of Deland for a real lure for that area. I think you will be very happy there. As I said, we are just south of Orlando, near to Disney so more traffic, but warmer weather - both summer and winter.