Local Directory
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Little Something Different
Mount DoraSmall-plates restaurant in the heart of Mount Dora offering globally inspired shareable dishes crafted with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, with 80% of the menu gluten-free friendly.
Marion Cultural Alliance at Brick City Center for the Arts
OcalaDowntown Ocala's leading gallery space with a new art exhibition every 30 days featuring local and regional artists. Free admission, workshops, and performances — the heartbeat of Ocala's creative scene.
Mellow Mushroom Ocala
OcalaFunky pizza joint in downtown Ocala's historic district serving stone-baked specialty pies, 24 draft beers, and craft cocktails. The trippy decor is as fun as the menu, and gluten-free and vegan options are available.
Mount Dora Center for the Arts
Mount DoraCommunity arts hub since 1974 with gallery exhibitions, classes, workshops, and the annual Mount Dora Arts Festival in February that draws 200,000+ visitors. Monthly Art Strolls every 2nd Friday from 6-8pm. Free to visit.
Ocala Downtown Market
OcalaWeekly Saturday farmers market in downtown Ocala near City Hall featuring local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, prepared foods, and live music. Open 9 AM to 2 PM under a covered pavilion — rain or shine. Free to browse.
Palm Island Boardwalk
Mount DoraFree 8-acre nature preserve on Lake Dora with a 1/3-mile boardwalk winding through old-growth live oaks and ancient cypress, offering frequent sightings of alligators, turtles, and wading birds.
Palm Island Park
Mount DoraEight-acre nature preserve on Lake Dora with a winding boardwalk through old-growth oaks, cabbage palms, and cypress. Watch for wading birds, turtles, and gators along the water's edge. Free, open sunrise to sunset.
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.
Rutabagas Cafe
InvernessCafe inside Rutabagas Natural Food Market in Inverness serving organic smoothies, acai bowls, wraps, soups, and salads catering to gluten-free, vegan, keto, and paleo diets.
Santos Trails
Ocala80+ miles of single-track mountain bike trails built on a former rock quarry — one of the top trail systems in the Southeast. Color-coded trails for all skill levels, plus the Vortex Freeride area for adrenaline junkies. Free admission.
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.
Spanish Springs Town Square
The VillagesThe beating heart of The Villages, with free live music and entertainment nightly on the town square. Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and an energy that makes every evening feel like a street festival.
Sweet Alps Ice Cream Inverness
InvernessSwiss-owned ice cream shop in downtown Inverness crafting homemade flavors inspired by the Swiss Alps, including vegan and dairy-free options, plus ice-cream-stuffed donuts, smoothies, and acai bowls.
The Freezer Tiki Bar
Crystal RiverStarted as a literal bait freezer attached to a seafood market, now it's one of the most beloved dive bars on the Nature Coast. Cash only, peel-and-eat shrimp, and the kind of Old Florida atmosphere you can't manufacture. Bring cash.
The Salted Fry
Mount Dora100% gluten-free European-style frite shop in downtown Mount Dora serving Belgian-style fries, fresh-made dipping sauces, panini sandwiches, and their own bourbon-cooked ketchup.
The Splash Pad
Crystal RiverFree public splash pad in downtown Crystal River offering water play for children, located near Heritage Village shops and restaurants.
Waffles & Cream
Mount DoraCreative dessert shop in downtown Mount Dora serving fresh Liege waffle bites, mini donuts, scoop and soft-serve ice cream including dairy-free Dole options.
Warehouse Coffee Co.
Crystal RiverCozy, rustic coffee shop in Spring Hill offering freshly roasted specialty coffees, seasonal drinks, and gluten-free baked goods in a warm, inviting hangout atmosphere.
Webster Westside Flea Market
BushnellOne of the largest and oldest open-air flea markets in Florida, operating every Monday since 1937. Hundreds of vendors spread across 40 acres selling produce, antiques, tools, clothing, plants, and just about everything else. A Central Florida institution. Free admission and parking.
Wildwood Splash Pad
WildwoodFree public splash pad in Wildwood offering water play for kids at Walker Road park.