Two Springs in the Ocala National Forest

Christa Thompson Alexander Springs has always been tops on my list of things to do in the Ocala National Forest. It's one among many of Florida's crystalline springs, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy its many offerings of eco-adventure…

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5 Great Natural Escapes Near Ocala

There's not a shortage of places to explore near Ocala. Multi-day hikes on the Florida National Scenic Trail, fantastic off-road biking and scenic paddle trips are all close by. Ocala is horse country, so it's a given there are terrific equestrian trails and camping here, too. These five places…

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Florida Scenic Highway: Black Bear Byway in Ocala National Forest

By Dalia Colon Where: Centered in Ocala National Forest, between Ormond Beach to the east and Silver Springs to the west. Length: 123 miles. How to get around: Car, off-road vehicle or mountain bike. Best time to visit: Winter. The mild weather is ideal for hiking, kayaking and camping. Fun fact:…

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How to Tour Horse Farms in Ocala, Florida

Discover the secret world behind the gates of the most prestigious Ocala horse farms. By Lauren Tjaden The three young horses formed a semi-circle around me, leaning against the fence separating us. A bay colt pressed his whiskers into my ear, tickling me until I giggled…

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Guide to Horseback Riding in Ocala

By Judy Wells Adults can indulge their equestrian fantasies and kids will find plenty of opportunities to horse around – even fingerpainting, with a pony as the canvas – with all of the horseback riding Ocala, FL offers. Rosalita's ears twitch forward; she knows what's coming, the highlight of the…

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Gypsy Vanners in Florida, the Golden Retrievers of Horses

By Michelle Bearden It’s a sight to delight every equine lover: A sturdy black-and-white spotted mare with a flowing Beyoncé-like mane and feathered legs cantering gracefully across a verdant field. “Prettiest horse ever,” said Dennis Thompson, owner of Gypsy Gold Horse Farm in Ocala, now open…

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Ocala – Horse Capital of the World

By Saundra Amrhein As you approach the rural central Florida city of Ocala, it’s easy to see why this is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” For miles, brown and white board fences enclose squares of green pastures. Well-built barns abound. And the sleek, muscular animals themselves graze…

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Zip Line Novice Dares Ocala's 'Canyons'

Long ago abandoned by limestone miners, the quarry is a breathtaking venue for a swing through the trees. Ocala – It's a bold move, calling your attraction "the Canyons" in a flat state like Florida. But this strange find, a 94-acre abandoned limestone quarry off an Interstate 75 exit in Ocala, is…

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The Florida Horse Park: Ocala's Jewel

By Michelle Bearden It’s called the Florida Horse Park, a 500-acre jewel in Marion County’s Ocala, right in the heart of Central Florida. But don’t let the name fool you. It’s much more than that…

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Road Trip to Ocala: RV Parks Near Ocala Florida National Park

Enjoy the great outdoors with all the amenities of the great indoors along for the ride. After years of tent camping through unique Florida trails, my wife and I are now proud RV owners. If you've never been RVing, we promise you're in for a real treat. The beauty of RVing is that you get to…

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