Local Directory
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
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
Crystal RiverLively, family-run sports bar & American grill offering lots of TVs, a kids' menu, patio & karaoke.
Roosters Cafe
Crystal RiverFamily-owned breakfast and lunch cafe in Brooksville known for hearty homemade dishes under $10, including meatloaf, chicken fried steak, and all-you-can-eat fish fry Fridays.
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.
SAS Shoes
The VillagesFamily-owned retailer offering the namesake brand of men's & women's shoes, with a focus on comfort.
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.
The Fire Japanese Steak House
LeesburgJapanese steakhouse in Leesburg featuring hibachi grills with teppanyaki chefs cooking tableside, plus sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine, family-owned and operated.
The Train Station
InvernessFamily-friendly game room, bar, and cafe in a restored historic Atlantic Coast Line train depot in downtown Inverness, featuring duckpin bowling, shuffleboard, craft beer, and soft serve.
The Yardery
Mount DoraOpen-air restaurant and bar on Baker Street featuring Mount Dora's only rooftop bar, backyard classics with a twist, lawn games, and live music weekends in a family and dog-friendly setting.
Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill
TavaresA family-owned seafood spot and oyster bar that puts a Caribbean twist on Southern classics. The raw bar is the main event, but the whole menu delivers. Casual enough for a Tuesday lunch, fun enough for a Saturday night out.
Uncle Donald's Farm
The VillagesFifty-acre family-owned petting farm where kids can feed goats, milk a goat, go on hayrides, and meet llamas, deer, and even alligators. A hands-on farm experience that's been running since 1980.
Venetian Gardens Park
LeesburgA gorgeous 100-acre waterfront park on Lake Harris with arched pedestrian bridges, island walkways, and panoramic lake views. The splash pad, playgrounds, and paved trails make it a perfect family outing.
Wild Bill's Airboat Tours
InvernessA Withlacoochee River institution offering thrilling airboat rides through the marshes and cypress swamps of Citrus County. Coast Guard inspected and family-friendly, tours include up-close wildlife encounters with alligators and native Florida birds. Wild Bill's has earned a loyal following and nearly five-star reviews for delivering an authentic Old Florida adventure.
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.