Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Shirdi Sai Florida Center
InvernessHindu temple and spiritual center in Inverness dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba, hosting prayer services, cultural events, and community gatherings.
Sholom Park
OcalaA 44-acre public garden and park in the On Top of the World community in Ocala. Features walking paths, formal gardens, water features, and the popular Spring Strings outdoor concert series. Free admission.
Showcase of Citrus
ClermontFlorida’s Fresh Air Attraction on US-27 in Clermont. Features citrus groves, monster truck rides, a gem mining sluice, u-pick fruit, and seasonal events including Easter egg hunts and a fall corn maze. A family favorite for visitors and locals.
Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center
OcalaHidden gem inside Silver Springs State Park with 12,000 years of Florida history — prehistoric artifacts, rare fossils, and a pioneer cracker village with historic cabins and a one-room schoolhouse. Open to the public on weekends only.
Silver Springs State Park Glass Bottom Boat Tours
OcalaThe original glass-bottom boat experience, running since the 1870s. Thirty-minute tours depart every 15-20 minutes, with extended 90-minute deep tours at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Book ahead — they sell out.
Silver Springs State Park Paddling Adventures
OcalaKayak and canoe rentals on the crystal-clear Silver River inside Silver Springs State Park. Paddle through one of Florida's most pristine waterways with chances to spot manatees, turtles, and monkeys.
Snorkeling With Manatees
Crystal RiverGuided snorkeling tours in Homosassa offering in-water manatee encounters with provided gear and expert guides, departing from the east side of the marina on Cherokee Way.
Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse
Mount DoraStoried 270-seat performing arts center since 1958 showcasing community theater & musicals.
Strong Tower Vineyard & Winery
Crystal RiverCertified Florida Farm Winery in Spring Hill growing Norton and Muscadine grapes since 2001, offering tastings, vineyard tours, and Friday evening food truck events on the veranda.
Summerall Park
TavaresCommunity park in Tavares on Wells Avenue with green space, walking areas, and recreation facilities.
Sumter County Fairgrounds
BushnellHome to the annual Sumter County Fair and host to flea markets, car shows, rodeos, and community events throughout the year.
Sumter County Historical Society Museum
BushnellSmall museum in the Old Library Building in Bushnell dedicated to collecting and preserving the history of Sumter County, open Fridays from 1-4 PM.
Tavares History Museum
TavaresSmall history museum inside a replica of Tavares' original 1800s train station, featuring railroad artifacts, local memorabilia, and displays honoring Tavares High School and historic homes.
Tavares Nature Park
TavaresNature park in Tavares offering walking trails, green space, and outdoor recreation along Milwaukee Avenue.
Tavares Park
TavaresLakeside park featuring a play structure, a seaplane-themed splash pad (fee) & picnic areas.
Tavares Theater Inc.
TavaresCommunity theater in Tavares staging musicals, comedies, and dramas throughout the year. A local cultural gem with talented performers and an intimate setting.
The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park
OcalaFlorida's only true canopy tour — soar up to 155 feet high on zip lines reaching 1,150 feet long over old limestone quarry canyons and spring-fed lakes. Kayaking and horseback riding too. Tours start at $59.
The Lakeside Inn
Mount DoraOperating continuously since 1883, the oldest continuously operated hotel in Florida. Past guests include Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and President Eisenhower.
The Museum Cafe
Crystal RiverCuban cafe and printing museum on Yulee Drive near the Sugar Mill Ruins, serving hand-crafted Cuban sandwiches on authentic Ybor City bread, black beans and rice, and cafe con leche.
The Renaissance Building
Mount DoraA reputedly haunted grand hotel built in 1922 & renovated as a restaurant & art studios.
The Villages Polo Club
The VillagesWatch fast-paced polo matches on a 250-acre facility in the heart of The Villages. Tailgate on the sidelines, stomp the divots at halftime, and enjoy a quintessential Florida Sunday afternoon.
Three Sisters Springs Visitors Center for Swimming with Manatees
Crystal RiverPreserved area of springs & natural habitat for manatees with a boardwalk & trolleys for viewing.
Tom Varn Park
Crystal RiverSpacious park with open & forested areas, a fitness course, basketball softball & racquetball.
Trimble Park
Mount DoraLakeside park with picnic & camping areas, plus a playground, trails & docks in scenic surrounds.