Orlando vacationers seeking a break from thrilling Central Florida theme parks will enjoy Ocala’s natural parks and funky downtown. If short on time use this suggested day trip from Orlando to Ocala.
Travel to Ocala: Paddle a Canoe in Silver River State Park
Rent a canoe from park service to paddle up the Silver River to the headwaters of Silver Springs. Aqua blue water is usually clear enough to peer into the world's largest natural artesian spring. Unfortunately exotic hydrilla has grown extensively throughout the river and it is difficult to see the river’s bottom elsewhere.
The Silver River canoe trip is about 2 miles against the current and paddling back is usually easier since it is with the flow. Common wildlife spotted includes alligators, turtles, and birds as anhinga, cormorants, and great blue herons. River otters are sometimes seen as well as rhesus monkeys sitting in trees. Monkeys were introduced in 1938 by a tour boat operator wanting to enhance his jungle cruise and generations later, the non-native primates thrive.
Canoes are rented on a first available basis at the park’s entrance ranger station. Pick up paddles and personal floatation devices and hike down the River Trail to unlock and launch the canoe. Silver River State Park visitors can bring their own kayaks and canoes however they need to haul their vessels more than a mile roundtrip down the River Trail from the parking lot.
Park admission is $6 per vehicle and canoe rentals are $5 per hour. During the summer rent canoes early in the day to avoid Florida afternoon thunderstorms.
Travel to Ocala: Blues Lunch Downtown
Head to downtown Ocala for lunch at The Mojo Grill. Opened earlier this year, The Mojo Grill serves Southern flavors found on the Mississippi bayou. Paintings of Blues musicians adorn the deep red restaurant walls in the quaint dining area. Try the Rhythm and Bleu Burger ($8.25), a blackened burger topped with melted bleu cheese and order the sweet plantains as a side dish. Or, try the popular Bayou Boil ($12.95), half pound of shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage, boiled in The Mojo Grill’s low country boil and served in a personal bucket. The Mojo Grill is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays. (103 SE 1st Ave., Ocala; Tel: 352/369.6656)
Travel to Ocala: Downtown Treasures
Next to The Mojo Grill is Ocala’s Chocolate & Confections serving fine chocolates and ice cream. Try a dark chocolate covered Twinkie ($3.25 each). Milk and white chocolate are available, too. (104 SE Fort King Street, Ocala; Tel: 352/789.6882)
Ocala is the heart of horse country and visitors can take a carriage ride, visit a farm, and take a trail ride. Those just visiting for the day and short on time can view horses of different colors thanks to the Ocala Horse Fever public art project. Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association sponsors the project and more than 50 horses are found throughout Ocala. See some of the horses at Downtown Square located at S. Magnolia Ave. and S.R. 40.
Pick up a bar of Miss Dena’s homemade soap from Fresh Vintage Salon & Boutique. Yummy flavors good for the skin include Lemongrass and Hippy Chick (patchouli-like) and do not include chemical additives or animal products. Find handcrafted jewelry and other treasures in the boutique, too. (9 1/2 E Fort King St., Ocala; Tel: 352/620-8054)
Ocala, Easy Day Trip from Orlando
Take a step back from Orlando’s huge attractions and enjoy a piece of authentic Florida in Ocala. Located less than a 90-minute drive northwest of Orlando, take the Florida Turnpike north to I-75 north and continue to Ocala. If needing overnight accommodations, try Holiday Inn Ocala.
Jennifer Huber - A 20-year veteran of the tourism industry, Jennifer's career path began during college when she followed the hiking path in Yellowstone ...
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