Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park Visitor Center
Crystal RiverVisitor center for the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park on Suncoast Boulevard, serving as a gateway to the park's manatee viewing and native wildlife exhibits.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Crystal RiverHome to rescued Florida wildlife including manatees, black bears, and the famous hippo Lu. The underwater Fish Bowl Observatory lets you watch manatees and fish from below the surface.
House of Blues Orlando
Live music venue at Disney Springs. Standing room and seated shows. ~2,200 capacity.
Hunter Springs Kayaks
Crystal RiverPremier kayak and paddleboard rental outfitter in downtown Crystal River offering single and tandem kayaks, SUPs, clear bottom crafts, and guided manatee eco-tours during season (November through March).
Hunter Springs Park
Crystal RiverThis wooded park is named for its natural springs & popular for a cozy beach with a kayak launch.
Island Girl Cruises
Crystal RiverNarrated 2-hour pontoon boat tours on the Homosassa River led by a USCG-licensed captain, visiting Monkey Island, local springs, and wildlife viewing points.
Juniper Springs
OcalaA hidden gem inside Ocala National Forest, with a stone-lined swimming area fed by a 72-degree spring. The 7-mile Juniper Springs Run canoe trail winds through one of Florida's most scenic subtropical corridors.
Kaceys Custom Adventures Kayak Rentals and Tours
Crystal RiverClear kayak and paddleboard rental outfitter at Pete's Pier Marina, the closest shop to Three Sisters and Hunter Springs, offering manatee kayak tours including sunset and glow tours.
King Spring
Crystal RiverOne of 28 natural springs in Kings Bay, part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and a major destination for wintering manatees.
Marion County Library Headquarters
OcalaMain branch of the Marion County Public Library System on Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala. Offers a full range of library services including book clubs, computer access, educational programs, and community meeting spaces.
Marketplace at Manatee Springs
Crystal RiverRecently renovated shopping center in downtown Crystal River with retail shops, dining options, and the largest parking capacity in the area, attracting over 400,000 annual visitors.
McCall's Tavern
The VillagesLive music in a pub atmosphere right on the square at Spanish Springs. Easy to pair with dinner and enjoy the nightly entertainment.
Michael Anthony's Pizza
Crystal RiverFamily-owned Italian restaurant in Homosassa Springs serving authentic NY-style pizza, wood-fired pies, cheesesteaks, and wings, with BYOB beer and wine welcome.
Ocala National Forest
OcalaNearly 400,000 acres of sand pine scrub, prairies, and springs make this the southernmost national forest in the continental U.S. Home to world-class swimming holes at Alexander, Juniper, and Salt Springs.
park and fountain welcome park
DunnellonWelcome park and fountain area in Citrus Springs near Dunnellon, featuring a decorative fountain and landscaped green space.
Picnic Pavilion
Crystal RiverCovered picnic pavilion at Bluebird Springs in Homosassa, available for group gatherings and outdoor events.
Rainbow Springs Art, Inc
DunnellonNonprofit cooperative art gallery on Walnut Street in Dunnellon representing 25+ local artists working in diverse media, with monthly public art classes and student scholarship programs.
Rainbow Springs State Park
DunnellonFlorida's fourth-largest spring feeds the Rainbow River with 72-degree water so clear you can see your shadow on the sandy bottom. Perfect for tubing, kayaking, and swimming in a pristine natural setting.
Rainbow Springs State Park Ranger Station
DunnellonMain entrance and ranger station for Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, gateway to one of Florida's most spectacular first-magnitude springs and the Rainbow River.
Rainbow Springs State Park Tubing
DunnellonSeasonal tubing launch at Rainbow Springs State Park where visitors rent tubes and float 1.5 hours down the crystal-clear Rainbow River, one of Florida's first-magnitude springs.
River Adventure Tours
Crystal RiverLocated at the headsprings of the Homosassa River, River Adventure Tours offers airboat tours, kayak rentals, manatee swimming experiences, and fishing guides all from one convenient location. Their diverse tour menu makes it easy to spend a full day on the water, whether you want high-speed thrills on an airboat or a peaceful paddle among the manatees.
Scott Springs Park
OcalaCommunity park in Ocala with a natural spring-fed pool area, picnic pavilions, walking trails, and a playground. A local favorite for family outings and afternoon picnics.
Shades on the Square
The VillagesSunglasses and eyewear shop at Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages.