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THE HISTORY Downtown Ocala is alive with the whispers of its past. Recently reinstated as a Florida Main Street commu nity, the city’s central core boasts buildings and archi tecture almost as old as Ocala itself. Take a stroll around the historic square; shop local at Shannon Roth Collection, the former home of the silent Dix ie Theater; grab coffee inside the old Marion Hotel; or meet your friends for breakfast at Dee Dee’s Diner in the historic train station. You may even want to see a first-run movie at the Marion Theatre, which was established in 1941 and is one of the few active historic theaters left in the state. Why move to a place that strives to replicate such a rich history when Ocala has the real thing? 1
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REASONS
TO LOVE8 DOWNTOWN 2 OCALA / MARION COUNTY RELOCATION & BUSINESS GUIDE DOWNTOWN
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THE HISTORY Downtown Ocala is alive with the whispers of its past. Recently reinstated as a Florida Main Street commu nity, the city’s central core boasts buildings and archi tecture almost as old as Ocala itself. Take a stroll around the historic square; shop local at Shannon Roth Collection, the former home of the silent Dix ie Theater; grab coffee inside the old Marion Hotel; or meet your friends for breakfast at Dee Dee’s Diner in the historic train station. You may even want to see a first-run movie at the Marion Theatre, which was established in 1941 and is one of the few active historic theaters left in the state. Why move to a place that strives to replicate such a rich history when Ocala has the real thing? 1
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—Janie Pope, Central Business District Program Manager, City of Ocala
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MELISSA LASTNAME 4 OCALA / MARION COUNTY RELOCATION & BUSINESS GUIDE DOWNTOWN
Having been born and raised in Ocala, it’s easy to take things for granted. Like the fact that my kindergarten handprints rest in the concrete off of Broadway Street or that my grandfather was the postmaster downtown. I was raised around good, true Ocala people who taught me to love this place, but it wasn’t until I returned from college and began my professional career with the city that I truly understood what a novelty Ocala’s downtown is and what a coveted setting it is for those who seek what I was raised with: community. ¶ People search to move their families and their businesses to places exactly like this. Developers build communities to mimic authenticity such as ours, all for the sake of creating that sense of belonging one gets right here in downtown Ocala, the soul of the city.
THE ART So often, historic cities get stuck in the past, fail ing to embrace culture and art that their archi tecture begs to complement. Not in Downtown Ocala. From window art and live art to sculpture art and galleries, the downtown has you covered. Just a block or two off of the square sits Artist-Alley and Brick City Center for the Arts, both actively show ing and selling a variety of local work. Additionally, you’ll find hip, indie art in local food and nightlife es tablishments like Pi on Broadway and the Courtyard on Broadway. Even the governmental buildings get in on the act, showcasing local artwork that’s open to the public. Care for a sculpture stroll by the water? Check out the national art installment at Tuscawilla Park. Downtown Ocala is certainly smart about art.
THE FOOD Where do I even begin? Delicious. That’s where. Whether you’re craving a French meal at La Cuisine, Japanese from Sushi Bistro, Greek food from Feta Mediterranean Cui sine, or maybe a plate from an upscale steakhouse like Mark’s Prime, downtown Ocala is your dinner destination. With over 15 places to please your palette, you won’t want for anything. And don’t forget to grab some coffee while you shop or some ice cream after your big meal. The most enticing thing about downtown Oc ala’s edible options is the variety. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are within walking distance of any business establishment in the down town district—and meals start as low as $5!
THE NIGHTLIFE A las, here’s my favorite. There is no other place to be with friends than downtown Ocala. Need to meet a co-worker after five for a drink? Find exceptional happy hour specials at places like Mark’s Prime and Harry’s Seafood, Bar & Grille. Looking for the best live music in town? Head upstairs to the rooftop at Pi on Broadway on any Friday or Saturday night where you shouldn’t be dis appointed by the music—or the view. Want to grab a beer with your buddy? You’ll have the choice of 30plus craft beers at downtown Ocala’s newest local brewery, Infinite Ale Works. Maybe you’re looking for something a little more chill. Sing karaoke at the Courtyard on Broadway or enjoy the back patio at O’Malley’s Alley. If it’s something more upscale you desire, then BG Downtown has regular martini specials and ladies night events. There is literally something for everyone.
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THE PEOPLE If downtown Ocala is the soul of the city, then its people are the heart. They are the lifeblood, the passion, the sweat, and the joy. Downtown’s stakeholders are community leaders and invested patrons of the local business owners. Their devotion to downtown’s success goes hand-in-hand with their own personal and professional develop ment. Some have been in business for decades, while others are just moving in. It’s easy to become a part of that downtown feeling instantly be cause their passion is unmistakable.
THE NOVELTIES One of the things I enjoy most is finding people that haven’t been downtown in a while and updat ing them on what’s new. When I tell them we’ve got The Corkscrew Winery, where you can bottle your own wine, or fencing lessons at En Garde Fencing Club (yes, that Olympic sport with swords), people don’t believe me. I try to encourage folks to visit Ocala’s Chocolate & Confections, where the owners make the chocolate, by hand, right before your eyes. I tell people it’s possible to eat fondue at The Melting Pot, play pool at Downtown Billiards, or even get new kitchen counters at Home spaces, all without walking more than 10 paces. Get a fitted men’s suit at Greiner’s, a piano at Parramore Music, a new road bike at Brick City Bicycles, or a corset at Jezebel’s... the list goes on.
THE EVENTS Talk about the icing on the cake, downtown Ocala is slammed with things to do. Almost every week end holds family fun. Consider these: the Feel Downtown LIVE concert series featuring artists such as Sister Hazel, Needtobreathe, and Brett Eldredge; the First Friday Art Walks that span more than 10 blocks each month; the weekly farmers market with over 50 vendors; Harvestfest Music & Food Truck Festival; and Marion County’s biggest holiday celebration, Light Up Ocala. Communi ty organizations also jump on board by bringing their events downtown. Crowd favorites like Fine Arts for Ocala’s annual three-day arts show and the St. Patrick’s Day downtown pub crawl are just a cou ple that have proven to be huge hits. Not only do the downtown events create an enhanced quality of life for our citizens, but they also provide a direct, positive economic impact on our downtown businesses.THE FEELING There’s a reason why the area’s ma jor branding campaign is dubbed “Feel Downtown.” No one tangible thing that makes downtown so delight ful. There are multiple things, attitudes, and energies combined together that make it irresistible. Down town Ocala isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. Won’t you join us?
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Bring On The BULLDOZERS
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BY ADRIANA RODRIGUEZ & GINA JUNGLAS cala’s be—areonecommunities—andlargestthatsoonwillbuildingin big way again, ramping up their new construction to prepare for Boomers coming to the area and for new families looking for that perfect first home.
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ON TOP OF THE WORLD COMMUNITIES
THE PRESERVES AT HEATH BROOK
The World’ On Top of the World Com munities, Inc. held a grand opening event for its newest floor plans, now available in the Stonebridge neigh borhood. Over a thousand people attended the event and were amazed to see lifesize blue prints of the new models, which provided a clear idea of what the floor plans look like. These exciting new floor plans are available only on a pre-con struction basis in Candler Hills. Potential homeowners can choose from two- and three-bedroom homes that range from 2,170 to over 2,800 square feet with many luxury features included. The new designs were en gineered from extensive research into what buyers are looking for in a new home. This research has resulted in super-sized lanais, unique breezeways, and three-car garage designs. In addition to the existing ame nities at On Top of the World— three golf courses, two fitness centers, six swimming pools, and eight tennis courts—Can dler Hills residents currently enjoy their own private com munity center. In early 2017, The Lodge at Candler Hills will be Foropening.over30years, On Top of the World has delivered the best to its customers. “You deserve the world” isn’t just a catchy slogan. To find out more, visit 854-3600.communities.comontopoftheworldorcall(352)
‘You Deserve
Enriched with the natural beauty of Southwest Ocala’s gentle rolling hills, luxury awaits in The Preserves at Heath Brook. Located just around the corner from Ocala’s brand new Market Street mall, several restaurants, and an award-winning hospital, this upscale community offers a setting that can’t be beat. Side walks lead to some of the best shopping and dining experienc es that Ocala has to offer. Resting in the heart of Marion County, Heath Brook is only a few miles from I-75, offering easy access to the greater Cen tral Florida area or either coast. The attractions and theme parks in Orlando, sporting events at the University of Florida in
‘A Setting That Can’t Be Beat’
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‘Connect, Explore & Get Active’
The “good life” isn’t just a saying, it’s a lifestyle. And renowned national builder Trilogy by Shea Homes offers just the right combination of luxury and indulgence to cre ate it. Now, with its newest location in central Florida, Trilogy has created a ground breaking community, Ocala Preserve, that homebuyers will love.
TRILOGY AT OCALA PRESERVE
Gainesville, or a visit to one of Florida’s award winning beaches, everything is less than an hour away.
For the golf enthusiast, Ocala Preserve’s planned golf course is now under construction. Designed by PGA Tour legend Tom Lehman and renowned golf architect Tripp Davis, the course will harbor a warm and welcoming atmosphere for players of all levels. For the outdoor enthusiast, Trilogy At Ocala Preserve has planned a “Great Park,” an amenity that homebuyers say is redefining the concept of active living. Also planned at the community are two clubs that will boast five-star amenities: a state-of-the-art fitness center, a movement studio, a gourmet dining venue, and cozy lounges. This club should help residents connect, explore, and get active. Nestled amidst 623 stunning acres of gently rolling hills in the heart of Florida’s pristine horse country, Ocala Preserve is near miles of walking and biking trails, equestrian activities, fishing, hiking, and boating. Just 1.5 miles from I-75, Trilogy at Ocala Preserve residents have easy access to many of the local attractions, including Ocala’s historic downtown square, fine dining, boutique shops, and arts and entertainment. The com munity is also close to the magic of Orlando and Disney. To find out more about Trilogy at Ocala Preserve, visit trilogylife.com/ocala or call (855) 321-4580.
The luxury of this wonderful community with numerous full-brick homes on over sized lots is unparalleled. For more information, visit adamshomes.com or call (352) 414-1052.
BON APPÉTIT! YOUR TABLE’S RESERVED FOR THIS TASTE OF OCALA’S LOCAL CULINARY SCENE. As the world’s appetite grows for unique dining experiences, Ocala is nourishing its residents with several award-winning restaurants and eateries. Whether you’re in the mood for world-class French cuisine, a perfectly cooked steak, or a taste of Latin America, you can get your fill right here. BY WAYNE SMITH CAPTION CAPTION CAPTION 2 OCALA / MARION COUNTY RELOCATION & BUSINESS GUIDE DINING
Since the restaurant’s opening in 2009, LA CUISINE has set the region’s expectations on classic French cuisine with a modern feel. Owners Patrice and Elodie Peron packed their bags and left France for Ocala, taking a chance that locals would congregate for culinary classics like duck a l’orange and Florida-inspired grouper meuniere. Leaving France for Ocala was a big leap for the Perons. “We had friends that lived here in Ocala and fell in love with it when we visited,” Elodie says. “It seemed like a great place to raise our kids.” The charm ing couple recently celebrated La Cuisine’s fifth anniversary serving their new home. While patrons can expect an intimate and warm dining experience in the classically French-themed red-and-black painted restaurant, expect highly professional and formal service and presentation. A fully stocked bar, experienced mixologists, and finely tuned wine list round out most diners’ imbibing desires. Foodies will delight over their introduction of locally sourced proteins and produce from area growers and Thisfarmers.year, La Cuisine was award ed its fourth consecutive Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend magazine. “It’s an honor,” Elodie explains. “It’s the reward of very hard work and consistency. If the community didn’t support us the way they do, we wouldn’t be here. We’re very thankful.”
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La Cuisine
‘FRENCH CUISINE WITH A MODERN FEEL’
Brooklyn’s Backyard
‘CLASSIC FARE ELEVATED’
The surprise hit of new restaurants in Ocala this past year is BROOKLYN’S BACKYARD. At first glance, one might assume typical bar food but that’s not the case. They’ve taken classic fare and elevated it with interesting flavors and ingredients while showcasing brews from around the country. Celebrating their first year anniversary at their new Silver Springs Boulevard location this past November, owners Tim and Janice Thomas expanded from their previous pizzeria creating a fresh and modern menu and fun dining experience. Instead of a basic cheeseburger, how about an Angry Orchard Burger with brie, Granny Smith apples, bacon, and half-a-pound of beef sautéed in Angry Orchard cider? Just don’t be surprised when you find lobster tail thermidor or seafood risotto next to the burgers and pies.
Inside Brooklyn’s Backyard is different. A legitimate century-old Georgia barn lines some of the walls, lawn chairs sit atop Astroturf, and chalkboards with hand-drawn type fill in the empty spaces. There’s no pretentiousness there, just a casual backyard environment for visitors to feel relaxed and at home.
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“We gave Ocala something they wanted,” Janice says. “There are a lot of foodies and craft beer fans going out of town for their fix, but now they can stay here.”
‘THOUGHTFUL DISHES & DESSERTS’
“We’re always looking forward to trying new things, using new equip ment,” Albert adds, “and then sharing it all with our customers.”
Sweets aren’t the only thing showcased at Stella’s back counter. Chef Stephanie Harrison leads the savory side of the kitchen, serving up ele vated dishes using locally sourced and seasonal foods. While flatbreads and cheese boards are always on the menu, patrons cannot wait for specialty dishes like the butternut squash soups or wine-poached pears in the fall or a fresh vegetable quiche in the spring. Despite limited café and countertop seating, there’s a coziness that many people flock to for downtown lunches near the square. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing brunch while browsing through shelves of wines, honeys, jams, and other specialty foods. For Stella’s, food is a journey to be devoured and they’re our tour guides.
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Pastry chef and co-owner Albert Barrett wasn’t looking to make millions when starting Stella’s. It was his passion for inspirational pastries, cakes, and desserts that motivated him in co-founding the shop over six years ago. A perfectionist and tirelessly hard worker, Barrett’s creations have won awards over the years, but that’s not what motivates him.
Stella’s Modern Pantry
Less of a restaurant and more a collection of unique flavors, gourmet foods, and award-winning pastries and cakes, STELLA’S MODERN PANTRY will surprise any discerning palette.
One of Ocala’s oldest restaurants on our list, LATINOS Y MAS knows how to keep locals’ dining experiences fresh. More than just the normal Mexican fare, the recently expanded and renovated restaurant serves up dishes inspired by Latin countries all over the world. “That’s why we added the ‘Y Mas’ [Spanish for ‘and more’] to the name,” co-owner Webster Luzuriaga offers. The Luzuriagas have kept locals happy over the years with consistently quality food and service, emphasizing the customer experience and authenticity. Originally from Ecuador where fish was more common than other meats, the Luzuriagas serve up dishes to complement Florida’s enthusiasm for seafood, alongside Latin classics like fajitas and churrasco con Throughchimichurri.theexpansive wooden entrance doors and past the bar, large contemporary paintings of Latin-inspired food and scenery hang on adobe colored walls. The warm colors and ambient lighting match the feeling and flavor of their foods and drinks. When the weather is right, diners can opt for some torch-lit patio seating. Just a few years ago, the couple bought their across-the-street neighbor, Ipanema, continuing their growth of amazing Latin fare in Ocala. With 30-plus years in the restaurant industry, the Lu zuriagas aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. “We,” Webster finishes, “always have ideas of things to come.”
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Latinos Y Mas ‘AMAZING LATIN FARE’
Unsuspectingly hiding behind aisles of kitchenware, cookbooks, wines, and specialty foods lives an always-electric kitchen staff preparing thoughtful dishes and desserts.
