Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens
WillistonStunning botanical garden built in a reclaimed limestone quarry with waterfalls, bridges, tropical plants, and walking paths. A hidden gem.
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.
Discovery Gardens
TavaresFree 3.5-acre botanical garden at the UF/IFAS Lake County Extension Center featuring 28 themed garden areas with over 700 plant species showcasing Florida-native and Florida-friendly gardening.
Florida Scrub-Jay Trail
ClermontFree nature preserve in Clermont showcasing over 135 bird species including Florida's only endemic species, the Florida Scrub-Jay, plus beautiful gardens and easy hiking trails through sandhill and wetland habitats.
Rogers Park Splash Pad
LeesburgFree splash pad in Leesburg's Rogers Park at Venetian Gardens, providing water play for kids during warm weather months.
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.