Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Katya Vineyards
OcalaFamily-owned winery since 2010 with a downtown tasting room. Winner of Best Florida Winery of the Year at the New York International Wine Competition.
KC Wine Bistro
Crystal RiverFamily-owned wine and coffee bistro in downtown Crystal River serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes, fresh seafood, shawarmas, and gourmet burgers alongside select wines, craft beers, and live music.
Kirby Family Farm
WillistonThe Kirby Family Farm is a history, educational, and railroad museum offering various events and programs.
Kiwanis Beach at Albright Park
weirsdalePublic beach and recreation area on Lake Weir with swimming, picnic pavilions, and a playground. One of the best lakefront spots in the area for a family day out.
Lake Miona Park
The VillagesCommunity park near Oxford with open green space, walking paths, and picnic areas. A nice spot for an afternoon walk or a family outing in The Villages area.
Leesburg Animal Park
LeesburgA family-owned animal park in Leesburg with over 50 species of animals. Offers feeding experiences, pony rides, a train ride, and seasonal events including Easter egg hunts and a fall festival. Pre-registration required for special events.
Luna Azul Authentic Mexican Restaurant
LeesburgFamily-owned authentic Mexican restaurant in Leesburg serving traditional dishes including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas made with fresh ingredients, plus a full bar with specialty margaritas and tequilas.
Maw's Mountain Moonshine
Mount DoraFamily-owned craft distillery in Mount Dora featuring hand-crafted moonshine made from Appalachian Mountain family recipes passed down through generations, with tastings and a retail shop.
Mickey's Bar Crystal River
Crystal RiverFamily-operated bar and grill in Crystal River with pool tables, weekly live music, karaoke, and a unique lobster claw machine where you can catch your own dinner.
Oxford Park
The VillagesCommunity park in Oxford with open space, a playground, and picnic areas. A family-friendly spot for outdoor recreation near The Villages.
Pirate’s Revenge
Family water park attraction in Spring Hill featuring water slides including a 400-foot enclosed tube ride with 360-degree loops and back-to-back turns.
PizzAmore
Mount DoraFamily-friendly parlor serving specialty pizzas, hot entrees, plus beer & wine in a casual space.
Riverbend Cattle Company
Crystal RiverFamily-owned cattle ranch and farm store on the Withlacoochee River in Floral City. Pasture-raised, 14-day dry-aged beef and pork sold at the ranch store, online, and at area farmers markets including Brownwood in The Villages. Ranch experiences and tours available.
Riviera Maya Mexican Restaurant
DunnellonBeloved family-run Mexican restaurant in Dunnellon since 2010 serving authentic dishes with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and an impressive tequila selection in a colorful, lively setting.
Rookies Family Grille & Bar
Lively, family-run sports bar & American grill offering lots of TVs, a kids' menu, patio & karaoke.
Rutabagas Natural Food Market & Café
InvernessFamily-owned natural food store and cafe in Inverness offering organic produce, vitamins, supplements, and a cafe menu of smoothies, acai bowls, wraps, and soups for special diets.
Salty Dogs Steamer and Bar
InvernessFamily-owned seafood restaurant on Courthouse Square in Inverness serving hand-cut steaks, shrimp, crab, and lobster alongside Cuban-pressed sandwiches.
Sauced Hogs BBQ Bar & Grill
Crystal RiverBarbecue restaurant and bar in Hernando near Crystal River serving smoked meats and classic BBQ sides. Features weekly karaoke on Thursdays, live music on weekends, and trivia nights in a casual, family-friendly setting.
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.
Shadrach's Fiery Furnace
Mount DoraFamily-owned wood-fired pizza restaurant in downtown Mount Dora, started as a mobile pizza oven touring art shows and festivals since 2011, now serving Neapolitan-style pies from an authentic oven.
Shocker Park
OcalaNeighborhood park in Ocala with open green space and a playground. A simple, family-friendly spot for outdoor play and picnics.
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.
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar
OcalaFamily-friendly hub for steamed & raw shellfish, wings & beers served in a no-frills setting.
Sol De Mexico
eustisFamily-run Mexican cantina decked out with South American furniture & artworks, open since 2009.