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NORTH AND CENTRAL FLORIDA ARE A TREASURE TROVE FOR ANTIQUE HUNTERS. VISIT THESE DESTINATIONS FOR YOUR NEXT ANTIQUING ADVENTURE.

By Mel sa Pe rson

Whether setting out for a day of antique hunting in downtown Ocala or taking a weekend trip to a shing 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.

APALACHICOLA

The handful of streets that make up downtown Apalachicola are lled 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 shing town, with the many shrimp and shing 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 nally 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 con rmed 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 nd in downtown Apalachicola.

When it’s time to grab a bite to eat, fresh seafood is the way to go. Half Shell Dockside o ers 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 agship 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 o the bridge. Built in 1907, it’s a great example of the

e 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 elds 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, shing 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

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 o ers 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 nd 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, o ering everything from produce stands and clothing shops to high-quality antiques and collectibles. The ea and farmers market is open every Saturday and Sunday and o ers 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 sta ed 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 o ers 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, mu ns, 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 de nitely worth back-to-back visits over the weekend. To rest your tired feet, there’s no spot more tting 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

A yson 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 de nitely 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

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, ve-minute drive and right o 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, de nitely 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 o ers spacious rooms, suites and cottages, each decorated with antique furnishings and equipped with private baths, and we guarantee the large, second- oor 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 o ers 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, o ering 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 nds, including furniture, decor items, home goods, vintage collectibles and ol’ stu (their words!). In fact, on most days, their Broadcast on PBS stations nationally, Antiques Roadshow travels to cities around the country bringing local antique owners and appraisal experts together, highlighting the history of di erent items and o ering 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 rst 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 di erent types of objects.

“You will see me primarily on the pottery and porcelain table,” he says. “However, I have also been on ne arts, furniture, decorative arts, metalwork, glass, and books and manuscripts.” When searching for antiques, the hunt—and subsequent nd—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 nds 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 stu , 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.”

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

After you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, lunch is de nitely 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 o ers 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 sou é 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.

HIT THE ROAD WITH antiq s r how

COMPREHENSIVE RETINA CONSULTANTS

OPENS OCALA OFFICE

Many people are familiar with the old adage, “the eyes are the window to the soul.” But what they likely don’t know is that the eye is a remarkable indicator of health, nutrition and disease.

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 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

Dr. Shalesh Kaushal

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

State-of-the-art Triton Swept-source OCT takes high-resolution images of the macula

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 di erent from other retinal practices,” says Dr. Kaushal.

Important discoveries over his years

New location on SR 200

Kaushals stay active in a number of charitable programs in their hometown. Giving back and of research helping those who have made Dr. cannot repay is one Kaushal even of his core beliefs. more passionate about using Nutritional Supplements available at Comprehensive Retina Consultants To this end, he has made many trips nutraceuticals to India to provide as a way of effecting a positive change care for retinal patients and has performed in a patient’s retinal condition, including many surgeries free of charge. common retinal disorders such as For Dr. Kaushal, science cannot be separated macular degeneration and diabetic from spirituality. As he explains it, improving retinopathy. Indeed, some patients come the lives of his patients invariably improves the to him specifically to learn about and use quality of his own life. 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 Comprehensive Retina Consultants recognizes his family as his No. 1 priority. 5353 SW College Road, Ocala He, his mother, wife, son and daughter live (352) 820-4445 in Gainesville, and their home is complete ComprehensiveRetinaConsultants.com with two Coton de Tulears puppies. The