b'The SunnySouth EastI wont stop at Walt Disney World in this article (see focu-sonscugog.com2018-04), but there are many picturesque towns that are worth a second glance. One such city is Mount Dora, located about an hour north of Orlando.With a population of 13,000, this small, picturesque vil-lage has several streets lined with unique clothing boutiques, JONATHAN VAN BILSEN art shops and restaurants. The drive from Orlando to Mount Dora is pleasant. Winding roads lined with trees take you on a leisurely trek, passing horse farms and century homes. Once you arrive in Mount Dora, simply park your car, as With winter not quite ready to release its grip on us, Ithe entire town is within walking distance. I found it similar to thought it might be nice to travel to the American South East,Port Perry, including the friendliness of the people who owned in search of a warmer climate. I have always been fascinated bythe shops.history, and decided to begin my trip to historical CharlestonStart your visit with a tasty lunch in either One Flight Up, and Savannah. I flew with Porter into Savannah, and beganwhich has a balcony on the second floor, overlooking Donnelly my adventure. Street (the main thoroughfare), or enjoy tasty soup and sand-In Savannah, be prepared to be immersed in history. Largewiches at Lets Do Lunch, also located on Donnelly Street. Both antebellum houses line most of the streets in the old city. Manyare great, but there are numerous other eateries as well.have been restored, and are worth a visit. Davenport HouseIf you want a more formal lunch, make your way toward may be the most famous, as it is fully restored, but my favour- the lake (about three blocks), and enjoy a wonderful meal on ite was the Harper Fowlkes House, with its interesting history.the porch of the Lakeside Inn, a hotel, built in 1921. The house was built in 1842, and was neglected for many years, but is now fully restored.Savannah has a pedestrian area known as the City Market, where one can find many eateries, boutiques and of course, pecan shops. It is next to Broughton Street, the main shopping street of the city.Continuing on to Charleston is a pretty drive, especially if you stay off the Interstate highways. Small farmhouses dot the countryside, and quaint villages appear around bends. Beaufort is worth the stop, as it is a seaside town with a spec-tacular beach. Unique shops and eateries are found among many souvenir haunts.Steeped in history, this area is great for strolling along old city streets and visiting amazing plantations. Boone Hall, one of Americas oldest, working homesteads, has been continu-ously growing crops for more than three hundred years.Another plantation, Middleton Place, is also worth a visit, as it has been in existence for over 250 years. There are two lakes with unique outbuildings, and many giant oak trees. The mansion has been fully restored, and the furniture dates back to the original time. Guides explain in detail the workings ofSome of the coral sculptures in the Coral Castle.the plantation, and at times, it seems you have travelled back to a bygone era. Please turn to page 48FOCUS - MARCH 202347'