Onsite Review: Ocala—A Feast of Natural Wonders & Historic Charm

KAYAKIINGOcala—A Feast of Natural Wonders & Historic CharmBy Paloma Villaverde de RicoRecommend headed to Ocala, Florida, last month for the annual Florida Huddle trade show, which brings international and domestic tour operators, wholesalers and media to the Sunshine State for one-on-one-appointments with Florida’s key travel professionals. Choosing Ocala for this year’s event was a way for VISIT FLORIDA to showcase the state’s varied tourism offerings beyond its flagship destinations. During our time in Ocala, invited media got a taste of what this area of Florida has to offer, from its equestrian offerings to those magnificent springs…and kayaking in a canyon (yes, in Florida!). DOWNTOWN OCALAEquestrian HeavenWhether you’re into horses or not, the top place for accommodations in Ocala is the World Equestrian Center (WEC), home to two boutiquey properties—The Riding Academy Hotel and The Equestrian Hotel. The latter, Ocala’s only four-diamond resort, features 248 rooms, many of which overlook ‌the‌ ‌open-air‌ Grand‌ ‌Arena, meaning guests‌ can enjoy the ‌view‌ ‌of world-class‌ ‌equestrian‌ ‌events‌ right‌ ‌from‌ ‌their‌ ‌accommodations. The stunning lobby features 20-ft. ceilings, a Swarovski crystal chandelier, a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and artwork that pays homage to the equestrian life. It feels as if one has stepped into their wealthy relative’s manor home, where the furnishings are nothing short of exquisite, the guestrooms offer more than ample space and breakfast options include a decadent variety of European-inspired pastries at the onsite Emma’s Patisserie. Guests will also find a fine dining restaurant, a lively gastro pub and a retro toy shop, plus a fab spa, of course. HOTEL ROOMBeyond the StablesAnd while the WEC might pique one’s interest due to all the equestrian activities—events take place throughout the year—it’s Ocala’s natural wonders that really are the star attractions here, including its first magnitude springs, First stop is The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park, one of Florida’s most unique attractions because it’s located in an old limestone quarry, originally used back in the 1910s and 1920s for mining purposes. Now visitors will find two canyons and four lakes, with Florida’s highest, fastest and longest zipline tours. Here, adventurers are able to choose from a variety of experiences, including the 2.5- to 3-hour Big Cliff Canyon option, which includes nine zips, two sky bridges and one rappel. For those looking for a more peaceful adventure—like us—recommend a guided scenic kayak tour. Kayakers meander through Big Cliff Canyon on Lost Spring Lake, paddling under zips and around immense cliff walls. And of course, you can go horseback riding in the park, with tours that take riders down into the canyon and alongside the lakes, through the woods and beside the enormous cliff walls. GLASS BOTTOM BOAT Another must-visit is the area’s famous Silver Springs State Park, considered Florida’s first attraction due to its famed glass-bottom boat tours, whose invention harks back to the late-1870s. Today, visitors to the park can take strolls along picturesque nature trails, go kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding, and yes, take a glass-bottom boat tour with views of the underwater life and the many springs that feed the Silver River. Florida is known for its charming historic centers and Ocala’s downtown is no exception, with visitors having the option of taking a self-guided historic walking tour. They’ll find out why Ocala is dubbed the “Brick City,” learn the history of the city’s iconic theater and feast their eyes on beautiful architecture. Our fave spots were the vintage shops, Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, the stylish Ivy House restaurant, serving homemade Southern cooking with a flair and the Old Florida homes. Contact InformationOcala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau: ocalamarion.com World Equestrian Center: worldequestriancenter.comDISNEY COVERDISNEY IFCCOVEREXPLORA JOURNEYSTable of ContentsWEBINAR HOUSE ADEditor's NotesEDU HOUSE ADIndustry Insights: Family Travel:Creating Lasting Memories Across Generations DestinyAdvisor Speak: Fora—Making Huge Waves Across the IndustryCruise: Set Sail Around the World—From Kid-Friendly Cruises to Alaska AdventuresOCEANIA SCOCEANIA FPPRINCESS SCPRINCESS CRUISESREGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISESREGENT SEVEN SEAS SCVIRGIN VOYAGESVIRGIN VOYAGES SCDISNEY CRUISE LINE SCEXPLORA JOURNEYS SCOnboard Review: Multigenerational Adventure on AmaWaterwaysOnboard Review: Azamara—It's A Family AffairNorth America: Florida—Powerhouse Tourism DestinationACADEMY TRAVEL SCACADEMY TRAVELFORT MYERS SCFort Myers Islands, Beaches & NeighborhoodsOnsite Review: Ocala—A Feast of Natural Wonders & Historic CharmCaribbean/Mexico: Beachcombers Bliss—Finding the Perfect Family Beach RetreatVilla RetreatsLIVE AQUA SCSANDALSSANDALS SCOnsite Review: Sun, Slides & Smiles: Family Fun at Sunscape Coco Punta CanaEurope & Asia: 3 Ultimate GetawaysTTC Tour Brands SCRESPONSIVE HOUSE ADFIESTA AMERICANA