The horse industry has "foaled" its paradise in Ocala.
The hotel at The Equestrian Center is an elegant and welcoming haven.
Juniper Springs offers crystal clear water and shady retreats.
Food selections are fresh and glorious.
Kayak through the beautiful waterways.
Enjoy dinner while watching the best of international riders and horses compete.
Ziplining at The Canyons
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Time to leave work and worries behind, and just have fun in Ocala/Marion County! Cool off in crystal clear springs, zip line through the trees, explore endless trails at your own pace, and treat yourself to meals, nights, and memories you’ll be talking about for years. So if you’re looking for a place that delivers everything you need for your best vacation ever, it’s safe to say that fun starts here.
EVENTS
Monthly
Monthly (starts October 7)
First Saturday Market in the Park
Dunnellon: Shop local vendors offering everything from meats, cheeses and fresh-baked bread to unique clothing, jewelry and
home décor and more. Pick up a map of participating businesses and continue your shop-local Saturday downtown.
Takes place 10am-2pm at 11899 Bostick St.
MARCH
March 2
Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival
Ocala: Savor the berry with delicious food, a pie eating contest, a kids’ zone and petting zoo, live music and entertainment, shop
230+ market vendors, enjoy a bigger-thanever car show, take a dash in
the Strawberry Jam 5k and more. Free admission, $5 parking donation.
Takes place 9am-5pm at 601 SE 25th Ave.
April 20
Ocala: Celebrate Planet Earth with fun for the whole family, including eco-friendly vendors, tree giveaways, tree and rock climbing, a youth fishing derby, live butterflyf eeding, live entertainment, food trucks and
more! Free. Takes place 10am-2pm at
829 NE Sanchez Ave.
May 6
Ocala: Discover the beauty and horsepower of 200+ exotic, classic and American muscle cars parked on the Grand Plaza, along with live music, craft cocktails, scotch and bourbon tastings, before the fastest
two minutes in sports – a live broadcast
of the Kentucky Derby and
Arabian horse show. Tickets. 11 am - 3 pm. Takes place at 1390 NEW 80th Ave. Info:
RECOMMENDED
Ocala at 53 S Magnolia (352-622-5550);
Williston at 106 NW Mail St (352-528-5410)
Southern food is synonymous with comfort food so it’s not surprising that great Southern recipes, passed down from one generation to the next, are cherished and protected. And that brings us to Marjorie ”Mimi” Hale - the matriarch of the award-
winning “Ivy House Restaurant & Catering” in Williston as well as the new, hip “Ivy On The Square” in downtown Ocala.
Two restaurants, two different vibes but both share the same authentic Southern specialties created from Mimi’s cherished family recipes. You’ll find perennial favorites like homemade Pimento Cheese, Fried Green Tomatoes, Shrimp & Grits and Mimi’s signature Baked Krispy Chicken. Everything here is outrageously good!
48 SW 1st Ave in Ocala.
352-433-2570
Located in historic downtown Ocala, this charming French restaurant is like taking a trip to Paris without having to pack.
Owners Patrice and Elodie Perron source super fresh, high quality ingredients for their sensational European creations.
Specialities include Organic Half Roast Chicken with fresh herbs, black truffle and black truffle au jus; Pan-Seared Sea Scallops with celery root au poivre and a cognac cream sauce; and Herb & Dijon Mustard Crusted Rack of Lamb with demi glace sauce. Save room for dessert because the sweet endings here are the “piece de resistance!”
World Equestrian Center
Ocala Equestrian Operations
352.414.7900
Hotel Reservations: 866.478.9267
1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482
There is no other horse destination like the World Equestrian Center anywhere in the United States. World Equestrian Center – Ocala offers exhibitors, trainers, owners and guests an endless list of Florida horse show amenities for the ultimate Ocala, Florida equestrian resort experience.
