Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Citrus County Historical Society
InvernessLocal historical society preserving Citrus County's heritage through exhibits, archives, and educational programs. A resource for anyone curious about the area's past.
Cooter Pond Park
InvernessScenic lakeside park in Inverness with a walking trail, fishing pier, and pavilions. Named after the cooter turtles that call the pond home — look for them sunning on the logs.
Cooter Pond Park & Inverness Historic Downtown
InvernessThe heart of Inverness wraps around Cooter Pond, a small spring-fed pond that's home to the town's beloved cooter turtles. The surrounding downtown features independent shops, local restaurants, and the historic Valerie Theatre. A paved walking loop circles the pond, and the adjacent Depot Museum tells the story of Citrus County's railroad days. Inverness' compact downtown has an authentic small-town Florida charm.
Liberty Park
InvernessLiberty Park opened in 2002 as a city park and was renovated as part of the “Depot District” projects in 2019. Located on the shores of Lake Henderson and the Withlacoochee State Trail, this waterfront City park open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The park features a state-of-the-art playground, restroom facilities, dog waste stations, sidewalks, benches, floating gazebo, parking and lush landscaping.
Old Courthouse Heritage Museum
InvernessBuilt in 1912, this courthouse where Elvis once filmed a movie now houses a local-history museum.
Shirdi Sai Florida Center
InvernessHindu temple and spiritual center in Inverness dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba, hosting prayer services, cultural events, and community gatherings.
Tsala Apopka Lake Chain
InvernessA vast interconnected chain of lakes, pools, and marshes covering over 19,000 acres, Tsala Apopka is one of Florida's most unique waterways. The system is divided into three pools — Floral City, Inverness, and Hernando — connected by channels and the Withlacoochee River. Kayaking and canoeing through the cypress-lined channels feels like paddling through old Florida wilderness. The chain is also outstanding for bass fishing and birdwatching.
Wallace Brooks Park
InvernessHistoric waterfront park on Lake Henderson in Inverness with shuffleboard, walking paths, a scenic dock, and a boardwalk connecting to Liberty Park along the Withlacoochee Trail.