Bit of cereal

Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop to Celebrate Grand Opening in Downtown Ocala

Information from Ocala-News.com According to Ocala News, Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop opened its doors in downtown Ocala on April 7. The candy shop is located at 20 SE Broadway Street on the square in downtown Ocala. The shop is packed with an assortment of candies with over 250 candy bars and 100-plus bulk candies to choose from. Customers can opt for the $5 candy buffet which allows them to fill a box with any combination of the bulk candy options. The only rule for the box is that the lid must be able to close. According to the shop, customers will be able to purchase many nostalgic, hard-to-find candies. The shop will also over beverages with over 250 glass-bottled sodas, and six-packs can be mixed and matched. A variety of toys, games and quirky gifts will also be sold at the shop. In addition to the newest location in Ocala, Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop has nearly a dozen stores in Pennsylvania and Ohio. For more information, visit Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop on Facebook.

Mother’s Day Plans and Events

By Rebecca Fending

It’s easy to fall into a yearly routine for Mother’s Day, whether it be a meal at Mom’s favorite restaurant followed by a movie or just a relaxing day at home. If you’re looking for a way to shake things up this year, below are a few ways you can do just that in your area!

ACTIVITIES WITH THE FAMILY

One great way to change the typical Mother’s Day plans is by putting together a fun activity for the whole family. There are a ton of different ways that you can celebrate Mom and get some light exercise during the weekend. Family-friendly places like mini-golf, bowling or even just a beach walk can be a great bonding experience and the perfect way to soak up some sun (just don’t forget the SPF!).

TAKE HER SHOPPING

A great option if you weren’t sure what to gift her this Mother’s Day, taking Mom shopping for her day is a way to combine quality time and retail therapy into one experience. Below are just a few places that could be perfect for her depending on where you’ll be this weekend:

Tampa: Hyde Park Village, Tampa Riverwalk

Lake/Marion: The Salty Mare in Mount Dora, Lemonade in Eustis, Prominent Fox Boutique in Leesburg

Southwest region: Charlotte Mercantile in Port Charlotte, Palms on the Pier Boutique in Punta Gorda, Pomegranate & Fig Boutique in Punta Gorda

Suncoast region: My Lady Boutique in Clearwater, Mirabella Fashions in Dunedin, Seersucker Sassy Boutique in Safety Harbor

Sarasota: L. Boutique Sarasota Woman’s Clothing Store, Apricot Lane Boutique, Lotus Boutique

MOTHER’S DAY EVENTS

Typically, many local restaurants have special Mother’s Day menus and prices. Whether you’re looking for an upscale brunch or a casual dinner out, below are just a few restaurants in your area that could be a great fit. Be sure to make any reservations ASAP as slots fill up quickly: Tampa: Oystercatchers, Rusty Pelican, Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar

Lake/Marion: The Troff in Eustis, Chris’ Place in Eustis, 1921 Mount Dora, Pisces Rising in Mount Dora

Southwest region: Hemingway’s Grille in Punta Gorda, The Perfect Grouper in Punta Gorda, The Grill at 1951 in Port Charlotte

Suncoast region: Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill, Inc. in Tarpon Springs, Cassis St. Pete, Sunset Grill and Beach Bar in Ruskin

Sarasota: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, The Reserve Retreat, Evoq Sarasota

No matter what you have planned for this Mother’s Day, Mom will love the thought and effort that goes into weekend planning!