352 Preview 01/20

352

PREVIEW

OCALA’S GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT, NIGHTLIFE & FAMILY FUN

JAN 2020

WILL HAVE YOU LIVIN', LAUGHIN' & LOVIN' @ OCALA'S REILLY ARTS CENTER NEXT MONTH

BEL LAGO- 1.55 ACRES

HISTORIC DISTRICT AREA

Newly completed 4 bedroom/4 bath home in gated equine-friendly community. Open kitchen, large pantry, formal dining, family room with fireplace and views overlooking the lake. Enjoy relaxing on the $859,000 lanai or in the pool.

Be ready to fall in love with this impeccably maintained home centrally located near the historic district. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths with large open kitchen/family room, beautiful wood floors, lovely fireplace, and an abundance of windows to let the natural light in. $675,000

BUILDER’S CUSTOM HOME

MEADOW WOODS FARMS

Beautiful custom home on gated 2 acres featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, gourmet kitchen, all wood cabinets plus granite throughout. 2 gas fireplaces, Brazilian Koa wood flooring and tile are just a few of the many $575,000 upgrades in this home. Screen-enclosed pool with deck.

Gated entrance leads you to this charming 3 bedroom/2 bath home with cathedral cypress wood ceilings. Expansive kitchen with large center island, maple cabinets, double ovens plus breakfast bar seating. Family room with stone fireplace. Office plus 20’ x 30’ workshop. $369,000

FINISH LINE CLOSE TO WEC

OCALA WATER WAY

Country-style covered porch and rocking chairs welcome you to this charming home on 3 +/- acres. 4 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, plus expansive family room is ideal for family and friends. Formal living and dining are $365,000 open to kitchen. 4-Stall barn and 3 paddocks.

Beautiful home located on a cul-de-sac. Grand column entry. Impressive foyer opens to great room. Spacious chef’s kitchen opens to family room. Split floor plan, formal dining room, plus office. Newly screened $299,950 enclosed pool area overlooks private backyard.

happy new year!

WISHING YOU A

Past performance is a measure of future success, and Joan Pletcher’s record speaks for itself. With sales totaling over $33,706,500 and $5,654,950 in pending properties in 2019, it’s easy to see that Joan is a passionate, knowledgeable real estate expert who puts the cares and concerns of her clients first. Contact Joan today to see what your home is worth and why now is the best time to list.

Welcome to a higher level of realty.

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

BRIDLE RUN 7.54 +/- ACRES As you drive thru the gated entrance of this 4 bedroom, 3 bath turn-key home you will notice the stunning views from this hilltop location.

Family room with cathedral ceiling, stacked stone fireplace and sliding glass doors leading to screen enclosed porch. Kitchen with countertop seating is open to family room and breakfast nook. Formal living and dining rooms. Property is perimeter fenced with 4-board fencing plus a storage building. Bridle Run is an equine friendly neighborhood with community bridle trails. Just a short drive to the Florida Horse Park $665,000 and Trails.

352 SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE ADVANCED COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR YOUR FEET AND ANKLES Treatment of Common Ailments such as Bunions, Hammertoes, Heel Pain, Sprains, Fractures, Athlete’s Foot, Ingrown Nails, Fungal Nails ° Sports Injuries ° Children’s Foot Care ° Custom Orthotics Diabetic Foot Care ° Warts ° Neuromas ° Ankle Pain ° Ulcers

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Banking the way it used to be

and should be

Opening January 2020 112 NORTH MAGNOLIA AVENUE, OCALA

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CONTENTS // JAN 2020 6 // T H IN GS TO DO IN T H E 3 52

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

WATCH 9 // MUS IC FO R T H E MASS ES

The Clay Walker tour is coming to the Reilly Arts Center on February 27.

10 // CO N C ERT S P OT LIG H T

Last-minute tickets and local shows you wonʼt want to miss.

12 // EVERY T H IN G EQUIN E

Clinicians from all over the country will gather in nearby Newberry this month to educate the public about all things equestrian.

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13 // S H OW US YOUR S ELFIE

Reader selfies from around town at some of our favorite events.

14 // G EN T LE G IA N TS

Check out this monthʼs Grandview Invitational at the Florida Horse Park.

EXPLORE 17 // A WA LK T H ROUG H H ISTO RY

If youʼve been curious about Ocalaʼs storied history, Ocala Main Street may have the answer for you.

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FEATURES 25 // T I CKETS, P LE AS E

If youʼre looking to fill up that new calendar of yours with great events, theatrical productions and musical performances, then look no further.

28 // M E E T T HE MA N AT EES

As the weather gets cooler, one of Floridaʼs most prized marine mammals make their way into our warm springs and rivers. Find out where you can see them this season.

18 // W IN T ER O N T H E WAT ER

Paddling Apopkaʼs Rock Springs Run out of Kingʼs Landing is a winter adventure worth traveling for.

20 // T H E IMP O RTA N C E O F P O LLIN ATO RS Take on the role of a pollinator and embark on a unique mission.

21 // DEVELO P IN G DOW N TOW N

When the Gaekwad family won the bid to develop a prominent section of downtown Ocala, they knew the finished product had to be spectacular.

22 // S H ELL Y E A H , IT ’S W IN T ER BE AC H ES !

True shell lovers know wintertime is the best time to hit the beach.

CRAVE 3 3 // T H E LO CA L FL AVO R

Check out one of Ocalaʼs newest eateries to satisfy your hunger pangs.

34 // BRUN C H IN G

Break out the mimosas—these local eateries are serving up breakfast (and lunch)!

ON THE COVER: Clay Walker, photo courtesy of TKO Artist Management

Cheers to the

New Year!

“I love my new smile!”

-Delina Vogel

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BEFORE

TINA CHANDRA, D.D.S. Cosmetic, Neuromuscular and Sleep Dentist, LVI Fellow

AFTER

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JAN ‘20

5

TOP

10

2

THINGS TO DO

IN THE 352

1

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

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebrations // Jan. 18 & 20 Wreath Ceremony // Jan. 18 A wreath ceremony will take place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at the 500 block of SW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. at 11am. Contact Cassandra Boston at cassandra.boston@marion.k12.fl.us for additional information.

MLK March // Jan. 20 The annual MLK March will take place in downtown Ocala beginning at 9am. Contact Ire Bethea at (352) 208-0819 for additional information.

Dinosaur Revolution Exhibit // Jan. 18-Mar. 28 Uncover facts and fossils about dinosaurs in an interactive learning experience within a maze setting at the Dinosaur Revolution exhibit at OcalaĘźs Discovery Center. Visitors can experience reptilian role-play activities, undertake three Mesozoic missions spanning 150 million years and become junior paleontologists, finding evidence of dinosaur doings while learning why dinosaurs are one of the most successful survivors in EarthĘźs history. A special grand opening event will be held Saturday, Jan. 18 from 10am-5pm and will feature refreshments, face painting, dinosaur-themed arts and crafts, as well as live reptile encounters.

Admission to the Discovery Center is $8 for adults and children over age 3. Infants and members are free. A family of four package is just $28. StarLab Planetarium shows are held on Saturdays at 11am and 1pm, and tickets are $3 per person. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-5pm. mydiscoverycenter.org

Day In The Park // Jan. 20 A fun day in the park to commemorate MLK will take place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex from 10am-4pm. Contact Derek Ponder at derek.ponder0@gmail.com for additional information.

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11th Annual Lake Sumter Art & Craft Festival // Jan. 4-5 This month The Villages plays host to the annual Lake Sumter Art & Craft Festival. Since its inception, the craft festival at Lake Sumter Landing has highlighted the talents of many unique crafters and artists. Find one-of-a-kind craftwork and sample great food while listening to live music as you visit the booths. The event happens 10am-5pm each day, and admission is free. artfestival.com 6

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Florida Storytelling Festival // Jan. 23-26 The Florida Storytelling Festival offers a combination of workshops, concerts and story slams. The festival kicks off with a special Thursday welcome reception followed by an evening storytelling concert.

Friday and Saturday offer opportunities for workshops, storytelling concerts, story swaps and story slams. The festival wraps up Sunday with a storytelling cruise around Lake Dora. The festival takes place at Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora. Full weekend prices are $235 for nonmembers and $155 for members. A la carte ticket options are also available. flstory.com/festival

FOUR

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire // Jan. 18-19, 25-26, 31 & Feb. 1-2 Step back in time and cheer on jousting knights, wander through the medieval marketplace where hundreds of artisans sell their wares, witness a battle on the living chess board, partake in traditional games and rides and feast on food fit for a king.

Enjoy nine stages of entertainment where the forgotten skills of full-flight falconry, gripping aerial acrobatics and magic come to life. The event takes place just west of the Gainesville Regional Airport, and parking is free. Times and ticket prices vary. hoggetownefaire.weebly.com

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire photo by Lawrence Munne; Sound Of Music image courtesy of Reilly Arts Center

SIX

Menopause The Musical // Jan. 2-19 Celebrate “The Change” in this comedic parody of popular music from the Baby Boomer era, as four women bond over the shared sisterhood of hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats and sexual woes.

Leave the kiddos at home, though. This show contains adult content and racy humor that might not be suitable for all audiences. Adult tickets are $30, and student tickets are $15. ocalacivictheatre.com

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Spring Art Park Series // Jan. 17 The City of Ocala presents the Spring Art Park series beginning January 17. The series will take place in the beautiful spaces of Tuscawilla Park and the Art Park, bringing both live musical performance and public art together. In addition to live music, the event will feature local craft vendors selling handmade goods and craft beer and food for purchase. Admission is $5 per person. The January event will take place from 6-9pm, and seating begins at 5pm. This monthʼs performer will be Little Tybee, blending together psychfolk, prog-rock, jazz and Motown sounds. Make sure to bring a chair or blanket for seating. Admission is $5 per person. ocalafl.org/performingarts

EIGHT Whiskey Tasting on the Patio // Jan. 26 Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar, located on the downtown Ocala square, is hosting its third whiskey tasting on their patio January 26 from 1-4pm.

Many of their whiskey distributors will be in attendance providing samples of more than 20 whiskey varieties.

While youʼre there, ask about their whiskey club and join that day.

All inclusive wristbands can be purchased at the event for $20. brickcitybbq.com

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The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long // Jan. 24 Everyoneʼs favorite movie musical, The Sound of Music, is coming to the Reilly Arts Center, and even better, itʼs going to be a sing-a-long! Get ready to yodel, as youʼll not only get to watch the movie on the big screen but itʼs also the perfect opportunity to sing some of the classics this movie has to offer (and yes, subtitles will be provided for all the songs in case youʼre unsure of the words). We guarantee this will be one of the funniest, most liberating nights out you will have for a long time. reillyartscenter.com

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The Florida Vintage Market // Jan. 12 The Florida Vintage Market is a unique shopping experience in the heart of Gainesville, where you will enjoy over 30 vendors selling some of the best in vintage garments, jewelry and handmade goods. The market will take place at Bo Diddley Plaza in Gainesville from 125pm. Food vendors will also be available. facebook.com/thefloridavintagemarket JAN ‘20

7

AND MORE!

First Friday Art Walk // Jan. 3 Ocalaʼs First Friday Art Walk will host artists and crafters throughout downtown Ocala from 6-9pm. ocalafl.org/artwalk

Kimberly Moralesʼ 1st Annual Snow Party // Jan. 11 Kirby Family Farm hosts this winter party, featuring snow slides, train rides, a carousel, bounce houses, a petting zoo, food trucks and vendors. $10. Proceeds benefit the Kimberly Morales Memorial Foundation, Inc. kirbyfarm.com

Hammer and Nails Golf Tournament // Jan. 24 Marion County Building Industry Associationʼs annual golf tournament is open to the public and will take place at the Country Club of Ocala from 8am-5pm.

Benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County. mcbia.org

New Yearʼs Mega Food Truck Rally // Jan. 12 This family-friendly event promises live music, over a dozen food trucks, craft beers and cocktails from 4-8:30 at Magnolia Parke. Bring chairs or blankets. Find the event on Facebook.

Charity Chili Cookoff & BBQ Competition // Jan. 24 This two-day cooking competition raising funds for the Lake County Firefighter Charity Florida Fund at Gator Harley Davidson in Leesburg features a youth cooking competition, free concerts, a tasty chili cookoff and a barbecue competition. lakefirefightercharity.org

New Year Snowball Smash // Jan. 4 Ring in the new year with a Florida-friendly snow party at the Dunnellon Public Library at 2pm. marioncountyfl.org 29th Annual Young Artist Competition // Jan. 5 Finalists compete in front of a live audience.

Winners will perform with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Purchase audience tickets at reillyartscenter.com.

After Dark In The Park Movie Series // Jan. 10 Starring Clint Eastwood, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly will show at the Fort King National Historic Landmark at 7pm.

Popcorn and drinks available. Bring chairs or blankets. ocalafl.org Run for Reading 5K // Jan. 11 Benefiting the United Way of Marion Countyʼs ReadingPals program, this race takes place at 8:30am at Tuscawilla Park. uwmc.org/runforreading Unbroken Ocala // Jan. 11 CrossFit Iron Legion and Zone Health & Fitness host this fitness competition, featuring CrossFit, running and traditional fitness. Profits benefit Kimberlyʼs Center. unbrokenocala.com Collectors Day 2020 // Jan. 11 Talk with collectors about their treasures at the Florida Museum of Natural History, from sports and Beatles memorabilia to classic cars, PEZ dispensers, LEGOs and antique cameras. Admission is free; extra charge for Butterfly Rainforest. 10am-3pm. floridamuseum.ufl.edu

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LEAF Series Nature & Nurture // Jan. 17 Discover how nature nurtures your health.

Sholom Park at 10:30am. Presentation begins at the pavilion and concludes with a wellness walk. Free; no registration required. sholompark.org

Wild & Scenic Film Festival // Jan. 25 The Florida Trail Association will host this outdoor screening of 14 environmental and adventure films at Swamp Head Brewery in Gainesville starting at 5pm. The festival will also include live music, guest speakers, exciting raffle items, beverages and food vendors. $15 at the door; $12 in advance.

Chairs or blankets suggested. floridatrail.org

Sneakers & Sʼmores 5K Run/Walk and Kidsʼ Dash // Jan. 18 The Public Education Foundation of Marion County hosts this run to help support the Take Stock in Children Scholarship Program.

Check in and registration, 7am; 5K, 8am and Kidsʼ Dash starts when 5K is over. pefmc.org Discovery Date Night // Jan. 31 Enjoy a night out at the Discovery Center.

Event is for adults only and begins at 6:30pm. $30 per couple and includes appetizers, drinks, a planetarium show and hands-on science fun. mydiscoverycenter.org

Comic Fest at the Mall // Jan. 25 Hosted by Vibranium Comics and the Paddock Mall from 10am-5pm near the center of the mall by the food court. paddockmall.com

Ocala Horse Country Half Marathon & 5K // Jan. 19 Both races begin behind the Paddock Mall.

Half marathon begins at 7am, and 5K begins at 7:15am. ocalahalfmarathon.com

Camellia Show & Sale // Jan. 25-26 Ocala Camellia Society hosts this event from 10am-5pm at The Paradise Ballroom at Silver Springs State Park, featuring more than 1,000 varieties of camellia blooms.

Find the event on Facebook.

Florida Fun Mini Match // Jan. 19 The Florida Fun mini-match is a Pro/Am ballroom dance competition benefiting Marion Therapeutic Riding Association.

Vendors on-site. Cash bar available.

Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. floridafunminimatch.com

Community Care Gala // Jan. 30 Join United Way under the big top at Circle Square Cultural Center from 6-8pm for an evening of entertainment, Americana fare and sideshow acts. Tickets $100 per person.

Proceeds benefit United Way of Marion Countyʼs Community Care Fund. uwmc.org

WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

Music For The Masses The Clay Walker tour, coming to Ocala February 27, is just one more example of the Reilly Arts Center’s determination in bringing top acts to our community. // B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N

Photo courtesy of TKO Artist Management

W

hen Clay Walker steps on stage at the Reilly Arts Center in February, the team behind the venue will celebrate, knowing theyʼve furthered the Reillyʼs mission to bring top performers to Ocala.

Why is the Clay Walker performance a big deal? He first topped the Billboard country singles chart in 1993 with his song “Whatʼs It To You” and followed it with his second consecutive No. 1 hit “Live Until I Die.” Since his debut, heʼs placed 31 titles on Billboardʼs singles chart with additional titles, including “Dreaming With My Eyes Open,” “If I Could Make A Living,” “This Woman and This Man” and “Rumor Has It.” Heʼs also scored four platinum-selling albums, signifying sales of a million units and two gold albums, albums that sold over 500,000 units.

As you can see, bringing Clay Walker to Ocala really does give the Reilly team reason to be excited.

“Clay Walker is known as an artist who puts on a fantastic show,” says Pamela Wardell, executive director of the Reilly Arts Center. “At the Reilly, itʼs our goal to offer a variety of music, and I believe that Walker is one of our most exciting country music performers for the 2020 season.”

Clay Walker is just one example of the talent the Reilly has planned for the new year.

“2020 is the year where we will be bringing in some of our biggest national artists yet,” says Wardell. “We are excited to give our community a place, right in their backyard, where they can see national artists like Kenny G, Art Garfunkel, Jim Breuer, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn and more.

Whatʼs even better is people can see big names in an intimate venue where there is a closeness between the artist and the guest.”

For Wardell, one of the most important aspects of her job—and what gets her really excited—is introducing the community to different types of performing arts.

//

“At the Reilly, itʼs our goal to offer a variety of music, and I believe that Walker is one of our most exciting country music performers for the 2020 season.”

“In addition to national artists, programming from the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, Dance Alive National Ballet and the Insomniac Theatre are here to offer a variety of high-caliber music, art, dance and theatre performances,” says Wardell.

“Itʼs important to stretch artistic comfort zones, and itʼs my hope that people come out to see something new. What excites me most is the guests who are experiencing a new type of performance—maybe itʼs their first time at a symphony, opera or ballet. My goal is that they walk away feeling inspired by what they heard or saw and transformed by the power of the arts.”

If you were one of the lucky few to snag special VIP Meet & Greet tickets, youʼre not only going to watch Clay Walker perform on stage, youʼll also get to meet and have your photo taken

Pamela Wardell with him. Unfortunately for the rest of us, these Meet & Greet tickets sold out quickly—and the show itself isnʼt far behind. As of this writing, there were tickets still available, so make sure to act quickly if you want a seat. The show starts at 7:30pm with opener Jenna Paulette, and Clay Walker takes the stage at 8:30pm. Tickets can be purchased on the Reillyʼs website.

Reilly Arts Center // 500 NE 9th St., Ocala // (352) 351-1606 // reillyartscenter.com // Visit claywalker.com to learn more about the artist.

JAN ‘20

9

WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

Concert Spotlight Last-minute tickets and local shows you won’t want to miss. // W R I T T E N & C O M P I L E D B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N

BUY NOW

LOCAL LISTENS

NIGHTTIME TUNES

Tickets are still available for these popular national tours.

Thereʼs plenty to be heard right here in the 352.

Local entertainment at some of your favorite bars and pubs.

Michael Bublé VyStar Veterans Arena, Jacksonville // Mar. 17 Bad Religion House Of Blues, Orlando // Apr. 4 Kenny Chesney Raymond James Stadium, Tampa // May 9 Tame Impala Amway Center, Orlando // June 12 Alanis Morissette w/special guests Garbage & Liz Phair MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa // Jun. 17 Def Leppard & Mötley Crüe with Poison & Joan Jett And The Blackhearts Camping World Stadium, Orlando // July 9 Harry Styles Amalie Arena, Tampa // Aug. 3 Amway Center, Orlando // Aug. 7 Hella Mega Tour With Green Day, Fall Out Boy & Weezer TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville // Aug. 6

Urban Cowboy Reunion Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale // Jan. 19 This incredible show features legends Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee, as they bring back some of their chart-topping songs complete with memories of the 1980 hit movie Urban Cowboy.

Groovin with Gene Cornish of The Rascals Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala // Mar. 14 This celebration of the music of The Rascals features hits such as “Groovin,ʼ” “Good Lovinʼ” and “Mustang Sally.”

Andrew Collins Trio UpStage at the Phillips Center, Gainesville // Mar. 19 Andrew Collins is a master of the mandolin, having a reputation for dynamic, genrehopping live performances.

Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn Reilly Arts Center, Ocala // May 8 Béla Fleck is a 15-time Grammy Award winner who has taken the banjo across multiple genres, and Abigail Washburn is a singersongwriter and clawhammer banjo player who re-radicalized it by combining it with Far East culture and sounds.

Florida Strawberry Festival Concert Spotlight Hereʼs a peek at some of the performers coming to Plant Cityʼs Florida Strawberry Festival. For the full list and to purchase tickets, visit flstrawberryfestival.com.

The Oak Ridge Boys // Feb. 27 Rascal Flatts // Feb. 27 Michael Ray // Feb. 28 Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw & Collin Raye // Feb. 29 98 Degrees // Feb. 29 Reba McEntire // Mar. 1

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Neal McCoy // Mar. 2 Patti LaBelle // Mar. 2 Sara Evans // Mar. 3 Josh Turner // Mar. 4 Charlie Wilson // Mar. 7 Eli Young Band // Mar. 8 Lynyrd Skynyrd // Mar. 8

DJ Karim Pi on Broadway, Ocala // Jan. 3 CottonMouth OʼCalahans Pub & Eatery, Ocala // Jan. 4 John Copeland Pi on Broadway, Ocala // Jan. 9 Humans in Disguise Circle Square Commons, Ocala // Jan. 11 The Big Bad Duo The Crazy Cucumber at Market Street, Ocala // Jan. 17 DJ Just Joel Pi on Broadway, Ocala // Jan. 18 September Dogs The First & Last Tab Food & Spirits, Ocala // Jan. 18 Gilly & the Girl La Cuisine French Restaurant, Ocala // Jan. 24 Jeff Jarrett Sayulita Taqueria, Ocala // Jan. 25

GET MORE MUSIC Follow us on Facebook at 352 PREVIEW and Instagram @352PREVIEW for concert presale dates and just-announced shows. *Editorʼs Note: Tickets were available for all concerts as of date of publication. Dates are subject to change at the discretion of the venue.

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Order tickets at CSCulturalCenter.com | 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34481 | (352) 854-3670 ALL SHOWS BEGIN AT 7 PM & DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM (EXCEPT AS NOTED) | GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Schedule and prices subject to change without notice. Reduced ticket prices are for residents of On Top of the World Communities and Stone Creek. (Resident ID required when purchasing at box office.)

Ticket prices do not include sales tax. Refreshments available for purchase at events. To arrange for handicap seats, call or visit the ticket office. *Online tickets subject to a convenience fee. ALL TICKET SALES FINAL.

#13338 - 1/20

WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

Everything Equine Clinicians from all over the country will gather in nearby Newberry this month to educate the public about all things equestrian through demonstrations, discussions and competitions. // B Y K A R I N F A B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y

R

ose Cushing, owner of Cushing Media Productions, has produced equine shows like this in the Carolinas for years, but this is the companyʼs first expo in Florida.

One of the highlights of the event will be the colt starting competition featuring Lost Creek Cattle Company Quarter Horses and six of the top starting competitors in the United States. Colt starting is the process of taking horses that havenʼt been ridden and teaching them to be haltered and ridden. This three-day competition will allow guests to see how the horses and trainers progress from day to day with guidance and training.

“This is a really cool event,” says

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Cushing. “Itʼs very interesting to see how each trainer works with their horse, building a relationship and establishing trust. Each has a different style and technique. This event is all about what it takes to start a horse and get them trained and ready for a future career.”

Another highlight, the Ultimate Trail Challenge, will feature different challenges each day.

“On the first day, competitors will be judged based on speed and obstacle completion,” Cushing says. “Day two is horsemanship, and day three is based on ranch trail obstacles and precision with leads.” A range of classes will be offered, from amateurs on up.

A variety of clinicians will also be

available to share their expertise, including the American Farrier Association and the Livestock Conservancy, which will be on hand to discuss rare breeds. A Parade of Breeds will also take place, and horse- and food-related vendors will be on-site.

Karla Switzer is scheduled to perform and will highlight Liberty and Roman riding performances and demos. International show jumper Candice King will also perform, as will trick rider Ashley Pletcher.

Day and weekend passes are available.

Everything Equine Expo // January 24-26 // Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, Newberry // Find them on Facebook for event updates // Tickets available at eventbrite.com

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Sh ow Us Yo ur

S EL FI E!

Out and about around the 352? Send us your selfie shots from any live entertainment or local events and you just might find yourself in our next issue.

Tommy Cuevas, Krystal Ber Nicole Ashleigh, Darian Mosley @ Neory, n Dreams art show

Sangria Dash 5K winners, males 8 and under

Krystal Berry, Victoria Billig

age group

@ Neon Dreams art show

Bill and Angela White @ Luke Combs concert in Nashvill

quez @ Ocala da Smith, Brenda Vaz Roxanne Tweedy, LinConnection luncheon at Hilton Ocala Christian Women’s

e

Wen, Maverick, LIsa and Caydence Cromer @Florida Gators Football Game

Want to see your selfie in print? Email your event photos with names and a description to editorial@352preview.com.

JAN ‘20

13

Photos courtesy of Michelle Martin Randolph

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Gentle Giants There is something to be said for the sheer majestic quality of large breed horses. The sound of 448 thundering hooves moving around the arena demands your attention, and the size of a one-ton horse is mesmerizing. These are sentiments Karen and Shannon Cobbs understand well. As third generation draft horse competitors they grew up around these fantastic creatures. And now they are bringing them to Ocala’s Florida Horse Park. // B Y K A R I N F A B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y

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“M

ost of our shows have taken place in the Midwest, Canada or along the East Coast,” says Karen Cobbs, president of Grandview Clydesdales. “When we moved to Ocala, the Horse Capital of the World, and realized there were no draft horse shows, we decided to put one on.”

And it was a huge success. Last yearʼs inaugural Grandview Invitational drew close to 10,000 spectators to the 500-acre Florida Horse Park and brought in some of North Americaʼs most talented drivers. This year, for the second annual show, 14 competitors from the United States and Canada will take to the ring to impress the judges. Breeds represented will include Clydesdales, Belgian and Percheron.

The competition classes include ladies cart, ladies team, unicorn, plus four-, six- and eight-horse hitch. Junior divisions with those 16 and under will

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Competition Classes Explained

also be competing.

“The drivers and horses compete in the ring simultaneously,” says Karen. “The judge stands in the middle of the ring and bases his decision on animation, quality of the horse, headset and more. Itʼs a complete package. Plus, itʼs all done to music and is quite entertaining.”

For the teams competing at Grandview, the opportunity is available to collect points in the competition series, monetary prizes and crystal awards.

“Most compete in a Classic Series all year long for the six-horse hitch,” says Karen.

“Oftentimes, the shows happen in the summer and fall. Here, drivers have the opportunity to come to Florida and compete in nice weather in the winter. Itʼs a great trip for many.”

And Grandview is unlike any other horse competition. Where most horse competitions limit access to the barns and horses themselves, the owners and staff at Grandview welcome spectators in.

“This is a very crowd-pleasing event,” says Karen. “You can come on in at 8am, watch the horses getting fed, groomed and washed, and interact with the drivers. Itʼs the only show of its kind like it in Florida. One of the draws is the landscaped and curtained displays in the barn. Youʼll find antiques and furniture. Itʼs very comfortable and beautiful, and there are plenty of photo opportunities.”

Grandview, according to Karen, is the type of horse show that appeals to everyone—horse people and non-horse people alike.

Ladies Cart: One horse driven in a twowheeled cart by a woman.

the Red Carpet Gala “Most people arenʼt takes place Saturday horse people,” she says. evening following “So many people are Ladies Team: the competition. Live intimidated by horse Two horses hitched side by side music, a catered meal shows. Some feel it may on a show wagon, driven by a and dancing make be a snooty environment woman. this event fun for the where they donʼt know whole family. The final anything and donʼt Unicorn: day of competition fit in. I want people Three horses hitched as a team. falls on Super Bowl and businesses to One horse is in front and two Sunday, and there is no understand that we are in the back driven on a show better place to watch here for everyone. We wagon by a man or woman. the game than at the are trying to bridge the Florida Horse Park. The gap between the horse Four Horse Hitch: energy and excitement community and the Four horses hitched as two will be contagious, and non-horse community teams. One pair in front and one Clydesdales will be on with an amazing event in back driven on a show wagon hand to get up close and that appeals to the by a man or woman. personal with. masses. Plus, everything “We are working hard is contained under the Six to Eight Horse Hitch: to get the community main arena. The event Six to eight horses hitched as involved,” says Karen. will also offer dozens of three or four teams, one in front “You donʼt have to know vendors, everything from of the other, driven on a show anything at all about jewelry to automobiles, wagon by a man or woman. horses to come out and and plenty of food trucks have a good time.” to choose from.”

Plus, the event features plenty of non-horse entertainment and options to choose from if you desire. Friday Grandview Invitational // January 31-February 2 // Florida Horse Park // Ticket prices vary // following the competition is Casino Night. grandviewinvitational.com This casual event will feature food, gambling opportunities and plenty of fun. All proceeds Clydesdale Farm Tours // benefit the 2021 Grandview Invitational. If youʼre looking for something a bit more upscale, grandviewclydesdales.tours JAN ‘20

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An Afternoon with NY Times best-selling author

Mitch Albom

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Photo courtesy of Ocala Main Street

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A Walk Through History A city rich in history and tradition, Ocala’s first plat of land was established in March of 1846. That’s nearly 175 years of stories. If you’ve ever been curious about these stories, Ocala Main Street may have the answer. // B Y K A R I N F A B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y

T

he Ocala Historic Walking Tour is a self-guided trek through the streets of downtown Ocala. Sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and the state of Florida, participants are encouraged to use their smartphone to pull up ocalamainstreet.com to access the map of locations. Start at any of the nearly two dozen locations you choose (the downtown gazebo is a great starting point), and once there, scan the QR code with your phoneʼs camera to access historic photos and information.

You can make a day of it by planning a break for lunch along the downtown square or stopping in for some browsing at one of our local boutique shops.

If you get to a stop and the historical marker is missing, itʼs likely due to construction. Pull up the Ocala Main Street page and scroll down to the list of tour stops. There youʼll find all the info you need!

Stops Along The Way A sneak peek at a handful of stops on the historic walking tour.

The Ocala Fire Bell SE Osceola Avenue/Broadway Street The inscription on this fire bell is dated from 1899 and reads “May it toll for a couple more decades.” The 1,500-pound bell originally hung in this very location at the fire stationʼs bell tower. It remained in place until the station was demolished in 1968. This past year it was returned to its original location. In 1894 a fire station was built out of brick at this location for a cost of just $5,000.

Lafayette Block 53 South Magnolia Avenue The building that currently houses Ivy on the Square was constructed in 1886. Originally, though, the building was home to a harness shop and a cobbler, plus a coffin and furniture maker.

Union Train Station 531 NE 1st Avenue Ocala Union Station operated as a working train station for a century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The station was built in 1917 by the Atlantic Coastline Railroad and the Seaboard Air Line Railroad.

The building currently houses Dee Deeʼs Diner and the Magnolia Art Xchange.

Agnew-Gary Block 10 South Magnolia Avenue The building that currently houses Downtown Billiards and Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar was one of the first buildings constructed with brick following the Thanksgiving Day fire of 1883. In the early days, a funeral parlor, hardware store and dry goods store called the building home.

Ocalaʼs Downtown Walking Tour // Visit ocalamainstreet.com/downtown-walking-tour JAN ‘20

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WINTER ON THE WATER

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Paddling Apopka’s Rock Springs Run out of King’s Landing is a winter adventure worth traveling for.

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// B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N inter might not seem like the ideal time to get out on the water, but we beg to differ. Fewer people crowding the waterways and cooler weather makes this time of year prime for embarking on an adventure. And if youʼre looking

for a day trip to a new locale that promises beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, youʼre in for a treat. Weʼve planned everything out for you, including where to stop for a bite to eat or a locally brewed beer on your way back to the 352.

Kingʼs Landing is a privately owned canoe and kayak rental and launch location in Apopka, a little less than 90 minutes south of

Kayak photo courtesy of King's Landing; Waffle photo courtesy of Bru & BTW

WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE Ocala. Offering two trip choices of different lengths, there are options for paddlers of every level and interest. The River Run trip (known as the full trip) is 8.5 miles and takes paddlers a full day with a return shuttle included in the price. The paddle-out-andback option (known as the half-day trip) lets paddlers decide on their own just how far and how long to venture out. For this option, paddlers have to return themselves to the dock, so remember that before you get too far down the river.

“What I love about these trips is how far away from civilization you feel even though you are so close to a major city,” says Ranae Carden, a manager at Kingʼs Landing. “Rock Springs Run has the 14,000-acre Rock Springs State Reserve on one side and 7,000acre Wekiva Springs State Park on the other.

Itʼs easy to imagine the Timucuan living along the shores and what it must have been like a thousand years ago.”

The full-day trip takes most people at least four to five hours or longer, depending on the number of stops you make. Kingʼs Landing requires paddlers on this tour to launch by 11am, and itʼs best to show up an hour before then for instructions and to have your questions answered before you head out.

The half-day trip is perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. You can arrive whenever youʼd like, but youʼll have to be back at Kingʼs Landing by 5pm. This trip allows you the flexibility to go only as far as youʼre comfortable with. Paddle upstream to see Emerald Cut, or go downstream one mile to the turnaround sign. Paddling the entire length is four miles and takes most people at least three hours, not counting stops along the way.

“This trip gives you a little of everything,” says Ranae. “The blue water and jungle feel of Emerald Cut, while downstream you find the more traditional Central Florida river ecosystem, with sand pine scrub and pine flatwoods. Because you can paddle all of the two-mile area or just a little, you have more time to swim, fish, snorkel, play on a sand bar or beach, take a plunge off a jump spot or, my personal favorite, ride the rope swing.”

While the chilly air outside might make swimming less than appealing, thereʼs still plenty of reasons to visit during cooler months.

“Winter is one of the best times to come,” agrees Ranae. “We are less busy, and less people means more opportunities to see the wildlife that calls this area home. Deer, otters, turkey, hogs, bear, snakes, turtles, too many birds to count and, yes, alligators are all out there. If you want to increase your chances

of seeing them, be one of the first ones out and be as quiet as possible.”

Kingʼs Landing is open year-round, seven days a week from 8am-5pm. Prices for the full trip are $50 with canoe or single kayak rental or $60 for double kayak and $20 (per vessel) if you launch your own equipment and includes the return shuttle. Half trip prices are $30 for canoe rental, $40 for the single kayak and $50 for a double kayak. Youʼre able to launch your own for $10 per vessel with no return shuttle available.

After a day of paddling, youʼre likely going to need some sustenance. Just 30 minutes northwest of Kingʼs Landing—and conveniently on your way back home—youʼll

find BTW, or Burgers Tacos Waffles. This Tavares hangout boasts exactly what youʼd think by the name. Try the WTF (What The Fish), a blackened mahi taco with housecrafted pico and baja sauces, or the crowd favorite the Trailer Park, a fried chicken taco with Crack barbecue, shredded green cabbage, ranch and cilantro. If a burger is what youʼre craving, try the Signal 33, a black and blue burger with house-crafted bacon jam and a sriracha-stout barbecue, or the BFD (Breakfast For Dinner) burger with a waffle bun, maple bacon, tater tots, and sriracha and honey aioli. As for the waffles,

you canʼt go wrong with the Chicken & Waffles, but if youʼre looking for something sweeter, try the My Secret Lover, a red velvet waffle with Nutella sauce, Ghirardelli white chocolate chips, fresh berries and housecrafted cream cheese whipped cream.

BTW Owners Craig and Rebecca Doherty also own Brü Tap House, which is in the same building as BTW and is only separated by one business. Thereʼs indoor and outdoor seating at both locations and a large beer garden in the field behind Brü. You can also have your food delivered to Brü once you order at BTW. Brü offers 30 taps, more than 150 beers in the cooler and a large wine selection, so thereʼs guaranteed to be something youʼll like. If youʼre unsure what to try, they definitely know how to help.

“We have learned a way to find out what the guest wants,” Rebecca says. “We ask several questions. Light or dark? Fruity or not fruity? Hop forward? Malt forward? If you have an open mind, we have a beer you will like. I mean, we wouldnʼt need 30 taps if everyone liked that same things, so we are happy to help and provide samples to guide you in your journey into the craft beer world.”

Kingʼs Landing // 5722 Baptist Camp Rd., Apopka // (407) 886-0859 // kingslandingfl.com BTW // 115 E Main St., Tavares // (352) 508-9287 // brutaphouse.com JAN ‘20

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The Importance Of Pollinators Starting this month at the Museum of Natural History in Gainesville, guests are invited to take on the role of a pollinator and embark on a unique mission. // B Y K A R I N F A B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y

In order to complete missions in the maze—and there are 48 missions all together if youʼre feeling especially adventuresome—a mission board is needed to collect points and complete tasks along the way. If youʼre not 20

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Photos courtesy of Minotaur Mazes

“T

his is a very different type of museum exhibit,” says Exhibit Developer Jonnie Dietz. “This is an immersive role-playing experience. Amazing Pollinators encourages visitors to totally interact with the exhibit while learning about the complexity of pollinators.”

When you hear the word pollinators, you probably think bees. And yes, honeybees play a significant role in the pollination of our crops, but thatʼs just the beginning.

Moths, flies, butterflies, wasps, bats, birds and even beetles are also pollinators, living in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, orchards, farms, gardens and more. This exhibit aims to educate guests, in a fun way, about these important creatures and the ecosystems they support.

“The maze offers an interactive experience that allows visitors to participate in the exhibit and take on pollination-themed missions,” says Dietz. “In order to succeed, players have to think like a pollinator and navigate many of the challenges they face on a daily basis.”

feeling competitive, the exhibit is designed to be explored on its own as well, sans the mission board.

“There are several components to this exhibit,” says Dietz, “and there really is something for everyone. In addition to the mission aspect of it, itʼs also very aesthetically beautiful.”

The staff at the museum is especially excited to be able to offer the Amazing Pollinators exhibit to their guests because they were part of the team that helped develop the exhibitʼs content.

“We partnered with Minotaur Mazes and helped create the messages, facts and informational aspect of the exhibit,” says Dietz. “We have a lot of expertise in the field of pollinators here at the museum.”

Gainesville will be the exhibitʼs third stop, having previously resided in Chicago and Minnesota. The exhibit will open at the University of Floridaʼs Museum of Natural History on January 25 and remain on display through September 7.

Outside of the maze, which is the exhibitʼs main attraction, guests are encouraged to build their own pollinator or enjoy a variety of oversized table games at the Game Parlor. The games, like mason bee mancala and invasive species shuffleboard, have been reimagined to include a pollinator theme. For younger guests, mini missions are available in the Flight Zone.

Florida Museum of Natural History // 3215 Hull Road, Powell Hall, UF Cultural Plaza, Gainesville // (352) 846-2000 // floridamuseum.ufl.edu

DEVELOPING DOWNTOWN Rendering courtesy of Karan Gaekwad

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When the Gaekwad family won the bid to develop a prominent section of downtown Ocala, they knew the finished product had to be spectacular. // B Y K A R I N F A B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y

“M

y brother Kunal and I were born and raised here,” says Karan Gaekwad. “My dad, Danny, has been here 30 years. We were looking to create a legacy project for Ocala—something that would inspire others to continue to invest in this community.”

What theyʼve created is a downtown hub for fabulous dining and nightlife, anchored by a custom-designed Hilton Garden Hotel.

“This has been needed for so many years,” says Gaekwad. “A lot of planning went into this project. Every other week a better, new idea would come up. After much discussion, the plan was finalized.”

A project four years in the making, itʼs the culmination of community input, inspiration from travels and the latest trends.

The first floor houses the 12,500-square-foot food hall that features nearly a dozen cuisines, from vegan to meat lovers. The prices are on point, with dishes averaging around the $10 range.

“Each restaurant will offer a select menu to choose from,” says Gaekwad. “This is a European concept that is really starting to gain popularity in the United States. Guests wonʼt see the kitchens, but the finishing touches to the dishes will be completed in front of them.”

With seating for 200-plus, the décor will be decidedly high end and luxurious. A block-long pet-friendly outdoor patio will be comfortable year-round—warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The first floor will also house a yet-tobe-determined sit-down restaurant and a pub brew, which is being designed by a gentleman from Holland.

The second-floor lobby will feature an upscale equine theme, complete with donated trophies and mementos from winning horses from the Ocala area.

“There is a disconnect between the equestrian and business communities,” says Gaekwad. “We hope to bring them together to

network and appreciate each other.”

An indoor-outdoor bar will feature a balcony created by Rob Floyd of Bar Rescue fame.

“Itʼs going to be fantastic,” says Gaekwad.

“Heʼs also crafting cocktails specific to the Ocala area and incorporating other creative ideas to really bring the space to life.”

Live music will be offered nightly on the second floor in what Gaekwad calls an “upscale business-casual setting.” The second floor will also house conference and banquet space, in addition to the hotelʼs gym.

Behind the hotel, the courtyard will include apartments and several more restaurants, plus event space. Floors three through five will feature the hotelʼs 107 guest rooms. A soft opening is planned for late February or early March. Stay tuned to 352 Preview for an inside look in an upcoming issue.

“Thereʼs nothing like this in Ocala,” says Gaekwad. “It will be an amazing experience for visitors to our community and residents alike.”

JAN ‘20

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Shell Yeah, It’s Winter Beaches!

True shell lovers know wintertime is the best time to hit the beach. // W R I T T E N & P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y K R I S T Y TAY L O R

I

f you met me today, youʼd be shocked to find out that as a Florida native, I didnʼt grow up loving the beach. Hot and sticky days filled with sand stuck to every surface and beaches littered with tourists were never my ideal vacation destinations. Growing up in Central Florida, I found I much preferred the cool waters of our local springs and the canopy of mossy oaks to being seaside. But all of that changed in 2012 when my husband and I took a weekend trip to the Gulf Coast for his company holiday party.

That December, with not much else to do in the area, I suggested we take a trip to Honeymoon Island State Park. The temperatures were in the mid-50s, the wind was whipping around us and, not surprisingly, we found ourselves all alone on the beach. Well, mostly alone.

The shoreline was absolutely covered, from wrack to wave, with shells. I had always collected a shell or two, mostly scallops, from our trips, like anyone does, but something about the sheer size and variety of treasures on the beach that day made my heart skip a beat. In the span of about four hours, my life-long like for the beach grew into love.

I also discovered during that time what so many seasoned Florida shellers already know, winter beaches are where itʼs at.

I hear you thinking, “Shelling is definitely not my thing.” Before I lose you, though, hear me out. If I can

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“

Shelling is about

more than picking up random

treasures on the beach. Itʼs an

opportunity to

put away modern distractions and bond with your loved ones, while learning about the planet we live on.

convert my husband and two boys, one of whom is a teenager who thinks almost everything I do is lame by default, into proximity shellers, Iʼd say I have at least a decent chance of giving you something to think about. Hereʼs what my family and I have discovered that makes me love it even more than the shells we find and bring home.

My family voluntarily gives up their electronics while we are out on the beach.

Thereʼs no fighting with kids who want to play games or watch YouTube or a husband whoʼs endlessly searching the internet for fishing paraphernalia. We all wander about the beach, sometimes together in a cluster, and sometimes with my oldest son running

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shelling a try, you likely want to know why Iʼm telling you to go in the middle of winter. Itʼs during our “off season” that big storms tend to stir up the sea and bring in those treasures by the bucket load. (Hurricanes tend to do the same thing, but I think, at that point, only die-hard shellers and surfers have the beach on their mind.) Also, as our beaches are typically vacant in winter, there is only you and your family (and maybe another sheller or two) left to find them.

Tips For Happy Hunting ° Go early. Be the first one on the beach and find what was left during the night. ° Check online tide charts. Two hours before low tide is an ideal time to show up. Youʼll be there when the tide recedes to discover what was left behind.

ahead, convinced heʼs going to find the “biggest, most awesome” shell if he can just keep ahead of the pack. Heʼs always in competition with my husband whoʼs developed a knack for seeing shells tumbling just below the waterʼs edge. My youngest and I are usually side by side on the hunt. We like to dig the wrack line and find the small shells hidden in piles.

As nature enthusiasts, scouring the beach for shells always provides an opportunity for us to educate our children on marine life, as well as talk about conservation efforts. Weʼve watched newly hatched sea turtles make their way to the water at Coral Cove Park in Jupiter and put dozens of Florida Fighting Conchs that were stranded, back into the water at Honeymoon Island State Park.

Weʼve seen dolphins play at the shoreline at Shell Key and found dead horseshoe crabs on almost every beach. We talk about why itʼs important to only take empty shells, and that we should always pick up the trash we find that others have left behind. My boys ask questions and are actively engaged, and I find that they are always eager to learn something new, even if itʼs only the name of a shell theyʼve discovered.

Shelling is about more than picking up random treasures on the beach. Itʼs an opportunity to put away modern distractions and bond with your loved ones, while learning about the planet we live on.

If Iʼve done what I set out to and convinced you to give

WHATʼS THAT SHELL?

Hereʼs a short list of some of the most common shells to find on Florida Gulf beaches. ° Chestnut Turban ° Shark Eye ° Florida Fighting Conch ° Apple Murex ° Lightning Whelk ° Crown Conch ° Banded Tulip ° Horse Conch ° Common Nutmeg ° Lettered Olive ° Florida Cone ° Alphabet Cone ° Scallops For help identifying shells, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum has a great online resource at shellmuseum.org, in addition to a free app, Shell Museum: Identify Shells, available on iOS and in the Google Play store.

° Carry a mesh bag for your shells, an extra bag for any trash you pick up and a small, hard container (such as an Altoids tin) for any sand dollars you may find, as they break easily. ° Walk in a zig-zag. Check the waterʼs edge and the wrack line. (Youʼll know the wrack line by the deposits of shells left at high tide). ° Only take empty shells. If youʼre unsure whether a shell is inhabited, leave it behind.

Itʼs better for the environment—and your nose on the ride home.

BEST BET BEACHES

A quick online search will get you a list of the top shelling beaches in Florida, and youʼll find most of them are on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Here are some of my personal favorites, in order of proximity to the 352, to get you started. ° Honeymoon Island State Park ° Caladesi Island State Park ° Sand Key ° Pass-A-Grille Beach ° Shell Key ° Fort De Soto Park ° Venice Beach ° Captiva Island ° Sanibel Island JAN ‘20

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Open House at One of Ocala’s Finest Addresses

OPEN HOUSE JANUARY 8, 2020 10AM-12PM Come and tour the property and join us for Panera Bread sweets. Find the hidden key and win a Tuscan dinner for two at Mesa de Notte.

GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! Each oor can be rented separately.

I

mmaculate Tuscan-style office at 1007 East Ft. King St., just blocks from downtown Ocala, for lease. 5,050 sq. ft. on two floors, 15 parking spaces plus additional parking. Each floor features: waiting room, administrative reception area, conference room, break room, two restrooms and four large offices that accommodate multiple desks. Zoned air-conditioning.

Second floor 2,550 sq. ft. available with elevator access. $2,400/month gross.

For additional information or a private showing, contact:

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

If you’re looking to fill up that new calendar of yours with great events, theatrical productions and musical performances, then look no further.

WRITTEN & COMPILED BY KARIN FABRY-CUSHENBERY

Executive Director Mary Britt. To Kill a Mockingbird was a favorite of Maryʼs. The show tells the tale of a small-town Alabama family struggling through equality, prejudice and segregation during the Great Depression.

This limited-engagement drama is a mustsee and contains mature subject matter that may not be suitable for all audiences.

The Four Tops, January 25

Paula Poundstone

he 352 is home to many first-class entertainment facilities and theatres, and each promises an entertaining night out. From choreographed stage productions to family dramas, thereʼs a little something for everyone in 352 Previewʼs Winter Arts Review. Check out a few of the highlights.

The Sharon, The Villages thesharon.com The Four Tops have 24 Top 40 hits on their list of achievements, including “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “I Canʼt Help Myself (Sugarpie, Honeybunch), “Itʼs the Same Old Song” and “Reach Out (Iʼll Be There).” Over the decades the group has toured religiously, and their show is just as energetic and upbeat as always. The Four Tops are credited with helping define the Motown sound that so many have come to love.

Paula Poundstone, Mar. 20

Tracy Byrd, Feb. 16

Orange Blossom Opry, Weirsdale obopry.com With nearly three dozen hit singles in his career, Tracy Byrd is best known for his songs “Holdinʼ Heaven” and “Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo.” Byrd has released 10 studio albums and two greatest hits albums and holds four gold certifications. His most recent studio album, All American Texan, was released in 2016.

To Kill a Mockingbird, Apr. 16-26 Ocala Civic Theatre ocalacivictheatre.com This production of Harper Leeʼs beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is presented in honor of the late Ocala Civic Theatre 26

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Artrageous: The Interactive Art and Music Experience

A Gentlemanʼs Guide to Love and Murder, Mar. 20-Apr. 1

Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, Mount Dora icehousetheatre.com This musical performance is based on a novel by Roy Horniman and tells the story of a distant heir to a family fortune who plots to speed up the line of succession in order to become the Earl of Highhurst. He does so with charm and a little bit of murder. Named Best Musical, the production has earned itself four Tony awards.

Artrageous: The Interactive Art and Music Experience, Feb. 10

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala reillyartscenter.com This troupe of 12 artists, singers, dancers and musicians bring a high-energy performance that combines fine art, live music, singing,

dancing, humor and interaction in a frenzy of movement and color. Be prepared to get involved because audience members are encouraged to participate throughout the show through dancing, singing and body rhythm. When the show ends, guests are invited on stage to check out the artworks created during the presentation and meet the troupe. This production is a great family attraction and is suitable for all ages.

Lone Star Spirits, Jan. 24-Feb. 16

The Hippodrome, Gainesville thehipp.org Thereʼs no such thing as a quick trip back home for Marley and her new fiancé, Ben. Instead, she meets Drew, her football-playing ex who is looking to get back with her; Jessica, a single mom bent on dragging her to a twowoman bachelorette party and the ghost of a bear-wrestling pioneer who used to live in the liquor store Marleyʼs estranged father owns.

This show is all about fast-paced comedy and sudden plot twists.

Paula Poundstone photo courtesy of University of Florida Performing Arts; A Gentlemanʼs Guide to Love and Murder image courtesy of Sonnetag Theatre at the Icehouse; Artrageous photo by Love Images courtesy of ARTrageous; The Importance of Being Earnest image courtesy of The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol; A John Williams Spectacular image courtesy of the Reilly Arts Center

Phillips Center, Gainesville performingarts.ufl.edu Paula Poundstone is one of our countryʼs most beloved comedians, delivering wisecrack comebacks and comments about everyday life and observations. She is a favorite panelist of NPRʼs comedy show Wait, Wait… Donʼt Tell Me, and she can also be heard on her own podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone. This show may contain adult content and may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Jan. 24-Feb. 9

Melon Patch Theatre, Leesburg melonpatchplayers.org Tony Award-winning writer Ken Ludwig of Lend Me a Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo fame transforms this classic tale by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle into a funny murder adventure.

The male heirs to the Baskerville fortune are being offed one by one, and in order to capture their killer Holmes and Watson must brave the desolate moors before the familyʼs curse dooms the newest heir. Youʼll be entertained by silly accents, frantic clues and less-thanstellar disguises as five characters do their best to portray more than 40 characters.

A John Williams Spectacular, Feb. 14-15

Reilly Arts Center, Ocala ocalasymphony.com John Williams is known for creating the score to some of Hollywoodʼs most beloved films, including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Schindlerʼs List, Superman, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Jaws, Indiana Jones and more. In honor of what would have been the composerʼs 88th birthday, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra will entertain the crowd with the very best of John Williams. The music will be accompanied by images and clips from some of the popular films.

The Electric Light Orchestra Experience: 50th Anniversary, Mar. 6

Circle Square Cultural Center, Ocala csculturalcenter.com This show has been dubbed the ultimate ELO experience and The Electric Light Orchestra the “Premiere Orchestra Rock & Roll Band.”

Youʼll be on the edge of your seat as the light show, vocal harmonies and pulsating music fills the theater.

Other Desert Cities, Mar. 27-May 3

The Studio Theater Tierra Del Sol, The Villages thesharonstudio.com Winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize, Other Desert Cities tells the story of a family divided by politics and the lines we are willing to cross for the people we love. As novelist Brooke Wyeth begins to prepare her memoir, a trip to Palm Springs for the holidays sheds some light on the scope of the family secrets she may be inadvertently revealing.

The Importance of Being Earnest, Apr. 3-19

Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, Gainesville acrosstown.org This classic tale by Oscar Wilde shows what happens when people stop taking life seriously. Itʼs been described as “a satirical comedy for serious people.” The showʼs protagonists go out of their ways to maintain fake personas in order to escape social obligations.

Hooray Hollywood – Hello Broadway, Feb. 11-12

Savannah Center, The Villages thevillagesentertainment.com Presented by Music in Motion, this fast-paced production will immerse guests in a world of glamour and glitz. Under the direction of Jim Caisse, the cast will perform numbers from a variety of Hollywood and Broadway favorites, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Gone with the Wind, The Book of Mormon, Titanic and more.

With memorable music and costumes, this show will leave you dancing in the aisles.

JAN ‘20

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MEET THE

here are many markers of Floridaʼs winter season: Itʼs no longer 90 degrees (hopefully!), our roads are packed with snowbirds and our manatee friends make their way home to stay warm for the winter.

According to the Save The Manatee Club, a nonprofit based in Maitland, Florida, whose mission is to protect imperiled manatees and their aquatic habitat for future generations, “Manatees need warm water to survive. In spite of their size, they have relatively little body fat, and manatees cannot tolerate temperatures below 68°F for long periods of time.”

So when the air temperature begins to drop and their summer river and coastal habitat water temperatures dip (usually November through March), they move inland to warm water refuge areas, such as Floridaʼs natural springs, where the water is a constant 72°F, and warm water effluents near power plants.

This winter migration gives us observers a better chance to view manatees in their natural winter habitat. There are a few key places where you can see the mammals without interrupting their behavior, which is incredibly important because we want them to feel safe in their winter sanctuaries

NA TEES

As the weather gets cooler, one of Florida’s most prized marine mammals make their way into our warm springs and rivers. Find out where you can see them this season.

BY MELISSA PETERSON JAN ‘20

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so they donʼt try to escape to more open water where the temperature is too cold for them. At these sanctuaries, officials have taken specific actions to protect the animals, such as restricting access to boaters, swimmers or kayakers.

KEEPING THEM SAFE

Whether boating, swimming or kayaking, if you come across manatees outside of their protected areas, itʼs important to remember there are both state and federal laws protecting manatees, and violating these laws can result in civil or criminal monetary fines or imprisonment. These laws make it illegal to touch, feed, follow, capture or generally harass manatees. If youʼre swimming, diving or kayaking, practice whatʼs known as “passive observation” by observing them from above the water and at a distance and avoiding excessive splashing or noise until the manatee has moved on.

When boating, wear polarized sunglasses to help reduce glare and see below the surface of the water, stay in deep water channels and avoid seagrass areas and other shallow areas where manatees like to feed, and make sure to dispose of your trash, fishing line and hooks properly. Itʼs also very important to obey posted speed zone signs and avoid all sanctuary areas. If youʼre boating in a location that youʼre unfamiliar with, check for a boaterʼs guide for the county youʼll be visiting to learn about speed zones and manatee sanctuaries. And if you do see a manatee while boating, stay a safe distance away—50 feet is suggested—and turn off your motor if youʼd like to observe until the manatees have passed by.

You can learn more about ways to help protect manatees by visiting the Save The Manatee Clubʼs website at savethemanatee.org.

VISITING A MANATEE SANCTUARY AREA

The most nonintrusive way to observe manatees is to view them from outside the water. There are several key areas nearby that offer unprecedented viewing of sometimes hundreds of manatees during the winter months. Here are a few of our favorites.

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BLUE SPRING STATE PARK

2100 W French Ave., Orange City // (386) 775-3663 // floridastateparks.org/parksand-trails/blue-spring-state-park In the summer, Blue Spring in Orange City— just 90 mins southeast of Ocala—is a hub for swimmers, divers and tubing. During the winter, the spring and spring run, a designated manatee refuge, closes completely to all water activities to make way for the hundreds of manatees that call this area home. And when we say hundreds, we mean it. In 2018, a record 485 manatees were counted. (You can even call the parkʼs number listed above to get the latest count before driving to the park.)

Visitors to this first-magnitude spring on the St. Johns River can observe the manatees in the clear spring water from a boardwalk that extends from the headspring all the way to the river, almost 1/3 of a mile.

With large platforms that extend out from the boardwalk, spotting manatees during

the winter is an easy task, especially on an exceptionally cold day. This is the perfect opportunity to observe the mammalsʼ natural behavior without human influence.

The park is so concerned with the protection of manatees that it has formed the Manatee Observer Volunteer program, which is intended to prevent the harassment of the manatees at the park and to educate visitors on how they can help with that mission.

If you plan to visit the park, arrive as early as possible. Especially during the winter, the park can reach capacity early during both weekdays and weekends. The park opens at 8am, and there is a $6 entrance fee per vehicle (for up to eight people).

Heading to the park this month? January 25-26 marks the 35th annual Manatee Festival.

While there is plenty of food, fun and arts and crafts, your entrance fee will also get you a free shuttle to the park to see the manatees.

The event happens at Valentine Park in Orange

CAN I SWIM WITH THE MANATEES?

There are companies that provide snorkeling tours at Three Sisters Springs when the springs is open. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can temporarily close in-water access to Three Sisters Springs when water temperatures in the Gulf drop below 62.2°F to protect the manatees and allow room for more to take refuge in the spring. There is no water access to Three Sisters Springs from land and no land access from the water.

City, and proceeds benefit the Friends of Blue Springs State Park organization. Find out more at themanateefestival.com.

Canʼt make it to the park this winter? Check out the Manatee Webcams at Blue Spring State Park at savethemanatee.org/manatees/ manatee-webcams. The same link also provides a detailed update on the number of manatees recently counted in the park.

Sources: savethemanatee.org, floridastateparks.org, threesistersspringsvisitor.org

THREE SISTERS SPRINGS BOARDWALK TOURS

123 NW US 19, Crystal River // (352) 586-1170 // threesistersspringsvisitor.org Three Sisters Springs is a small spring off Kings Bay in Crystal River. At just 1 acre in size, this space is critical for the survival of the manatees that visit the area. The least obtrusive way to see manatees at Three Sisters Springs is taking the boardwalk tour that circles the springs.

You can access the boardwalk via the Three Sisters Springs Center, the official concessionaire for land access to the springs.

Three Sisters Springs is a unit of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, and the center offers shuttle service, walk-in and bicycle-in access to the refuge.

The best time to see manatees at Three Sisters Springs is on one of Floridaʼs coldest winter days. Hundreds of manatees will make their way into the spring via the shallow, narrow

opening from Kings Bay. The 57-acre refuge surrounding the springs is an example of a restored wetland environment. Visitors can observe many different mammals, birds and reptiles on the hiking trails that surround the spring. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service volunteers offer guided walking tours and are available to answer questions from visitors.

Land access to the spring is available daily from 8:30am-4:30pm, with ticket sales ending at 3:30pm, and the trolly to the springs departs every 30 minutes. Ticket prices for admission during the winter season (November 15-March 31) are $20 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 6-15. Children 5 and under are free. There are discounts for Citrus County residents, seniors and military.

The Florida Manatee Festival takes place in downtown Crystal River January 18-19.

The festival offers a large kidsʼ zone, live entertainment and art, craft and food vendors.

But most importantly, the festival offers attendees access to see the manatees. Boat tours are offered at the Kings Bay Park dock area throughout the weekend for a separate cost. You can also board a free bus tour that will take you to Three Sisters Springs where you can view the manatees from land. The cost of admission to the festival is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Learn more about the festival at gomanateefest.com.

There has been some controversy as to whether Three Sisters Springs should be closed to swimmers permanently in the winter to make it a true warm-water refuge for the manatees.

There have been several high-profile instances of swimmers harassing the manatees in the springs even though it is against the law. Also, with the popularity of snorkeling and kayaking manatee tours in the winter, some suggest that the entrance way to the springs can become crowded by swimmers, making the manatees hesitant to go near the narrow opening, thus sending them back out toward cooler, more open water.

If you do take a tour, remember to obey all laws surrounding interaction with manatees, including not touching, following, trapping or influencing their natural behavior. Before booking a tour, ask the provider about their policies on protecting the manatees, and remember, itʼs ultimately up to you to do what you can to keep them safe.

You can also consider a kayak tour that might better respect manateesʼ natural behavior. Again, when booking a tour, choose a provider that obeys the laws surrounding the non-harassment of manatees and has a personal respect for keeping them safe. Kayaks are not allowed in Three Sisters Springs during the winter, and motorized boats are never allowed in the spring, so most tours visit spots around Kings Bay. A quick internet search will bring up many tour options in Crystal River.

Wanting to see these marine mammals up close is understandable—theyʼre beautiful!— but consider an option that allows you to view them in a way that will not restrict their natural behavior and that protects the animals. And remember, manatees donʼt come to Three Sisters Springs for our enjoyment—they come there to survive.

JAN ‘20

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CRAVINGS

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BRAISED ONION

TONYʼS SUSHI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

754 North East 25th Avenue // (352) 620-9255 Tue-Thur 11:30am-9pm // Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm Sun 11:30am-8pm // Mon Closed

3405 Southwest College Road, Ocala, 34474 (352) 237-3151 // tonysushiocala.com Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm // Fri-Sat 11am-11pm // Sun 12-10pm

Whether dining with your family or impressing a new client over lunch, youʼll experience Braised Onionʼs “Comfort Food With Attitude” every time you visit. Begin your meal with the bruschetta, featuring fresh garden-ripened tomatoes, shredded Parmesan cheese, a touch of garlic and extra virgin olive oil on a French baguette and finished with a drizzle of house-made balsamic glaze. Delicious! For the main course, try the herb-grilled pork loins served with whipped potatoes and sautéed garlic spinach on a bed of Dijon creole mustard. With a unique blend of savory and sophisticated, let Braised Onion be the restaurant you visit over and over again.

When youʼre craving authentic Japanese food with a modern twist, a trip to Tonyʼs Sushi is in order. With dishes like sushi rolls, teriyaki and stir fry, Tonyʼs is sure to become a go-to source for great food in a relaxed atmosphere. If youʼre feeling adventurous, ask about the off-menu rolls or take a seat at the hibachi grill tables. At Tonyʼs, only the freshest ingredients are used and presentation is key. On your next visit, treat yourself to one of Tonyʼs specialty cocktails, like the Blue Hawaiian, or a decadent dessert. The tempura ice cream and Thai donuts are always crowd pleasers.

EL TOREO

IVY ON THE SQUARE

Two Locations: 3790 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala // (352) 694-1401 // Mon-Sun 11am-10pm // 3510 SW 36th Ave. (SR 200), Ocala // (352) 291-2121 // Mon-Sun 11am-11pm

53 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala // (352) 622-5550 //ivyhousefl.com Dining: Tues-Sat 11am-9pm // Tapas & Cocktails: Thurs-Sat 9pm ʻtil... // Sun-Mon Closed

¡Feliz Año Nuevo! Head to El Toreo on Thursdays from 7-9pm for Trivia Night (Blvd.) and an authentic Mariachi band (SR 200) from 6-9pm. On Sundays, childrenʼs meals are just $1.95. Lunch specials: $5.45 Taco Salad Mondays, $5.45 Speedy Gonzalez Tuesdays, $7.95 Quesadillas Wednesdays, $6.95 Chimichangas Thursdays and $5.95 Burrito Supremes Fridays. Dinner specials: $10.95 Fajitas Mondays, $8.95 Chimichangas Tuesdays, $9.95 Alambre Wednesdays and $9.95 Tacos de Bistec Thursdays. Margarita specials: $1.95 margarita Mondays, 99 cent margarita Wednesdays and 2-4-1 margarita Saturdays.

Whether gathering with friends or family for lunch or a night out, youʼll enjoy fresh salads, mouthwatering comfort food, late-night tapas and drinks. Specials include our Pecan Salmon, Southern Fried Lobster and famous Baked Krispy Chicken. Save room for our delicious homemade White Chocolate Crème Brûlée, served with fresh berries and whipped cream. This Valentineʼs Day, be wined, dined and dazzled by inspired cocktails paired with the culinary artistry youʼd expect—all delivered with attentive care and Southern charm, surrounded by a romantic ambiance to create one special night out. Make your reservations today!

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WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

The Local Flavor Looking to shake things up a bit? The next time you’re out and about, check out one of Ocala’s newest eateries to satisfy your hunger pangs. // W R I T T E N & C O M P I L E D B Y K A R I N F A B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y

Sabores Latinos Restaurant and Catering

2515 NE 3rd St., Ocala // (352) 421-9318 // saboresocala.com Specializing in authentic Hispanic cuisine, Sabores serves up a unique breakfast and lunch menu daily. Billed as a local, family-owned Latin restaurant, the menu features popular dishes (and drinks!) from such locales as Colombia, El Salvador, and Central and South America. House specialties like the churrasco, pupusas, empanadas, arepas and bandeja paisa are popular and perfectly seasoned. Breakfast and lunch options can be light or heartier, and catering is available as well. Save room after your meal for a slice of tasty Pecan Crusted Bread Pudding!

Taylorʼs Breakfast & Lunch

303 SE 17th St., Ocala // (352) 236-7094 // taylorsbreakfastandlunch.com The restaurant formerly known as the Egg & I is now Taylorʼs Breakfast & Lunch, and it promises the same great flavors with some tasty new dishes to try. With locations in Panama City and Pensacola, owners Taylor and Kerri Toth are excited to open their first Central Florida location. At Taylorʼs itʼs always the perfect time for breakfast. Try the Cordon Bleu Skillet, a mixture of diced ham, Swiss cheese and hollandaise sauce on a plate of seasoned ranch potatoes and two eggs, any style.

Milano Ristorante Italiano

5400 SW College Rd., Unit 104, Ocala // (352) 304-8549 // milanofamilyrestaurant.com With three popular restaurants in The Villages, the Milano family is excited to have opened their first Ocala location. Specializing in made-from-scratch Italian dishes, Milanoʼs offers guests dine-in or express take-out options. For your next night out, try one of Milanoʼs house specialty pastas, such as the Spaghetti Caprese with cherry tomatoes, arugula, fresh Mozzarella, Romano cheese and fresh basil or the Gnocchi Cremosa with Italian ground sausage and creamy cheese, topped with pistachios. They also offer a variety of chicken, veal and seafood dishes, including the popular Tuscan Salmon. Or, try one of the house specialty stone-baked pizzas, including the build-your-own variety.

Papa Pineapples

3233 SE Maricamp Rd., Ste. 605, Ocala // (352) 801-7097 // papapineapples.com Where Cup ʻO the Irish used to be, youʼll find Papa Pineapples, a new restaurant featuring a variety of island-themed comfort foods, including a great selection of tacos and burritos. Papa Pineapples started as a food truck in the Ocala area, and the truckʼs popularity grew exponentially since opening five years ago. A brick-and-mortar storefront in Leesburg was next, followed by the new Ocala location. Some taco favorites include pineapple cilantro pork, Hawaiian barbecue chicken, chili lime chicken and black bean mango. The Papasada, a steak taco with Carne Asada marinade, pico de gallo and sour cream is another popular choice.

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WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

Let’s Do Brunch!

Break out the mimosas—these local eateries are serving up breakfast (and lunch!). // W R I T T E N & C O M P I L E D

BY MELISSA PETERSON

I

f you havenʼt been out for Sunday brunch, youʼre definitely doing weekends wrong.

Save the wakeup calls for the early birds, and turn off your alarm—brunch will be there when youʼre ready. Call your friends, break out your calendar and pencil in some time at one of these local spots.

Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse

2023 S Pine Ave., Ocala // (352) 622-1741 // ipanemaocala.com Ipanema serves up Sunday brunch from 11am3pm where you can treat yourself to endless portions of gourmet meats and cheeses and exotic veggies. For $24.95 per person youʼll be able to visit the omelet and waffle station and the salad bar featuring over 50 items, including fresh fruit and a variety of crepes. For $32.95 get all the above plus three endless meat options plus a complimentary bloody mary or mimosa.

La Cuisine French Restaurant

48 SW 1st Ave., Ocala // (352) 433-2570 // lacuisineocala.com Sunday brunch at La Cuisine is served from 11am-2pm, and the menu is plentiful. Choose from a variety of crepes with toppings such as strawberry basil or caramel mascarpone, banana chocolate French toast, eggs benedict and more. If lunch is more your menu, try one of their sandwiches, including La Cuisineʼs not-so-simple, freshly ground, in house burgers made from 100 percent premium beef filet with peppercorn mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion; or the Croque Madame with Mixed Greens, a warm spiralcut ham and swiss cheese sandwich with bechamel sauce and a fried egg. For just $15, enjoy La Cuisineʼs selection of bottomless drinks, including mimosas, sangria, Kir (a popular French cocktail made with de cassis topped up with white wine) or hangover cocktails.

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take on the Grit Bowl, featuring buttery grits, chorizo gravy, avocado, pickled tomatoes and a fried egg. If you need something sweet, the Sʼmores Waffle is where itʼs at: a graham cracker waffle, chocolate sauce, toasted marshmallow and bacon. You can add bottomless mimosas to any menu item for just $9 or order off the regular menu and add bottomless mimosas for $14.

The Lodge Craft Pub & Eatery

36 SE Magnolia Ave., Ocala // (352) 289-1390 // thelodgeocala.com The Lodge features a traditional Sunday brunch menu starting at 10am and includes French toast, biscuits and gravy, silver dollar pancakes and The Hunterʼs Breakfast with eggs, sausage, bacon and home fries. Get endless mimosas until 4pm for just $10, visit the bloody mary bar for $5 or get the White Claw bucket for $12.

Wings are just 75 cents all day. And while youʼre there, watch all your favorite weekly NFL games with Sunday Ticket at The Lodge.

Hilton Ocala

3600 SW 36th Ave., Ocala // (352) 854-1400 // hiltonocala.com Arthurʼs, an American Bistro is bringing Sunday brunch up a notch with organic, locally sourced, cage-free and sustainable options.

From 11:30am-2pm, you can start your day off with live music and their famous housemade bloody marys while making your way to the made-to-order omelet and Belgian waffle stations. Other options include smoked salmon, fresh vegetables and garden salads (where some ingredients are picked straight from the on-site chefʼs garden), local cheeses, seasonal fruit, hot entrées and a dessert table that includes macaroons and mousses.

Pi On Broadway

110 SW Broadway St., Ocala // (352) 369-5100 // pionbroadway.com Want a side of live music with your brunch-time meal? From 11am-3pm, Pi On Broadway serves a yummy brunch menu along with a live band on the rooftop. Make sure you check out their Facebook page to see whoʼs on the lineup for your next weekend out. To satisfy your tummy, try a honey smoked ham slider with cheddar cheese, a folded egg and cranberry chutney. Or

The Club at Candler Hills

8139 SW 90th Terrace Rd., Ocala // (352) 861-9720 // theclubatcandlerhills.com From 9am-2pm every Sunday, The Club at Candler Hills serves up one of the best brunch buffets around. For just $21.95 youʼll get the delicious buffet—featuring the made-to-order omelet station, freshly made Belgian waffles, shrimp cocktail, a carving station and French toast casserole—plus all you-can-responsiblydrink mimosas, bellini cocktails and bloody marys. If youʼre not into the drinks, the buffet by itself is just $16.95. All-day favorites include the Apple Almond Chicken Salad, Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese, a classic cheeseburger, the traditional Reuben, Andouille Shrimp & Grits, fish and chips, and jumbo chicken wings. The Club at Candler Hills is open to the public and offers an indoor or outdoor dining experience.

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It’s easy for you to be counted.

Every 10 years, the United States counts everyone who lives in the country, regardless of age, nationality, or ability. It is important for everyone to respond to the 2020 Census so that communities like yours can receive the funding they need for health care, accessibility services, and more.

The 2020 Census is accessible for everyone.

Beginning in mid-March 2020, you can respond to the census by answering a handful of questions online, by phone, or by mail.

The online questionnaire is accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities.

If you prefer to respond by mail but do not receive a questionnaire in your first mailing from the U.S. Census Bureau, you can wait for the fourth mailing, in mid-April 2020, which will include a questionnaire.

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If you have deafness or a hearing loss, you can: ›

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