Local Directory
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Moschello's Pizza
Crystal RiverSignature & straightforward NY-style pizza, plus pasta, ribs & subs in a casual strip-mall setting.
Nature Coast Bar and Grill
Crystal RiverCasual bar and grill on Yulee Drive in Homosassa serving American pub fare and drinks.
Ocala Wetland Recharge Park
Ocala200-acre wetland park with walking trails, boardwalks, and observation decks over restored wetlands. A surprisingly scenic spot for birding and nature walks right in Ocala.
Palatlakaha River Park & Boat Ramp
Clermont23-acre park on the Palatlakaha River in Clermont with boat ramps to the Clermont Chain of Lakes, two fishing piers, a playground, and a mile-long nature trail through wetland and scrub habitat.
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.
Prime + Ember
The VillagesUpscale signature steakhouse at Eastport Town Center featuring prime cuts, fresh seafood, and hand-crafted cocktails, with a rooftop bar overlooking Central Lake and live music.
Recreation & Nature Park
Mount DoraNature-focused recreation area in the Mount Dora area with walking trails and green space for outdoor activities.
Sabal Bluff Preserve
LeesburgA 55-acre nature preserve on the shores of Lake Griffin in Leesburg with 2 miles of hiking trails, scenic bluff overlooks, and excellent birding and wildlife viewing. No pets allowed.
Singing River Tour
DunnellonUnique eco-tour on the Rainbow and Withlacoochee Rivers in Dunnellon combining nature education and Florida history with original live music aboard a covered, handicap-accessible 40-foot pontoon boat.
Southern Hills Plantation Club
Crystal RiverPrivate golf and country club in Brooksville featuring a Pete Dye Signature 18-hole championship course rated among the top 100 residential courses in the U.S., with dining, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, and pool.
Tavares Ecological Park
Tavares101-acre passive nature park in Tavares with a 2-mile loop trail through pine groves, a pavilion, picnic areas, and excellent birding including ospreys, herons, and ibis.
Tavares Nature Park
TavaresNature park in Tavares offering walking trails, green space, and outdoor recreation along Milwaukee Avenue.
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.
Troy Samuel Cumming Nature Preserve
Crystal RiverNature preserve along Yulee Drive in Homosassa offering trails through native Florida habitat for hiking and wildlife observation.
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.
Wilderness Park
Crystal RiverNature preserve with picnic areas, over 60 mi. of forest trails & a river for canoeing & fishing.
Wolf Branch Brewing Co.
LeesburgFamily-owned, veteran-operated brewpub on Main Street in Leesburg offering house-brewed craft beers and a menu of sandwiches including their signature Cuban.
Yulee Nature Preserve
Crystal RiverNature preserve offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing through native Florida habitats.