It started with an idea. If you were to call in sick this summer, where in Central Florida would you go? We asked for your input, you voted on your favorite, and that’s where we went: Mount Dora.

Together with Bess Auer from Orlando Travel & Event site, Central Florida Top 5, we planned to spend the day in Mount Dora, to check  out how to make the best of your sick day. And while Bess called me that morning to say she had some surprise personal business to attend to, Brian and I continued on our adventure. We’ll connect with Bess again in the future.

So what can you do in Mount Dora if you call in sick from work?

If it’s your first time to Mount Dora (like it was for me), start your day by checking out the Old Train Station. It’s now the Chamber of Commerce which has friendly folks who can help plan your day.

Old Train Station

Ben Planning His Day

Before you leave, be sure to see the old train schedule machine. In yesterday you would select your city by spinning the dial and finding your route. It’s an original.

Spin the wheel to find your route.

There’s also the old switch that would alert the train that there were passengers to pick up.

Pull the levers to alert the trains

With our day planned, we walked to the lighthouse and relaxed on a nearby bench. Catching a breeze, and taking a break from the hectic pace of live. The lighthouse is the only inland, freshwater lighthouse in Florida.

The Mount Dora Lighthouse

Brian relaxing on a bench

Next up, a stroll down Donnelly Street. This is the main shopping street in town. Antique shops, cafes and other specialty stores could keep you busy browsing and window shopping all afternoon. Piglets Pantry caught my eye and thus I officially started my 2010 Christmas Shopping!

Donnelly Street

For every taste, Mount Dora offers plenty of restaurants. With menus posted outside, I could have indulged all day in ice cream, fudge, wine and real food too! Each restaurant has it’s own unique charm. Multiple return trips to try out these new dining options are definitely in the future.

But on today’s trip, we selected Mt. Dora Sushi. Active on twitter (@MtDoraSushi), and having supported our call in sick initiative, we thought we’d pay them a visit. This was especially an adventure for me since I’ve never had sushi before.

A very comprehensive sushi menu

Bento Box

Ben eating from the BENto Box: California Roll

Prices were right, food was great, portions were excellent; it was a great spot for lunch and a perfect way to end the day.

What’s your favorite restaurant, shop or attraction in Mount Dora?

Today’s Lesson: I’ve lived in Orlando for 5 years now and never made a trip to Mount Dora. Who would have thought that this small city would offer so much. You’ll never know until you make the trip out there yourself. Find a small town in your community and see what adventures you might uncover. With summer quickly coming to an end, take advantage of the beautiful weather and explore a new part of your world.

I’ll see you out there…! Unless I’m sick of course, but I may still see you out there anyway.

Don’t forget, more photos, videos and stories are available on my Facebook Fan Page.

The Essentials

For More Information: If you’d like to call in sick yourself (or just make a day trip on the weekend), check out What To Do In Mount Dora. They’ve got everything you need to plan your day. They’re also on twitter @MountDora.

Attraction Costs: You can make this day as cheap or as expensive as you want. Whatever your budget, you’ll find a way to enjoy the day. We kept things low, but trolley tours, boat tours and other activities are available.

How to get there: You can take OBT all the way up and continue on 441. You’ll see signs. It’s quite easy – but the directionally concerned  should Google it.

Suggested Time to Experience Fully: Depends on your schedule. We were there for about 4 hours. We could easily have made it 6 with the inclusion of more sightseeing or shopping.

Best Time to Visit: Mount Dora is a “festival town” according to the Chamber of Commerce. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. Summer is quiet and hot, while the Spring is their busy season.

Ben Recommends: Make the trip to Mount Dora and explore with your own interests in mind. If you want to shop, shop. It you want to eat, eat. If you want to…(you get the picture). It’s a charming old town that will remind you of days gone by. A break from the scenery and sameness that living in Orlando can sometimes bring.

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Sitting in an auto dealers waiting room isn’t really good for anything except wasting time. But on Saturday, through serendipity I heard on the television that the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile was going to be in Orlando. Now, with 3,000 more miles to go before I needed to sit in that dreaded, shredded, paddingless chair, I charted a course to one of America’s most beloved icons.

Where is the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile?

That’s the question I’ve asked myself many times. Along with the hamburger, I’d say the Oscar Mayer hot dog is America’s culinary gift to the world. Since 1936 this 65mph hot dog has traveled America’s highways and byways. If you’re lucky, perhaps you’ll pass it driving along the road.

This summer the Wienermobile (actually 6 of the Wienermobiles), are traveling the country.You can find out where they are on their map. I stumbled across it in the parking lot of Walgreens in Winter Park, FL.

Most folks had their photo taken outside the vehicle, but I wanted to check out the inside! I asked the lady at the Wienermobile if she could open the side door. She agreed and voila, I was standing in the cab of America’s most beloved icon. In less than 10 minutes I was on my way back home.

Mission Accomplished.

Today’s Lesson: Do something spontaneous. It doesn’t have to be long and take up the whole day. In fact, quick, spontaneous adventures are often the best because you have the rest of the day to do what needs to get done, and, more importantly, they put a smile on your face! What’s the best spontaneous adventure you’ve had? Share by commenting.

Check out the rest of my photos with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile on Facebook. And for more fun you can check out the official blog of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

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What’s an LLC?

An LLC is a Limited Liability Corporation. It basically means I am now working for a business known as Adventures With Ben LLC. It lets me do all sorts of businessy things like sell stuff, generate profit and claim expenses on taxes to maximize profit (even better). It also allows me to spread good cheer with my business idea.

How did You do It?

Easy. I filled out the paperwork online, mailed it to the Florida State Department, filed for a Federal Tax ID number online and voila! I’m a business in less than a workweek. Yet another example of how government can sometimes be efficient!

What Are You Going to Do Now That You’re an LLC?

I’m going to sell stuff. I have a concept inspired from my travels around the globe. Can’t share what it is yet, but stay tuned. I’m currently in negotiations with a distributor.

Why Are You Doing This?

There are lots of reason why I’m becoming an LLC.

1. Generate a second stream of income - Traveling is expensive. You know that. I’ve gotta find a way to support that long-term
2. Diversifying Income is Important – Like your stock portfolio, you should diversify your income. Most individuals only have one source of income. If something should happen to that you’re SOL.
3. To take a risk - I want to do something risky. Not reckless risky, but the live with no regrets kind. If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got. I want to try something different. What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
4. To have an adventure - This will be fun. It will be tough, time-consuming and I have a huge learning curve, but I’m hoping it will all be worth it.

So What’s Next?

Stay tuned at adventureswithben.com or my Facebook Fan Page for my adventures as a small business!

I’ll see you out there…! After I finish adding LLC to every official mention of adventures with ben LLC. (see, that’s the first one)

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Quick, leave work early. Feelgoodz Flip Flops are arriving in Orlando today!

What are Feelgoodz?

Feelgoodz are Flip Flops.

But not just any flip flops; they come from Thailand and are the most comfortable flip flops ever, seriously! I wore them all around Pattaya when I packed them for my trip to Thailand during the Ultimate Thailand Explorers Competition.

My buddy Kyle is the CEO of Feelgoodz and for the last several years has been puttin’ his heart and soul to make them a success. It’s been an incredible adventure as he’ll be quick to tell you. What started out in his parent’s shed in his backyard has exploded into a national sales initiative. You may remember I wrote about them before when I had a chance to Visit the Feelgoodz Flop Cave in New Orleans.

The best part is, he’s taking his flops on a tour around the SouthEast and will be in Orlando today and tomorrow! [we're letter "J" on the map]

Where can I find them in Orlando?

Feelgoodz will be at Whole Foods on the following dates/ times:

Orlando (Sand Lake Road), Monday, July 19th at 4 P.M.

Winter Park, Tuesday, July 20th at 10 A.M.

Why should I buy them?

Aside from the fact that they truly are more comfortable than any other flip flop I’ve worn (and I’m not being paid to say this), these are also socially responsible flip flops.

Natural:
Natural rubber, recycled paper hang tags, cardboard hangers

Comfortable:
Pillow-soft, the most comfortable on the market

Ethical:
Biodegradable, recyclable, fair wages paid to Thai farmers

Conscious:
1st Louisiana B-Corp, 1% for the Planet member

So What Are You Waiting For?

Make a trip to Whole Foods, buy yourself a pair of Feelgoodz and say hi to Kyle. Leave a comment with what pair you bought!

I’ll see you out there…! Steppin’ Easy, Feelin’ Good

For More Information:

You can follow Kyle and Feelgoodz on Twitter @Feelgoodz

He’s also on Facebook

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