Seniors Enjoy a Long Weekend In Ocala

 Senior travelers will find Ocala, in the middle of Florida just off I-75 south of Gainesville. The name Ocala comes from the extinct Timucuan Indians who called their village Ocali, commonly thought to mean “Big Hammock”.

Senior visitors will discover that many of Ocala’s streets have historical Indian names, while others have Spanish names from old land grants. Ocala was developed as a result of the Indian Wars in which Fort King played a strategic role.

Back in 1858 Ocala was one of the leading social and business centers in Florida. History is personified in Downtown Ocala with buildings that continue to relay their original historic setting, character, and use. Take a ride through Historic Downtown.

Senior Visitors Enjoy Historic City

On the National Register of Historic Places with 220 historic structures, the  boundaries extend from N. First Street to S. Second Street and Pine Avenue to West Second Avenue. So plan to spend some time just strolling through Downtown Ocala where historic architecture abounds.

Whether it’s a nostalgic movie-going experience at the Marion Theatre, an enchanting evening at The Wine Experience, or something in between, Downtown Ocala is where senior visitors want to be. The city is located in Mid-Florida just off I-75 south of Gainesville.

Nearby Silver Springs has several artesian springs on the Silver River that in the 19th century brought in throngs of tourists making it a leading Florida destination.

The spring formations are among the largest in the world. The Silver Springs Amusement Park features 350 acre nature theme park with crystal clear springs and glass bottom boat cruises that sounds like something my wife and I would enjoy.

 Senior Car Buffs, Take Note…

For senior car enthusiasts, The Ocala Pumpkin Run Classic Car Show and Fall Festival takes place each year on the 400 acre Castro Farm. It has become a premier destination car show hosting more than 1,000 classics and customs each year and spectators from all over the southeast.

Marion County proclaimed October as ‘Ocala Pumpkin Run Month’ due to the impact the event has had on the community each year.

TripAdvisor suggests the Gypsy Gold Ranch, home to America’s first Vanner Horses, and several farm tours of Ocala.

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is another favorite visit for car lovers. So its all there just awaiting your visit, folks.  -jeb