Side trips add much to the Ocala lifestyle. The Ocala lifestyle features much more than equestrian pursuits. We are certainly proud of Ocala’s reputation as the horse capital of the world. However, our city is a short journey away from historic communities, amazing state parks, natural springs and sandy beaches. We are also one hundred miles or less away from research zoos, world class amusement parks and fascinating museums. Therefore, our community’s central location creates opportunities for a wide variety of engaging day trips.
Ocala features several outstanding museums. Heading the list is the Appleton Museum of Art. It features over 80,000 square feet of galleries which famously display the world class art collection of industrialist Arthur Appleton. Included are 18th and 19th century masterpieces by American and European artists, an extraordinary contemporary collection and pre Columbian artifacts.
Additionally, The Brick City Center for the Arts, located downtown, features the works of very talented local artists. Of course, its displays change frequently and the art is tastefully displayed. Therefore, it is not surprising that visitors rave about the gallery’s ambiance.
A stone’s throw from our city is the college town of Gainesville. Notably, it is home to the University of Florida, one of the finest state schools in our nation. This community boasts several world class museums as well. They include the Cade Museum of Creativity and Innovation, the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art.
However, side trips to the Dali Museum and Disney’s parks are only withing an hour and a half’s ride away.
The central Florida homes of famous authors make wonderful side trips for those who appreciate both history and literature. Of course, the most renowned writer who forged his career in our state was Ernest Hemingway. His amazing Key West home is featured above. But for Ocala residents, there are three historic sights closer to home …
While festivals are a way of life for small towns and villages throughout the world, they are an important feature of the Ocala lifestyle as well. My wife and I have always taken to heart the admonition of St. Augustine, “Life is a book, and he who does not travel reads but one page.” Therefore, …
The Ocala lifestyle features much more than equestrian pursuits. We are certainly proud of Ocala’s reputation as the horse capital of the world. However, our city is a short journey away from historic communities, amazing state parks, natural springs and sandy beaches. We are also one hundred miles or less away from research zoos, world …