At the heart of Ocala lies the Square, the thriving and bustling historic downtown of the district. While Florida is well-known for its many walkable and lively downtowns, The Square is another perfect example found in the city of Ocala, located in Marion County.
The walkability is one of the most appealing aspects of Downtown Ocala, with so much to see, do, and eat just a short walk away from each other. The town square has a large paved octagon with a starburst design paired with grass and trees, while the historic gazebo is a sight for sore eyes, primarily when used for live performances.
Whether you’re visiting the city or planning on living here, Ocala offers some of the best opportunities for horse-riding, kayaking, walking down breath-taking trails, and dipping in crystal clear water, and much more. However, Downtown Ocala is where you will want to be if you’re interested in experiencing dining, live music, craft beer, shopping, and rich culture.
Here are some of the many things that the Square has to offer:
Delicious Food
There is no shortage of eateries surrounding The Square. For delicious seafood and steak, head to Mark’s Prime. To indulge in Southern cooking, Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar is the place to be; make sure to try out their Shrimp and Grits!
For delicious BBQ, check out Big Lee’s Food Truck. Katya’s Vineyard offers wine tasting and a specially curated food menu, while Infinite Ale Works is the brewery for beer lovers, offering more than 34 craft beers and ciders on tap!
A Thousand Hills Farmacy and Cafe is located just off 1st Avenue and offers healthy muffins, bread, go-to meals, and delicious smoothies.
Many Shopping Spots
Head south of the Square is Magnolia Avenue and take a stroll down the paved brick path to come across various locally-owned boutiques. While Ivy on the Square is a southwestern restaurant, one part of it is a chic and posh boutique offering an array of clothes, jewelry, and gifts.
First Fridays in Ocala are a famous event that occurs on the first Friday of every month from September to May between 6-9 pm. The event is free, and many local artists set up their work on the streets, live performances take place, and local shops stay open for longer, along with a lot of fun activities.
Art & Culture
Downtown Ocala is a rich spot to experience the art and culture of the city. The Discovery Center can be found not too far off from the Square, offering workshops, hands-on educational classes, and rotating exhibits for children’s education.
At the north end of Tuscawilla Park lies the Reilly Arts Center, the city’s hub for live performance and theater home to the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and 700 seats for their audience.
The Appleton Museum of Art is a popular cultural center that displays more than 18,000 pieces of rare art and unique artifacts from all over the world. Events and special education classes take place throughout the year for all ages, and rotational exhibits too.
If you’re a flamingo lover or you’re just into quirky art, you can head over to the Official Flamingo Museum started by Cindy Dunlow. With more than 1200 unique flamingo items on display, there’s a lot for you to see, and you can also purchase custom-flamingo flames at her frame shop.
A Massive Local Market
Just a short walk away from the Square is the Ocala Downtown Market set in a beautiful open-market pavilion, with charming fountains, overhead fans, restrooms, and a nearby ATM.
The Ocala Downtown Market is more than just a market for local produce. It’s a place where the community and tourists meet and mingle, apart from indulging in food and local fun events.
The market opens every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm regardless of the weather and offers a lot of opportunities for shopping, food, and events. Different vendors line the market, including local farmers with fresh produce, dairy products, and a range of meat. Different kinds of honey, seafood, and other food items are available.
Craftsmen and artisans also have booths in the market where you can purchase artwork, souvenirs, and even homemade soap and shower products.
Plenty to Do
Apart from shopping and dining, there is an abundance of fun activities to take part in amidst the beauty and lush greenery of Ocala. Here are some of your many options:
- Zipline & treasure hunt – If adventure is what you seek, head over to the Canyon Zip Lines & Canopy Tours with multiple zip lines tours with different views overlooking Ocala. Apart from ziplining, they also offer horseback riding, kayak tours, and wine and chocolate tours. Check out their historic Zuber mine to search for real gems and treasures.
- Explore the National Ocala Forest – Not too far off from Downtown Ocala lies the Ocala National Forest, which spans over 387,000 acres and is home to more than 600 rivers, lakes, and springs. Silver Glen Springs and Salt Springs are some of the largest springs in the forest, with crystal clear water that stays at 72 degrees and is perfect for a soak. Apart from swimming, and kayaking, there are also plenty of picturesque trails in the area leading to the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic Park.
- Partake in Festivities in December – The Square is beautifully decorated and lit up during the holiday season and paints the perfect picture with a giant Christmas tree bang in the center. Almost the entire city shows up for the annual Christmas parade, where they line up with chairs and blankets while the parade strolls down the street.
- Visit the Many Parks – There are plenty of parks in Ocala, inclusive of the Ocala Skatepark, just a short walk away from the Tuscawilla Park. Spend the day skating here with your kids, picnic, or play football in the warm grass. Sholom Park is another tranquil place to visit with beautiful tall trees and well-kept gardens.
Life in Ocala
The city has something for everyone with its many amenities and bustling downtown district that is pet-friendly and filled with many fun activities, shops, and dining experiences awaiting you.
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