The Ocala Edit
By Maha Chaudhry
What can you do in two days visiting Ocala? Short answer: A lot.
If you have a passion for horses, wildlife, history, outdoor adventure, or simply discovering somewhere new, Ocala might just be your next weekend escape. Depending on where you’re coming from, it’s only a short drive away, yet somehow feels like you’ve traveled much farther.
Originally referred to as Ocali by the Timucua people, Ocala’s history dates back thousands of years. After a devastating fire in 1883, much of the city was rebuilt using brick, earning it the nickname “The Brick City.” Today, it proudly wears another title: The Horse Capital of the World. Around every corner, you’ll find reminders of its equestrian roots, beautifully preserved architecture, and a charm that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
And speaking of horses, if you want to fully immerse yourself in equestrian luxury, the World Equestrian Center is an absolute must.
Named one of Florida’s premier luxury destinations, the property combines world-class equestrian competition with upscale accommodations, boutique shopping, spa experiences, exceptional dining, and year-round entertainment. Spanning nearly 2,000 acres, it’s the largest equestrian complex in the United States, complete with two state-of-the-art exposition centers.
The property features two hotels: the newer Riding Academy Hotel and the elegant Equestrian Hotel overlooking the Grand Arena, where European-inspired architecture meets elevated equestrian comfort.
Even when competitions aren’t taking place, the property is well worth exploring.
One of my favorite discoveries was The Equestrian Manor. Walking through its doors feels like stepping into a sophisticated European estate, except you’re immediately greeted by whimsical paintings of dogs dressed in human costumes. It’s unexpected, charming, and honestly made me smile before I even made it to the pastries.
Inside you’ll also find Emma’s Patisserie, where buttery croissants, artisan coffee, colorful interiors, and beautifully crafted pastries make lingering just a little too easy. Needless to say, the croissants disappeared rather quickly.
And for my trail-blazing, wildlife-loving enthusiasts, Ocala has plenty more to offer.
Marion County is internationally known as an outdoor playground. The Ocala National Forest spans nearly 387,000 acres of diverse terrain, dotted with more than 600 lakes, rivers, and springs. During our visit, we opted for Silver Springs State Park, home to the original glass-bottom boat tour.
Kinda chic to embark on a tour first introduced in the late 1800s, when the first glass-bottom boat of its kind took off right here at Silver Springs. By the 1930s, the boats had transitioned to electric motors, creating the peaceful, quiet experience visitors still enjoy today.
As our boat drifted across water so clear it almost felt invisible, we learned about the fish and wildlife that call the springs home. But what fascinated me most was what lay beneath the surface. Hidden below are weathered boats, statues, and movie props left behind from Hollywood productions filmed here decades ago. Resting quietly on the spring floor, they transform one of Florida’s oldest attractions into an underwater time capsule.
After docking, we wandered one of the scenic trails overlooking the springs, where one unforgettable moment stole the show. A baby river otter playfully rolled through the water, completely unbothered by the visitors watching from above. It was one of those simple wildlife encounters you can’t plan for and easily became one of the highlights of the day. Native birds accompanied us along the trail, while the park’s famous rhesus macaques remained hidden among the trees. Rumor has it early mornings offer your best chance of spotting one swinging from branch to branch. I’ll take that as my excuse to come back.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, and aren’t particularly afraid of heights, The Canyons Zip Line & Adventure Park is less than 20 minutes away.
Here’s where Ocala completely surprised me.
Instead of flat Florida terrain, you’ll find towering limestone cliffs, emerald lakes, caves, and dramatic canyons. The park sits atop a former limestone quarry that gradually filled with crystal-clear spring water after mining operations ended in the early 1900s. Today, it has become one of Florida’s most unique outdoor adventure destinations.
The signature zip-line course sends guests soaring as high as 155 feet above the canyons, with lines stretching more than 1,100 feet across sparkling water. Horseback riding, kayaking, and gem mining round out the experience.
Now let’s talk about my favorite part of any trip. Ocala, being no exception, delivered on the dining front.
Lunch on day one brought us to Horse & Hounds, a beloved local staple tucked into Ocala’s picturesque horse country. Housed inside a charming estate-style home, the restaurant blends the warmth of a traditional British pub with Southern hospitality. Whether you’re savoring shepherd’s pie, classic fish and chips, or a perfectly grilled steak, it’s the kind of place that invites you to linger long after the meal is over.
For dinner, Ivy on the Square was next on the list. Located across from the historic Marion Theatre, the restaurant captures the charm of downtown Ocala with elevated Southern comfort food. Signature dishes like Baked Krispy Chicken, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, fresh seafood, and hand-cut steaks celebrate recipes that have been passed down through generations. Save room for dessert. Trust me on this one.
Day two continued just as deliciously with lunch at District Bar & Kitchen. Blending contemporary flavors with downtown charm, District has become one of Ocala’s favorite gathering spots. From handcrafted cocktails and award-winning burgers to Detroit-style pizza and a lively rooftop terrace, it delivers modern American comfort food with a distinctly local feel.
Dinner, however, brought us back to the World Equestrian Center and what was easily one of my favorite meals of the trip.
Perched atop The Equestrian Manor, Genievieve’s offers a romantic escape inspired by the Italian countryside—an elevated expression of the equestrian lifestyle. Handmade pastas, beautifully curated wines, and panoramic rooftop views overlooking the property make every detail feel thoughtfully considered.
My truffle pasta was rich in Tuscan truffle flavor, instantly transporting my taste buds to Italy. Whether you’re celebrating love or just life, Genievieve’s makes every dinner feel like an intimate yet memorable occasion.
If you’re not quite ready for the evening to end, walk across the hall to The Yellow Pony. The rooftop bar offers handcrafted cocktails, mocktails, cozy lounge seating, and beautiful balcony views overlooking the World Equestrian Center. It’s the perfect place to end the night under the stars.
We were in horse country, so it only felt right to spend time getting to know the stars of the show.
GoldMark Farm offers visitors an intimate look into the world of championship Thoroughbred racing. Spread across 1,500 acres, the working farm is home to elite racehorses bred, trained, and cared for in a setting designed entirely around their well-being.
One of the highlights is the Triple Crown Museum, where visitors can explore the history behind America’s most celebrated races before stepping outside to meet the horses themselves.
Our tour was thoughtfully led by Janelle Bulmahn, whose warmth and passion for the farm made every stop feel personal. She shared fascinating stories about legendary racehorses and the modern-day movies inspired by some of racing’s greatest champions, bringing their remarkable equestrian legacies to life in a way that made the history feel both personal and unforgettable.
Of course, the history lesson was only half the fun. Meeting the horses up close was an experience in itself, and feeding a retired Thoroughbred a peppermint mint quickly became one of my favorite moments of the trip. As it turns out, I’ll take any and every excuse to get close to an equestrian beauty.
If you happen to have a little downtime, make your way to historic downtown Ocala. The streets are lined with boutiques, antique shops, local cafés, and charming storefronts that invite you to slow down and wander.
Art lovers should also carve out time for the Appleton Museum of Art, one of Central Florida’s hidden cultural gems. Home to more than 24,000 works spanning centuries and continents, the museum showcases everything from European masterpieces and contemporary art to impressive equestrian collections.
During our visit, we explored “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee: Celebrating American Art and Design,” a beautifully curated exhibition honoring America’s artistic evolution through paintings, decorative arts, furniture, and design. Through October, visitors can also experience “Politics in Print: Linocuts by Richard Mock,” a striking exhibition exploring political commentary through bold graphic artwork.
After a couple days, one thing became pretty clear.
Ocala has a way of surprising you.
One minute you’re feeding a retired racehorse a peppermint mint. The next you’re gliding over crystal-clear springs on a historic glass-bottom boat, spotting a playful baby otter, zip lining over canyons you never knew existed in Florida, and somehow ending the evening with rooftop pasta and a mocktail under the stars.
Not a bad way to spend a short trip.
Horse country may be what first puts Ocala on the map, but it’s everything in between that makes you want to come back. Safe to say… this won’t be my last Ocala Edit…or my last return to my equestrian era.
Ready to vist or revist your own equestrian getaway?
Visit Ocalamarion.com.
