## Show Notes: Episode 163 of The Family Vacationer Podcast - Exploring Ocala, Marion County, Florida
**Welcome to the show.**
"Yes. Thank you for having me. I'm excited to be on and talk about Ocala."
"We're excited to talk about it."
**Introduction to Ocala, Marion County**
Our guest introduces Ocala as a premier family travel destination, highlighting its status as the "Horse Capital of the World" and its abundance of natural wonders. From trails and springs to outdoor adventures, Ocala offers a diverse array of activities for families.
**Family-Friendly Accommodations in Ocala**
- **Hilton Ocala**: Conveniently located off I-75, featuring a great pool, on-site horse, and family-friendly amenities.
- **Hilton Garden Inn Downtown**: Located on the square, ideal for walking to restaurants, boutiques, and live music events.
- **Farm Stays**: Unique accommodations on horse farms, allowing families to interact with horses.
- **Riding Academy Hotel**: Pet and family-friendly hotel within the World Equestrian Center.
**Dining in Ocala**
- **Downtown Ocala**: Mellow Mushroom for pizza, Sayulita for Mexican street tacos with outdoor games, and Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop for nostalgic treats.
- **Eaton's Beach**: Located on Lake Weir, offering lakeside dining with options for beach play and water sports.
**Indoor Activities for Rainy Days**
- **Skating Rinks**: Offering rollerblading and classic roller skating with music.
- **Escape Rooms**: Family-friendly puzzles and challenges.
- **Fun Works Arcade**: Indoor gaming and entertainment.
- **Sky Zone**: Indoor trampoline park for active fun.
- **Ocala Drive-In**: A nostalgic drive-in movie experience, even in the rain.
**Outdoor Adventures and Parks**
- **Canyons Zip Line Adventure Park**: Zip lining, horseback riding, and gem mining in a picturesque former limestone quarry.
- **Horseback Riding**: Various trails and guided rides available, showcasing Ocala's equestrian heritage.
- **Springs and Parks**: Rainbow Springs State Park for tubing, Silver Springs State Park for glass bottom boat tours, and several springs in the Ocala National Forest for swimming and paddling.
**Family-Friendly Events and Festivals**
- **Art Walk**: Monthly downtown event with local artists, live music, and kids' activities.
- **Equestrian Events**: Including the Grandview Invitational draft horse show.
- **Holiday Events**: Light Up Ocala, Christmas light shows, and Winter Wonderland at the World Equestrian Center starting after Thanksgiving.
**Historical and Cultural Sites**
- **Silver River Museum and Education Center**: Engaging exhibits and scavenger hunts for kids.
- **Fort King**: A historical fort with events, reenactments, and trails.
- **Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing**: Showcasing drag racing history and antique cars.
**Insider Tips for Families**
Our guest shares valuable tips for maximizing your family's visit to Ocala, including the best times to visit, must-see attractions, and how to make the most of both indoor and outdoor activities.
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Tune in to learn more about the diverse experiences Ocala, Marion County has to offer for a memorable family vacation!
The Family Vacationer
A podcast dedicated to families that travel. So many of our memories come from time spent with our family. We want to help you make the most of your family vacations. We do that by covering travel destinations, travel apps, and gadgets, and talk to travel experts for ways to make family travel less stressful. Who doesn't want that?
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
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