My mother and her husband are celebrating their 10 yr. anniversary this year. Initially, they wanted to visit Hawaii but they didn't feel like they had enough time to enjoy it so now they are considering going back to Orlando. My mother found this town called Mt. Dora and thought it looked kind of neat. Their anniversary is in Dec. Comments on a this town as a sidetrip from Orlando. The other option (which I think sounds more romantic) is Charleston.

Yes, I visit Mt. Dora every year as my mother lives fairly close by. It's cute, a bit cute-sy, pleasant, but not a place I would go out of my way to (in some ways, I prefer the Lake Sumter area of The Villages). I wouldn't really call it romantic though. If they are set on the Orlando area, then it's an ok option. A nice restaurant in Mt. Dora is Pisces Rising.
http://www.piscesrisingdining.com/
Another good restaurant outside of town (past some grubby/nondescript strip malls) is Vic's. Quite good food.

Overall, I think your suggestion of Charleston is much better. Keep plugging for that one!

We visited Mt.Dora and we were not at all impressed. I agree that Charleston would be a much better place.
St. Augustine would also be a great choice.

Thanks for the comments. I had never heard of this place and I was wondering if it might be some hidden gem. I will keep talking to her about Charleston. For some reason my mom has this idea that she would rather see Charleston in summer but I think it would be neat at Christmas because I have read it is decked out with lights. Since their anniversary is right before Christmas it would be ideal. She just has to get her husband off of the "Disney bandwagon."

Mt. Dora seems to me to be an over-hyped, overpriced tourist stop. I would suggest St. Augustine. Lots to see and do there.

It is also nice to visit Winter Park if you are in the Orlando area. The Morse Museum is at the end of Park Blvd. and has an amazing collection of TIffany windows and the Tiffany Chapel from the Columbian Exposition. Well worth a side trip.

To expand upon the previous suggestions to go to St. Augustine, December would be an ideal time because of the "Nights of Lights" and all of the other pre-Christmas festivities. The Grande Illumination (usually held the first Saturday evening in December) is particularly impressive.

How far is St Augustine from Orlando?

It was 2 hours from Jax to Orlando, so take off maybe half an hour for St Aug.

We were going to Mt Dora and some pesky hurricane fouled up those plans..I have heard it is so very charming! ( but a day trip, nothing more).

I like the idea of Charleston so much better though

I agree. 2 hours via I-4/I-95 from Orlando to St. Augustine is a good ballpark figure.

I'll suggest St. Augustine to my mom and see what she thinks. Thanks everyone for the comments.

I have been to both places. My mom and dad live near Mt. Dora and it is cute. Lots of shops, places to eat. But I think St. Augustine was more interesting - especially the fort there.