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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Ocala
"Horse Country"
Current Issue
OCALA
Horse Capital of the World®
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.
For anyone who is familiar with Ocala, Florida, they likely already know that this rural central area of the state has been dubbed the “Horse Capital of the World.” For miles upon miles, visitors will see board fences, beautiful barns, plus sleek horses grazing in green pastures. But if you’re not quite ready to ride in the 500-acre Florida Horse Park, also known as the official training site for the United States Equestrian Team, then don’t worry, we have something else for you. Take a guided leisurely trail ride throughout the countryside from Cactus Jack’s in Florida.
CALENDAR 2024
EXPLORE
GOOD EATS
WEEKLY
Downtown Market (Sat)
Shop 80+ vendors and local farmers offering organic produce, goat and dairy products, meats, honey, preserves, seafood, soaps, handcrafted gifts, jewelry, fresh flowers, food trucks and so much more at this family and pet-friendly open-air market. Free. 9am-2pm. Takes place on SE 3rd St and SE 3rd Ave.
Ocala Polo (Sat)
Bring a picnic dinner or enjoy a Saturday tailgate from onsite food trucks followed by a night of amazing equine speed and agility as ponies and riders compete for prizes in one of the world’s oldest known sports. Don’t miss your chance for a halftime divot stomp “Pretty Woman” style! Tickets.
Takes place 6pm at 11008 S Hwy 475.
MONTHLY
Third Thursday Sip and Shop
Ocala: Discover a fun night of shopping and drinks in downtown Ocala! Merchants and restaurants stay open until 8pm for shopping with complimentary cocktails. Show your receipt from participating retailers and get 15% off at select downtown eateries and bars. Free. Takes place 5-8pm in Downtown Ocala.
Free First Saturday
Ocala: Start your month of culture with masterpieces from the museum’s permanent collection, enjoy special exhibitions, visiting artists and performers, get creative in the Artspace and enjoy a selfie or two in the sculpture garden before sampling fare from visiting food trucks. Free.
Takes place 10am-5pm at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
JUNE
June 15
The American Ride: A Tribute to Toby Keith
Enjoy this tribute from a performer who so closely resembles the Big Dog Daddy, they could easily be mistaken for one another. Mike Sugg’s shows center around Keith’s good time country party music, including “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” to “Peso In My Pocket” and more! Tickets. Takes place 7:30pm at 500 NE 9th St.
June 30
Red, White and OSO Blue: Salute to Our Troops
Celebrate our nation’s 248th birthday with a special salute to veterans featuring a stunning showcase of all-time favorite patriotic marches and musical scores that evokes all the feels of red, white, and blue! Tickets. Takes place 3 pm at 500 NE 9th St.
JULY
July 6
Independence Cup
Bring the family, friends and pets for a star-spangled demonstration of amazing equine strength, agility and communication between horse and rider as teams compete for the crown during this annual holiday polo match! Make it a tailgate to remember with a packed picnic dinner or delicious bites from onsite food trucks. Tickets. Takes place 6pm at 11008 S Hwy 475.
July 12
The Great American Soulbook
Delight your senses with a journey through the decades of Motown, R&B, and other iconic soulful music that has inspired generations, including The Temptations, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Luther Vandross and so many more. Tickets. Takes place 7:30pm at 500 NE 9th St.
SEPTEMBER
September 21 & 22
Comic Con
Dive into the world of cosplay, comic books and gaming with trading card games, the Jurassic Park replica JEEP,
special guests Ivanna Sakhno, Spencer Wilding, Steven Strait, Ray Park and more. Tickets.
Takes place Sat: 10am-6pm; Sun: 11am-6pm at 1284 NW 87th Court Rd.
NOVEMBER
November 10
You’ll lose your mind over this band of 5,000-year-old Egyptian mummies as they delight audiences with their mysterious personas and terrifying funk-rock from beyond the grave sure to bend your brain and melt your face. Special guests The Toxhards. Tickets. Takes place 7:30pm at 500 NE 9th St.
Ocala has a wealth of other notable attractions including Silver Springs State Park, known for the famous glass-bottom boats allowing visitors to see the crystal clear waters from the actual Silver Spring.
The park was also the filming location for many of the Tarzan movies. The natural setting served as the perfect background for jungle scenes. Silver Springs was also the backdrop for The Creature from the Black Lagoon and Sea Hunt films, to name a few.
Silver Springs State Park is located on the western edge of the Ocala National Forest and attracts tourists to explore the many hiking trails, first magnitude springs like Juniper Springs, and other pursuits of ecotourism. Spend time at the Lake George Ranger District office learning more about what the forest has to offer visitors
History buffs will be drawn to the Fort King National Historic Landmark which was the site used by the Army during the Seminole War. In 2004, the site was designated as a national historic landmark. The site includes a replica of the original fort from the 1830’s, an interpretive walking trail and a visitor’s center.
Reilly Arts Center showcases a variety of live entertainment including a comedy show, a symphony concert, or a national dance tour. Tickets are definitely in high demand to attend an event at this versatile venue.
In addition, other entertainment options include laughing the night away at Bonkerz Comedy Club. The venue showcases a full lineup of comics from around the country. Bonkerz is located at the Ocala Breeders Sales and Racebook. And don’t forget that Ocala is located north of Disney, Universal Studios and SeaWorld theme parks, to name a few. We’re sure you will find lots of things to do in Ocala, Florida and the surrounding area.
If you are looking for things to do in Ocala, Florida, discover the Brick and the local art scene.
A must-visit for art lovers is the Appleton Museum of Art operated by the College of Central Florida. The museum is considered a preeminent institution in the southeast U.S. The Appleton, which opened to the public in 1987, was a gift to the Ocala community from Arthur I. Appleton who operated Bridlewood Farm where he bred and trained thoroughbred horses.
ENTERTAINMENT
Take in dinner and a movie while visiting downtown Ocala. The historic Marion Theatre, showing first-run films, is within close walking distance to many of the restaurants in the downtown area. Also, catch the latest movies at Regal Hollywood Stadium 16 & IMAX.
When making your arrangements to visit the area, check out the schedule for the Ocala Civic Theatre to take in a live-stage production. The community theatre, located in the Appleton Cultural Center, features approximately 12 local productions each year.
MORE THINGS TO DO IN OCALA, FLORIDA
Don’t pass up the chance to get close-up to a collection of fast rides at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing. Garlits, known as “Big Daddy,” holds 17 world championship titles during more than 40 years of racing. He has won the NHRA National event an impressive eight times in his career.
Golf enthusiasts can take a break from the show ring and tee off on the 18-hole championship course at Ocala National Golf Club at Golden Hills which is just a short drive away. As you can see, there is plenty to keep you busy during a show.
The Ocala National Golf Club at Golden Hills is a short drive away so visitors can get a game in and still be close to the action at World Equestrian Center. As you can see, there is plenty to keep you busy during a show.
352-854-1400
3600 SW 36th Ave | Ocala Fl 34474
Arthur's is Ocala's favorite spot for Sunday Brunch and breakfast. We offer a hearty daily breakfast buffet. On Sundays, the tradition of gathering together for brunch is celebrated with a vast selection of entrees, seafood stations and fresh, local items. Join us for Sunday Brunch and see why the locals choose Arthur's.
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!
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.
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