3 minute read
Florida Golf Gateway
Florida’s Best GOLF Value
Ocala may be known as The Horse Capital of the World, but to golfers, it is Florida’s Golf Gateway. And for good reasons! Conveniently located 1 hour from the Florida border, one hour to Tampa and one hour to Orlando, Ocala is the perfect place to stop over and play your first round in the Sunshine State. Or make it your final round in Florida on your way back home.
With 20+ great courses, a variety of hotel accommodations and the finest restaurants and nightlife, take a break and spend the night. Get up in the morning, enjoy a round of golf and head on to your final destination late afternoon arriving in plenty of time for dinner.
OCALA GOLF COURSES
Some of the finest in the state and also Florida’s best value, especially during the peak season January through April. Ocala Golf Club has five sets of tees that guarantees a fit for anyone’s game. The Country Club at Silver Springs Shores offers two very distinctly different nines. With a Palm Springs-style landscape, the natural splendor of Candler Hills Golf Course is enhanced by a variety of trees...this is not your typical Florida golf course. SummerGlen Golf Club offers a challenge to everyone and features Turnpike Mike’s with a large selection of craft beers. Other notable courses include Juliette Falls, Ocala National, Stone Creek, Preserve at Spruce Creek, Ocala Preserve Golf Club and Twisted Oaks. For a complete listing of all the great courses in the area, visit FloridaGolfGateway.com.
WHEN IT COMES TO ACCOMMODATIONS
The four Ocala exits on I-75 includes properties from every major hotel chain. With a chic new re-imagined look, the resort-style Ocala Hilton has a blend of traditional style and contemporary flair. Discover innovative cuisine at Market Kitchen & Bar, Ocala’s newest gastropub. The Equus Inn is an equine-themed, vintage boutique hotel offering southern hospitality, including complimentary hot & cold breakfast buffet and beer and wine machines in the lobby. For a complete listing of all Ocala hotels, visit FloridaGolfGateway.com.
AFTER YOUR ROUND
Hiatus Brewing Company offers their own hand-crafted brews to enjoy which you can pair with a pretzel and beer cheese or other delicious menu items. Infinite Ale Works is the oldest brewery in the area with dozens of craft beers on tap. Big Hammock Brewery and Bites offers 12 taps that feature a mix of BHB’s own brews and rotating guest craft beers.
ENJOY DINNER
You can eat in a chain restaurant at home. Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill serves the best of southern, cajon and creole flavors. For a taste of Latin American favorites, try Latinos Y Mas. If you are in the mood for a funky music-themed American Mexican pub grub, it is Mojo Grill. And the name says it all at Brick City Southern Kitchen and Whiskey Bar.
IF YOU HAVE TIME
Visit one of Ocala’s famous attractions. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride at Silver Springs State Park, one of America’s largest springs. The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing chronicles the history of the sport of drag racing and houses the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. The World Equestrian Center is the largest equestrian complex in the United States situated on nearly 378 acres with state-of-the-art arenas, retail shops and restaurants.
Who knows, once you experience the excellent value of courses, accommodations, restaurants, attractions and nightlife, you may decide to make Florida’s Golf Gateway your next golf vacation destination.