A Thriving Downtown
Downtown Ocala continues to grow with new restaurants, new businesses, a second and third hotel in the works and a second parking garage. There is always something new, it seems!

Great Outdoors
Take advantage of our temperate weather to enjoy the great outdoors year-round.
Think of all the parks, golf courses, biking and hiking trails, the Ocala National Forest and more.

Location, location, location
Here in Ocala, you’re just about 60 to 90 minutes away from big city destinations like Orlando and Tampa and all their restaurants, theme parks, sports arenas, concert venues and airports, and the east and west coast beaches. It really is a sweet spot.

Local Restaurants
We are blessed here with so many great local restaurants. If you don’t have a favorite local spot yet, start a goal of one new place a week or month.

Entertainment options
With great venues like The Reilly Center, the Marion Theatre, Ocala Civic Theatre, the Orange Blossom Opry and more, you can find fun stuff to do every weekend.

HCOTW
Yes, we really are the Horse Capital of the World, which means we have access to great equine events at the World Equestrian Center, HITS, the Florida Horse Park and more. You can take a tour of area horse farms, go horseback riding or just drive north on U.S. 441 and enjoy the horse farm views.

Natural Springs
Here some springs, there some springs, everywhere a spring, spring. This summer, make it a point to visit and enjoy all the springs in our backyard like Alexander, Juniper, Rainbow and Salt Springs.

Great Annual Events
Mark your calendars for Symphony Under the Stars, Ocala Arts Festival, Light Up Ocala, Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and the Ocala Christmas Parade.

The Art Scene
Here some art, there some art, everywhere some art, art. It’s so true. Pay attention to the rotating exhibits at the Appleton Museum of Art, Brick City Center for the Arts and the Webber Gallery at the College of Central Florida. And don’t forget the First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Ocala.

Growing Community
I love that we live in a growing community as evidenced by all the new businesses, new apartments, new houses, new roads, new schools and increased traffic. I don’t love the traffic, but I do love finding new shortcuts.