Start with a little cultural appreciation at the Appleton Museum of Art, covering an extraordinary range with artifacts from ancient cultures all the way to contemporary paintings. Note the Old Florida photography gallery with panoramic shots of Miami, Daytona and St. Augustine in the 1920s and 30s. Another local museum that will give you a completely different experience is the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, a veritable Mecca for car enthusiasts of all types. You will see collections of race cars, hot rods, drag racers and a great many antique and vintage cars as well. There is even a motor room with vintage motors for those who really want to examine the nuts and bolts of cars. Even if you are already a drag racing fan, you will find plenty to interest you here.
While you are in the area, try to catch a show at the Ocala Civic Theatre, where the set design is always top-notch and the performances consistently excellent. With only 400 seats, the theater gives you an intimate experience. Workshops, classes and special events round out the theater’s many public offerings. It probably feels like time to get outside by now, so take a walk—or, better yet, a mountain-bike ride--on the Santos-Belleview Trail, which many feel is one of the best bike trails in the southeast. There are areas for beginners as well as steeper twisting trails for the more experienced rider. One word of caution: bring mosquito repellent.
If you like your outdoor life a little more sedentary, then the Baseline Golf Course is for you. Rated as a top-tier executive course, Baseline’s landscaping is super-attractive and is always in good condition. The course is challenging for players of all levels and there is a bonus island green hole on the first nine. Stay outside and check out the Silver Springs River where you’ll enjoy an old-fashioned glass bottom boat ride—or, if you prefer, rent a kayak or a pontoon boat on your own. Either way, you will be able to see alligators, turtles, otters and monkeys along the way. There’s even a small museum that helps you understand the wilder side of Florida’s past. Whatever you do, you’ll find your stay in Ocala to be filled with wonder and amazement.
And to make sure that you get the rest you need, stay with Choice Hotels where southern hospitality is our middle name.