My husband and I will be attending board meeting at Mission Inn next week in Howey-In-The-Hills. Any personal recommendations for our free night for dinner? Price or attire not an issue either way. Thanks-and sorry if this is a double post, as I lost the original somehow!

I live in the Winter Park area, and I would suggest Del Frisco's for a luxurious steak and/or lobster dinner (very expensive).
http://www.delfriscosorlando.com/
Fleming's steak house is nice as well (off of Lee Road in Winter Park), as is Ruth Chris (in Winter Park Village). Season's 52 in Altamonte Springs is great and a healthier alternative (they specialize in healthy cooking, and all desserts are served in little shot glasses to keep portion size down--of course you can have more than one dessert this way!).

Lacohn, thanks so much-Del Frisco's looks mouth watering! Just did a mapquest as saw how much closer Mt. Dora is. So if anyone has good suggestions for that area, I would also appreciate it!

There's a little pub on the square that was very good and served a great steak. I can't remember the name right now though.

I googled. I think it's the Frosty Mug

http://www.thefrostymug.com/about.htm

What a great looking menu at the Frosty Mug! Thanks for the suggestion, Starrsville. I hear Mount Dora is a nice town for shopping, so it would be good to get in there and see it.

I have a friend who lives there and a friend who lives not far away. They both love the place. It's been 4 years I guess since I was there - but the steak was GREAT!

Get there in time to wander the shops of Mt. Dora.

Agree with lacohn regarding Seasons 52 in Altamonte Springs and Del Frisco's in Winter Park. In the 2006 "Foodie Awards" a poll of Orlando Sentinel readers named Seasons 52 in Altamonte Springs as "Best Overall Restaurant" and "Best American" restaurant. Be sure to phone ahead for reservations. Recommend 1 week or more.

Del Frisco's is a SERIOUS steak house. You will not be disappointed! Bring $$$.

Both are a bit of a drive from Howey-In-The-Hills, but well worth it IMO.

Here's the link for Seasons 52:
http://www.seasons52.com/

Also, if you have time, walk down Park Avenue in Winter Park. It's a beautiful area, with lots of boutiques, cafes, and lined by a lovely park. If you do, you MUST stop into Peterbrooke Chocolate (they have the most wonderful chocolate covered popcorn--try it!! They have free samples inside). Have fun! (Sorry, I don't know much about Mt. Dora, except that there are a lot of antique shops there).

Thanks so much all! How did anyone travel well before Fodors Talk? If there are any shoppers in the room, any recommendations of good shops in Howey-In-the Hills?

I love Seasons 52 too. I especially like their large shot glass approach to desserts - a taste or two.

The best lobster I've ever had was at the Bonefish Grill outside of Winter Park.

I guess it depends what you are in the mood for.

The Goblin Market in Mt Dora is very good as well.
http://www.goblinmarketrestaurant.com/

I'm looking for a nice place to stay in Winter Park for a mother daughter weekend... any ideas??

The historic inn downtown is an interesting step back in time. Rooms with verandahs overlooking the town are wonderful. But, the train can keep some folks awake at night (not me though!)

Oh...I love the Frosty Mug! I have to eat there every time I go to Mt. Dora. It's pretty casual, but the food is fabulous. The gravlax and desserts are to die for.

My mother lives in nearby Leesburg and goes to Mount Dora frequently. One of our favorite spots is Pisces Rising (www.piscesrisingdining.com) I'll be visiting Mom over my birthday and that's where we'll be going.

Outside Mount Dora, Vic's is also quite good, but it's not the most scenic drive...past some strip malls, etc.