Vacationing in Florida, worth the drive to Ocala as a tourist?

[c0608524]

Spending a week at a rental in Orlando. Humming and hawing about driving up to Ocala for a day to drool over some pretty horses. I hate to ask “is it worth it?” because I know the answer depends on how I want to burn a vacation day… but I’m going to ask anyways.

What venue would you recommend going to? I have no problem sitting most of the day watching horses I don’t know but also want to do some shopping.

We priced out doing a theme park in Orlando but after seeing what it would cost for the other half and I to go, I very quickly realized I’d rather spend that money on something that revolves around horses - haha. Side question, any other “touristy” things you’d recommend will gladly be heard.

Thanks all!

[Jaegermonster]

If you go to Ocala go to WEC, and there are some nice tack stores you could visit.
Tack Shack is a good one and The Good Apple Consignment tack store is right down the street…

It’s high season right now so the most expensive time for Disney other than Christmas

[NoSuchPerson]

I have a friend who is not horsey at all who ended up visiting WEC with friends and she raved about how wonderful it was, so I would say yes, it’s probably worth the trip.

Also, there are some other unique Old Florida attraction in Ocala that are worth visiting, like Silver Springs State Park and Rainbow Springs State Park.

[leighbo009]

I (and another horse friend) went for a day while we were in Orlando before WEC opened. We honestly spent the whole day at various tack shops. I think I could spend a day shopping and another day watching horse shows - or if you could find a clinic/lessons to audit. Or even volunteering at a show.

I think I could make a full weekend or more of fun in Ocala without a horse and without getting bored. So I think it would be worth it - I was trying to see if I could swing it myself.

[IndysMom]

Just visited WEC and the horses were AMAZING!!! Go early on the day so you have a chance to see several competitions. And, the white chocolate raspberry ice cream is delicious!!!

[MunchingonHay]

I moved out of Ocala years ago before WEC was even a thought. And while I think its sort of sterile there is some great shopping and places for foods and A/C to watch in the indoors. And it seems like there is always something going on.

Places to go west of i-75 are:
Tack Shack
Apple Consinement
Ocala Breeder Sales especially if there is a sale going on (keep your hands in your pockets) You can also go and get breakfast and watch them train in the mornings
Pepe’s Mexican Market (its on state rd 40 and the best mexian hands down)
Horse and Hound on 27
HITS up on 27

There is also Grand Oaks resort that will host shows through out the year.

When are you going?

There is Live Oak International in March
Stride shows up in Newberry

Take a nice drive around the west side any where south of Blitchton on 27, west of 301/441, north of 40 and east of 121. Just look at the map and wiggle waggle your way around.

You can’t get lost, FL is grid. just keep going down side roads and check out the farms.

[c0608524]

We’re in Florida from the 17th to the 24th. First and last day are travel days.

I like these responses! Thanks for all the little tidbits!

[Zevida]

I’ll let you know next week I’m going to Ocala for the day on Sunday!

Other things to do are head to the coast for the Kennedy Space Center. I loved the tour and seeing the Saturn rocket and the space shuttle were incredible.

[c0608524]

That’s funny you mention the space center! That’s my husbands non negotiable request, we are for sure spending a day there during our trip. Wasn’t something I originally thought I’d do but I keep hearing how great it is.

[lorilu]

Lots of good suggestions here! I will say that HOrse and HOunds is NOT as good as it once was (not only my opinion…).
Check the World Equestrian Center calendar on their website to see whats going on our there. I know there are ongoing H/J shows, Saturday evenings big jumper contest in the main arena (get there early for a good seat at a table, otherwise lots of seats in the stands) https://worldequestriancenter.com/events/

Live Oak is well worth seeing - world-class driving team do the driven equivalent of three day eventing. This year its March 16-19, with the marathon obstacles on Saturday. $10 parking fee. get there early, the big 4 in hands go right around lunch. Check their website for other details https://liveoakinternational.com/?fbclid=IwAR3YduDEU4BJ9k--0Zmu-NJpzJsAQ438yAVgPbdizBWLSl0ldPYil7jH6zE

@MunchingonHay

Stride shows up in Newberry

Small correction - STRIDE schooling shows are at the Florida Horse Park; Southeast Horse Shows schedules recognized dressage shows up in Newberry.

[Jaegermonster]

I agree with your opinion. For those who may not know. H&H was totally gutted and remodeled and all of the old photos, artwork etc are gone. It looks like a serve yourself place in some strip mall now.
That said, WEC is stunning, it’s like a little town and has restaurants, I think some shops, and other neat things to see there. Plus the places I already mentioned

[kaya842]

I think it’s totally worth it! WEC for sure. I struck out at the tack shops - honestly thought they were disappointing outside of the shops at WEC itself.

For a non horsey, non theme park idea near Orlando - I cannot suggest visiting Crystal River to see the manatees enough! I went twice last year and swam with the “tees” (passive observation only, no touching!) both times. It was amazing both times! This is a good time of year for it (I went in Feb and late April last year) and the ONLY place I recommend is Manatees in Paradise. Derrick is amazing and the only tour on the River/ area that is certified with Save the Manatees meaning he uses a propeller guard, practices passive observation, and implements other practices that help preserve the manatees. The sea cows were equally loved by my non horsey, but big animal lover SO. He talks about going back a ton.

[LaurieB]

@MunchingonHay

Ocala Breeder Sales especially if there is a sale going on (keep your hands in your pockets) You can also go and get breakfast and watch them train in the mornings

If you’re interested in seeing some pretty TBs, there will be a sale happening at OBS while you’re there, OP. The breezes for the sale are 3/14 to 3/17. The sale takes place 3/20-3/22.

Info here: OBS Sales | Premier Thoroughbred sales venue in Ocala, Florida providing major Thoroughbred sales events and Thoroughbred race simulcasting.

[mmeqcenter]

WEC is absolutely worth the day trip, there’s a h/j show going on that weekend, with a grand-prix on Saturday. Also something about a sport horse auction.
Florida Horse Park is lovely, albeit more like “regular” show grounds (because WEC is insanity), and if you’re more of an eventer, looks like they have a horse trials going on while you’re in Florida.

While in the area, you could do a clear kayak through Silver Springs, or swim/boat in the gorgeous Crystal River springs.

[MunchingonHay]

Thanks for the correction on Horse and Hound being a dud and STRIDE no longer in Newberry. Its been a hot minute since I lived there. When Horse and Hound was still go.

I stand by my recommendation on Pepe’s for Mexican on 40 and Airport Rd. Unless you guys say that has gone down hill too.

[lorilu]

Pepes is great!! And I am truly sad about H&H…
STRIDE was never in Newberry… once, long ago, we held ONE summertime schooling driving show there. Maybe 10 years ago…

[MunchingonHay]

LOL it may have been longer than that. I remember doing that show up there in 2001/02???

[c0608524]

I want to hear about your Sunday at WEC now

Checking the weather out, it’s supposed to rain one day we’re their - would you recommend the space centre being a rainy day activity?

[CarrotBreath]

It’s not quite as rainy now as it is in summer, but in general, assume it could rain any day in Florida, especially in the afternoons.

The KSC Visitor Center is some outside walking, mostly between buildings. There’s a lot to do inside, and for the bus tour (definitely do the bus tour that’s included in your admission) you’re either on the bus or inside buildings. Shuttle Atlantis is inside, and definitely see that as well. If it’s really rainy, there are IMAX movies to see so you can spend another hour inside.

Keep an eye on the rocket launch schedule, as local launches from Cape Canaveral may increase traffic in the area and attendance at the KSCVC. I use this site for current launch dates. Also, just FYI that the bridge going from Titusville to KSCVC is being replaced so there’s construction and lane closures there. If you’re driving west from KSCVC to Titusville in the late afternoon when KSCVC closes, traffic gets really backed up and slow over the river as a result.

[Zevida]

@c0608524

I want to hear about your Sunday at WEC now

Checking the weather out, it’s supposed to rain one day we’re their - would you recommend the space centre being a rainy day activity?

I had a nice time at WEC! I think it could be a nice day trip. We watched for a bit in the main ring, then walked around to the shops, then watched some more, then had lunch. The main ring did finish up around 1:15pm so make sure to check the schedule to see when the classes are so you don’t arrive too late. A good mix of tack and stable supplies, clothes, and gifts. The facility is impressive. And the drive from Orlando is easy, although I did hit some traffic heading south back towards Orlando Sunday afternoon. We didn’t go into the hotel but checking out the lobby and public areas would have been cool. There are also a lot of rings beyond the main arena so you could watch more stuff depending on what’s going on that weekend.

I do think the Space Center is pretty good for a rainy day - most of the big exhibits (Saturn rocket, shuttle) are inside. You can walk around and see some outdoor things but you can avoid it if needed.