Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Beacon Hill & Lake Harris Trail
LeesburgThe paved Lake Harris Trail connects Venetian Gardens to points north, running along the lakeshore with wide-open water views. The Beacon Hill neighborhood section features canopy oaks and some of Leesburg's oldest homes. At nearly 5 miles one-way, the trail is ideal for cycling or a longer walk. Sunsets over Lake Harris from the trail are consistently stunning.
Dai Niem Xu Thien Vien
LeesburgA 21-acre Vietnamese Buddhist meditation center with statue gardens, lotus ponds, and shaded walking paths. Open daily 8 AM - 5 PM, free admission, all faiths welcome. Free Sunday morning meditation class at 9 AM.
Fishing Pier
LeesburgPublic fishing pier on the waterfront in Leesburg, part of the Venetian Gardens park system, providing bank fishing and scenic lake views.
Gardenia Park Recreation Complex
LeesburgMunicipal recreation complex in Fruitland Park with a swimming pool, racquetball court, skatepark, volleyball court, playground, walking trail, and a renovated community center available for event rentals.
Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room
LeesburgChicago and firefighter-themed craft brewery in historic downtown Leesburg brewing 10 beers on premise, serving authentic Chicago-style eats including Italian beef, hot dogs, and thin crust pizza, with a live music beer garden.
Roger's Park at Venetian Gardens
LeesburgSplash pad, playground, and event pavilion within Venetian Gardens on the Leesburg waterfront, with scenic islands, walking trails, and free admission.
Rogers Park Splash Pad
LeesburgFree splash pad in Leesburg's Rogers Park at Venetian Gardens, providing water play for kids during warm weather months.
Ski Beach Park
LeesburgBeach and swimming area within the Venetian Gardens park system in Leesburg, connecting through walking trails and islands along the lakefront.
The Sipping Garden and Bistro
LeesburgA wine bar and bistro in downtown Leesburg with a garden atmosphere and a curated wine list paired with bistro fare. It's the kind of spot this area has been missing -- relaxed, a little sophisticated, and perfect for a long afternoon.
Venetian Gardens Park
LeesburgA gorgeous 100-acre waterfront park on Lake Harris with arched pedestrian bridges, island walkways, and panoramic lake views. The splash pad, playgrounds, and paved trails make it a perfect family outing.
Vietnamese American Buddhist Association
LeesburgAlso known as Dai Niem Xu Thien Vien (Satipatthana Meditation Center), this serene 21-acre Buddhist sanctuary features a Holy Garden with ten stations of Buddhas representing different stages of his life. Open to visitors of all faiths, the center offers Vipassana meditation practice, mindfulness retreats, and a peaceful escape surrounded by nature just off Highway 27 near Leesburg.