A Downtown Reborn

The heart of Ocala is now the perfect blend of old and new.

By Dean Blinkhorn

Kevin Sheilley, the president and CEO of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, is on a mission. On most days, he can easily be seen striding off from the CEP’s downtown office to some favorite place for lunch with clients or co-workers, dinner with friends and family, or to the City of Ocala headquarters on some official business. His tall, thin, well-dressed frame is hard to miss. On these jaunts he’s visibly and genuinely in his element, an active participant in the rebirth of Ocala’s core district—and he’s seen many redevelopment efforts in a three-decade career that brought him to this Central Florida city seven years ago.

“A downtown of any city, regardless of the size, is its heart and soul,” he explains. “The revitalization of Downtown Ocala is symbolic of the tremendous growth of this community and all the expansion we’ve seen over the last couple of years.” Ask him about his favorite and it changes all the time, sometimes with the seasons, but often by an enticing tweet or Facebook post. “Our downtown has a wide mix of entertainment, shopping, and restaurant options,” he says. “No other city is going to have the Reilly Arts Center, Marion Cultural Alliance, or our historic first-run movie theater. And they certainly won’t have our award-winning restaurants.”

Over the last few years, city government has invested millions to ensure that Downtown Ocala is welcoming, well-lit, and has easier-than-ever access from the large parking garage near the new hotel. If you haven’t been in a while, a lot has changed. Peruse an art show, drop in for an early happy hour at Harry’s or Mark’s, or get a ticket for a budget-priced matinee, and you’ll quickly realize that this is the true heart of the city.

“It’s hard to choose my favorite spot,” Kevin concludes. “And isn’t that the best thing about Downtown Ocala?”

Bank Street

Photo by John Jernigan

BANK STREET PATIO BAR & GRILL—This beautiful indoor/outdoor restaurant features spacious covered outdoor seating at the long bar, near the kid’s play area, or around a permanently situated food truck. Somehow it feels decadent and casual at the same time.

Bank Street

Photo by John Jernigan

Ivy Boutique

Photo by Ralph Demilio

IVY BOUTIQUE—A cute shop as uniquely Southern as its namesake restaurant located across the street. Unique and fashionable jewelry, clothing, and home décor.

Downtown Market

Photo by Ralph Demilio

OCALA DOWNTOWN MARKET— Held every Saturday morning, this covered pavilion offers fresh produce, tasty prepared foods, and lots of locally made goods.

Tuscawilla Art Park

Photo by Trevor Byrne

TUSCAWILLA ART PARK—“Headless Marie” (left), designed through a city-sponsored sculpture contest for the popular park, was beheaded one evening by unknown vandals shortly after being installed. To the city’s credit, she still sits proudly like a strong piece of art should.

Marion Theatre

Photo by John Jernigan

MARION THEATRE—Many newcomers to Ocala are surprised to see this gem for the first time, an Art Deco masterpiece that isn’t collecting dust but rather plays first-run movies pretty much every day of the year. “This beautiful Streamline Moderne structure opened in 1941 with a seating capacity for 902,” says cinematreasures.org. “The exterior is in its original state and looks fantastic, and the interior has been restored to a nostalgic style and feel.”

Feta Mediterranean

Photo by Trevor Byrne

FETA—This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant’s menu is as unique as the stone walls that encase the delicious aromas of authentic moussaka, spanakopita, pastichio, tyropita, or chicken souvlaki. Opa!

La Cuisine

Photo by Ralph Demilio

LA CUISINE—This beautiful, French-inspired restaurant has been on the downtown dining scene for a decade and has enjoyed a remarkable run of quality and consistency in that time. As a result, La Cuisine was recently named to the prestigious Golden Spoon Hall of Fame by “Florida Trend” magazine. “Ten years ago,” says co-owner Patrice Perron, “Elodie and I made a decision to pack up our family and move to this country with nothing but faith and a dream. This one’s for you!”

Infinite Ale Works

Photo by Ralph Demilio

INFINITE ALE WORKS—Featuring 34 different taps of locally sourced craft beers (including a dozen or so brewed right on premise), Infinite is regarded as a well respected brewery in the growing Florida craft beer scene. Try a $10 flight—you get four five-ounce pours of your choice of Infinite’s brews.

Katya

Photo by Ralph Demilio

KATYA—This unique corner spot just north of the gazebo offers an amazing pairing of delicious wines—many from the family’s own local vineyards—with a long menu of gourmet foods. The impeccably dressed space is the perfect spot for a memorable meal or a pre-show hangout of tapas and wines. You might even see a celebrity sighting! Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez popped in recently for a secluded meal with extended family.

Brick City Southern Kitchen

Photo by Trevor Byrne

BRICK CITY SOUTHERN KITCHEN—Delicious specialty barbecue and a massive wall of different whiskeys? Who wants to join me?

The Corkscrew Winery

Photo by Debi Lander

THE CORKSCREW—Toast yourself and your unique vintage (or craft beer) at this make-it-yourself winery.

Mark's Prime

Photo by Debi Lander

MARK’S PRIME—Enjoy a generous pour at the separate bar area or sit down for a memorable evening of fine dining at one of Ocala’s best restaurants. Choose from the hand-cut steaks, exceptional wine list, and sides generous enough to share.

Ivy on the Square

Photo by Ralph Demilio

IVY ON THE SQUARE— With a gorgeous view of Magnolia Avenue, this well-established local restaurant’s newest location has a uniquely Southern vibe. I’ve gone there so many times with friends, family, co-workers, and clients that I’ve lost count. It’s simply one of the best restaurants in Ocala. And the killer bar is a distinctive extra!

Stella's Modern Pantry

Photo by Ralph Demilio

STELLA’S MODERN PANTRY—You’ll certainly feel special if you get one of a handful of tables at this extremely popular bakery and sandwich shop, but everyone can peruse the well-stocked shelves for an always-surprising assortment of gourmet items.

Harry's

Photo by Ralph Demilio

HARRY’S—Their enviable location overlooking the square and closest to the new hotel, will make this New Orleans-inspired hotspot even tougher to get into. Don’t let that stop you. The She Crab soup is worth the wait!

Pi on Broadway

Photo by Ralph Demilio

PI ON BROADWAY—Rooftop dining in Ocala is a Pi staple. Enjoy a gorgeous sunset with friends during happy hour in a set of chairs more comfortable than your living room.

Downtown Diner

Photo by Ralph Demilio

DOWNTOWN DINER—A friendly eatery with an old-school diner feel. Enjoy a quick egg sandwich or a decadent chicken waffle for breakfast or a delicious burger or hot dog for a hearty lunch.

Sayulita

Photo by John Jernigan

SAYULITA—Named after a small surfing village in Mexico, this place’s never-ending party starts inside and then spills outside to a cool open-air courtyard with cheap beer and delectable margaritas served from an Airstream. The tacos and guacamole are amazing.