Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Alexander Springs
OcalaA family-friendly spring in the Ocala National Forest with a large, gradually sloping pool of crystal-clear 72-degree turquoise water. Great for swimming and snorkeling.
Amerikanos Grille
The VillagesMediterranean and American cuisine at Spanish Springs with both indoor and outdoor seating plus an outdoor bar. The gyros and lamb dishes stand out, and the location right on the square means you're steps from the nightly entertainment.
Bella Vita Italian Steakhouse
The VillagesRustic Italian charm meets modern piano bar atmosphere. Hand-cut steaks, housemade pastas, and craft cocktails make this the go-to date night spot at Spanish Springs.
Blondies
The VillagesOutdoor bar on Spanish Springs Town Square in The Villages featuring daily live entertainment, signature cocktails, craft beers, and wines by the glass. Hosts trivia nights, karaoke, and Saturday brunch specials.
Bluebird Springs Park
homosassaNatural spring-fed park with swimming, picnic areas, and a serene wooded setting. A hidden gem for a cool dip on a hot Florida day.
Brownwood Paddock Square
The VillagesA rustic-themed town square in The Villages modeled after a 1890s cattle town, with nightly live entertainment, unique shops, and some of the best dining in the area. A laid-back alternative to Spanish Springs.
Buccaneer Bay
Located inside Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Buccaneer Bay features two exhilarating water slides, perfect for thrill-seekers.
CC Fine Arts
OcalaFine arts gallery on Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala showcasing works from local and regional artists.
CFS Coffee
The VillagesColombian-inspired coffee shop at Spanish Springs Town Square serving authentic coffee from the Cocora Valley alongside empanadas, pancakes, and breakfast bowls in a cozy atmosphere.
Charlie Horse Bar & Grill
OcalaNeighborhood bar and grill on Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala serving American fare with daily specials. Known for karaoke nights, DJ Bingo, and a lively local crowd with indoor and outdoor seating.
Chelsea Coffee Company
OcalaPopular coffee shop on the Silver Springs corridor with 4.5 stars and hundreds of reviews. A well-established Ocala coffee spot.
China Lee Buffet
OcalaAll-you-can-eat Chinese buffet on Silver Springs Boulevard with a rotating selection of classic Chinese-American dishes, sushi, and desserts. A budget-friendly option for big appetites.
Coastal Del Mar
The VillagesSeafood with flair at Spanish Springs. A popular spot for dinner right on the square with live music steps away.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park West Entrance
homosassaAn up close experience with Florida's vibrant wildlife
Homosassa Springs State Park Adventures
homosassaAdventure outfitter near Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park offering guided tours and outdoor experiences along the Homosassa River.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park Visitor Center
homosassaVisitor center for the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park on Suncoast Boulevard, serving as a gateway to the park's manatee viewing and native wildlife exhibits.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Crystal RiverHome to rescued Florida wildlife including manatees, black bears, and the famous hippo Lu. The underwater Fish Bowl Observatory lets you watch manatees and fish from below the surface.
Hunter Springs Park
Crystal RiverCity-run park on Kings Bay billed as the most accessible spring in Crystal River, with a roped freshwater swim area, kayak launch, and a boardwalk where manatees pass by in colder months.
Juniper Springs
OcalaA hidden gem inside Ocala National Forest, with a stone-lined swimming area fed by a 72-degree spring. The 7-mile Juniper Springs Run canoe trail winds through one of Florida's most scenic subtropical corridors.
Kaceys Custom Adventures Kayak Rentals and Tours
Crystal RiverClear kayak and paddleboard rental outfitter at Pete's Pier Marina, the closest shop to Three Sisters and Hunter Springs, offering manatee kayak tours including sunset and glow tours.
King Spring
Crystal RiverOne of 28 natural springs in Kings Bay, part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and a major destination for wintering manatees.
McCall's Tavern
The VillagesLive music in a pub atmosphere right on the square at Spanish Springs. Easy to pair with dinner and enjoy the nightly entertainment.
Rainbow Springs Art, Inc
DunnellonNonprofit cooperative art gallery on Walnut Street in Dunnellon representing 25+ local artists working in diverse media, with monthly public art classes and student scholarship programs.
Rainbow Springs State Park
DunnellonFlorida's fourth-largest spring feeds the Rainbow River with 72-degree water so clear you can see your shadow on the sandy bottom. Perfect for tubing, kayaking, and swimming in a pristine natural setting.