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
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.
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.
