My husband has retired and we are on the search for a southern location. He is a bass fisherman and is in love with East Texas I can’t get the Ocala area out of my head so we are heading down for vacation and a real estate search. He wants to be closer to the St Johns River any towns that are horse friendly and safe. Any places I must visit while down. Thanks.
Hey, Florida is famous for its bass fishing! Lake George is not that far from Ocala. And I think there is some level of horse activity in the Ormond Beach area, if you wanted to be on the Atlantic side of Lake George.
Palatka, Florida.
Quaint small town. Situated on both sides of the St. Johns River. Super horse friendly. They call themselves “Bass Capital of the World.”
I can even recommend a wonderful barn.
Thank you.
Any must see spots and if anyone has a reputable Realtor close to the Palataka area. Looking online but getting frustrated already. I cannot see myself in Manufactured home.
Eat at Corky Bell’s restaurant while you are in Palatka. My friend and I flew into St Augustine Airport and then drove to Ocala a few weeks ago. Corky Bell’s is cheap, tasty, and right on the St. John’s River.
Have you thought about Gainesville? There are lots of horse places in Alachua, and in the area between Gainesville and Ocala.
http://www.southernstarranch.com/
This is where I boarded in Palatka. BEST boarding experience of my life! Lighted ring, TONS of trails, exceptional care, feed TC feeds and other high quality feeds.
Their daughter is now a pony clubber and is moving up the eventing ranks. I believe they have plans to build a CC course, but they already have nice jumps and a grass dressage ring.
If it was an hour+ drive from my home in Jax, I would still be there.
Where I live in Cocoa Florida is just down the street from the St Johns (bass fishing, water skiing, etc). As far as safe - we are bounded on 3 sides by the Lake (Poinsett), I-95 and State Rd 520 - so a relatively small community which is a mix of middle to older age (mostly).
Close to I-95 for Wellington and Ocala shows, local shows are 30 minutes away.
Where would you stay at St Augustine and Palataka?
Thanks again for your help.
BTH that is a nice barn.
