352 Preview Magazine 04/23

352 PREVIEW OCALA’S GUIDE TO E NTE RTA INMENT, NIGHTLIFE & FAMILY FUN

all a

| | |

Flutter F LO R I DA M U S E U M 'S B U T T E R F LY RA I N FO R EST P LU S 23 OT H E R T H I N G S TO S E E & D O I N GA I N ESV I L L E

04.23 VOLUME 4

NO.07

JUST REDUCED

Bring Your Horses!

Legendary Trails

30+/- acres with easy access to HWY 200. Close to WEC, HITS and The Florida Horse Park. 3-BR, 4-BA main residence, 5-stall stable, two 2-BR, 2-BA guest/employee houses, generator, 3 wells $3,750,00 and various size paddocks.

Impeccable 4-BR 3.5-BA plus office home, encompassing 3,700 +/SF. Gourmet kitchen opens to family room. Triple-split bedroom floor plan. Gated community close to the Santos Trailhead for $1,050,000 hiking and biking entertainment.

19+/- Acres in NW Ocala

Turning Hawk Ranches

Secluded 4-BR, 3-BA, open living room, chef ’s kitchen, high ceilings throughout, a delightful outdoor lanai area, and the triple-split plan is perfect for added privacy. Luxurious owners suite. Partially fenced, plus whole house generator. $1,445,000

5+ acre estate in gated community with access to the Florida Greenways and Tails for horseback riding, biking or strolling for for miles. 4-BR, 4.5-BA home, plus office and theater media room. $1,447,000

26+/- Acre Equestrian Facility

Prime 28.42+/- Acres

Minutes to the Florida Horse Park or The Villages Polo Club. 10-stall center-aisle barn, apartments, 80’ X 225’ riding arena, lit polo field and lush green paddocks. No deed restrictions. Perfect for any discipline of horse or cattle. $995,000

Steps to the World Equestrian Center and Golden Ocala. This is your opportunity to build your farm or dream home close to WEC. No deed restrictions! Perimeter fenced, with existing well ready for horses or livestock. $2,800,000

Let Me Show You Ocala!

Pecan Hill Farm

Income Producing – 19 Acres

Desirable 38+/- acres just minutes to WEC & HITS. 4-BR, 3-BA main residence, 4-BR, 2-BA guest residence, 1/1 apartment, 12-stall stable with 2nd story hay storage. 3-bay equipment building with workshop and RV hook-up. Lush paddocks. $3,950,000

Located less than a mile off Ocala’s State Road 200, property has 3 homes. Main residence is a 4/2 with an open-floor-plan living area.

Second home is 2/2, built by Triple Crown. Third residence is 3/2. $1,500,000 Two homes currently being leased.

JUST REDUCED

S

S

S 10.06 Acres

10.30 72,000 PA

S

$38,000 PA $382,280

$722,160

S

Phase II - 155+/- Acres

17.49 Acres 70,000 PA $1,224,300

19.90 Acres

10.07 Acres

Phase 1

13.50 Acres

11.3 Acres

$38,000 PA $42,000 PA $567,000 $429,400 14.50 Acres

11.80 Acres 10.20 Acres

Phase III Pricing Lot 1 Lot 2

NW Ocala – HWY 326 150 acres of beautiful rolling hills in NW Ocala with frontage on Hwy 326. Property features lush green pastures and two barns, which are in need of repairs. Call today for additional information. $3,750,000

6.89 AC $361,725 $52,500 PA 7.07 AC $371,175 $52,500 PA

Lot 4 3.90 AC $222,300 $57,000 PA Lot 5 3.89 AC $194,500 $50,000 PA Lot 6 4.41 AC $251,370 $57,000 PA Lot 9 4.24 AC $254,400 $60,000 PA Lot 10 3.30 AC $175,998 $53,333 PA Lot 11 3.02 AC $196,300 $65,000 PA Lot 14 3.84 AC $230,400 $60,000 PA Lot 15 3.01 AC $165,550 $55,000 PA

Lot 18 30.63 AC $1,148,626 $37,500 PA Lot 21 22.83 AC $912,800 $40,000 PA

S S

S S

Phase III

S

S S

S

S

S 10.02 Acres

S $97,000 PA

S

10.09 Acres

Via Paradisus

* Access to Florida Greenways and Trails * Across from Florida Horse Park * Equine Friendly Neighborhood

S

S

S S S

S

$973,880

10 Acres

S

S

S S

$97,000 PA $1,164,000 12.03 Acres

S

S

S

S 10.43 Acres

S

S

S S

S

$56,107 PA $565,000

S

15.06 Acres

S $42,994 PA

S

S

S

$647,500

* Deed Restricted Neighborhood * 3,000 SF Minimum * Bridle Trails inside Via Paradisus

* Prices subject to change

02/09/2023

Equine friendly, beautiful Grandaddy Oaks, paved streets, street lighting and has access to the Florida Greenways and Trails. Close to the Florida Horse Park. Deed restricted and gated community.

Various size lots

If you’re considering buying or selling, give us a call today!

List your property with Joan Pletcher... Our results speak for themselves.

For these and other properties, visit JoanPletcher.com for information, videos and more choices.

Call or Text: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 | joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com Due to the privacy and at the discretion of my clients, there are additional training centers, estates and land available that are not advertised.

EVERY CHILD DESERVES A HAPPY, HEALTHY SMILE!

352 PREVIEW O CALA’S G UID E TO ENT ERTAIN MENT, N IG H T L IFE & FA M I LY F U N

APRIL 2023 | VOL. 4, ISSUE NO. 07 WORD GIRLS KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY

KARIN@352PREVIEW.COM

MELISSA PETERSON

MELISSA@352PREVIEW.COM

SALES SIRENS KATHY JOHNSON

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! DR. ADRIANA RICK, D.D.S. DR. ARIANNE RICK, D.M.D. Mother-Daughter Dental Practice

206 SW 10TH ST. | OCALA

KATHY@352PREVIEW.COM

ANGIE RAY

Limited to Pediatrics ages 4-20

352.732.5437 Hablamos Espanol e Portugues!

We We love love bugs bugs

ANGIERAY@352PREVIEW.COM

CECILIA SARCO

CREATIVE REBEL KRISTY TAYLOR

KRISTY@352PREVIEW.COM

HOT SHOTS JOHN JERNIGAN MAVEN PHOTO + FILM

123RF.COM, UNSPLASH.COM

WRITE ONES JESSE JAMES CYNTHIA MCFARLAND RONALD W. WETHERINGTON

CECILIA@352PREVIEW.COM

RON@352PREVIEW.COM

FIND US ONLINE FOR MORE CONTENT

352PREVIEW.COM 352 PREVIEW 352PREVIEW

to to death. death.

With over 30 years With over 30 yearsCity experience, Brick experience, Pest ControlBrick servesCity Ocala Pest ControlCounty. serves Ocala and Marion and Marion County.

Whether your problem Whether your problem is with termites, ants, is with termites, chinch bugs, bedants, bugs, or chinch bugs, bed bugs, just garden-variety bugs,or just garden-variety bugs,and we’ll protect your home we’ll protect your home and family… guaranteed. family… guaranteed.

Call (352) 732-4244 for your Callinspection, (352) 732-4244 forlove youryour free and we’ll free inspection, bugs to death.and we’ll love your bugs to death.

Rand Hollon Owner Rand Hollon Owner

( 3 5 2 ) 7 3 2- 4 2 4 4 • w w w. b ri c kc i t y p e s t . c o m ( 3 5 2 ) 7 3 2- 4 2 4 4 • w w w. b ri c kc i t y p e s t . c o m

3035 SE MARICAMP RD., SUITE 104, UNIT 168, OCALA, FL 34471

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CALL (352) 812-3672 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY 352 PREVIEW, LLC. ALL CONTENTS © 2023 BY 352 PREVIEW, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING MAY BE REPRINTED IN WHOLE ON IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE OWNERS. FOR BACK ISSUES OR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, CALL (352) 812-3672. RETURN POSTAGE MUST ACCOMPANY ALL UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS AND MATERIALS IF THEY ARE TO BE RETURNED TO SENDER. “PROMOTIONAL” AND “PROMOTIONAL FEATURE” DENOTE A PAID ADVERTISING FEATURE. OWNERS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CLAIMS AND CONTENT OF ADVERTISEMENTS.

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! SCAN THE QR CODE TO HAVE A DIGITAL ISSUE DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX EACH MONTH! SUBSCRIBERS WILL ALSO GET UPDATES ON CONCERT PRESALES, LAST-MINUTE EVENT NEWS AND GIVEAWAYS HAPPENING EXCLUSIVELY FOR OUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS. STAY IN THE KNOW—SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

*

*

CONTENTS 04.23

OCALA’S GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT

NIGHTLIFE & FAMILY FUN

22

SUMMER IN THE SMOKIES THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK IS A STUNNING DESTINATION AND SHOULD DEFINITELY BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST FOR THE PERFECT FAMILY SUMMER VACATION.

26 GAINESVILLE GETAWAYS

CRAVE

From museums and college sports to outdoor recreation and theatrical productions, Gainesville has a little something for everyone.

34 THE LOCAL FLAVOR

There’s a new hot dog in town, China Lee Buffet is back in business and Easter Brunch at WEC.

6 TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN THE 352 & MORE

20

A handy guide to get you going and keep you busy this month.

WATCH 12 CONCERT SPOTLIGHT

Last-minute tickets and local shows you won’t want to miss.

14 FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS

VOCAL hosts its annual Furball fundraiser at the World Equestrian Center.

EXPLORE 18 FIT & FUN

If you’re looking to get active, check out some of these great options.

16 STORIES FROM THE PAST 20 OUT & ABOUT The City of Ocala will once again host its Legends of the Fort event, connecting the public with events that shaped our community.

Check out one of these upcoming community 5Ks, honoring Earth Day with the City of Ocala and Easter on the Farm.

MAYHEM RANCH IS A 170-ACRE, FAMILY-OWNED AGRITOURISM FARM LOCATED IN MORRISTON THAT HAS OVER 50 DIFFERENT SPECIES OF ANIMALS.

36 BITE-SIZED BITS

Wine down with Whispering Oaks, sip and shop on the third Thursday and food fests you need to visit.

36

*

TOP TEN 04.23

ONE EASTER CELEBRATION

AT WEC

APRIL 9

Head to the World Equestrian Center between 10am and 2pm for a free day of spring crafts, bounce houses, face painting, plus Easter egg and cookie decorating courtesy of Signature Brands. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to greet the little ones. Bring your basket because the Easter egg hunts begin at 10am and are broken up based on age. Find a special golden egg to win an Easter surprise. The event takes place in indoor Arena 4. While there, enjoy the Easter brunch on the terrace at The Equestrian Hotel with seatings at 9am, 11:30am and 1:30pm. Reservations are required through Stirrups Open Table. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com.

6

352PREVIEW.COM

2

LEVITT AMP MUSIC SERIES SELECT DATES The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series will take place at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Complex. Concerts will take place every Friday, April 14 through June 23 (excluding May 26), from 7-9pm. The official lineup will be announced at a later date. Admission is free, and the public is invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the concerts. The event will feature food trucks and the Ocala Recreation Mobile with fun activities.

For more information, visit ocalafl.org/levittamp or find the event on Facebook.

BRICK CITY BEER & WINE FESTIVAL APRIL 8

Over 30 craft beer and wine vendors will offer samples of their best products. The event will also feature live entertainment with a Battle of the Bands, local food trucks, plus a Kids’ Suds Saloon offering root beer floats. The event is held at Citizens’ Circle downtown. A pre-purchased $35 sampling pass will let you enjoy the festivities from 2-6pm, while a $50 VIP pass gets you early entry at 1pm, plus access to the treats inside the VIP tent. Proceeds benefit Interfaith Emergency Services, Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection and the Marion Literacy Council.

For details, visit the Facebook page and purchase tickets at brickcitybeerandwinefest.com.

3

A HANDY GUIDE TO GET YOU GOING AND KEEP YOU BUSY THIS MONTH

5

Levitt Amp photo by Demilio Photography; Titans of Rock photo courtesy of Reilly Arts Center

WIENER WARS APRIL 20

4

HOT CARS

3

& COOL CATS

APRIL 15

Burnyzz presents this biannual car show, a fun event for the whole family with vendors, food and all sorts of vehicles on display. Proceeds from the show benefit the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS). The event is free for spectators and $10 for those wishing to enter a car, truck or motorcycle in the show. Winners will be awarded custom-made trophies. Plus, there will be a 50/50, a raffle table, music, food and more.

Festivities will take place from 10am-3pm at 2250 NE 70th Street (Hwy 326) In Ocala. For more information, call (352) 266-2859 or find the event on Facebook.

This culinary competition benefits the Ocala Outreach Foundation, Inc. and Marion County Literacy Council and will take place from 6-9pm at the Ocala Downtown Market. Downtown Ocala restaurants will compete on cooking technique, creativity, presentation and taste, using a predetermined all-beef frank wiener. In addition to the food offerings of the day, beer and wine will be available in exchange for tickets purchased at the event. Find the event on Facebook to learn more.

GYPSY LIVE HORSE SHOW APRIL 21-23

8

The Gypsy Live spring event will showcase the talent and beauty of the Gypsy horse. Competitors will compete in a variety of disciplines, including English, dressage, western, liberty, obstacles and carriage driving. The event is free and open to spectators and will take place in arena 3 at the World Equestrian Center from 8am-8pm. For details visit worldequestriancenter.com.

9 6

WIND-FM ROCKS THE REILLY: TITANS OF ROCK APRIL 22

This concert will be a tribute to Journey and Bon Jovi and take place at the Reilly Arts Center at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $25. Hear hits like “Don’t Stop Believin” and “Wanted Dead Or Alive,” two of the greatest “encore” songs ever written!

Purchase tickets at reillyartscenter.com.

7

XANADU APRIL 13-16 The stage at the College of Central Florida’s Dassance Fine Arts Center will be transformed into a roller disco when CF Theatre presents Xanadu live on stage. Performance times are 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 3pm on Sunday. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for nonCF students. Tickets are free for CF students, faculty and staff with a valid I.D. Visit cf.edu for details.

EARTHFEST: CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY APRIL 22 This annual event provides a day’s worth of fun for the whole family. Festivities will include live music, a youth fishing derby, feeding live butterflies, ecofriendly vendors, food trucks and more.

The event will take place from 10am2pm at Tuscawilla Park. For details, visit ocalafl.org/recpark.

LEESBURG BIKEFEST APRIL 28-30

10

At this three-day motorcycle event, you’ll find more than 200 bike vendors, bike shows, motorcycle exhibitions and demonstrations, biker games and tons of great live music. Headlining entertainment includes Whey Jennings, Buckcherry and Warrant. For tickets and a schedule of events, visit leesburgbikefest.com.

APR ‘23

7

*

& MORE 04.23 FLORIDA MASTER GARDENER PLANT CLINIC APRIL 6 UF/IFAS Extension and Florida Master Gardeners will offer this monthly class at the Marion Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center. Bring your questions! The event takes place at 11am and is open to the public. Find the event on Facebook.

CLEANING FESTIVAL OCALA! APRIL 6 Learn the tips and tricks from the pros on how to clean the right way! Check out some cutting-edge products and techniques, too.

Event takes place at the College of Central Florida from 9am to 4pm. cleaningfestival.com

UPCYCLED APRIL 7-29 UpCycled—Turning Waste Into Wonder will feature creations

by MCA artist members using recycled materials. The event will be on display at The Brick Gallery downtown. mcaocala.org

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK APRIL 7 From 6-9pm stroll the downtown square and take in vendors, arts organizations, businesses, live performances, family art activities and more. ocalafl.org/artwalk

HONORING THE FALLEN APRIL 8 This event is a special ceremony designed for our surviving veterans and first responders, their families and civilians alike, while honoring those we lost at the same time. The ceremony will take place at 10am at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters. Find the event on Facebook.

MARION COUNTY FARMLAND PRESERVATION FESTIVAL APRIL 8

FREE WINE TASTING APRIL 6

Held at Majestic Oaks Ocala from 9am-4pm, the event includes lots of horses, an antique tractor and horse parade at 10am, live and local entertainment, crafts, farm animals, food and more. farmlandfestival.org

Island Grove Winery will be on hand for a free wine tasting at Sandy’s OPERATION EASTER EGG HUNT Shack Imported Wine & Beer from APRIL 9 7-10pm. Find the event on Facebook This event is open to kids 12 and or visit sandysshack.com. under. Free Easter baskets will be provided while supplies last, and the event will include food, music ANNUAL EASTER LUNCHEON and treats. The fun happens from APRIL 6 11am-3pm at Tuscawilla Park. Find Open to the public, this event the event on Facebook. provides Easter fun for all. 2023 Pre-sale tickets only for $12 per person. Doors open at 11:45am, and REILLY FUNDRAISING GALA: the luncheon beings at noon at the ONE NIGHT ONLY Marion Oaks Community Center.

APRIL 13 Find the event on Facebook.

This gala raises funds for 8

352PREVIEW.COM

programming and music education at the Reilly Arts Center. It’s a rock show, multi-media chamber orchestra and a rock ‘n’ roll revue all in one. Individual tickets are $150 and include performance tickets, a progressive dinner experience and open bar. reillyartscenter.com

5TH ANNUAL CHILDREN FIRST GALA APRIL 13 Join the Marion County Children’s Alliance for an evening of excellence to announce the winners of the Dr. Mike Jordan Award of Excellence and the Annual Vision Award. Beginning at 6pm, the event includes dinner, music, a cash bar and more. mcchildrensalliance.org

RACQUET BRAWL TOURNAMENT APRIL 14-16

BOOMTOWN DAYS APRIL 15 The 50th anniversary of this festival will include craft, business and food vendors, plus fun for the whole family and live entertainment. The event will run from 9am-5pm and take place in the historic district of Dunnellon along West Pennsylvania Avenue and Cedar Street. dunnellonchamber.com

ASSISTED LIVING: THE MUSICAL APRIL 16 The residents at Pelican Roost know how to party, and 70 is the new 20.

This unique play is like no other!

Two actors play the roles for all 18 characters. Tickets start at $31, and the show begins at 3pm and 7pm at the Circle Square Cultural Center. csculturalcenter.com

All skill levels are welcome to attend this first annual tennis tournament to benefit Kimberly’s Cottage in Ocala. Times vary by day. Call (352) 648-6435 for more information.

BUNCO FUNDRAISER APRIL 15 This annual event supports the all-volunteer non-profit Marion County Search and Rescue Team and includes a DJ, finger food and desserts, raffles, a 50/50 and more. Doors open at 5pm and Bunco starts at 6pm. Tickets are $25 per person. Call (352) 4700638 to purchase tickets.

SPRING STRINGS CONCERT APRIL 15 Pack a picnic and bring your lawn chair to enjoy a spring concert at Sholom Park by the Classern Quartet performing pop and rock music from past to present. Event begins at 5pm, and food trucks will be on hand.

Registration is required to attend. sholompark.org/spring-strings

ANNUAL CHARITY CAR & CRAFT SHOW APRIL 16 Enter your car, or just come check out the cars! Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and all donations will support autism causes. The event takes place at the Ocala Shrine Club from 10am3pm. Find the event on Facebook.

THE OCALA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHORUS APRIL 16 The Ocala Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (with guest soloists and conductor Joshua Mazur) present the beloved, spirited and CONTINUED ON PG.10

FLORIDA HANDBOOK ON WILLS, TRUSTS, and PROBATE

Please call for your FREE Florida Wills, Trusts and Probate Handbook!

WILLS TRUSTS PROBATE Whether you are leaving your legacy, protecting your assets or need to settle a loved one’s estate, I am here to help you through the transition.

CALL TODAY FOR A

FREE

CONSULTATION! Steve Rothenburg Attorney at Law 500 N.E. 8th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470

352-620-9100

352.620.9100 500 NE 8th Ave | Ocala 34470 RothenburgLaw.com

HOUSE CALLS

BY APPOINTMENT

*

BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING SLOW ABOUT OCALA & MARION COUNTY

HART APRIL 22

You won’t want to miss this inaugural art event featuring funkadelic art styles by Lilli Hart.

Art appreciators and collectors alike are encouraged to attend. The first 100 guests will receive limited edition show swag, so arrive early.

The event runs from 6-8pm at NEHS Galleries on NE 8th Avenue.

fun, food trucks, food, craft vendors games and live entertainment.

Purchase tickets in advance at and more. The festival takes place on the fourth Friday of the month at ocalafl.org/recpark.

Lake Lillian from 5-9pm. Call (352) 233-2122 for more information.

OCALA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA:

LADIES NIGHT OUT APRIL 28

(POP) MUSIC AMERICAS: FROM RIO TO THE BIG APPLE APRIL 29-30

K-Country and Wind-FM are hosting a Ladies Night Out event from 4-8pm at CF’s Vintage Farm. The event is for adults 21 and older. Entry is $10, and each attendee will receive two complimentary drinks. Browse vendor displays, take fun selfies, sing karaoke and win great prizes.

937kcountry.com

Performances will include a unique rendition of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and the symphony will perform the Florida premiere of Michael Daugherty’s Fifteen: A Symphonic Fantasy. Show time are 7:30pm Saturday and 3pm Sunday. Tickets are $15. reillyartscenter.com

OCALA YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS MARKET APRIL 30 Small businesses, inventions, artwork, vendors and more will all be on display—and all participants are 18 or younger.

The event will take place from 12-4pm and will include keynote speakers from the community, food trucks, live music and more.

Admission is free. Find the event on Facebook.

CAST & BLAST SPORTSMAN’S EXPO APRIL 22-23

FLORIDA MUSEUM’S SPRING PLANT SALE APRIL 21-23 The event will feature more than 100 varieties of Florida- and pollinator-friendly plants. Proceeds benefit the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit. floridamuseum.ufl.edu

GREAT FLORIDA BIGFOOT CONFERENCE APRIL 22 From 9am to 6pm all things Bigfoot will take over the World Equestrian Center. Bigfoot experts, cryptozoology experts and more will be on hand. Admission seating 10

352PREVIEW.COM

This premier outdoor event includes the best of fishing, hunting, boating, camping and more. There will also be an acoustic concert Sunday, plus vendors, food and more. The event takes place in expo center 2 at the World Equestrian Center. Ticket prices vary. Details can be found at castandblastexpo.com or on the event’s Facebook page. .

SUPER GIGANTIC GARAGE SALE APRIL 30

ORANGE BLOSSOM MINIATURE HORSE SHOW APRIL 27-29 This show will feature halter, driving, stock jumping, obstacles and showmanship liberty. Details on the event, which takes place at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, can be found at orangeblossommhc.org.

FRIDAY FOODIE FEST APRIL 28 This monthly event features family

LEGENDS OF THE FORT APRIL 29 From 6-10 pm guests will step back into history to meet the legends of Fort King’s past. A one-hour guided lantern tour will present tales from the past while guests learn about the grounds of Ocala’s Seminole War historic site. The event also includes old-fashioned

Ocala’s largest indoor garage sale will take place at the World Equestrian Center in expo center 2, from 9am-4pm on Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sunday.

General admission is $4 and good all weekend. A $10 early bird ticket provides 9:30am entry Saturday. Kids 12 and under free. worldequestriancenter.com

NEWSIES MAY 4-24 Get your tickets now for this Disney classic that revolves around a group of newsboys who sing, dance and take matters into their own hands. Showtimes and prices vary. ocalacivictheatre.com

Legends of the Fort photo courtesy City of Ocala

moving Celtic music made famous is $25. gatherupevents.com/ florida-bigfoot-conference

by Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Celtic Woman and Enya to the Reilly Arts Center at 3pm. Tickets start at HAVANA NIGHTS $15. reillyartscenter.com APRIL 22 This 30th annual auction by Grace Christian School of Ocala includes OCALA INTERNATIONAL an evening of silent and live FESTIVAL OF EVENTING auctions, authentic Cuban food and APRIL 20-23 dancing to music by INFINIDAD. This event features novice The event begins at 5:30pm at through advanced competitors the Circle Square Cultural Center. and CCI1/2/3*L and CCI4*S gcsocala.com/events at the Florida Horse Park. flhorsepark.com

Dive into the world of spiders and their relatives with more than a dozen LIVE species on display at the Florida Museum!

Funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

3215 Hull Road, Gainesville • 352-846-2000 www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu

WATCH

TICKETS

PLEASE

HANK WILLIAMS JR.

APR THE BEATLES – ABBEY ROAD

14

REILLY ARTS CENTER

Classic Albums Live presents The Beatles – Abbey Road, sponsored by DeLuca Toyota, at the Reilly Arts Center on April 14. Experience Classic Albums LIVE as they perform the music of The Beatles’ Abbey Road— note for note, cut for cut. The show starts at 7:30pm, and tickets range from $20-$55. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit reillyartscenter.com.

HEARHERE TRANSFUSION

APRIL 1 O’MALLEY’S ALLEY

SANDRA & ALEX LEKID APRIL 1 INFINITE ALE WORKS

THE BIG BAD APRIL 9 RJ GATORS

NOAH HUNTON

APRIL 12 THE YELLOW PONY

THE BIG BAD

APRIL 13 INFINITE ALE WORKS

12

352PREVIEW.COM

ECLIFF

APRIL 15 THE JUNIPER GENERAL STORE

BRANDON DULL

APRIL 16 THE CRAZY CUCUMBER EATERY & BAR

THE STOREYS

APRIL 21 O’CALAHANS PUB & EATERY

THE MUDDS

APRIL 22 LA CUISINE FRENCH RESTAURANT

SIDEPIECE

APRIL 28 CHARLIE HORSE

ED SHEERAN

MAY 20 RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM, TAMPA

STEVIE NICKS

MAY 25 AMWAY CENTER, ORLANDO

WALKER HAYES

JUNE 9 DAILY’S PLACE, JACKSONVILLE

BROOKS & DUNN

JUNE 10 AMWAY CENTER, ORLANDO

PARAMORE

JUNE 13 AMWAY CENTER, ORLANDO

DURAN DURAN

JUNE 17 AMALIE ARENA, TAMPA

BRYAN ADAMS WITH JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS JUNE 21 AMALIE ARENA, TAMPA

ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO

APRIL 18 | UF PHILLIPS CENTER Named by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, five-time Grammy award-winner Angélique Kidjo is one of the greatest artists in international music today.

GEORGETTE JONES APRIL 28 | ORANGE BLOSSOM OPRY

Tamala Georgette Jones was born to the only Hall of Fame husband and wife country artists, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, and she’s been singing with one or both parents since the age of 3.

KRISTOPHER JAMES— COLDPLAY TRIBUTE

APRIL 29 | MARION THEATRE Taking on the swooning melodies of one of the biggest bands in the last 20 years, Kristopher James brings his Coldplay Tribute to the Marion Theatre.

OFFICIAL BLUES BROTHERS REVUE

MAY 4 | CIRCLE SQUARE CULTURAL CENTER The duo was hand-picked to carry the torch first lit by the iconic duo of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi.

The 40th anniversary show will also feature guest tributes to Aretha Franklin, James Brown and Ray Charles.

FLEET FOXES

JUNE 25 HARD ROCK LIVE ORLANDO

BARENAKED LADIES JULY 16 ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE

STREETLIFE SERENADER, A TRIBUTE TO BILLY JOEL JUNE 3 | REILLY ARTS CENTER

Wind-FM is rockin’ the Reilly with an incredible night of the iconic music of Billy Joel, with hits like “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl” and “Still Rock N’ Roll to Me.”

Photo courtesy of Reilly Arts Center

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MAY 19 MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATRE AT THE FL STATE FAIRGROUNDS, TAMPA

LIVE & LOCAL

Plan well. Invest wisely. Live fully.

We help you make smart choices that build a more secure financial future. Let our growing team help turn your unique needs, wants, and wishes into a personalized plan you can be confident in.

To meet our team and learn how we can help you, contact The Brick City Group of Truist Investment Services, Inc. at BrickCityGroup@Truist.com or 352.390.2825.

Truist.com/wealth Left to Right: Sherri Hunt, Jeff Tucker, Christopher Turner, Alex Fontana, Thomas Fontana, Zaneh Romaine

Investment and Insurance Products: Are not FDIC or any other Government Agency Insured • Are not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose Value.

Jeff Tucker, Christopher Turner, Alex Fontana, Thomas Fontana, and Zaneh Romaine are Registered Representatives of Truist Investment Services, Inc. and Investment Adviser Representatives of Truist Advisory Services, Inc. Sherri Hunt is a Registered Representative of Truist Investment Services, Inc. Truist Wealth is a marketing name used by Truist Financial Corporation.

Services provided by the following affiliates of Truist Financial Corporation: Securities, brokerage accounts and insurance (including annuities) are offered by Truist Investment Services, Inc., a SEC registered broker-dealer, member FINRA, SIPC, and a licensed insurance agency. Investment advisory services are offered by Truist Advisory Services, Inc., a SEC registered investment advisor. © 2023 Truist Financial Corporation, Truist, Truist purple, and the Truist logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.

WATCH

FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS VOCAL HOSTS ITS ANNUAL FURBALL FUNDRAISER AT THE WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER. RONALD W. WETHERINGTON, SOCIAL EDITOR PHOTOS BY MAVEN PHOTO + FILM

S

urprisingly, diamonds and puppies have quite a bit in common. It turns out that for the 280 guests that attended the recent 7th Annual Furball hosted by Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) at the World Equestrian Center, the connection between diamonds and puppies was made readily apparent. The presenting sponsor Lugano Diamonds was in attendance, as were three adorable and adoptable puppies from VOCAL. The elegant black-tie event also featured Mermaid, a three-legged Staffordshire terrier dressed in a formal gown. She could be found at the Cuddle Lounge, designed by Teal Lane, where she charmed guests and accepted belly rubs throughout the evening.

Dinner was provided by the World Equestrian Center culinary team. After dinner, a video showcasing the work of VOCAL was shown followed by a presentation by co-founder Kate Rengel, who talked about the special bond between people and their pets. She explained how her own dog, Reilly, now 16 years old, was the impetus for her to get into animal welfare. The theme of the evening, Change in Full Bloom, points to the evolution of animal welfare in our community and VOCAL’s role in bringing about positive change.

Over $150,000 was raised during the evening. Pulling the whole night together was event chair and co-founder Lauren Carpenter and her team.

“If a pet is suffering or in pain and the service is one we offer, we will provide the service regardless of the ability to pay,” says VOCAL co-founder Linda Norman. “We are so fortunate to live in a community that cares for its animals and wants to help others, too. The funds raised at the Furball can go a long way and help many more pets in need.”

“There is no doubt that the Furball has now established itself as a must attend social event in Ocala,” says local philanthropist Bernadette Castro.

The citizens of Ocala/Marion County love their animals not like they are family but because they are family. To make a much-appreciated donation, call (352) 289-0800 or visit vocalforpets.org.

14

352PREVIEW.COM

DOROTHY COLLETON

JILL HENNEBERG & ANDREA KAVANAGH

HEATHER AMIR, ALETHIA PANTAZIS & LISA SCHILCHTER

LINDA NORMAN, MIMI LEAL, MANNY LEAL, DEBBIE CARNEY & ROB CARNEY

JOHN VOIGTS & MICHELLE CHARLES

DOREEN PENN & SARAH AYERS

GREG & STEPHANIE HARRELL

BRICE & LAUREN CARPENTER

KRISTEN DREYER & DAVID TILLMAN

JOHN & CINDY HARPER, TRAVIS & ALLISON MAGAMOLL, MOLLY & JOHN ROBERTS

IF A PET IS SUFFERING OR IN PAIN AND THE SERVICE IS ONE WE OFFER, WE WILL PROVIDE THE SERVICE REGARDLESS OF THE ABILITY TO PAY. WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO LIVE IN A COMMUNITY THAT CARES FOR ITS ANIMALS AND WANTS TO HELP OTHERS, TOO. LINDA NORMAN, VOCAL CO-FOUNDER

SIENNA BROWN WITH PUMA, DIANE WARD, LILA AMIR WITH SKETCHERS & JAMIE AMIR APR ‘23

15

WATCH

STORIES FROM THE PAST THE CITY OF OCALA WILL ONCE AGAIN HOST ITS LEGENDS OF THE FORT EVENT, CONNECTING THE PUBLIC WITH EVENTS THAT SHAPED OUR COMMUNITY. WRITTEN BY BY MELISSA PETERSON

O

times throughout the rest of the year.”

The inaugural Legends of the Fort event was held in October of last year and is planned to be an ongoing event multiple times throughout the year.

Tour guides for the event are Fort King and City of Ocala Volunteers.

“The storytellers are very knowledgeable,” says Ashley. “Our program coordinator, Kathleen Ramirez, has studied local history for years and is heavily interested in the stories that have been passed down from generations all across Ocala and through the Seminole Tribe. Guests will encounter stories from the Seminole history, military campaigns, life in frontier Florida, important characters of their time and livelihood strategies for surviving—or not surviving—the harshest elements in Florida history.”

The reconstructed fort was built in the summer of 2016 and took six months to complete. The structure was rebuilt to serve as an educational tool—not just for the students of Marion County but for all students across the state.

“Our period in history is studied in the eighth-grade curriculum,” explains Ashley. “We currently educate more than 8,000 students annually on the history of the Seminole Wars.

Many people do not realize that Fort King was the first county seat of the newly established Marion County. It also served as the first county courthouse.”

During the event, group tours will leave every 15 minutes. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $10 per person for general admission. Children under 5 are free. Parking will be located on NE 41st Avenue.

Additional history-based events take place throughout the year at Fort King National Historic Landmark, including the two-day Festival at Fort King held in December each year, historic homesteading classes and, this month, School of the Soldier, happening on April 15, 10am-3pm, where you can learn about what it took to be a soldier during the Seminole Wars.

In addition to these events, the park is open sunrise to 5pm every day, and the visitors center and Archaeology Resource Center are open every Friday and Saturday from 10am-5pm.

“Events like these give people the opportunity to hear stories from multiple perspectives from people who were here that made Ocala,” says Ashley. “Fort King is specifically important because it was a major U.S. Army headquarters and was the birthplace of the city itself.”

LEGENDS OF THE FORT Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King Street April 29, 6-10pm Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/3Yhs82D ocalafl.org/recpark or ftking.org

Photo courtesy of City of OCala

n December 28, 1835, Osceola, leader of the Seminole Indians, attacked Fort King with a band of approximately 240 tribe members. His primary focus was to kill Wiley Thompson, who had betrayed him and his people time and time again. Just outside of the walls of Fort King, but within view of the blockhouse, Osceola executed his attack, ending the life of Wiley Thompson and several others. Not a single Seminole was killed during the attack.

This is just one of the stories surrounding the site on which the reconstructed Fort King now sits, and it will be just one of the stories told during the Legends of the Fort event, hosted by the City of Ocala’s Recreation and Parks Department on April 29, from 6-10pm. During the event, guests will step back into history to meet the legends of Fort King’s past in a one-hour guided tour.

“Guests will be guided by lantern through the park where they will stop at stations along the trail to hear about the past,” says Ashley Dobbs, marketing and communications manager for the City of Ocala. “All stories are connected to Fort King and Ocala’s history and will be told by historic reenactors and a Seminole Tribe member.

Folks also can explore inside the Fort while talking to other reenactors, learn pioneer games and purchase light snacks and refreshments. It’s a wonderful experience to see the park in the night and explore a trail that is normally closed at those

16

352PREVIEW.COM

SUMMER ART CAMP at the Appleton Museum of Art Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. | AppletonMuseum.org

COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

Half-day camps for ages 5 and up. Schedule available online at AppletonMuseum.org.

Registration begins April 3.

-an equal opportunity college-

New Sports in '23-'24: Bowling, Competitive Weight Lifting, Girls Flag Football and Soccer.

ENROLL TODAY! Grades: Pre-K through 12th STEAM School Offering a 4-year Aviation program plus courses in Forensics, Robotics, Agriculture, Culinary Arts, & Strength and Athletic Performance Training Athletic Teams including: Football, Baseball, Track, Swim, Golf, Cross Country, Cheerleading, Basketball, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball & E-Sports 2022: Girls Volleyball FHSAA District Champions and Regional Finalists; Football SSAC Regional Finalists, & Girls Cross Country FHSAA State Finalists

Call today to learn about enrollment & to schedule a tour.

Pursuing academic excellence through the relational impact of Christ-centered learning.

St. John Lutheran School 1915 SE Lake Weir Avenue | Ocala

(352)622-7275 | stjohnocala.org

APR ‘23

17

EXPLORE OCALA SENIOR SOFTBALL The Ocala Senior Softball league is a competitive group of baseball- and softballloving folks ages 55 and up who have experience with the sport.

“If you have experience with baseball or softball and want to get back into the sport, we encourage you to come out,” says Andy Allen, 67.

“We have a lot of fun and we emphasize safety and camaraderie first and then come up with a competitive plan.”

Typically, the summer league starts in April and runs through August, while the winter league runs September through March. Games are umpired, and players range in age from 55 to their early 80s. The league plays soft toss with a minimum arc of 6 feet and a maximum arc of 12 feet. Game play is Mondays and Wednesdays with games beginning at 9am.

A second game follows after a short break.

Players are encouraged to arrive early to warm up. The cost to play is just $65 a season, which covers the cost of a uniform and supplies for the team. If you’d like more information, visit ocalaseniorsoftball.com.

FIT & FUN THE CITY OF OCALA AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT MARION COUNTY OFFER A GREAT SELECTION OF ADULT RECREATIONAL SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES. IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO GET ACTIVE, CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE GREAT OPTIONS. COMPILED BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY

FITNESS BOOT CAMP

Want to show off your lay up or jump shot?

Gather some friends and make it happen.

Teams of 15 will face off in both regular season and playoff games. There will be prizes awarded to the top teams. The league meets on Wednesdays between 6-8pm at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place.

Registration ends May 18, and the season runs from June 7-July 16.

If you need a jump start to your new healthy lifestyle, perhaps this boot camp is for you.

Trainers will change it up from class to class, offering workouts with calisthenics, weight training, cardio and more. There is no registration required, and the class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30pm in the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. The classes will run from April 4 to May 25.

Register for the above programs by visiting ocalafl.org and searching for adult sports.

ADULT CO-ED KICKBALL If you remember this fun game from your schoolyard days, you won’t want to miss out on the fun times ahead. There will be 15 teammates on the field, seven of which must be female. Registration is open through August 14, and the season will run from September 12 to October 26. Games will be played on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9pm at the Ocala Regional Sportsplex.

18

352PREVIEW.COM

TENNIS, ANYONE? Join the Ocala Tennis Association at the Fort King Municipal Tennis Courts for their Love 2 Learn/Love 2 Play adult beginner program. The six-week program runs in eight-week cycles and includes top-notch instructions and tennis clinics, followed by six weeks of play time. The cost for the program is $60. Contact the OTA for details and to register.

MARION COUNTY SENIOR SOFTBALL If you’re new to senior softball or a bit dusty with your skills, check out Marion County Senior Softball. Registration for this league is ongoing throughout the year, and new players can join in at any time.

“It’s definitely a healthy mix of casual and competitive. The league really does provide a space for all types of senior-aged athletes to get outside and be active,” says Sara Lambert, community engagement coordinator for parks and recreation. “The league is highly open to beginners. They welcome players of all skill sets and levels with open arms.” For those interested in more information, visit parks.marionfl.org or call (352) 671-8560.

Photo courtesy of alicecooper.com

ADULT BASKETBALL SUMMER LEAGUE

We take your health to heart.

• Family history • High blood pressure or cholesterol • Shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness • Decreased exercise capacity • Palpitations • Leg swelling or discomfort • Chest pain • Your heart age is higher than your actual age • History of smoking • Diagnosed with diabetes • Congenital heart disease in childhood • Starting a new exercise routine • Gum disease • You’re a cancer patient or survivor

LORVEN HEART & VASCULAR INSTITUTE, P.A.

Asad Qamar, MD, FACC Aalok Patel, MD, FACC Claudio Manubens, MD, FACC Aon Mohib, MD, FACC Oji Joseph, MD, FACC Sualeh Ashraf, MD, FACC Mary Lane ARNP Jeveria Ali ARNP OCALA

352.401.9888

352.619.2550

1609 SW 17th St, Ste 100 Ocala, FL 34471

7535 SW 62nd Ct Ocala, FL 34476

VILLAGES

WILLISTON

352.401.9888

17820 SE 109th Ave, Ste 108 The Villages, FL 34491

352.619.2550

229 NW 1st Ave Williston, FL 32696

EXPLORE EASTER ON THE FARM

APRIL 8| MAYHEM RANCH Mayhem Ranch welcomes visitors for its second annual Easter event. Mayhem Ranch is a 170acre, family-owned agritourism farm located in Morriston that has over 50 different species of animals. Come enjoy a fun-filled day with your family from 11am5pm, featuring food trucks, live music, pictures with the Easter Bunny at 12pm and 3pm, egg crafts and egg hunts at 1pm.

There will be three separate hunts based on age group. You can also enjoy traditional farm activities, such as a hayride to feed the cows, barrel train rides, a petting farm and nursery, pony rides for $5, pig races, a milking station, swings and slides, archery, the parakeet encounter for $5 and much more. The farm has mini cows, goats, sheep, camels, ponies, pigs, tortoises, alpacas, ostriches, emus, chicks and even zebra. Pre-sale tickets are $12. Kids 2 and under get in free.

Tickets are $15 at the gate, if available. Learn more and purchase tickets at mayhemranchfl.com.

GET YOUR

RUN ON SPRING IS THE PERFECT TIME TO GET YOUR YEARLY HEALTH RESOLUTIONS BACK ON TRACK. IF RUNNING IS PART OF YOUR EXERCISE PLAN, HERE’S A LIST OF UPCOMING RUNS THAT ARE OPEN FOR REGISTRATION. YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR THESE RACES ON RUNSIGNUP.COM.

DEPOT PARK PARKRUN FREE WEEKLY 5K APRIL 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 DEPOT PARK, GAINESVILLE REGISTER AT PARKRUN.US/REGISTER

MEDAL MADNESS BUNNY 5K & 10K APRIL 1 BASELINE ROAD TRAILHEAD, OCALA

WHISPERING OAKS WINE RUN 5K APRIL 2 WHISPERING OAKS WINERY, OXFORD

FLORIDA—THE WATER STATE APRIL 15 | DEPOT PARK

Enjoy a day of water-themed activities at The Water State Festival, happening at Gainesville’s Depot Park from 12-6pm and hosted by Play Hard Florida. The event is a celebration of our Florida waters and features science activities, crafts, art vendors, environmental nonprofits, government agencies, live mermaids, adventure outfitters and live entertainment. Festival-goers will be able to visit the Cade Museum, located at Depot Park, with free admission to see the Play Hard Florida’s State of Water Juried Art Exhibition. Proceeds from the festival and the art show at the Cade Museum benefits two local environmental nonprofits that protect our waters, the Florida Springs Institute and Current Problems. These annual Play Hard Florida community events are also part of a larger campaign to bring awareness to our state’s amazing natural resources and to rename Florida’s nickname to “The Water State.” Find out more about the event by visiting playhardflorida.com or visiting Play Hard Florida’s Facebook page.

20

352PREVIEW.COM

RUNNING OF THE SQUARES SPANISH SPRINGS APRIL 8 SPANISH SPRINGS, THE VILLAGES

5TH ANNUAL PUP RUCK 5K APRIL 16 JONESVILLE PARK, GAINESVILLE

MOTHER’S DAY 5K MAY 13 CITIZENS’ CIRCLE, OCALA

EARTHFEST CELEBRATING ARBOR DAY APRIL 22 | TUSCAWILLA PARK The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department announces Earthfest, Ocala’s Arbor Day celebration, from 10am-2pm at Tuscawilla Park. Earthfest will offer plenty of activities for adults and kids alike. The popular Youth Fishing Derby takes place from 10am-noon. This free event provides youth, ages 14 and under, the opportunity to catch and release fish at Lake Tuscawilla. Prizes will be awarded in three age group brackets for catching the most fish and for catching the biggest fish.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment and bait; however, a limited number of supplies will be available.

Registration is not required.

In addition to the Youth Fishing Derby, the event includes tree climbing, eco-friendly vendors, an interactive butterfly exhibit, animal rescues, food trucks and live entertainment. Tree sapling giveaways are available on a firstcome, first-served basis.

For a complete schedule of events and additional information, visit ocalafl.org/earthfest or call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at (352) 368-5517.

STOP BLADDER LEAKAGE AND INCONTINENCE WITH

STRONG & HEALTHY IS THE NEW SEXY! 1920 SW 20TH PLACE, SUITE 202 | OCALA 34471 352.861.0224 | STRONGANDHEALTHYOCALA.COM

CORE STRENGTHENING

FACE TIGHTENING AND

LOSE FAT, GAIN MUSCLE

WRINKLE REDUCTION WITH

SCAN FOR FINANCING

FINANCING AVAILABLE | HSA WELCOME NO MEDICARE OR MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE

Photo courtesy of Asheville.com

SUMM

SMOK

Firefly-filled evenings turn to cool mountain nights, while misty summer mornings fade to warm sunny days, when waterfalls and rivers call to visitors to cool off.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a stunning destination and should definitely be on your bucket list for the perfect family summer vacation.

MER

IN THE

KIES WRITTEN BY MELISSA PETERSON

24

352PREVIEW.COM

be a good idea to split your stay between these more southern destinations and Townsend or Gatlinburg to the north.

Live It Up In Asheville

Although located about an hour from Cherokee (the closest entry to the national park), Asheville should definitely be considered as your vacation hub, especially if your family prefers a great mix between exploring the natural world, while also enjoying all the great restaurants, guided tours and family-friendly culture Asheville has to offer.

“Summer is a great time to visit Asheville, North Carolina, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” says Mickey Poandl, public relations manager with ExploreAsheville.com. “During the day, higher elevations mean sweet relief from summer’s sweltering heat and humidity. Visitors can enjoy everything that makes Great Smoky Mountains America’s most visited national park.”

In addition to exploring the park, a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway (nps.gov/blri) is a must.

Winding roads that lead to flowing waterfalls, tunnels carved into mountain sides, overlooks with stunning views—nowhere east of the Rockies are the summits higher and the gorges deeper.

“These timeworn mountains provide countless adventures and exploration, making this mountain paradise the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable family vacation,” says Mickey. “The main western entrance to the national park, Oconaluftee is home to a visitor center, a collection of preserved historic log buildings and picturesque mountain meadows. The large grassy field near the visitor center is actually a top place for viewing the park’s famous elk and other wildlife.”

A perennial favorite way to beat the summer heat in the Asheville area is riding down the chilly waters of Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest. There are also many hikes, with various levels

of difficulty, in the Asheville area, and many end with the cool breeze from a rushing waterfall. One such waterfall is Looking Glass Falls, located just down the road from Sliding Rock, making this drive worth the trip.

If hiking is on your itinerary, a popular one off the Blue Ridge Parkway is the Craggy Pinnacle Trail, which is a short, easy-to-access hike through a rhododendron thicket that brings you to the pinnacle and 360-degree views of glorious sunsets or morning mist on the mountains. This close-toAsheville hike includes a sampler of mountain scenery: longrange views, twisted laurel and dramatic rock formations.

For more water-related activities, your family could take a canyoneering trip with Green River Adventures (greenriveradventures.com), go stand-up paddle boarding down the French Broad River in Asheville with Wai Mauna (waimaunaashevillesuptours.com) or enjoy a white-water rafting trip that is appropriate for all ages and skill levels with French Broad Adventures (frenchbroadrafting.com).

Within the national park, the Deep Creek area is an outdoor adventure hotspot near Bryson City and is known for its streams and waterfalls. Hikers can choose from several loop hikes leading to the waterfalls. It’s also a popular place to go tubing in the summer. One company, Deep Creek Tube Center & Campground (deepcreekcamping. com), offers some of the only tubing allowed within the boundary of the national park.

Learn more about the Asheville area and all it has to offer at exploreasheville.com.

Learn The History In Cherokee

Closer to the entrance of the national park, Cherokee is a great spot if you’re looking to spend most of your trip within the boundary of the park but also want to learn about the history

Photos courtesy of Asheville.com

W

hether your family is looking for the perfect campsite, a mountain getaway complete with a little luxury or a low-key cabin with picturesque views, there are options to please every type of traveler in the Smoky Mountains.

And no matter where you base camp, the national park and all the main gateways that lead into it offer plenty of summertime recreation for visitors. From waterfall hikes and white water rafting to sliding rocks and tubing the rivers and creeks surrounding the park, there are no shortage of ways to stay cool.

Your first decision when planning your trip is from which entrance to the national park you’d like to find overnight accommodations. There are no hotels or rental cabins located within the national park other than LeConte Lodge (lecontelodge.com), which sits atop Mount LeConte—the park’s third highest peak—and is accessible only by foot. If you want to wake up within the park with the comforts of running water and flush toilets (but without showers, electric or water hookups), you’ll need to book a site at one of the 10 frontcountry campgrounds. If camping isn’t on your itinerary, your hub will likely either be Gatlinburg, Townsend, Cherokee or, the farthest city from the national park, Asheville.

Although the city you choose for your overnight accommodations is the first step, it’s important to know that each of these choices offer its own recreation highlights and none of these choices will limit your ability to make it to the main stops within the national park.

In this story, we will highlight some of the areas surrounding Asheville and Cherokee, as the drive from Florida is a bit shorter.

If your vacation is more than three or four days, however, it might

JUMPSTART Zi m m er ,A PR N

s, er om .S A

YOU

hn Jo

A BET TER

Er in

RN AP Ch ar le sK in g, M D

Providing exceptional urological care for over 30 years

ey ffr Je D ,M ill Th

Non-invasive treatment options.

Full range of diagnostic services including:

CALL US FOR A

Central Ocala

Golden Hills

DEMO STRE TCH!

352.421.5610

352.351.3325

FREE

2370 SW College Rd. #102 Ocala, FL 34470

6998 US-27 N #104 Ocala, FL 34482

STRETCHZONE.COM

• Urodynamics • Digital Cystoscopy • Urinalysis • PSA Screening • Prostate Ultrasound • Image-guided Prostate Biopsy

Timber Ridge Medical Center 9401 Sw Hwy 200, Suite 403, Ocala, FL 34481

uicfla.com • (352) 310-8281 Ocala Office

2850 Se 3rd Court, Ocala, FL 34471

Mainstreet Community Bank is proudly celebrating 20 years in the Central Florida market. As a trusted, locally-owned and operated bank, you can rest assured your assets are well protected.

Local Decision Making • Experienced & Accessible Bankers Awarded Community Foundation's 2022 Corporate Partner of the Year

112 N. Magnolia Avenue | 352-355-4582 APR ‘23

25

of the Cherokee Indians. Located within the Cherokee Indian Reservation, the area offers the Museum of the Cherokee Indian (mci.org); Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual (quallaartsandcrafts.org), where you can view art from more than 350 Cherokee members; and the theatrical performance of Unto These Hills (cherokeehistorical.org), which tells the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee.

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center inside the national park is a great first stop. Located less than five miles from Cherokee, this visitor center is a good spot to pick up a park map, have your questions answered by a ranger and visit the gift shop. It also offers cultural history exhibits, seasonal rangerled programs and the adjacent Mountain Farm Museum.

Heading north on U.S. Hwy 441 from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, the drive from Cherokee to Gatlinburg is a worthy highlight in and of itself. The drive features numerous overlooks and trails, including Newfound Gap, an overlook with gorgeous views, and one of the park’s top attractions, Clingmans Dome—the highest point in the Smokies with an elevation of 6,643 feet. A popular destination on the North CarolinaTennessee boarder, the Clingmans Dome observation tower offers spectacular 360-degree views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top.

Just 90 minutes northwest of Cherokee, Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations within the park. The Cades Cove valley was used as hunting

grounds for hundreds of years by the Cherokee Indians and first settled by Europeans sometime between 1818 and 1821. The valley offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. An 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace. Cades Cove offers the widest variety of historic buildings of any area in the national park, including three churches, a working gristmill and many other restored 18th and 19th century structures.

Waterfall scouting is a popular activity around Cherokee and within the national park. Mingo Falls is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. The hike is only 0.4 miles in length and considered

moderate in difficulty. Laurel Branch trail and the 80-foothigh Laurel Falls is a popular destination within the park. The roundtrip distance to the waterfall is 2.6 miles and is considered moderate in difficulty. The national park offers an interactive map of all the waterfalls in the park on its website.

When you’ve had your share of hiking, cool off on a tubing adventure with Cherokee Rapids (cherokeerapids.com). The trip takes you up the Oconaluftee River near the visitors center for a two-mile float back toward town.

The adventure includes beautiful scenery, type I/II rapids, amazing swimming holes and a popular rope swing.

Learn more about Cherokee and its attractions at visitcherokeenc.com.

A Firefly Show

Fireflies and summertime in the mountains just seem to go together. If you’re a Florida native, maybe you’ve never actually seen a firefly, or lightning bug, as some know them. Despite the rumor, Florida does indeed have fireflies. According to UF/IFAS, fewer and fewer fireflies are being seen in Florida due to increased urbanization and the one to two years the beetle spends in it larvae stage, which makes their habitat conservation vital for the population to flourish. And then, once it reaches its adult stage (the time in which the males flash as a mating call), it only lives for an additional three to four weeks.

In the Smokies, however, fireflies are a much more common sight, usually seen just after sunset in the summer months. Each year, millions of visitors can witness the natural phenomenon known as synchronous fireflies, when tens of thousands of the beetles gather in swarms and flash in harmony. The national park, near the Elkmont campground, hosts the largest population of synchronous fireflies in the Western Hemisphere.

The park holds an eight-day public viewing event each year—and it’s tough to get tickets to attend. The dates vary each year based on temperature and soil moisture but usually occur anywhere from the third week of May to the third week of June.

If you’d like to attend, April is the month to secure your tickets.

On April 25, the national park will announce the dates for the firefly-viewing event, and then on April 28 at 10am, a lottery opens for vehicle passes. The lottery event closes on May 1 at 8pm. All lottery applicants will be notified if their application was successful on May 11. Just 100 vehicle passes will be distributed for a total of 800 passes. The lottery application can be found on reserveamerica.com by searching firefly viewing lottery. Additional details on the event can be found at nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/fireflies.htm.

Sources: nps.gov/grsm, dirtinmyshoes.com, visitcherokeenc.com, exploreasheville.com, mysmokymountainpark.com, ifas.ufl.edu, smokymountains.com

Deerwood 1740 SE 18th St., Ste 1102 | Ocala FL 34471 | 352-512-0092 Paddock 3210 SW 33rd Rd., Ste 101 | Ocala FL 34474 | 352-470-0770 Jasmine 7550 SW 61st Ave., Ste 1 | Ocala FL 34476 | 352-732-7337

MidState is happy to announce the addition of a new provider! Sierra Rebchook, PA-C will be seeing general & surgical dermatology patients at our Deerwood office.

e m o c l We

“I decided to go into dermatology because I’m a visual learner and I liked that I could see and touch the body’s largest organ: skin! I like that derm is a ”happy field”, and I know I can leave patients better than I found them.”

Sierra Rebchook, PA-C

Book online now with Sierra!

www.midstateskin.com

Office Building For Lease or Sale in Historic Area Near Downtown

I

mmaculate Tuscan-style office just blocks from downtown Ocala. Two separate individual floors with 2,400 sq. feet of space per floor that includes: waiting room, administrative reception area, conference room, break room, 2-restrooms plus 4 large offices that can accommodate multiple desks or work stations. Elevator for secondfloor access. Plenty of parking spaces. Property has been an incomeproducing rental. Building is wired for City of Ocala high-speed internet.

For more information please call: OR Own Or Lease This Beautiful Tuscan Style Commercial Building Close To Downtown Ocala.

Call or Text: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com

LanceSchenker@gmail.com

APR ‘23

27

for family fun

BUTTERFLY RAINFOREST

BUTTERFLY RAINFOREST AT THE FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY The Butterfly Rainforest in Gainesville is home to the Wall of Wings, a three-story showcase featuring thousands of butterfly and moth specimens and photographs.

Peer into the on-site research laboratory devoted to lepidoptera— the largest in the world. The highlight is the 6,400-square-foot Rainforest, featuring hundreds of butterflies from around the world free flying through the rich, tropical screened-in environment.

Fresh fruit is scattered throughout, giving visitors a chance to watch the butterflies feed. While visiting the facility, check out the rest of the permanent exhibits, including Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life and Land and Northwest Florida: Waterways & Wildlife. For details, visit floridamuseum.ufl.edu.

CADE MUSEUM AND DEPOT PARK The Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention is a 21,000-square28

352PREVIEW.COM

foot children’s museum.

Current special exhibits include Latimer, Edison, Tesla: The Age of Electricity and Lewis Latimer: Lighting the Way. These two exhibits run through May 21.

Permanent exhibits include The Sweat Solution, which explains Gatorade from its concept to its commercialization. At First Flush, located in the museum’s restrooms, shares how toilets were created, how they work and even how astronauts “go” in space. Mothers of Invention features STEAM concepts created by these mothers of invention: necessity, curiosity, imagination, iteration and serendipity. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday, 10am-4pm. Admission prices vary, and info can be found at cademuseum.org.

On the same campus as the Cade Museum, you’ll find the 32acre Depot Park, where the kids can run and play on the custommade play equipment, splash in the Blue Grotto water play area to cool off and take a stroll on the promenade. Take a relaxing walk through the southern portion of the park, which features

Butterfly Rainforest image courtesy of Florida Museum of Natural History

gainesville getaway

e ys

GAINESVILLE IS JUST A SHORT TRIP NORTH, AND THERE’S PLENTY TO DO AND EXPLORE. FROM MUSEUMS AND COLLEGE SPORTS TO OUTDOOR RECREATION AND THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS, GAINESVILLE HAS A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. written by karin fabry -cushenbery

a natural conservation area.

Depot Station houses Parkside Convenience Sandwich Shop for hot and cold sandwiches, craft sodas and park needs.

Other offerings include Goldie’s Burgers and Humble Wood Fire Pizza. Visit depotpark.org for more information.

SANTA FE TEACHING ZOO This 10-acre teaching zoo is the only zoo located on a college campus that is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Home to more than 70 species of animals, visitors can see and learn about American alligators, white throated capuchin monkeys, Matschie’s Tree kangaroo, plus many other mammals, birds and reptiles. The zoo features a 1/4-mile shaded walk on mulch that is both wheelchair and stroller accessible. April 15-16 the zoo will celebrate Earth Day with their Party for the Planet: Spring Into Action event. Fun activities will include games, crafts, a kid’s sensory play space, training demos, keeper talks, animal encounters, hands-on experiences and more. Food

trucks and live music will also be on-site. The zoo is open 9am3pm daily with the last entry at 2:30pm. Ticket prices vary, and more info can be found at sfcollege.edu/zoo.

FLIP FACTORY ZONE Flip Factory Zone is your kid’s one-stop shop for all things fun.

The Factory includes an indoor trampoline park, a digital arcade, a ninja course, two-story laser tag, aerial silks, a ropes course, toddler zones, basketball and so much more. There’s also an on-site café for food and drinks.

The facility is located at 7400 W Newberry Road in Gainesville.

You can check out all the details at flipfactoryzone.com.

SATCHEL’S PIZZA Who doesn’t love pizza? Plus calzones, salads and more. This colorful restaurant is known for its mosaics, stained glass and more. Where else can you eat in a van, in a greenhouse or even under a plane? You have to see it to believe it. Plus, there’s a fenced-in playground for when the kids get restless. Visit satchelspizza.com for more.

find the antidote to the TS-51 virus before it falls into the wrong hands. Additional rooms include Lost City, Murder on the Orient Express and Mansion Murder. Your experience can be booked online at escapology.com/en/gainesville-fl.

SANTA FE TEACHING ZOO

for adventure seekers

ESCAPOLOGY GAINESVILLE With five escape rooms to choose from, Escapology is the perfect place to spend an hour or so of your time on your next visit to Gainesville. Try and escape the room by solving puzzles and riddles, finding clues and unlocking locks. The high-tech, interactive rooms include Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Castle, a family-friendly room that encourages participants to help the gang save the town of Crystal Cove. Antidote tasks game participants to explore an abandoned laboratory and

TAKE IN A UF GAME Spring sports are in full swing in Gainesville, and there’s nothing quite like cheering on the home team. Spring sports include baseball, softball, track and field, tennis, lacrosse, volleyball, golf and more. The orange and blue football game will take place on April 13. Tickets for all Gators sporting events can be purchased online at floridagators.com.

GAINESVILLE RACEWAY Have you ever wanted to get behind the wheel of a racecar? Here’s your chance. The Frank Hawley Drag Racing School will take place April 11-13. Earn a competition license, improve your skills or check an item off your bucket list.

No experience is necessary for this event, and preregistration is required. Call (866) 480-7223 to APR ‘23

29

book your experience. On April 14-16, the Raceway will feature a Drive-In Laser Light Show at 8pm featuring music from the ‘70s and ‘80s to today. The music is choreographed with high-tech effects, high-powered lasers and large-screen laser projection. If you’re into heavier music, the Classic Rock Laser Show will take place at 9:30pm Friday and Saturday and the Metallica Laser Show at 10:30pm both nights.

The cost is $29 per carload.

Tickets can be purchased online at gainesvilleraceway.com. Check out the website for additional racing action at the speedway.

for the romantics

SUNSET AT PAYNES PRAIRIE Off US Hwy 441 at the southern end of Gainesville, you’ll find a 21,000-acre savanna that’s home to a great variety of flora and fauna. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is also an ideal place to take in one of Florida’s beautiful sunsets. Whether you pull safely off the road and watch from the car or meander your way to the observation deck on the north bound side of the highway, the sunsets are never a disappointment. Arrive a few hours prior to sunset to stroll through the park and check out one of the nature trails. The park is open 8am to sundown every day, and park admission is $6 per vehicle.

For more info on the park, visit floridastateparks.org.

BIKE IT How about a relaxing bike ride for two… where you don’t even have to pedal if you don’t want to! Pedego

METRO DINER Named “Best Diner” by the Gainesville Sun, this moderately priced diner serves breakfast all day, plus lunch and dinner.

Customer favorites include Charleston Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken & Waffles and the famous Iron City Meatloaf.

Visit metrodiner.com for more information.

RUTH B. KIRBY GILCHRIST BLUE SPRING STATE PARK Gainesville offers electric bikes for rent by the hour or by the day.

One of the favorite excursions of renters is a trip to Depot Park to explore the Hawthorne Trail. Tour maps are on the bikes, but the tour itself is a self-guided tour.

The bikes also come with a Sena helmet and are equipped with a pannier bag, cell phone holder, mirror and a lock. Pedego is open Monday through Saturday, 10am-5pm, and is closed on Sunday. For more information, visit pedegoelectricbikes.com.

EMBERS STEAKHOUSE Hand-cut and chosen from among the top 2 percent of all beef in the United States, you’d be making a mistake if you didn’t order a steak during your visit to Embers.

Splurge and check out Spark at Embers for a craft cocktail. Visit embersofflorida.com for more details and to view a menu.

The park features a mile-long trail, which includes interpretive signs explaining the battle, and a reenactment is held at the park every February. Head to floridastateparks.org for more information on this park.

KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDENS Stroll through Kanapaha Botanical Gardens where you can meander your way along a 1.5-mile paved trail. The 68-acre non-profit garden features 24 major collections of flowers and greenery within their gardens, including Chinese royal bamboo, giant Victoria water lilies and Asian snake arums. Statuaries, gazebos, benches and water features dot the walkway, and guests are encouraged to pack a picnic for the day and enjoy lunch on one of the designated picnic tables. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5 to 13 and free for kids 5 and under. More details can be found at kanapaha.org.

for the outdoorsy type RUTH B. KIRBY OLUSTEE BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK This park tells the story of Florida’s largest Civil War battle, which took place in 1864. In 1912, the battlefield was designated as Florida’s first historic site.

GILCHRIST BLUE SPRING STATE PARK Just 20 miles northwest of Gainesville you’ll find Gilchrist Blue Springs where you can spend the day exploring nature, paddling, swimming and more. Canoe and

for cultural appreciation

FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY The Florida Museum of Natural History houses more than 40 million specimens and artifacts covering 5,000 square feet.

Ongoing exhibits include Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life and Land, South Florida People & Environments and Exploring Our World. Spiders Alive! is a special exhibit on display through the summer and worth checking out. The museum also includes outdoor exhibits, along with the popular Butterfly Rainforest.

The museum is located in Powell Hall on the University of Florida campus. Visit floridamuseum.ufl.edu.

Blue Springs State Park photo by Kristy Taylor; Dinosaur image courtesy of Florida Museum of Natural History

PUBLIC & GENERAL This self-service, gastropub restaurant and tavern offers a great selection of specialty sandwiches and plate offerings. We’ve also been told they have an amazing burger and house-cut fries! Check out the outdoor patio on a nice day. Visit the website at publicandgeneral.com.

kayak rentals are available at Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures.

Paddlers can float their way down the main springhead and spring run. For details, visit floridastateparks.org.

ALL AMERICAN AIR & ELECTRIC • Indoor Air Specialists • Expert U.V. Protection • Affordable Maintenance Agreements • Full System Cleanings & Duct Sanitizations • Thermal Duct Leakage Inspections • Complete Duct Sealings from the inside out • Service/Panel Upgrades • Site/Landscape Lighting • LED Specialists • Code Violation Corrections • Gates, Pools & Spas • Barn Lighting/Wiring • Expert Generator Sales, Service & Installations

FREE

SERVICE CALL WITH A REPAIR

FREE ESTIMATES MENTION THIS AD EXPIRES 4/30/23

1 PER HOUSEHOLD WITH THIS AD EXPIRES 4/30/23

FREE INFRARED

DUCT LEAKAGE INSPECTIONS MENTION THIS AD EXPIRES 4/30/23

AUTHORIZED DEALER

AIR NOW, PAY LATER 100% FINANCING & ZERO-INTEREST PLANS AVAILABLE. Marion 352.629.1211 | Lake 352.750.9080 | Citrus 352.795.9686 | Sumter 352.330.2242 St. Lucie 772.878.5143 | Indian River 772.567.1135 | Brevard 321.733.7809 A RATED

#ECOOO2438 · #CAC057965

www.AAAEinc.com 100% Interest Free Financing available WAC

ASK ABOUT OUR SENIOR, MILITARY & FIRST RESPONDER DISCOUNT

Free Second Opinion on Condemned Compressors

HARN MUSEUM HARN MUSEUM The Harn Museum is located off Hull Road on the UF Campus.

Admission is free for all visitors, and there is an on-site café, The Camellia Court Café, which is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-4pm, and Thursdays, 5-8pm.

Check out the Posing Beauty in African American Culture exhibit, AWE-some: time :: materiality :: meaning and Florida Impressions, among many other displays and exhibits. Opening June 6 is Jerry Uelsmann: A Celebration of His Life and Art. Explore the photographs of this beloved UF teacher and artist. The exhibit will also feature a small re-creation of Jerry’s home studio, including his toys, visual jokes and knickknacks. Check out more exhibit offerings at harn.ufl.edu.

TAKE IN A PLAY Gainesville is home to several theaters where you can take in a play or live production. A popular choice, The Hippodrome will host its 50th birthday open house and street celebration on April 15. Silent Sky, the true story of 19th century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, opens on April 21 and runs through May 7. More information can be found at thehipp.org. The Florida Ballet

will appear at the Florida Theatre on April 14 and Clint Black on April 16. The theater also has a whole host of other theatrical productions and performances listed on their website at floridatheatre.com. The Curtis M. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Heartwood Sound Stage, Thomas Center and Gainesville Community Playhouse are a few more to check out.

FLORIDA THEATRE DRAGONFLY SUSHI & SAKE COMPANY Dragonfly is known farm-fresh ingredients and fish flown in fresh from Japan. You can’t beat the taste combinations and offerings. Check out the special chef’s select, staff favorite or

customer favorite menu for a great suggestion.

for history buffs

HISTORIC WALKING TOURS Explore Gainesville offers a selection of great walking tours that allow you to discover some of Gainesville’s most interesting stories. A City Laid Waste tour explores the 1936 tornado that brought about the destruction of the downtown Gainesville square. The Alta Vista Cemetery Walking Tour takes you to Alta Vista Cemetery, which was established more than 150 years ago. The cemetery is the final resting place for General James Longsreet, Revolutionary veterans and Civil War soldiers, several Georgia governors and astronauts. The History Hunt in downtown Gainesville consists of 20 clues that will encourage you to discover historical facts about downtown Gainesville. The map can be picked up the visitors’ center. You can find more info on these walks and more at exploregainesville.org.

HISTORIC HAILE HOMESTEAD Explore the Haile Homestead at Kanapaha Plantation where history reigns and the walls

MORNINGSTAR NATURE FARM Of course, this 400-plus acre farm is home to cute farm animals and other creatures, but it’s also home to Gainesville’s Living History Days. The Nature Center offers more than six miles of trails that wind through cypress domes, flatwoods and sandhills, plus a cell phone tour guides walkers through the living history farm. The tour includes an explanation of how Florida cracker families lived in the 1800s. Hear about the oldfashioned buildings, including the Half Moon Schoolhouse and Smoke House, plus how sugarcane is made and more.

On actual Living History days, which is Saturdays between September and May, costumed staff interpret life on the farm through chores and activities.

More information can be found at gainesvillecelltours.com/ LivingHistory. Keep an eye on the Facebook page as well for updates.

THE SWAMP No Gainesville to-do list would be complete without a visit to The Swamp. With a large outdoor patio area with TVs, you’re guaranteed not to miss a minute of the game. The new location is up and running at 1104 SW 2nd Avenue. Visit swamprestaurant.com for menus and other information.

Harn Museum image courtesy of Harn Museum; Theatre image courtesy of Florida Theatre

talk. Tour hours are Saturdays, 10am-2pm, and Sundays, 124pm. Tours begin at a quarter after each hour, and the cost is $5 per person with kids 12 and under getting in free. Known for its talking walls, there are more than 12,500 words and art depictions that adorn the walls in every room. The writings include personal observations from family members, growth charts for the kids, recipes, household inventories, prose and more.

Check out hailehomestead.org for more information.

CRAVE

THE LOCAL FLAVOR RESTAURANT NEWS, OPENING DETAILS AND FOODIE FUN TO KEEP YOUR PALATE UP TO DATE. WRITTEN BY MELISSA PETERSON

EASTER BRUNCH WITH WEC

Ocala’s World Equestrian Center is the perfect place to celebrate the Easter holiday. Gather the entire family for an elegant, buffet-style Easter brunch on The Equestrian Hotel’s terrace at Stirrups. Guests can savor selections from the extensive, spring-inspired menu that features Easter brunch classics, including deviled eggs and warm cinnamon rolls, as well as action stations with creative offerings, like slow-roasted duroc pork loin and belly porchetta with Italian salsa verde. You also won’t want to miss out on the à la carte Bloody Mary and Mimosa cash bars. There will be three seatings available: 9am, 11:30am and 1:30pm. The brunch will be $89 for adults, $29 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under with a purchased adult meal. Reservations are required online by visiting opentable.com/r/stirrups-at-world-equestriancenter-ocala. While you’re there, you can also make reservations for the Mother’s Day holiday!

HOT DOG! What are you craving? If it’s a juicy hot dog, you’re in luck. Crave Hot Dogs & Barbecue, recently named one of America’s best restaurants, is a unique barbecue and hot dog restaurant located in the Shady Oaks Shopping Center where the Kotobuki Japanese Steak House was previously located. Crave’s hot dog menu is packed with some nextlevel creations, from the loaded potato dog to the chili cheese or Memphis dog. The barbecue menu offers classic favorites such as Tacos trio, showcasing pulled chicken, pulled pork and smoked brisket, or try the Mac N’ Brisket sandwich, which features mouth-watering brisket on a warm brioche bun, slathered with mac ‘n’ cheese, beer cheese and cheddar. You can wash it all down with a choice from the self-pour beer wall, featuring tons of local craft and mixed drinks on tap. This family-friendly atmosphere truly offers something for everyone, and if you visit on a Wednesday, kids eat free.

Check out the full menu at iwantcrave.com.

34

352PREVIEW.COM

GRAND RE-OPENING China Lee Buffet opened its new location at 3933 E Silver Springs Boulevard in late February, and it’s being met with rave reviews by customers who are excited for the reopening of this Ocala favorite. Known for their exceptional customer service and friendly staff, the new location features several different stations, including a hibachi grill and sushi areas, and a huge variety traditional Chinese and Japanese favorites. The previous location closed at the end of September 2022 due to safety concerns with the building. China Lee Buffet first opened its doors in 2005 and is anxiously looking forward to serving the Ocala community for many years ahead. You can learn more about the restaurant by visiting facebook.com/mingchinalee or calling (352) 671-1888.

* 352 MARKETPLACE

Interested in advertising your small business with us?

We’ve got options for every budget! Give us a call today at (352) 812-3672 or email kathy@352preview.com.

BAKERY

HEALTH & BEAUTY

EMPOWERED BEING MASSAGE THERAPY Amanda Hixon, LMT #MA91207, #MM40554 2340 NE 2nd St., #100 | Ocala (352) 727-8031 empoweredbeingmassage.com Amanda Hixon, LMT @empoweredbeinglmt

Make Your Mother’s Day Reservations Today!

TREAT YOUR MOM TO AN IVY EXPERIENCE!

ITALIAN BAKERY & DELI MAGNOLIA BAKERY Pastries, Cakes & Subs 1412 N Magnolia Ave. | Ocala (352) 207-2667

ENVIOUS EYEBROWS 4414 SW College Rd., Ste 380 | Ocala (352)291-4999 enviouseyebrows SOLEIL BAKERY & SOCIAL HOUSE Gluten-Free, Keto/Vegan Options Available for Private Events 56 SE 1st Ave. | Ocala (352) 844-1682 @soleilocala

352.622.5550

53 S MAGNOLIA AVE. IVYHOUSEFL.COM

HOME

*

O CALA’S GU I DE TO E NT E RTAI NME NT, NI GHT LI FE & FAMI LY FU N

Window Coverings & Decor

VOLUME 4

NO.07

all a

Flutter

F LO R I DA M U S E U M 'S B U T T E R F LY RA I N FO R EST

SA

•

NEVER MIS

P LU S 23 OT H E R T H I N G S TO S E E & D O I N GA I N ESV I L L E

N ISSUE! EVER MIS •N

BMW WINDOW COVERINGS & DECOR George R Van Natta Plantation Shutters, Blinds, Shades Valances, Draperies, Motorization Office: (352) 694-2300 Cell: (352) 216-0788 bmwwindowcoverings.com

04.23

| | |

GOLDEN SPOON DINER 5400 SW College Rd., #101 | Ocala (352) 300-3999 goldenspoonfl.com goldenspoonocala

352 PREVIEW

N ISSUE! SA

FOOD & BEVERAGE

BMW

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: $24 FOR 12 MONTHS

MILANO ITALIAN GRILLE 5400 SW College Rd. | Ocala (352) 304-8549 milanotogo.com

MINAMI GRANITE DESIGNS Granite, Marble & Quartz Custom Countertops 1806 NE 2nd Ave. | Ocala (352) 671-9800 minamigranitedesign.com

Want to ensure you get a physical copy of 352 Preview Magazine delivered directly to your mailbox each month?

Mail your name, address, email address and check for $24 to: 352 Preview Magazine, LLC 3035 SE Maricamp Rd Ste 104, Unit 168, Ocala, Fl 34471

QUESTIONS? EMAIL EDITORIAL@352PREVIEW.COM

APR ‘23

35

HUR DT S

OCALA

SI

A CELEBRATION OF FOOD

DAY

3R

CRAVE

FLA

Join Ocala Main Street for a fun night of shopping and drinks in downtown Ocala! Each participating store will be open late from 5-8pm for perusing and will offer complimentary beverages. Must be 21+ to consume alcoholic drinks, if a store is offering them. Want to make your evening a little more fun? Make a purchase at a shop included in the event and show your receipt to enjoy 15 percent off at many downtown eateries and bars for the rest of the night. Check out the Ocala Main Street event page on Facebook for participating stores.

P

P & SHO

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR SOME OF OUR FAVORITE FOODIE FESTS. HERE’S A ROUNDUP OF UPCOMING EVENTS.

APRIL 8

MAY 4-7

Presented by the World Equestrian Center, the festival will be held from 2-6pm at Citizens’ Circle and will feature 30-plus breweries and wineries, food trucks, vendors and a kids’ suds saloon. brickcitybeerandwinefest.com

This Fernandina Beach event features live entertainment, delicious food, an arts and crafts show, a vintage and antique show, costume contests, festival pageants, decorated shrimp boats and the shrimp run. shrimpfestival.com

APRIL 22-24

MAY 13-14

The Tampa Bay Seafood & Music Festival returns to the Curtis-Hixon Waterfront Park. Event admission for adults is $5 with children age 12 and younger free. facebook.com/ TampaSeafoodandMusicFestival

A huge two-day waterfront taco and tequila festival with great live music will take part in downtown St. Pete’s Vinoy Park. stpetetacos.com

BRICK CITY BEER & WINE FESTIVAL

TAMPA BAY SEAFOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

ISLE OF EIGHT FLAGS SHRIMP FESTIVAL

ST. PETE TACOS & TEQUILA FESTIVAL

MAY 20

APRIL 29

NEWBERRY WATERMELON FESTIVAL

This free event takes place in Daytona Beach and features food, arts and craft vendors, live music and a kids’ zone with face-painting. daytonacrabandseafoodfestival.com

Now in its 78th year, come out for a day of family fun at Country Way Townsquare, featuring the Newberry Watermelon Festival Beauty Pageant or the Watermelon Parade and Golf Cart Competition. newberrywatermelonfestival.com

APRIL 30

MAY 26-28

The Taste of St. Augustine highlights the culinary heritage and culture of St. Johns County by showcasing new restaurants and established favorites. epicbh.org/taste-of-st-augustine

This event features national headliners, full-day concert lineups of regional musicians, dozens of vendors and food trucks, activities and entertainment for all ages and a massive kids’ zone. palatkabluecrabfestival.com

ANNUAL CRAB & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL VOLUSIA

TASTE OF ST. AUGUSTINE

36

352PREVIEW.COM

PALATKA BLUE CRAB FESTIVAL

WINE DOWN Whether you’re planning your next date night or searching for a fun outing for your group of friends, a visit to Whispering Oaks Winery should be on your list. Located in Oxford, Whispering Oaks creates all natural, antioxidantrich wines from the freshest Florida blueberries. Beyond their selection of blueberry wines, which can be purchased on-site or online, Whispering Oaks hosts a variety of special events, including Steak Night on Friday and Saturday evenings (reservations required); live entertainment every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night; and guided walking tours of the wine production facility. The winery also hosts holiday events throughout the year, with a special Easter Sunday celebration happening this month on April 9 from 12-6pm, featuring live music and a three-course meal.

Reservations are required. Check out their Facebook page for details on the upcoming Mother’s Day event as well.

Learn more at winesofflorida.com.

Florida’s Freshest Seafood FIND US AT A LOCAL MARKET NEAR YOU! Webster Farmer’s Market, Downtown Ocala Farmer’s Market, Market of Marion & More!

Listen to 93.7 K-Country & 95.5 Wind-FM for your chance to win a $50 gift card!* WE OFFER A VARIETY OF FRESH SEAFOOD! • Chilean Sea Bass • Grouper • Yellowfin Tuna • Red Snapper • Mahi Mahi

• Variety of Shrimp • NE & Florida Scallops • Oysters • Alligator Tail • Frog Legs & More

BRING THIS AD FOR 10% OFF! (ONE TIME USE) Follow us for information on market locations & dates or text 757.537.7237 for a current price sheet. facebook.com/2JsSeafood *One winner per day!

EATONʼS BEACH Sandbar & Grill on Lake Weir

Live Entertainment Weekly Lakeside Happy Hour 2-5pm Sunday Beach Brunch & Bubbles 9a-1p Catering & Private Events Watersports Rentals

15790 SE 134th Ave. | Weirsdale 352.259.2444 eatonsbeach.com

Make your Easter & Mother's Day Reservations Today!

CASUAL AMERICAN DINING

Daily Lunch & Dinner Monday Night Prime Rib Catering & Takeout Fully Stocked Bar Sunsets Over The Runway

Special

EASTER MENU

11AM-9PM DAILY | HAPPY HOUR 2-6 PM 1770 SW 60TH AVENUE, SUITE 800 | OCALA , FL 34474

352.655.2880 ELEVATION 89ATTHEOCALAAIRPORT.COM APR ‘23

37

LA CUISINE FRENCH RESTAURANT 48 SW 1ST AVE OCALA | (352) 433-2570 | LACUISINEOCALA.COM TUE-SUN 5-9PM | SUN 11AM-2PM | CLOSED MONDAY

PUMPKIN-TINI • EXTENSIVE WINE LIST • FULL BAR

75 4 N E 2 5 T H AV E . , O CA L A

B R A I S E D O N I O N .C O M

Treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at La Cuisine.

Only the highest quality ingredients and produce are used to create traditional French fare in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Reminiscent of a quaint Paris bistro, La Cuisine offers an ambiance that is ideal for a family brunch, a business dinner or a romantic evening out. With award-winning dishes that are prepared fresh, in-house, each meal includes personal touches that only La Cuisine can provide.

Indoor and outdoor patio dining is available in beautiful downtown, and you’ll enjoy live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Open on Easter noon-5pm.

IF IT CAN’T BE FIXED WITH WINE, THEN YOU’RE NOT USING ENOUGH WINE!

NEW IN APRIL EL TOREO 3790 E SILVER SPRINGS BLVD. | (352) 694-1401 | MON-SUN 11AM-10PM 3510 SW 36TH AVE. (SR 200) | (352) 291-2121 | MON-SUN 11AM-11PM Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border! Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere. Beyond the outstanding Mexican food, El Toreo simply offers a warm, fun place to be— whether you’re dressed up or casual. Any day is a good day for one of El Toreo’s tasty margaritas: Mondays and Wednesdays $2 margaritas, Saturdays 2-for-1 margaritas and 2-for-1 happy hour every day from 4-7pm (excluding margaritas).

DELIVERY AVAILABLE IN A 35-MILE RADIUS FROM OUR STORE! YOU CAN JOIN OUR WINE CLUB! WE STILL HAVE MANY AMAZING FREE WINE AND FREE BEER TASTINGS PLANNED FOR APRIL! VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO

SANDYSSHACK.COM 4901 E SILVER SPRINGS BLVD UNIT 306-307 | OCALA, FL FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!

38

352PREVIEW.COM

Our patients are at the center of everything we do.

Cardiology · Interventional Cardiology · Weight Management Internal Medicine · Endocrinology · Vein Clinic

Syed Ali, MD, FACC · Manoranjan Singh, MD, FACC · Joseph Vesley, MD · Sualeh Ashraf, MD, FACC

352.867.9600 1805 SE Lake Weir Ave | Ocala, FL 34471

352 PREVIEW 3035 SE MARICAMP RD STE 104, UNIT 168 OCALA, FL 34471

When moments matter

trust the ER experts From heart attacks and strokes to abdominal pains and falls, our team is ready for every emergency. And, with three ER locations in Marion County, we make it convenient to access award-winning care when you need it most. So you can get back to the life you love.

To find an AdventHealth ER near you, visit

TheERExperts.com