“home.” But this didn’t go over very well with the local town authorities. She was ordered to ensure that the wall matched her house, originally a white stucco building. With a smile, the only match which she could conceive of was painting the house in the same manner as the wall – then the wall and house would match, thereby satisfying the town’s mandate! So she hired an artist to continue The Starry Night theme over the walls of the entire building. The city retaliated by fining the owner $10,000 because the painted house was “an illegal sign in violation of Mount Dora’s ordinances.” Soon, the town and owner were embroiled in a legal fight which, it appeared, nobody was going to win. However, the house became such a feature that eventually the town relented, formally apologized and awarded the owners a settlement of $15,000. The rest, as they say, is history – an added benefit for the many tourists visiting Mount Dora to enjoy. If you don’t take the trolley, to see the house, drive west on 6th Avenue until it turns north alongside U.S. 441...and look to your left. There, painted on the side of the tall house, is a full-sized painting of Van Gogh’s famous work. We hope that you have enjoyed this short visit to Florida’s most picturesque town and, if you decide to visit, don’t forget to go and enjoy The Starry Night. Resources If driving from the east side of Mount Dora, on I-441, take exit 39 and travel west on SR46 for 1 km (.6 mile); turn right onto N Highland St; After 4 blocks, turn left onto East Fifth Ave. Drive west to Tremain Ave where you can follow the yellow road on the map, to the Visitor Center. An easier way? Just enter Mount Dora in your car’s GPS system. Once there follow the yellow road on the map to the following: Mount Dora Visitor Center - inside the Chamber of Commerce, 341 N. Alexander St (opposite the British Pub and just before the Railroad tracks). Hours: Mon – Sat: 9am – 5pm, Closed Sunday. Phone: 352-383-2165 Mount Dora Transit 230 W 4th Ave. Phone for information and arrange your pickup : 352-409-8722 Pickup: the Sunset Park on corner of Alexander and 4th. 22 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
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