Local Directory
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Beacon Hill & Lake Harris Trail
LeesburgThe paved Lake Harris Trail connects Venetian Gardens to points north, running along the lakeshore with wide-open water views. The Beacon Hill neighborhood section features canopy oaks and some of Leesburg's oldest homes. At nearly 5 miles one-way, the trail is ideal for cycling or a longer walk. Sunsets over Lake Harris from the trail are consistently stunning.
Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens
WillistonStunning botanical garden built in a reclaimed limestone quarry with waterfalls, bridges, tropical plants, and walking paths. A hidden gem.
Dai Niem Xu Thien Vien
LeesburgA 21-acre Vietnamese Buddhist meditation center with statue gardens, lotus ponds, and shaded walking paths. Open daily 8 AM - 5 PM, free admission, all faiths welcome. Free Sunday morning meditation class at 9 AM.
Discovery Gardens
TavaresFree 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.
Fishing Pier
LeesburgPublic fishing pier on the waterfront in Leesburg, part of the Venetian Gardens park system, providing bank fishing and scenic lake views.
Florida Scrub-Jay Trail
ClermontFree 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.
Fort King National Historic Landmark
OcalaForty-acre National Historic Landmark preserving the site of a major Second Seminole War military post. A full-scale replica fort, interactive visitor center, heritage garden, and nature trails bring 1827 Florida frontier history to life.
Gardenia Park Recreation Complex
LeesburgMunicipal recreation complex in Fruitland Park with a swimming pool, racquetball court, skatepark, volleyball court, playground, walking trail, and a renovated community center available for event rentals.
Great Chicago Fire Brewery & Tap Room
LeesburgChicago and firefighter-themed craft brewery in historic downtown Leesburg brewing 10 beers on premise, serving authentic Chicago-style eats including Italian beef, hot dogs, and thin crust pizza, with a live music beer garden.
Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop
DunnellonHistoric 1908 home filled with antiques, collectibles, gift items, yard art, and garden decor. A must-see in Dunnellon's Historic District.
Roger's Park at Venetian Gardens
LeesburgSplash pad, playground, and event pavilion within Venetian Gardens on the Leesburg waterfront, with scenic islands, walking trails, and free admission.
Rogers Park Splash Pad
LeesburgFree splash pad in Leesburg's Rogers Park at Venetian Gardens, providing water play for kids during warm weather months.
Sholom Park
OcalaA 44-acre public garden and park in the On Top of the World community in Ocala. Features walking paths, formal gardens, water features, and the popular Spring Strings outdoor concert series. Free admission.
Ski Beach Park
LeesburgBeach and swimming area within the Venetian Gardens park system in Leesburg, connecting through walking trails and islands along the lakefront.
Sydonie Mansion
Mount DoraHistoric 1883 mansion on Lake Dora designed in Mediterranean Revival style after Spain's Alhambra Castle, now a premier wedding and event venue with wrap-around porches and live oak gardens.
Terrace on the Square
OcalaRooftop bar atop the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Ocala. Creative cocktails, appetizer specials, and panoramic views of the Square. Open Sun-Thu 4-11pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-midnight.
The Nest At Papilio
Mount DoraSpeakeasy-themed garden bar inside Papilio's botanical hall in downtown Mount Dora, offering 12 taps, 100+ beers, wine-based cocktails, and happy hour surrounded by lush tropical plants.
The Sipping Garden and Bistro
LeesburgA wine bar and bistro in downtown Leesburg with a garden atmosphere and a curated wine list paired with bistro fare. It's the kind of spot this area has been missing -- relaxed, a little sophisticated, and perfect for a long afternoon.
Venetian Gardens
Leesburg45-acre lakefront park on Lake Harris featuring landscaped islands connected by seven bridges, walking trails, a splash pad, fishing pier, boat ramps, and sand volleyball courts.
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.
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.
Yellow Pony Pub & Garden
OcalaAn upscale pub and garden at the World Equestrian Center featuring craft cocktails, bourbon, and elevated pub fare with an outdoor terrace overlooking the equestrian grounds.