I’ve been coming to Renniger’s Mount Dora for over 3 decades from downtown Orlando. And, while I’ve found other exceptional (and higher-end) antique markets around the U.S., Renniger’s continues to be on of my favorites. The dealers are collaborative - they help each other sell, often times looking after each other’s booths on Friday’s when most dealers aren’t there. And I’ve always found them to be eager to deal and assist with helping you carry things to your vehicle, when possible. Security and staff assistants are also helpful.

The enormous layout of Renniger’s may overwhelm first-timers, while the aisles could be better signed that coincides with a pamphlet of the dealer’s booths. The treelined outdoor areas are especially charming, where you might feel as though you’r in a small village. Indeed, this is the kind of place that’s meant to be enjoyed when you’re not in a hurry.

Most antiques and vintage items here are not high-end, so don’t expect to find the same level of quality as you would in Charleston SC or the likes thereof. However, you will find better quality plated-silver pieces, lamps, crystal and glassware throughout the market. There’s even some reputable Highwaymen painting dealers who sell at fair market value. I’ve found lamps, artwork, table settings, Arts & Crafts chairs, art nouveau, art deco and moderne, classical and modern decorative pieces at reasonable prices.

The Extravaganza is always super crowded - more suitable for regular patrons, as newbies will most likely be an overwhelming experience. Plan to go on Saturday’s and Sunday’s when most dealers staff their booths, and anticipate many of them closing -p early Sunday afternoons. There’s also a food concession that’s good enough to eat while shopping, so you don’t have to leave the grounds and come back later.

My biggest complaint has to do with the extremely loud outdoor stage speakers, where live music (and recorded) not only blasts into the indoor areas, but also the bass is so loud that it takes away from a more relaxing shopping experience - even a number of the indoor dealers have complained about the music to their customers. The music and bass can be turned-down enough, so that the audience will still fully appreciate the entertainment. To be more forthcoming, this is occasional - but still awful when it does happen.

If you’re coming to Mount Dora to see the quaint town and exceptional dining, then try to save a morning or afternoon for Renniger’s - you won’t find any larger antique mall in Florida quite like this one.