Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida

BarkPark of Wildwood

Off-leash dog park in Wildwood with separate areas for large and small dogs. A great spot for pups to run free while their humans enjoy the outdoors.

BubbaQue's BBQ - Crystal River

Fast-casual BBQ joint serving smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and all the classic sides. The meat is smoked low and slow, and the sweet tea flows freely.

Center Lake Park

Lakeside park with a fitness trail in Historic Downtown Clermont overlooking an 8-acre lake, with benches throughout and free admission.

Claire's Creperie

Small crepe shop in the Mount Dora Marketplace serving sweet, savory, and breakfast crepes made from scratch, with gluten-free and keto options available.

Clermont Historic Village Museum

Seven historic buildings from the late 1800s including a schoolhouse, train depot, and WWII Quonset Hut museum — all telling the story of South Lake County's pioneering families. Free admission (donations appreciated), open weekends 1-5pm.

Cody's Original Roadhouse - Sumter

Casual steakhouse chain known for hand-cut steaks, baby back ribs, and free peanuts at every table. The vibe is laid-back and family-friendly with generous portions and a full bar.

Crooked River Preserve

63-acre nature preserve between Lake Louisa and the Palatlakaha River with a 1.7-mile loop through forested wetlands, sinkholes, and cypress-lined riverbank. Free, with canoe access and clean restrooms at the trailhead.

Dirty South Saloon

Leesburg's honky-tonk and biker bar featuring live bands, karaoke, line dancing, pool, darts, and themed events in a smoke-free indoor space with a spacious outdoor area.

Discovery Gardens

Free 3.5-acre botanical garden at the UF/IFAS Lake County Extension Center featuring 28 themed garden areas with over 700 plant species showcasing Florida-native and Florida-friendly gardening.

Eden Abbey Brewing Community

Family-owned Mount Dora brewpub with 14 taps of Belgian-inspired house-brewed beers, scratch-made empanadas, Wagyu burgers, and a backyard where kids can run free. Sunday brunch comes with live music — the whole package.

Florida Horse Park

A 500-acre multipurpose equestrian and event facility south of Ocala hosting 130+ annual events, offering free trail riding with connections to Ocala National Forest trails.

Florida Scrub-Jay Trail

Free nature preserve in Clermont showcasing over 135 bird species including Florida's only endemic species, the Florida Scrub-Jay, plus beautiful gardens and easy hiking trails through sandhill and wetland habitats.

Foxtail Coffee Co. & Kelly’s Ice Cream - Clermont

Orlando-based specialty coffee chain location in Clermont offering craft coffee drinks, gluten-free treats, and Kelly's Ice Cream in a comfortable cafe setting.

Holy Sh'mokes Cigar & Wine Lounge

Premium cigar, wine, beer, and coffee lounge in The Villages. The cigar lounge is enclosed and separate from the smoke-free indoor bar — so everyone's comfortable. Karaoke nights, wine tastings, and military discounts add to the draw.

Lake County Museum of Art

A free-admission art museum in downtown Tavares with rotating exhibitions that punch above what you'd expect for a small-town gallery. Donations welcome but not required. Worth a stop, especially if you're already walking Ruby Street.

Lincoln Avenue Park West Disc Golf Course

Free disc golf course on the east side of Mount Dora with a wooded layout that challenges players of all levels. Bring your own discs and enjoy a round in the shade.

Little Something Different

Small-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

Downtown 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

Funky 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.

Nonnies Freezer

Palm Island Boardwalk

Free 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

Eight-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

Splash pad, playground, and event pavilion within Venetian Gardens on the Leesburg waterfront, with scenic islands, walking trails, and free admission.

Rogers Park Splash Pad

Free splash pad in Leesburg's Rogers Park at Venetian Gardens, providing water play for kids during warm weather months.