352 Preview 03/21

352

PREVIEW

OCALA’S GUIDE TO ENTERTAINMENT, NIGHTLIFE & FAMILY FUN

M AR 2021

antiques FO R T H E LOV E O F

Considering Ocala?

CEDAR CREEK

Pristine and stately estate on 10+ beautiful acres. Extra-large chef ’s kitchen with center island, extensive cabinetry and breakfast nook area. $1,297,500 Oversized great room, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths designed with serenity in mind. 4-car garage plus generator.

TUXEDO FARM

Turn-key facility - Located close to HITS, this 42 +/- acre property is an ideal fit for the avid horse lover or full-time horse trainer. 5 barns with $1,293,450 a total of 44 stalls, 28 paddocks with waterer, 150’ x 250’ arena, round pen and 9 RV hookups.

Past performance is a measure of future success, and Joan Pletcher’s record speaks for itself. With 2020 sales totaling over $44,118,498 and $20,496,900 in pending properties in 2021, 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: 352.804.8989 | 352.266.9100 | joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com

PERSONAL PARADISE

23 +/- acres with lit drive leads you to the 5-bedroom, 5-bath “Smart House” encompassing 5,100 SF. Ample windows to allow plenty of natural light. Formal living with soaring ceiling, gourmet kitchen has center island, granite countertops, fine cabinetry, and theater room.

Covered summer kitchen with raised counter seating overlooks heated pool, spa, and fireplace. Two-bedroom carriage house with stone $2,500,000 fireplace, kitchen is open to family room with tongue and groove ceiling. Plus a 1-bedroom/1-bath cottage for guests.

352

MOVIE SERIES

ark AfterINDTHE

Park

PREVIEW THE WORD GIRLS

Bring a blanket or chair, get comfortable and join us for a free movie! Concessions will be available for purchase.

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MELISSA P ET ERSO N

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FRIDA

Mar. 26 | 7:30 PM

THE CREATIVE REBEL

Tuscawilla Art Park 213 NE Fifth St.

*This movie is rated R, children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent.

K RIST Y TAY LO R

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THE SALES SIRENS

DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX

K AT H Y JO H N SO N

APR. 9 | 8:30 PM

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Tuscawilla Park 500 NE Ninth St.

C EC ILIA SA RCO

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A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS May 14 | 8:30 PM

Fort King National Historic Landmark 3925 E Fort King St. *This movie is rated R, children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent.

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CONTENTS // MAR 2021 6 // TO P 10 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 8 // A N A RT WA LK WO N DER

Visit with artist Josh Price at this month’s downtown Ocala First Friday Art Walk.

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

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

Bakery photo courtesy of Allyson A Bake Shop; Photo of Josh Price by Kolin Toney @specialKolin

10 // BELLY L AUG H S

In a world filled with stress and anxiety, sometimes you just have to laugh.

Thankfully, George Casey is there to provide the punchline.

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12 // DA N C E T H E N IG H T AWAY The recent Florida Fun Mini Match, a ballroom dancing competition, benefits the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association.

EXPLORE 14 // BIK ES AT T H E BE AC H

Back for another year, the Daytona Beach Bike Week organizers have prepared a safe, fun 2021 event.

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16 // BAS EBA LL IS BAC K

Looking for something to do this spring break? Check out one of Major League Baseball’s spring training games.

18 // FEST IVA L S E ASO N

30

FEATURES

22 // A N T I QUES. ROA D. G O.

North and Central Florida are a treasure trove for antique hunters.

Visit these destinations for your next antiquing adventure.

This spring, Central Florida will play host to a variety of festivals and events.

CRAVE 28 // T H E LO CA L FL AVO R

Restaurant news, menu changes and opening details to keep your palate up to date.

3 0 // GA RDEN G OA LS

Now’s the time to start your spring vegetable garden.

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

HORSE FEVER 20/20 // MARCH 1-27 A new herd is coming to the Circle Square Cultural Center this month, thanks to the Horse Fever 20/20 art project by Marion Cultural Alliance. The first Horse Fever public art project was created in 2001, with the painted horses traveling to events and being displayed all over our community. Now, to celebrate the project’s 20th anniversary, a new herd has arrived and will be on display for the public to see. On March 1 from 11am-2pm a special outdoor photo op will take place on the front lawn. After that time, the herd will be on display in the lobby Monday through Saturday 11am-2pm—and you can check them out for free! Face masks are required indoors.

Learn more at mcaocala.org.

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Ready to hit the road in a brand-new RV? Make plans to head to the Ocala RV Show at the Florida Horse Park to visit with 11 participating RV dealers. The Ocala RV Show, hosted by the Florida RV Trade Association, is North Central Florida’s largest RV show. The show takes place Thursday through Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. Admission is $5 for adults, while kids 16 and under get in free. Check out the show on Thursday for buy-one-get-one-free admission, and military and first responders get $2 off admission every day. Learn more about the show at frvta.org/show/ocala-rv-show.

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RETRO SOUNDS AT FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK // MARCH 5

OCALA RV SHOW // MARCH 4-7

4 352PREVIEW.COM

THREE

This month’s downtown Ocala First Friday Art Walk will feature Retro Sounds, a music and art event, celebrating the disco era of the 1970s with a performance by Bee Gees tribute artists Bee Gees Now. The free event will take place from 6-9pm throughout downtown. Attendees will enjoy activities with a 1970’s twist, such as local arts organizations providing free, hands-on art activities; visual artists working live throughout downtown; special sales at participating restaurants and extended business hours at local shops. In addition, a vintage car exhibit by the Ocala Street Cruisers will be displayed on the east side of the downtown square. For more information, contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts department at (352) 629-8447 or visit ocalafl.org/artwalk.

OCALA VEG FEST // MARCH 7 The third annual Ocala Veg Fest is coming to the Ocala Downtown Market in a celebration of all things veggie. This event takes place from 10am-3pm and offers free admission for a fun and informative outdoor lunchtime gathering of plant-based exhibitors and presenters. Come see how easy it is to find healthy plant-based foods in the Ocala area, find local sources of eco-friendly and cruelty-free products and learn about the science behind the benefits of a plant-based diet. The event features expert speakers, cooking demos, vendors and animal rescues—with entertainment and activities for the whole family. Find this event on Facebook for more information.

Retro Sounds photo courtesy of Bee Gees Now; Artist’s Outlook photo: Christopher Still, “On the Ocklawaha River,” 1995, Oil on canvas, 24 x 36 in., Gift of Elizabeth I. Coachman, courtesy of the Appleton Museum of Art; Kenny G photo courtesy of the Reilly Arts Center

* TOP

THINGS TO DO IN THE 352 :

FIVE

SOUTHEASTERN PRO RODEO // MARCH 19-20

ARTIST’S OUTLOOK: ONLINE TALK WITH CHRISTOPHER STILL // MARCH 25

Professional rodeo returns to Ocala this month at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. With two opportunities to take in the action, the show features competition in saddle and bareback bronc riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding—the most dangerous eight seconds in any sport. Gates open at 5:30pm, and performances begin at 7:30pm. Purchase tickets in advance online for a discount. Learn more at ocalarodeo.com.

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FRIDA AFTER DARK // MARCH 26

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Join the Appleton Museum of Art on Zoom every third Thursday for a series of talks where individual artists speak about the inspiration, process and history behind their work. This month, chat with painter Christopher Still, who is known for his depictions of Florida’s wildlife, people and landscapes. This online event is free and open to the public. All conversations will be hosted on Zoom and can be accessed using your mobile device or desktop computer.

You don’t have to use your camera or speak, but there will be an opportunity to ask the artist questions. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information, including the Zoom meeting ID and passcode.

Part of the Tuscawilla Art Park Series, Frida After Dark will feature a showing of the motion picture Frida, a biographical film about the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Attendees will also enjoy a live musical performance, food trucks, a cash bar, artisan vendors and movie concessions. General admission is free, and the event takes place at Tuscawilla Park from 6-9:30pm. For more information, contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts division at artinfo@ocalafl.org or (352) 629-8447.

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GUNS & HOSES // MARCH 27

After having been canceled last year, Ocala Main Street is excited to present the inaugural Guns & Hoses event at the Marion County Sherriff’s Office Training Complex. The competitive event celebrates and honors our community’s first responders with combat and tactical challenges. The day kicks off at 7am with a 5K in downtown Ocala. Registration for the 5K is open to the public. The event then moves to the MCSO Training Complex for the competition and a family-friendly kids’ zone with first responder vehicles on display. Following the event, meet at the downtown square for awards and a celebration. Learn more and register for the 5K at ocalamainstreet.com.

BOURBON IN THE BARN // MARCH 26 Enjoy a unique experience at the newly opened World Equestrian Center while also supporting the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County at this year’s Bourbon In The Barn event. The program will include bourbon tasting, silent and live auctions, food stations, a cash bar and equine entertainment. A VIP reception will take place from 5-6pm, and general admission is from 6-9pm. The event will be held at Arena 2 at the WEC, and tickets are $125 per person. Advance tickets are required. All precautions will be followed to create a safe event, including temperature checks, hand sanitizing stations and required face coverings. Call (352) 690-7545 or email admin@bgcofmarion.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

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AN EVENING WITH KENNY G // MARCH 29 Grammy-award winning artist Kenny G, one of the best-selling artists of all time with global sales totaling more than 75 million records, is coming to Ocala’s Reilly Arts Center this month. Known worldwide for his successful albums Breathless, Miracles, Moment and more, his signature smooth-jazz sound has gained him wide popularity.

The show starts at 8pm, and tickets are still available but going quickly. Purchase yours today at reillyartscenter.com.

P O ST P O N E D

MAR ‘21

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WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

An Art Walk Wonder Visit with artist Josh Price at this month’s downtown Ocala First Friday Art Walk.

I

f you haven’t been to the First Friday Art Walk, which makes its way to downtown Ocala on the first Friday of the month September through May, you’re completely missing out. Showcasing local artists and their work throughout the downtown streets, the event also features live entertainment, make-andtake art projects for the kiddos and extended shopping hours at businesses.

One such artist you can find at the event is Josh Price, who through his business, Contrived Curiosities, crafts sculptures made of scrap metal. Josh got his start in the art world in 2011 thanks to his wife, Tiffany, who signed him up for a local art show—without telling him.

“I was terrified,” he says. “But we set up, sold many pieces and I even won an award.

After that, I dipped my toes in slowly, did a few shows each year up until 2017.”

After a life-changing job elimination, the couple cut ties with the 9-to-5 world and began showcasing their art up and down the East Coast. Eventually Josh taught Tiffany to weld and use the shop tools and now she creates right alongside him.

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So how did Josh come to create art from scrap metal? It all started at age 13.

“I found a scrap metal Don Quixote sculpture at a yard sale,” he says. “I told my mom that I wanted to make stuff like that. As a young adult I started working at a body shop, where I picked up the basics of welding. As I have always worked with metal, it was easy to bring home bits of scrap from jobs and stuff I found on the side of the road.”

When searching for materials, Josh and Tiffany usually look for shape versus object or type of material, and for Josh the search for materials is almost as fun as creating the sculptures.

“We call it treasure hunting. We go to thrift stores, hit up garage sales, flea markets, junk yards, scrap yard sales and, yes, even dumpsters.

You may even see us doing a slow drive by on trash day—we are those people.”

Most of Josh’s sculptures are animals, whether true to life or mythical. He gets his inspiration from visiting zoos, state and national parks, and through hiking, kayaking and camping.

“It sounds so cliché, but the simple truth is that I am inspired by nature and the world around,” he says. “I have been creating animals for over 10 years, but just recently during the pandemic, I challenged myself to

go outside my comfort zone and create large landscape pieces.”

Beyond Ocala’s First Friday Art Walk and other regional art festivals, Josh and Tiffany’s work can be purchased from their Etsy shop.

You can also check out their show schedule on their website. The couple will be at the March and May First Friday Art Walks.

“We discovered First Friday Art Walk a few years ago as we went out to dinner downtown with some friends,” Josh says. “Friday night art walks are happening all over the country.

These are vital to our communities, as they encourage people to celebrate the arts and explore with real artists living in their own communities.”

Josh hopes his whimsical pieces spread joy and make people smile.

“I find it interesting and enjoyable to create art from pieces that were clearly not intended to be art. I take trash, junk and scrap and puzzle it into a piece. When people see it, they say, ‘Oh that Angler Fish is amazing. Oh my gosh, is that a spatula in there?’ And I laugh and laugh, and the conversation about art and process begins. I tell them ‘Welcome to my mind.’”

Contrived Curiosities // contrivedcuriosities.com // etsy.com/shop/ ContrivedCuriosities

Photos by Kolin Toney @specialKolin specialkolin.com

// B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N

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.

There’s plenty to be heard right here in the 352.

Local entertainment at some of your favorite bars and pubs.

Ricky Skaggs Ponte Vedra Concert Hall // March 12

Ronnie McDowell Orange Blossom Opry // March 27 Ronnie McDowell has carved out a great country music career with 12 top 10 hits and a total of 30 hits in the top 40. Being a great fan of Elvis Presley, McDowell recorded his greatest hit song “The King is Gone” following Elvis’ death, a recording that sold 5 million copies.

Miranda Madison The Corkscrew // March 5

Kenny G Reilly Arts Center // March 29 Grammy-award winning artist Kenny G is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with global sales totaling more than 75 million records.

The Delta Rose Band Circle Square Commons // March 6

Ocala Symphony Orchestra Reilly Arts Center // March 20 & April 10 Welcome back the OSO with these in-person concerts with limited-capacity seating or tune in live on the day of the performance via the website. On March 20 the Ocala Symphony Percussion Ensemble will perform, while on April 10 the Ocala Symphony String Orchestra takes the Reilly stage.

Gilly & the Girl La Cuisine French Restaurant // March 12

98ROCKFEST starring Shinedown with Halestorm Amalie Arena, Tampa // April 16 Barenaked Ladies St. Augustine Amphitheatre // June 5 Happy Together Tour: The Turtles, Chuck Negron, The Vogues & More The Peabody Daytona Beach // June 9 Backstreet Boys VyStar Veterans Arena, Jacksonville // June 21 MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa // June 22 Alicia Keys Daily’s Place, Jacksonville // July 27 Justin Bieber Amalie Arena, Tampa // August 2 Matchbox Twenty MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa // August 6 Daily’s Place, Jacksonville // August 8 Alanis Morissette with Garbage & Liz Phair MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa // August 17 Goo Goo Dolls Daily’s Place, Jacksonville // August 25 Santana & Earth, Wind & Fire MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa // August 28

7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience Circle Square Cultural Center // April 3 The Ultimate Eagles Experience is a stunningly accurate tribute to the music of the Eagles. Using no backing tracks or harmonizers, 7 Bridges faithfully recreates the experience of an Eagles concert from the band’s most prolific period.

Orleans Circle Square Cultural Center // April 23 Praised by their peers for their songwriting skills, instrumental prowess and classic trademark harmonies, their iconic radio hits still resonate with audiences of all ages thanks to continued airplay.

Jeff Jarrett Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar // March 5 Good2Go Band O’Calahans Pub & Eatery // March 6

John Johnson Horse & Hounds Restaurant // March 11

Houston Keen Bank Street Patio Bar // March 17 Becky Sinn Locos Grill & Pub // March 19 Chris McNeil Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar // March 20 Side Piece Infinite Ale Works // March 20 Palomino Blonde The Crazy Cucumber Eatery and Bar // March 26 The Mudds Jazz & Blues Band The Club at Candler Hills // March 31

GET MORE MUSIC Follow us on Facebook at 352 PREVIEW and Instagram @352PREVIEW for concert presale dates and just-announced shows.

*Editor’s Note: Tickets were available for all concerts as of date of publication. Dates are subject to change at the discretion of the venue.

MAR ‘21

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WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

Belly Laughs In a world filled with stress and anxiety, sometimes you just have to laugh. Thankfully, George Casey is there to provide the punchline. // B Y K A R I N FA B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y

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“

Photo courtesy of Circle Square Cultural Center

A

native of a small seaside village in Ireland, George Casey immigrated to the United States in 1970. He brought his sense of humor with him and turned his IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE I tales of everyday life and adventures AM. I JUST LOVE MAKING PEOPLE into a successful LAUGH. WHEN I PERFORMED stand-up career.

George has AT THE CIRCLE SQUARE LAST spent the last OCTOBER, PEOPLE APPEARED SO few decades traveling the HAPPY TO ENJOY A NIGHT OUT, a lot of time walking world, entertaining AND THE AUDIENCE WAS GREAT around my house audiences from talking to myself,” he Australia and FUN! THE VENUE DID A BRILLIANT laughs.

China to Italy and JOB TAKING EVERY POSSIBLE Before testing new the United States. material on a crowd, Now, he’s PRECAUTION TO HELP THEIR George runs it past returning to the GUESTS STAY SAFE. family and friends to Circle Square gage the humor.

He Cultural Center at On Top of the World for the second time in six also records all his bits so he can play them back and analyze them. months—and the whole family is invited.

“Let’s face it, though, there’s nothing “The show is a conversation; it’s a story,” like a live audience to let you know if your he says. “I take you from families to everyday material is a success,” he says. “When trying topics to cracking fun at getting older.” And something new, always make sure you have there are no four-letter words or vulgar topics. a tried-and-true joke following it. Something As a comic, George admits that he sees that you know works and brings the laughs.” the humor in just about any situation, and George describes his show as good, clean everything can become a story. fun with a lot of belly laughs.

The jokes are “I just find silly and interesting things to quick, and the laughs keep coming. talk about,” he says. “Comics have to make A resident of nearby Davenport, George sure the rhythm and timing are there. I spend

has performed with and opened for many Hollywood celebrities, including Rosemary Clooney, Charley Pride, Ray Price, Three Dog Night, Bobby Vinton and more. He has also spent a decade headlining on all the major cruise lines and has performed at a multitude of private corporate events.

“It doesn’t matter where I am. I just love making people laugh,” says George. “When I performed at Circle Square last October, people appeared so happy to enjoy a night out, and the audience was great fun! The venue did a brilliant job taking every possible precaution to help their guests stay safe. So, grab your mate, grab your mask and come have a laugh with us!”

Comedy Night with George Casey // March 11, 7-9pm // Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World, Ocala // Tickets range from $23-$28 // csculturalcenter.com

Check Out Rescheduled

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LET'S ROCK 2021!

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MAR. 2-27

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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MAR. 11

MONDAY - SATURDAY 11 AM - 2 PM

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GEORGE CASEY

ON DISPLAY IN THE LOBBY

APR. 23

TICKETS FROM

GeorgeCasey.com

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MAY 22

GENERAL ADMISSION

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THE DESTINY OF ROCK SHOW Tribute to Boston & STYX

ORLEANS OrleansOnline.com

MAR. 26

TICKETS FROM

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MOTOWN IN MOTION

$ JUN. 5 25 ROCKY & THE ROLLERS TICKETS FROM

APR. 3

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7 BRIDGES

The Ultimate Eagles Experience 7BridgesBand.com

JUN. 26

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FLEETWOOD MAX The Definitive Fleetwood Mac Tribute

RockyandTheRollers.com

APR. 9

TICKETS FROM

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TITANS OF ROCK Journey & Bon Jovi Tribute

SEPT. 25

TICKETS FROM

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RUSHOUR

The Astonishing Tribute to Rush

OCT. 30

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LET IT BE The Beatles Tribute

15

$

NOV. 19

40

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TRACY BYRD

TracyByrdMusic.com

JUL. 24

TICKETS FROM

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The Ultimate Kiss Tribute

GENERAL ADMISSION

AUG. 14

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COMPLETELY UNCHAINED The Ultimate Van Halen Tribute

DEC. 11

A Carpenters Tribute

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PURE HEART

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TOP OF THE WORLD

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APR. 10 $24 TURN THE PAGE Tribute to Bob Seger TurnThePageOnline.com

KISS AMERICA

NEW DATE

AUG. 28

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Face masks required at all times

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 for residents of On Top of the World Communities and Stone Creek apply to Circle Square Cultural Center produced shows only. (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.

#13808 - 3/21

WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

Dance The Night Away The recent Florida Fun Mini Match, a ballroom dancing competition, benefits the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. // W R I T T E N A N D P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y R O N A L D W. W E T H E R I N G T O N

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t January’s Florida Fun Mini Match, the atmosphere was electric as amateur, professional and youth ballroom dancers competed for awards and cash prizes.

The Florida Fun Mini Match is presented

by Mary K. Thomas, owner of EQUIstaff.com, FastTrack Staffing and Dance, Dance, Dance Studio. This year Ms. Thomas was assisted by professional ballroom dancer Ekaterina Derevieva of Jacksonville, Florida. The event benefits Ocala’s Marion Therapeutic Riding Association.

“Marion Therapeutic Riding Association is incredibly grateful for the continued partnership and support that Mary Thomas and the Florida Fun Mini Match provide for our programming each year,” says Jenna Rovira, MTRA’s development director. “Not only is the Florida Fun Mini Match a really exciting and fun competition, but it helps MTRA raise awareness about the challenges children and adults face daily and the unique services we provide in our community. In 2020, the Florida Fun Mini Match helped provide 250 therapeutic riding lessons. There are no words to express our gratitude.”

The event would not have been possible without the support of its generous sponsors, which include Ocala Breeder’s Sales Company, GFA Medical Marketing President/CEO Bernadeth “Bern” Paraiso, Dr. and Mrs. David Lammermeier and Marcellas Richardson of Royal Décor.

To make a donation or to volunteer, visitmtraocala.org.

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Shandor Shtefil & Linda Gioino w/ Mini Horse Lil’ Joe

WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

Ekaterina Derevleva & Mini Horse Lil’ Joe

Children with Mini Horse Lil’ Joe

Celebrity Judges Mykhailo Azarov & Anastasia Kuzmich

Emcee Gabe Maldonado

Trophy Table

Roseanna George

Anastasia Kuzmich, Zeljiko Jake Lukich, Celia Rehm, & Mykhailo Azarov

Aida Skriptsova & Top Youth Winner Mia Klenin

Aida Skriptosova & Aleksei Alekseev

Anastasia Kuzmich & Mykhailo Azarov

MAR ‘21

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Bikes At The Beach

Back for another year, the Daytona Beach Bike Week organizers have prepared a safe, fun 2021 event. // B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N

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he roar of the engines, the sound of the ocean waves and a warm breeze blowing through your hair—this combination can only mean one thing: It’s time once again for the Daytona Beach Bike Week.

What began on January 24, 1937—the inaugural running of the Daytona 200—has morphed into one of the world’s largest gatherings of motorcycle enthusiasts.

In 1986, the Daytona Regional Chamber of Daytona 200 Commerce got involved to help organize the event and evolve it into a world-class festival of motorcycling. Today, the chamber continues to serve as the event planner, organizing all details related to its production in cooperation with the Daytona Beach community and national sponsors.

A 10-day festival that spans throughout Volusia County, there are hundreds of events for riders to enjoy. One of the first is the 51st annual Daytona Supercross, held at the Daytona International Speedway. The March 6 race features one of the longest and most grueling courses on the Supercross circuit and offers high-flying excitement from the big names that Supercross fans know and love.

Other events include the Ruff Ride Poker Run benefitting Halifax Humane Society, the Miss Burning Bike Contest, the 43rd Annual Trike and Sidecar Day, 43rd Annual British and European Bike Invasion Day and, of course, the Daytona 200 on March 13. In addition to all the main events, you’ll find bike shows, benefit rides, demo rides, swap meets and a wide variety of vendor booths.

You also won’t want to miss checking out the live 14

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Daytona Bike Week

music schedule—you’ll hear every kind of music you can imagine at locations all over the county.

While at the event, visiting riders can enjoy the Main Street area, which is the most historic Bike Week destination and includes the Daytona International Speedway and its entertainment complex One Daytona across the street. Heading north on the U.S. 1 corridor, destinations include Iron Horse Saloon, Broken Spoke Saloon and Destination Daytona where Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson is located.

Bike Week always offers the Official Bike Week Motorcycle raffle, and this year the raffle features the 2021 Harley-Davidson FLHCS Heritage Classic 114. Raffle tickets start at $50 and can be purchased in advance on the Bike Week website.

Nervous about the crowds? Janet Kersey, executive vice president and COO of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, says that area merchants and businesses have dramatically shifted gear to ensure the safety of visitors.

“We’re sure the crowds will be less than an average year just because some people will not travel,” she says. “On Main Street we have a new traffic plan approved by our commission that reduces motorcycle parking. The street will be restricted to motorcycles only, and the flow will be controlled by our expert public safety officials, and the reduced parking will also allow for expanded sidewalk space to allow for greater social distancing.”

While in the Daytona area, Janet suggests riding the Loop, which takes you through Ormond Beach and the more natural side of Florida. Check out the website for specific route details. You can also ride along A1A to experience some Daytona Supercross breathtaking ocean views, head over to Ponce Inlet for an up-close view of an old Florida fishing village or visit DeLand with its natural springs and old oak trees.

No matter what you do during Bike Week, Janet says there’s absolutely one thing not to miss.

“You must go to the beach when in Daytona Beach,” she says. “It’s a natural treasure you just can’t explain. There’s something about the ocean that just calls us to it.”

Daytona Beach Bike Week // March 5-14 // officialbikeweek.com

Bike Week photo courtesy of Daytona Beach Area CVB; Daytona 200 photos courtesy of Daytona International Speedway; Daytona Supercross photos courtesy of Monster Energy Supercross

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BOSTON RED SOX JetBlue Park, Fort Myers Mar. 1 Braves Mar. 2 Rays Mar. 5 Rays Mar. 6 Twins Mar. 10 Braves Mar. 12 Rays Mar. 13 Braves Mar. 16 Braves Mar. 17 Twins Mar. 19 Rays Mar. 21 Pirates Mar. 24 Orioles Mar. 25 Twins Mar. 28 Twins Mar. 30 Braves

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// W R I T T E N & C O M P I L E D B Y K A R I N C U S H E N B E R Y

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or a solid season, baseball fans enjoyed their favorite teams from the comfort of their own couch. This season, though, baseball will join the other sports that have slowly begun to allow fans back into the stands—albeit at a reduced capacity. And that may include spring training games throughout Florida’s Grapefruit League.

Major League Baseball officials have been working for months to implement health and safety guidelines that aim to keep players, spectators and employees safe. As of press time, spring training games would open first to season ticket holders, followed by the offer to purchase single-game tickets to the general public. Check with your park and team as availability, as well as rules and regulations, may differ from one park to the next.

For fans who do make their way into the

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stadiums, a face mask is a must. Fans will also be seated in pods that will be spaced 6-feet apart, and ballpark entrances will be open on a scheduled, orderly basis.

One thing that will be missing from this season is the intimate interactions with players.

Fans will not be allowed to view workouts unless they will be held in the park, and autographs are not allowed this season. There will also be a 12-foot buffer between fans and players around the dugouts.

Below are the home season schedules for a handful of teams that will be in Florida this spring season. Remember to check your team’s website at mlb.com for ticket availability and COVID guidelines.

Visit floridagrapefruitleague.com for a full list of Florida spring training teams and their schedules.

Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Jupiter Mar. 2 Marlins Mar. 3 Mets Mar. 7 Astros Mar. 8 Marlins Mar. 12 Astros Mar. 13 Marlins Mar. 15 Nationals Mar. 18 Marlins Mar. 20 Astros Mar. 22 Marlins Mar. 23 Nationals Mar. 24 Mets Mar. 27 Marlins Mar. 29 Mets

NEW YORK YANKEES George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa Mar. 1 Tigers Mar. 3 Blue Jays Mar. 5 Tigers Mar. 7 Phillies Mar. 10 Pirates Mar. 13 Pirates Mar. 15 Phillies Mar. 19 Phillies Mar. 22 Phillies Mar. 24 Blue Jays Mar. 26 Orioles Mar. 27 Blue Jays Mar. 29 Tigers Additional teams that train in Florida: Atlanta Braves, North Port; Baltimore Orioles, Sarasota; Detroit Tigers, Lakeland; Houston Astros, West Palm Beach; Florida Marlins, Jupiter; Minnesota Twins, Fort Myers; New York Mets, Port St. Lucie; Pittsburg Pirates, Bradenton; Tampa Bay Rays, Port Charlotte; Toronto Blue Jays, Dunedin; Washington Nationals, West Palm Beach; Philadelphia Phillies, Clearwater

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Festival Season

This spring, Central Florida will play host to a variety of festivals and events. // 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

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heck out a few of our top festival picks below. We encourage you to check the event websites to stay up to date on the latest news and COVID precautions related to these or other events.

Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City // March 4-14 Although the festival will go on this year, it will do so without headline entertainment concerts due to the pandemic. The festival’s other major attractions, including rides,

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livestock shows, on-grounds entertainment, concessions and exhibits will continue.

Gates open at 10am and close at 10pm daily.

Admission costs $10 for those 13 and over, $5 for kids ages 6-12 and free for children under 5. There will be special Moonlight Magic midway hours on Friday, March 12. After closing at 10pm, the festival will reopen at 10pm and run through 2am. Weekends and Monday the rides will be open until 11pm. The Kiddie Korral will run 10am until 10pm daily. flstrawberryfestival.com

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Online Event // March 6-7 This annual Tampa festival is one that draws in hundreds of talented fine artists. This year’s event will be virtual, allowing viewers to stream live entertainment throughout the weekend, explore artist’s online booths, watch art demonstrations and partake in online artrelated children’s activities. Prize money will be awarded as usual to the top artists. Events are being updated and added, so check the website for updated details. gasparillaarts.com

WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE Sarasota Spring Fine Art Festival, Sarasota // March 6-7 This 7th annual festival highlights a variety of art creations, ranging from photography and painting to wearable art and woodworking.

Visitors will have the opportunity to peruse the exhibits, talk to the artists and purchase works to take home. This year’s event layout has been modified to allow for more space between booths. Masks will be required for artists and attendees, and hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the festival.

This event is produced by Paragon Festivals and is hosted by the Sarasota Downtown Enrichment Association. The Humane Society of Sarasota County is this year’s special guest. Hours will be Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm, and admission is free. paragonevents.com Mount Dora Spring Festival of Arts and Crafts, Mount Dora // March 20-21 Hand-craft exhibitors and fine arts artists will come together for this annual festival.

Art and crafts will be available for purchase, and the exhibits will line the walking district of Mount Dora. The event has been ranked in the Top 50 Classic/Contemporary Craft Festivals in America by Sunshine Artist 2020.

The festival is presented by Visit Mount Dora and will take place from 9am-5pm both days.

There will also be children’s activities, food vendors, wine tastings and live entertainment.

Well-behaved pets are allowed on leashes, and there is no admission fee to attend. mountdoraspringfest.com

Florida Manatee Festival, Crystal River // March 27-28 For 34 years the Florida Manatee Festival has aimed to celebrate and educate the public about Florida’s gentle giants. There will be four stages of live entertainment throughout the

event, plus the Kids’ Zone, which will include sand art, face painting, inflatables, dancing and more. Plenty of vendors will be on hand, including fine art, craft, retail and food options.

There will be manatee boat tours, and tickets are available at the boat dock area in Kings Bay Park. On Saturday, the first tour takes off at 9:30am and the last at 4:30pm. On Sunday, tours run from 9:30am-3:30pm. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12 and free for those 5 and under. The Adventure Zone will feature virtual reality racing, rock climbing and other adventurous activities. The Hippie Village at Heritage House is back by popular demand with Bohemian crafts, entertainment and a relaxed vibe. gomanateefest.com Sebring Soda Festival, Sebring // April 2-3 This two-day event features live music, festival food, beer and wine, and, of course, soda. More than 200 soda samples will be available, including unique flavors like caramel apple, prickly pear, candied bacon, key lime, cucumber, espresso and more. The festival will also feature more traditional samples of colas, root beers and ginger ales. Drink tasting tickets are required for sampling. Most of the sodas at the festival are made in small batches, and most are

made with natural sugar—no high fructose corn syrup. The fun kicks off on April 2 with the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Fizzy Family Fun Night from 3-9pm. The event includes Easter-themed fun, an outdoor family movie, games and soda sampling. The actual Soda Tasting and Main Event will be Saturday, April 3 from 11am-6pm, complete with live entertainment, food trucks, vendors and shopping. sebringsodafest.com McIntosh Garden Show and Sale, McIntosh // April 3 Garden- and plant-related vendors will bring a variety of plants, trees and flowers to this annual event. Food and activities for children will be available, and drawings for garden items and décor will be held throughout the event. The McIntosh Seedlings Garden Club’s booth will feature herbs, shrubs, indoor plants, veggies, perennial plants, garden accessories and more. Handmade garden decorations, signs and artwork will also be for sale. mcintoshseedlings.com Old Florida Celebration of the Arts, Cedar Key // April 17-18 According to the event’s website, “we are cautiously, optimistically and creatively MAR ‘21

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WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE lime rock quarry. As part of the festival you’ll enjoy discounted admission into the botanical gardens. The event runs 9:30am-5pm both days. Admission is $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 to 13 and free for those 5 and under. cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com.

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Fest, Winter Park // Virtual Festival March 15-31, Live Festival May 14-16 This show annually earns top ranking among art festivals nationwide. The festival made its debut in 1960 and has become known as one of the most prestigious outdoor art festivals in the country. Produced by an allvolunteer board, the annual event typically draws in more than 300,000 visitors each year. Over 1,000 artists from around the world apply to the festival, with 225 being selected to exhibit their pieces. Categories include watercolor, leather, metal, sculpture, drawings and pastels, photography, clay, graphics and print making, and more. There will also be live music and food vendors. wpsaf.org

moving ahead with plans for Cedar Key’s Spring Arts Festival. Adjustments are being made in the layout to reduce congestion, encourage one-way flow and do our best to host a COVID-safe event.” Should the need arise for a cancelation, an announcement will be made prior to April 1. Each year, this arts celebration features award-winning art pieces in painting, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, photography and more. Crafts vendors will also be on-site, along with homemade treats from local vendors, local seafood and more.

The festival will take place April 17 from 10am5pm and April 18 from 10am-4pm. This juried art show will hand out cash prizes and awards totaling $12,000. cedarkeyartsfestival.com

competitors against one another in youth and open competitions. The fair also includes the Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton, Jr.’s Cracker Country, which is Tampa’s only living history museum. The museum features 13 original structures that date back to the late 1800s. Docents in historic dress share their knowledge and show what life was like for early Floridians. The state fair is known for its Deep Fried Dash, which will take place May 1 this year. There will also be live entertainment throughout the fair. Safety precautions are being put in place, including health screenings, mandatory masks, sanitizing stations, crowd limits and more. floridastatefair.com

Florida State Fair, Tampa // Moved to April 22-May 2 The Florida State Fair is one of the state’s most beloved events. The fair features one of the United States’ largest midways with dozens of rides and games. The fair will also include a variety of competitions, from best quilt and pie to plant. Livestock and agriculture competitions will also put

Garden Show & Spring Festival, Williston // May 1-2 The sixth annual garden show and spring festival will return to Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens this May. The festival will feature live music, vendors selling everything from plants to arts and crafts. Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens features more than 50 separate garden displays situated in a 100-year old

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Florida Folk Festival, White Springs // May 28-30 This three-day musical celebration features a wide variety of music that reflects on the state’s cultural heritage. The event will include music, dance, stories, arts and crafts, and plenty of food. The festival will feature a folklife area that will highlight performances and demos that celebrate the diverse lifestyles found in Florida through music, flavors and sights. There will be demonstrations and workshops dedicated to keeping cultural traditions alive. Learn to call a square dance, collect your ancestral history and support native plant and animal life. floridastateparks.org/floridafolkfestival

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N O RT H AND C ENTRAL FLORIDA ARE A TR E AS U R E TR OVE FOR ANTIQUE HUNTERS. V I S I T THES E DESTINATIONS FOR YOUR N E XT ANTIQ U ING ADV ENTURE.

By Melissa Peterson

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hether setting out for a day of antique hunting in downtown Ocala or taking a weekend trip to a fishing village in the Panhandle, if you’re looking for some of the best antiquing spots in the state, we’ll help you plan for your next outing. From where to shop and where to stay the night—and what to do in between— these destinations promise to become some of your favorite hunting locales.

A PA L A C H I C O L A The handful of streets that make up downtown Apalachicola are filled with small shops, historic buildings, bed and breakfast accommodations and quaint spots to get a bite to eat. And surrounding those streets are the waters that make up the famous Apalachicola River and Bay. In these waters are the lifeblood of this fishing town, with the many shrimp and fishing boats docked at the downtown marinas serving as proof.

Apalachicola is located on Highway 98, 90 minutes south of Tallahassee and four hours northwest of Ocala. The trip takes you through some of the most undeveloped portions of our state, through Marion County’s horse farms, on to Perry and then the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in the Big Bend, before finally winding along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

The distance from Ocala means this destination is the perfect getaway for a long weekend. Downtown Apalachicola is small

enough to park your car upon arrival and leave it be for the duration, as everything you could want to explore is within walking distance— although, we will suggest several must-see highlights away from the downtown area.

Antique lovers will be delighted to know there’s several stops downtown for browsing.

Tin Shed Nauticals & Antiques boasts having the most comprehensive maritime collection east of the Mississippi—although not confirmed by us—as well as an assortment of nautical antiques, decorative signs and carvings, old charts and more, while Retsyo (oyster spelled backward) has been in business since 1974 and features antiques, collectibles, beautifully illustrated historic seafood label T-shirts and Tupelo honey. These are just two of the antique stores, gift shops and art galleries you’ll find in downtown Apalachicola.

When it’s time to grab a bite to eat, fresh seafood is the way to go. Half Shell Dockside offers outdoor seating right on the water’s edge, and The Station Raw Bar will appeal to your inner lover of all things old, as it operated as a gas station for many years and still looks the part. If you’re just looking for a cold beer after a long day, check out Oyster City Brewing Company and its flagship beers, including the Apalach IPA, Mill Pond Dirty Blond Ale and Tates Helles German Style Lager.

A night spent in Apalachicola wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t stay at The Gibson Inn, located downtown right as you come off the bridge. Built in 1907, it’s a great example of the

The Grady Market early 20th century’s Florida Cracker architecture.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel’s 30 guest rooms are decorated with authentic antique furnishings. Another historic lodging spot, The Consulate features four suites located in the Grady Building, which was built in the 1800s and once housed the French Consulate when Apalachicola was an important port town.

When you’re not shopping for treasures, spend some time investigating the unique history of Apalachicola. The Orman House Historic State Park features a gorgeous historic home built in 1838 and overlooks the Apalachicola River. The John Gorrie Museum State Park tells the story of this young physician, who moved to Apalachicola in the 1830s and pioneered one of the most important fields ever—especially in Florida: air conditioning and refrigeration.

Before heading out of town, make time to visit St. George Island, a barrier island just over the bridge from Apalachicola and Highway 98. On the island you’ll have access to the public beach in the center of the island, but we suggest you turn left in front of the lighthouse and head east until you hit St. George Island State Park. Featuring hiking trails, fishing on the bay and miles of beautiful, sugar sand beaches, the park is worth the entrance fee and time spent exploring.

Learn more // downtownapalachicola.com

MOUNT DORA Just to the south of Ocala, Mount Dora is located in Lake County and was founded in 24

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1880. The downtown area—with its many boutique and antique stores, art galleries and numerous yearly festivals—is situated on beautiful Lake Dora, which if you have the time, you can enjoy aboard the Dora Queen, an 80foot New Orleans-style paddlewheel boat.

Once known as the Antique Capital of Florida (most people now give that title to Micanopy), numerous new antique shops have recently popped up downtown. Village Antique Mall offers more than 60 vendors located in one 12,000-square-foot building just blocks away from the action. With everything from furniture and jewelry to glassware and pocket watches, even the pickiest of hunters will find something they love.

The real showstopper, though, is Renninger’s Twin Markets. Located on 117 acres, the facility features two large buildings and several openair shopping areas, offering everything from produce stands and clothing shops to high-quality antiques and collectibles. The flea and farmers market is open every Saturday and Sunday and offers over 100 booths indoors and 400 spaces in the outdoor pavilion. The indoor antique center and consignment area is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and is housed in a 40,000-squarefoot, air-conditioned building with over 180 booths staffed by individual owners. Renninger’s also hosts numerous special events, including antique fairs, car and guitar shows, swap meets, garden shows and more. Check their website for a full list of upcoming events.

After a busy day of antiquing there are tons

of dining options in downtown Mount Dora, but we suggest something a little unique.

Wave Asian Bistro & Sushi offers a menu full of whimsy and fun while still having plenty of options for those looking for a traditional dish.

With creations like sushi donuts, sushi burritos and sushi burgers, Wave is guaranteed to bring the wow. The restaurant also serves rice and noodle bowls, bento boxes and many other sushi creations. For a glimpse of what you’re in store for, check them out on Instagram and TikTok at @wavemountdora.

If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, visit Allyson A Bake Shop for a variety of cakes, cupcakes, scones, muffins, cookies and brownies. Owner Terese Roth provides a homemade, baked-from-scratch experience that just cannot be replicated by bigger bakeries or manufactured baked goods. The bake shop is open every day from 8am to 5pm.

Although Mount Dora can be explored in a short, day trip, an overnight stay will let you see more of the town. Plus, Renninger’s is definitely worth back-to-back visits over the weekend. To rest your tired feet, there’s no spot more fitting than the historic Lakeside Inn. Built in 1883, Lakeside Inn is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the state, playing host to numerous dignitaries and celebrities during its almost 140year history.

Learn more // mountdora.com or whattodoinmtdora.com

Allyson A Bake Shop MICANOPY Want to plan a little staycation? Micanopy is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway that’s close to home. This picturesque town’s highlight is most definitely the downtown area, dotted with historic buildings, shops and small restaurants.

As mentioned previously, Micanopy is known for its many antique stores, which makes sense considering the town itself is actually the oldest inhabited inland city in Florida, founded in

Grady Market 2020 photo by Kevin McGeever courtesy of Visit Florida; Bake Shop photo courtesy of Allyson A Bake Shop; Stuart Whitehurst photo by Meredith Nierman for WBGH, (c) WGBH 2021

1821. In fact, the downtown historic district in its entirety is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For your shopping pleasure, a walk down Micanopy’s main street (NE Cholokka Boulevard) will yield an abundance of antique stores, including the Micanopy Trading Outpost, Lost Ark Antiques, Delectable Collectibles, Micanopy Modern and Shady Oak Gallery, among others. A quick, five-minute drive and right off I-75, Antique City Mall boasts 20,000 square feet of indoor antique shopping. The facility also hosts antique auctions, and you can check their website for details on upcoming auction dates and what’s up for bidding.

If you’re making the trip north a weekend getaway, definitely plan on staying in the heart of the antique action. The Herlong Mansion Bed & Breakfast, built in 1845, is right downtown.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Herlong offers spacious rooms, suites and cottages, each decorated with antique furnishings and equipped with private baths, and we guarantee the large, second-floor veranda is perfect for relaxing after a day of intense shopping. Just steps from The Herlong sits the Old Florida Café, known for its Cubans, Reubens, BLTs and homemade black beans and rice. If you’re in the mood for barbecue, Peal Country Store, located just across Highway 441, has some of the best in town.

In between shopping and dining, take time to check out the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, showcasing Micanopy throughout its history. If you’re in the mood for a hike, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is just a threeminute drive across Highway 441 and offers numerous trails, some where you can even see wild-roaming bison and horses.

Learn more // visitgainesville.com/explore/ discover-our-cities/micanopy

DOWNTOWN OCALA There’s no need to venture far from home to enjoy a day of antique hunting. New stores, restaurants and pubs seem to be popping up in downtown Ocala all the time. It’s the perfect setting for a day out with friends or day date with your special someone.

First on your to-do list, stop by The Mustard Seed Collection, located on 1st Avenue, offering antiques, home décor, jewelry, gifts and custom-painted furniture. From there, head south down Magnolia. The Tumbleweed and White Elephant stores are chock-full of vintage finds, including furniture, decor items, home goods, vintage collectibles and ol’ stuff (their words!). In fact, on most days, their

treasures are quite literally spilling out onto the sidewalk. You’ll definitely be able to spend a good hour between the two stores.

After you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, lunch is definitely in order. Head over to Ivy on the Square for a little comfort food—we suggest sharing an order of fried green tomatoes and indulging in the Baked Krispy Chicken entrée afterward. If you’re looking for another option, La Cuisine French Restaurant offers a unique menu in an elegant atmosphere. For a starter, consider the poutine—french fries, sauteed onions and pork belly topped with melted

cheese—or the smoked calamari. After the appetizer, try the duck a l’orange, two duck legs and thighs cooked in a zesty orange sauce. And whatever you do, don’t skip dessert—the soufflé is worth the calories.

If you’re looking for other spots in the Ocala area, visit Two Sisters Vintage, located on NE 14th Street, and Diggers Antique Mall, on Pine Avenue. In Belleview, make sure to check out Mossy Oaks Antique Mall, which features 8,000 square feet, more than 40 dealers and professional appraisal services by Edward Scott Appraisals.

H I T Tantique HE ROAD WI T H s roadshow

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roadcast on PBS stations nationally, Antiques Roadshow travels to cities around the country bringing local antique owners and appraisal experts together, highlighting the history of different items and offering appraisal amounts. As we’re getting you ready for your antiquing adventure, we thought it would be helpful to talk to one of the show’s appraisers.

Based on the British show of the same name that premiered in 1979, the American PBS version first aired in 1997, and Stuart Whitehurst, independent appraiser, Accredited Senior Appraiser and co-founder and co-owner of Marvin & Whitehurst Appraisal Group based in Stuart, Florida, has been with Antiques Roadshow since its beginning.

A familiar face on the show, Stuart is one of its generalists, and as he does in his normal practice, he sees lots of different types of objects.

“You will see me primarily on the pottery and porcelain table,” he says. “However, I have also been on fine arts, furniture, decorative arts, metalwork, glass, and books and manuscripts.”

When searching for antiques, the hunt—and subsequent find—is where the challenge lies, and as Stuart notes, antiques can be found just about anywhere.

“Estate sales can be full of interesting

things, as most people have interesting objects without even knowing it,” he says.

“That said, interesting doesn’t always translate into value. In New England, I found that attics and basements contain the most interesting finds when I am on a house call. Ironically, here in Florida, we have a lot of consignment shops and thrift stores. They are always worth a look!”

So when you’re out browsing, how do you know what’s worth buying and whether you’re paying an appropriate price? Experienced collectors know that in order to spot the good stuff, you’ll need to do your research.

“If you are serious about collecting a group of things, learn as much as you can about the objects,” suggests Stuart. “Were they copied? If so, when? Deliberately aged pieces can be easy to spot (or very hard) depending upon how much care is taken while creating the fake. A little time spent with a specialist can get you the information that you need to ‘spot the spurious.’”

Shops that you visit should be able to honestly answer any questions about an object that you’re interested in. It’s important to remember, though, that this is supposed to be a fun venture. With all this research, don’t forget to buy what you’re ultimately drawn to.

“When you buy what you love and spurs passion, you can rarely go wrong,” says Stuart. “That is what collecting is all about—passion, learning, making mistakes, learning some more. The path is rarely without stumbles, but the journey is what is most of the fun.”

MAR ‘21

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Consider the retina. This amazing paper-thin tissue structure actually has the largest blood supply per unit volume in the body. Almost all human diseases have a retinal manifestation.

From diabetes to high blood pressure to the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease, these and many other conditions show up in the retina.

“Indeed, the retina is a sensitive barometer of our well-being,” says Shalesh Kaushal, M.D., Ph.D., of Comprehensive Retina Consultants, which just opened a new office in Ocala in February. “The principle of improving our overall health and nutrition to optimize retinal function is a simple and novel idea. If you improve a person’s overall health, you will improve their vision.”

The Ocala office joins Comprehensive Retina Consultants’ existing offices in

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Dr. Shalesh Kaushal

Gainesville, The Villages and Inverness.

Patients seek Dr. Kaushal’s expertise for an array of retinal disorders, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, strokes of the eye, inflammatory disease of the eye, multiple sclerosis and Lyme disease of the eye, inherited retinal disorders and more.

His surgical skills have helped patients with retinal detachments, tears, macular puckers, macular holes, trauma and tumors.

A world-renowned clinician, scientist and educator, Dr. Kaushal’s academic credentials include a B.S. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University, an M.D. from Johns Hopkins and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry earned at MIT with the Nobel Laureate Dr. Har Gobind Khorana. He served as head of the Retina Division, Richardson II Chair at the University of Florida School

of Medicine, director of the Charlie Mack Overstreet Laboratory for Retinal Therapies at the University of Florida School of Medicine and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine.

Dr. Kaushal is highly motivated to improve both the vision and lifestyle for those struggling with retinal conditions. He has a currently funded research project studying the incidence of diabetic retinopathy in the general population using a novel telemedicine approach. He is also actively developing stem cell treatments for retinal diseases.

As the founder of several biotech companies, Dr. Kaushal pioneered the use of new medications and therapies to treat retinal disorders and was the first to introduce several new diagnostic instruments and techniques to the field of retinal diseases in Florida. Comprehensive Retina Consultants has already initiated two first-in-the-world clinical studies with plans to launch others in

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the near future.

“We’re excited to have our new Comprehensive Retina Consultants office in Ocala to take care of the significant increase in population in Marion County,” says Dr. Kaushal.

“There was a tremendous need for a retinal specialist in Marion County, given the high incidence of diabetic patients and people over 65 years old in the area. We have patients ranging from 3 years of age to 100 years old,” he adds. “We get referrals from optometrists, internists, cardiologists and more, but for many patients, I am the first doctor they see because they come in as a result of vision changes.”

Nutrition has a profound impact on health, and patients who understand this actively seek a doctor whose practice recognizes the importance of nutrition.

“Because of my background in nutritional biochemistry, some patients come to me because of metabolic issues, which makes Comprehensive Retina Consultants different from other retinal practices,” says Dr. Kaushal.

Important discoveries over his years

of research have made Dr. Kaushal even more passionate about using nutraceuticals as a way of effecting a positive change in a patient’s retinal condition, including common retinal disorders such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Indeed, some patients come to him specifically to learn about and use supplements to improve not only eye health but to optimize their metabolism and overall health.

Beyond his expertise, cutting-edge diagnostics and care, Dr. Kaushal brings compassion to his work, which is the primary reason so many patients return and regularly refer him to friends and family.

His patients appreciate the fact that as devoted as he is to his practice, Dr. Kaushal recognizes his family as his No. 1 priority.

He, his mother, wife, son and daughter live in Gainesville, and their home is complete with two Coton de Tulears puppies. The

Kaushals stay active in a number of charitable programs in their hometown.

Giving back and helping those who cannot repay is one of his core beliefs.

Nutritional Supplements available at To this end, he has Comprehensive Retina Consultants made many trips to India to provide care for retinal patients and has performed many surgeries free of charge.

For Dr. Kaushal, science cannot be separated from spirituality. As he explains it, improving the lives of his patients invariably improves the quality of his own life.

Comprehensive Retina Consultants 5353 SW College Road, Ocala (352) 820-4445 ComprehensiveRetinaConsultants.com MAR ‘21

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WATCH // EXPLORE // CRAVE

Garden Goals Now’s the time to start your spring vegetable garden. // B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N

L

ast spring, when the world shut down and everyone stayed home, one of the hobbies many families took up was gardening. If you’re ready to make this a permanent fixture in your backyard or even if this is your first rodeo, now is a great time to start your spring vegetable garden.

We’ve got all the details from Maxine Hunter, a UF/IFAS Extension Marion County urban horticulture agent and the Master Gardener volunteer coordinator.

Before you plant your seeds just anywhere, spend a little time making a plan. Where to start your garden and, even more, whether to start seeds in the ground, grow plants indoors before transplanting them outside or purchase young transplants are all considerations. According to Maxine, it really depends on the vegetable.

“Some plants, such as beans, watermelon and squash, do not handle being transplanted well,” she says. “I prefer to start seeds indoors for tomatoes, eggplant and peppers, which transplant easily. Sowing seeds directly is less expensive as seeds are cheaper to buy than transplants. Direct seeding does have some risks, as some seeds will not come up and over seeding means extra work thinning them out.”

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of seeds when shopping, don’t overthink it. Read through the details on the back of the packet or in the description on the website, and don’t be afraid to be a little adventurous.

“There are wide varieties of seeds available online and from seed catalogs,” says Maxine.

“Playing with seed varieties can be really fun.”

If you do decide to start your plants indoors, transplants will generally be ready to be moved to an outdoor garden within four to six weeks.

Your next decision is where exactly to start your garden. Maxine has some helpful advice on the matter.

“I like containers for my tomatoes because it is easy to put fresh soil on them each season and recycle the previous soil to other crops,” she says. “Raised beds are great if you have

poor soil that cannot be easily amended or need to make accessible garden areas.

Lastly, in-ground gardening can be great, but don’t forget to add organic matter and rotate your crops.”

Regarding the location, keep your garden near your house on a well-drained site close to a source of water and in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight. If you’re not using containers or raised beds, rotate your garden from place to place each season to help control soil diseases and other pests.

When choosing the soil, the details matter.

Look at the source of where the organic material comes from and what percentage of organic material and fertilizer is contained in the soil.

“You want soil that is light and fluffy, not dense or hard,” says Maxine. “Drainage is important. Soil that holds too much water will need to be mixed with pine bark, perlite or sand to improve drainage.”

You’ve probably heard the phrase FloridaFriendly Landscaping. The practice involves protecting the environment through the choices you make in your yard. Using the right plant-right place method, proper irrigation, fertilizer and mulching practices can improve the success in your garden and prevent overuse of our natural resources. The beginning stage of planning your garden is the most appropriate time to consider these practices.

And speaking of irrigation, knowing how often and how much to water can feel tricky. Everyone knows that too much—and also too little— water can be detrimental to your garden. Maxine advises to remember that vegetable gardens are a little different than our lawns and shrub beds.

“Vegetables will need more frequent watering when they are first planted and to keep them growing well as our temperatures increase,” she says. “Usually, it is best to water daily when first planting your garden and then every few days after the plants get established.

Watering in the early morning hours is best and micro-irrigation or drip lines can save you from

over watering and fungal infections.”

Another consideration is controlling pests.

Florida and insects go hand in hand, and you can never be too careful with what chemicals you use when growing plants your family will consume.

“We use an approach called Integrated Pest Management, which incorporates cultural control methods, natural predators and preventative methods before applying chemicals,” Maxine says. “Also, planting diverse crops and using trap crops, such as sunflowers, is a great method to draw pests away from your desired crops.”

When it’s picking time, remember that knowing when it’s time to harvest is not really an exact science.

“First, look at the seed pack or label from transplants for ‘days to harvest,’” says Maxine.

“Secondly, our Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide has estimated days to harvest, but this may vary by variety. Lastly, use daily and weekly inspections of your garden to visually inspect fruit for color, firmness and size.”

Hopefully all your planning and research will reward you with a large crop of veggies this season. Happy picking!

CHECK OUT THESE ADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCES FROM UF/IFAS. • UF/IFAS website: sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion • Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021 • Florida-Friendly Landscaping: ffl.ifas.ufl.edu • Free mobile Florida Fresh app: m.ifas.ufl.edu • Social media: facebook.com/ MarionCountyMasterGardeners, facebook.com/groups/VictoryGardeners, @florida.mastergardeners on Instagram MAR ‘21

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The Local Flavor Restaurant news, opening details and foodie fun to keep your palate up to date. // W R I T T E N & C O M P I L E D B Y K A R I N FA B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y

STARBUCKS 3537 SE Maricamp Road // starbucks.com Try the new Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew. This refreshing drink is lightly sweetened with honey before it’s topped off with almond milk. If you’re looking for something a little cooler, the Pistachio Coffee Frappuccino blended beverage is worth a taste. With a blend of sweet pistachio flavoring, coffee, milk and ice, this icy delight will hit the spot when you need an afternoon pick me up. The drink is topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of Starbucks special salted brown-buttery topping.

3980 SW 26th Court, Unit 101 // dunkindonuts.com One year ago in February Dunkin’ released its popular matcha lattes. After much success the chain has added to its matcha offerings with the new matcha-topped donut and the Blueberry Matcha Latte. The latte combines Dunkin’s sweetened matcha green tea powder blend with a delicious blueberry flavoring, plus your choice of milk, including options like oat milk or almond milk. The drink is offered hot, frozen or iced. The matcha-topped donut begins with the signature glazed donut and is topped with a dusting of matcha powder. Also new at Dunkin’ is the Sweet Cold Foam, which will debut with the Cold Brew with Sweet Cold Foam, the Chocolate Stout Flavored Cold Brew with Sweet Cold Foam (available for a limited time only) and the Charli Cold Foam, which is a cold brew with three pumps of caramel, Sweet Cold Foam and cinnamon sugar on top.

THE SPOON LAGOON 5302 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview // (352) 470-0665 // thespoonlagoon.com In the mood for something sweet? The Spoon Lagoon offers ice cream, gelato, sorbets, smoothies, juice drinks and more. Located on Abshier Boulevard in Belleview, this sweet shop is locally owned and operated.

The website is currently under construction as of press time, but soon you will be able to view the menu and place your order online. The store is open from noon to 9pm Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 8pm Sunday through Thursday. They offer a variety of flavors on all fronts, and you’ll return time and time again to check them all out. A popular smoothie (and one we can’t wait to try) is the black and white. A mixture of Oreos, vanilla bean, bananas, almond milk and a drizzle of non-dairy chocolate.

Yum! If you’re looking for a healthy option, the acai bowls are piled with fresh ingredients and flavor.

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Charlie X photo courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts; Spoon Lagoon photo courtesy of Spoon Lagoon

DUNKIN’ DRIVE-THRU

EL TOREO 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 Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border!

Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere. On Sundays, children’s meals are $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.

By Lanford Wilson

February 25 – March 21 Sponsored by: Ocala’s Good Life Magazine Moonlight magic and love letters bring together an odd pair in 1944 Missouri.

Tickets $30 for adults $15 for ages 18 and younger

celebrating 70 years

4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, Florida 34470

Through March 28

MEMORIES & INSPIRATION The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art

Appleton Museum and Store Enjoy free admission every weekend in February.

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. | 352-291-4455 | AppletonMuseum.org

-an equal opportunity college-

“Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art” was organized and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC. Beverly Buchanan, “Shack with Chair,” 1989, foam board.

Photographed by Gregory Staley. © 2018 Jane Bridges.

MAR ‘21

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