Ocala is for Lovers

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The Seven Sisters Inn has themed rooms that transport you to exotic destinations like Argentina, Egypt and India.

Photo Credit: Greg Johnston

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Take a carriage tour through the town.

Photo Credit: Contributed Photo

Romance awaits in the central Florida city of Ocala.

Visiting Ocala is like stepping into Gone with the Wind.

Oak-shaded lanes lead to sprawling horse farms trimmed in white picket fences. Azaleas and dogwoods burst into bloom, coloring the downtown square where local farmers share park bench space with businessmen, and couples steal kisses in the gazebo. It's the perfect setting for romance.

Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler would survey the lay of the land in style, and so should you. Relax in a horse-drawn country carriage while the driver points out foals and fillies at play in the rolling hills of thoroughbred horse farms (a few of which have bred Triple Crown winners) and spills the gossip on who's-who of Ocala's celebrity residents and eccentric millionaires.

Afterwards, stretch your legs with a stroll along Fort King Street and the downtown area, admiring the grand, restored Queen Anne and Tudor-style buildings, the Art Deco Marion Theatre, Brick City Center of the Arts (housed in a former department store) and the lush greenery of Veterans Memorial Park.

If you're dressed to impress, pop into cosmopolitan Posh 27 for a martini and live jazz. Or, pick up a bottle of Horse's Ass Wine from Ocala Wine Experience for a private nightcap back in your hotel room.

But, as Scarlett would say, "Think about that tomorrow."

You can see John Travolta's house from the upstairs suites. Yes, it's expensive.

See:

Ocala National Forest: Lots of camping areas. Horseback riding, hiking, biking, hunting (in season, with proper permits), birdwatching and more. Alexander Springs (one of four springs) is especially pretty and Fore Lake Recreation Area has a sandy beach.

Silver Springs: Billed as Florida's first theme park and famous for its glassbottom boat tours.

Cross Florida Greenway: Great off-road biking trails accessible from the Santos, Landbridge and 49th Avenue Trailheads.

Florida Horse Park: Equestrian festivals; jumping and other events; polo matches.

Eat:

Horse & Hounds: Equine chic. Order a steak like everyone else.

Yalaha Country Bakery (Yalaha): Up to 600 pounds (more than 70 varieties) of bread is baked here. Try the German Stollen cake.

Stay:

Jumbolair Inn: You can actually fly here – that is, if you've got your own private plane. Southern-style B&B rooms are named after the owner's horses.  These animals were rescued and rehabilitated on the property. You can see John Travolta's house from the upstairs suites. Yes, it's expensive.

Shamrock Thistle & Crown Bed & Breakfast (Weirsdale): A wee bit of Ireland in Central Florida. The Victorian Dollhouse Cottage is as cute as it sounds. Whirlpool suites available. Complimentary Klondike bars.