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
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.
CALENDAR 2022
EXPLORE
LODGING
RECOMMENDED
NEARBY
Weekly
Farmer’s Market (Thursdays)
Shop a fabulous selection of fresh, seasonal produce from local growers, baked goods, plants, handmade products and more. Free. 9am-1pm.
8405 SW 80th St.
Info: https://www.circlesquarecommons.com/visitors/
Marion County Market (Fridays)
Make this your Friday lunch or dinner stop for fresh produce, seafood or mouthwatering pastries, several varieties of olive oils and vinaigrettes, beef jerky or freeze-dried candies and fruit snacks, just perfect for the weekend. Free. 9am-2pm.
610 SE 25th Ave.
Info: ocalamarion.com
Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series (Fridays)
Enjoy a weekly concert series featuring live music from national, regional and local artists in various genres, cultural arts displays and public art in an outdoor green space. Free. 7-9pm.
1501 Silver Springs.
Info: https://www.ocalafl.org/
Yoga in the Park (Saturdays)
Renew your spirit and find your center for the week ahead with an invigorating outdoor yoga class taught by certified instructors. Free. 9am. 7110 SW 80th Ave.
Info: www.sholompark.org/
Ocala Downtown Market (Saturdays)
Kick off your weekend with a variety of vendors and local farmers featuring produce, goat and dairy products, meats, honey, seafood, soaps and so much more. Free. 9am-2pm.
SE 3rd St. and SE 3rd Ave.
Info: https://ocaladowntownmarket.com/
USEF Summer Horse Show Series (Saturdays through Aug. 13)
Experience the thrills as top show jumpers and riders compete in this international weekly competition under the lights in the Grand Arena for a $100,000 grand prize. Tickets. 6pm. 1390 NW 80th St.
Info: https://worldequestriancenter.com/
Ocala Polo (Saturdays through Aug. 20)
Bring the family for a tailgate dinner followed by a night of equine speed and agility as ponies and riders compete for prizes in one of the world’s oldest known sports. Don’t miss the divot stomp following the match! Tickets. 6pm. 11008 S Hwy 475.
Info: https://www.ocalapolo.com/
Monthly
Free First Saturday
Appleton Museum of Art
Practice the art of the staycation and visit the permanent collection and special exhibitions, get creative in the Artspace, enjoy a selfie or two in the sculpture garden, and grab a bite from visiting food trucks. Free. 10am-5pm. 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
Info: www.appletonmuseum.org
June 18 & 19
Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people with a city proclamation, food, live music, networking, vendors and more. Free. Sat: 10am-4pm; Sun: 11am-4pm. 1510 N.W. 4th St.
Info: https://www.ocalafl.org/
June 26
USEF Grand Prix
Experience the thrills of nationally-ranked equestrians as they compete for the $50,000 grand prize aboard top show jumpers in this USEF-rated competition. Tickets. 8-10am. 1390 NW 80th St.
Info: https://worldequestriancenter.com/
June 29
Caribbean Cruise at the Market
Wear your best island or tropical attire and experience a special Wednesday market featuring live music in the style of Jimmy Buffett, a bounce house, food trucks and more! Free. 4-8pm.
SE 3rd St. and SE 3rd Ave.
Info: https://tinyurl.com/3muk5fy9
July 2 -4
American Freedom Festival
Celebrate a weekend of independence with live music, arts and crafts, a kid’s zone, food vendors, glass bottom boat tours, kayaking, hiking, RV’s, camping and more, all inside Silver Springs State Park. $1 park admission, free parking. 5656 Silver Springs Blvd.
Info: https://www.ocalamarion.com/events
July 2
Uncle Sam Bike Jam
Enjoy bikes, live music and food trucks, feel the thrills with big air, best whip and trick contests, raffle drawings and more. Or take a guided ride along more than 100 miles of MTB trails. Free. 10am-3pm.
9150 SE 25th Ave.
Info: https://www.ocalamarion.com/events
July 3
Red, White and Ocala Symphony Blue
Celebrate our nation’s 246th birthday with patriotic marches, film music from The Patriot, and a special salute to our troops, plus your favorite music that reverberates red, white and blue! Tickets. 3 pm. 500 NE 9th St.
Info: https://www.reillyartscenter.com/
July 23
Darryl Worley
Don’t miss an evening with this Dreamworks recording artist as he performs memorable hits, including “Aweful Beautiful Life”, “I Miss My Friend”, “Sounds like Life To Me” and the powerful 9/11 Tribute Ballad “Have You Forgotten.” Tickets. 7pm. 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale.
Info: https://www.obopry.com/
August 13
North Central FL Outdoor Expo
The place to be for outdoorsy, adventure-seeking, nature lovers featuring recreational ideas and destinations, including fishing, axe throwing, shooting, camping, river getaways, motorcycles and more. Free. 9am-3pm.
1390 NW 80th Ave.
Info: https://tinyurl.com/59btz46n
August 26-28
Ocala Dressage XIV
Experience the beauty and precision as incredibly disciplined riders and horses dance through various routines to qualify for the regional championships
Tickets. 8am.
1390 NW 80th St.
Info: https://worldequestriancenter.com/
September 2 & 3
Ocala Shrine Rodeo
Saddle up for a weekend of thrilling skill and entertainment featuring bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding and more! Tickets. 7:30pm.
2200 NE Jacksonville Rd.
Info: https://www.ocalashrinerodeo.com
September 9
After Dark in the Park Movie Series
It’s movie time! Bring the family and enjoy a night off with The Karate Kid in one of Ocala’s city parks. Snacks, popcorn and soda available for purchase and don’t forget blankets or chairs for comfortable viewing. Free. 8pm.
500 NE 9th St.
Info: https://www.ocalafl.org/
September 16
The Grass Roots
One of the most recognized groups on classic rock radio for the last 50 years, this record-setting quartet lands in Ocala for a night of hits including “Midnight Confessions,” “The River is Wide,” “Temptation Eyes,” “Sooner or Later” and more. Tickets. 7pm. 8395 SW 80th Ave.
Info: https://www.csculturalcenter.com/
September 17 & 18
Ocala Comic Con
Dive into the world of cosplay, comic books and gaming! Meet TWD’s Ross Marquand, The Book of Boba Fett’s Dorian Kingi, Swamp Thing’s Mike Spicer, media guests and more. Tickets. Sat: 10am-6pm; Sun: 11am-6pm.
1750 Northwest 80th Ave.
Info: http://www.ocalacomiccon.com/
September 18
History of Latin American Music
Appleton Museum of ART
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with an afternoon of live Latin American music paired with oral histories, teaching us what makes it different and special in its own meaning. Free. 2-3:30pm.
4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
Info: appletonmuseum.org
September 29 – October 16
2022 Championship Show
Enjoy an exciting mix of competitions featuring western pleasure, barrel racing, hunter, reining, ranch riding and more. A second weekend – Oct. 21 & 22 – is also scheduled. Tickets. 8am. 1390 NW 80th Ave.
Info: https://worldequestriancenter.com/events/
October 6
Girls Night – The Musical
Follow five friends as they visit their past, celebrate their present, and look to the future on a wild and hilarious night…and you’ll recognize yourself in each of them! Accompanied by hits like “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man I Feel Like A Woman,” “I Will Survive” and more! Tickets. 7pm.
8395 SW 80th St.
Info: https://www.csculturalcenter.com
October 15
What A Night! Jersey Boys Meet Mamma Mia
The most acclaimed and celebrated “pop” sensations to hit the Broadway stage in the past 20 years, the combination of ABBA and the Jersey Boys create an incredible mega-concert with one of the most sensational musical finales you’ll ever see! Tickets. 3pm Matinee only.
8395 SW 80th St. Info: https://www.csculturalcenter.com
October 20
Park After Dark Concert Series
Discover the original and traditional sounds of Istanbul from Daryal Kafkasso and Moonspell right in your own backyard. Bring a lawn chair, pack some snacks or grab a dinner from a food truck, it’s time to relax. Tickets $15. 6pm.
7110 SW 80th Ave.
Info: www.sholompark.org/
October 21 & 22
2022 Championship Show
Enjoy an exciting mix of competitions featuring western pleasure, barrel racing, hunter, reining, ranch riding and more. Tickets. 8am.
1390 NW 80th Ave.
Info: https://worldequestriancenter.com/events/
October 28
After Dark in the Park Movie Series
It’s movie time! M. Night Shyamalan’s suspenseful thriller The Village brings the thrills and chills just in time for Halloween. Snacks, popcorn and soda available for purchase and don’t forget blankets or chairs for comfortable viewing. Free. 8pm. 3925 E Fort King St.
Info: https://www.ocalafl.org/
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.
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.
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.
4610 SW 49th Rd, Ocala, FL 34474
352-369-4610
3530 SW 36th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
352-861-1137
3610 SW 38th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
352-547-1600
4100 SW 40th St, Ocala, FL 34474
352-500-0501
3530 Sw 36th Avenue
Ocala Fl 34474
352-861-1132
3580 SW 38th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
352-390-6999
At the heart of World Equestrian Center – Ocala, we invite you to the latest paragon in luxury accommodations. The Equestrian Hotel is a prestigious venue that assures guests an unforgettable stay.
The grand lobby has 20-foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, Mahogany and Italian porcelain throughout the entire first floor. Worldly inspirations are found beyond the lobby, adorning each of the hotel’s five stories. Each floor has a large, elevator lobby featuring an art gallery which showcases the work of local artists.
Guests can enjoy the luxurious rooms and suites while immersing themselves in the equestrian lifestyle. Watch world-class equestrian sport, relax in the spa or by the pool, or explore the variety of shopping and dining options available on-site. Please view our hotel policy on pets before planning your visit.
The Equestrian Hotel
8510 NW 17th Lane,
Ocala, Fl 3448
3720 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474
352-237-0715
3712 SW 38th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
352-237-8000
4101 SW 38th Ct, Ocala, FL 34474
352-861-8400
3601 SW 38th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
352-867-0300
3600 SW 36th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
352-854-1400
3600 SW 38th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
352-629-9500
Ivy On The Square
Ocala at 53 S Magnolia (352-622-5550);
Williston at 106 NW Mail St (352-528-5410). | Ivy On The Square
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!
La Cuisine
48 SW 1st Ave in Ocala. (352-433-2570) | lacuisineocala.com
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.
Two Different Vibes - Same Terrific Food
Two highly acclaimed restaurants.
Two different vibes.
One thing in common: great southern-inspired food and gracious hospitality.
In Williston, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time when you settle down for lunch or supper at the original award-winning “Ivy House Restaurant & Catering” which is situated in a charming, turn of the century Victorian home furnished with gorgeous period pieces.
In downtown Ocala, the new “Ivy On The Square,” exudes hip, urban sophistication with a lavish dessert bar, massive chandeliered cocktail bar and a posh new boutique just across the street.
In both locations, owner Marjorie ”Mimi” Hale, along with her two daughters and granddaughters, set the stage for a gracioius southern style meal to remember. The dishes, many of which are created from cherished family recipes, are simply prepared but absolutely outstanding.
Mimi’s signature Baked Krispy Chicken, BBQ Shrimp & Grits and
Fried Green Tomatoes are some of the most popular picks on the restaurants’ big menus which also include lots of fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks, as well as an extensive selection of glutenfree items.
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.
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