Have you heard of Palatka? It’s between Gainesville and Ocala. I lived in a small community called Interlachen which is a straight 2 hour shot from Ocala on county road 315 which takes you through the middle of absolute nowhere. The problem is tourists don’t see the real Florida they only see the cities and beaches and other touristy areas. I’m from Florida and have seen literally everything and I will always be a Florida Boy at heart. God bless
Thanks for taking us along on your little adventure to Ocala, FL. Glad to see you exploring & having fun! May God continue to bless you and keep you in His loving care🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
We moved from busy Orlando a year ago and we were able to purchase a much larger home and yard for less with no HO fees which we needed for family dynamics. Pros are peace and tranquility and if you engage in outdoor activities you will love. Cons: far away from MCO airport not many indoor activities. If you are a home body then it will be fine. The east side is great because it is very close to active Villages. Only an hour from youthful college town Gainesville. If you are a partier and need a night life then this is not a match. Great for calm souls, outdoorsy types, large families, retired and want to be close to Villages but less expensive.
I know Ocala and Silver Springs Shores very well, since years ago my grandparents lived there (from 1973 onwards or so), and my Uncle who is still there. My Uncle Richard was also an EMT/Paramedic later on, for years there. And volunteer Fireman first. I haven't been there in years, myself. I used to love visiting them, staying at their gigantic house with pool and lake out back, and going to the FL attractions, Disney, S Springs, Epcot, etc. in the 70s and 80s. Also the Paddock Mall which sadly, just had a shooting there, inside the mall. Never had that going on years ago! We used to take the Amtrak down from NYC, or fly down. I was sad to hear that they gutted Silver Springs preserve about 15 years ago, it's not what it once was, and they closed down the water slide park there Wild Waters (once on Silver Springs Blvd.) about 7 years ago now. It's sitting there rotting! I have fond memories of going a few times to the water park.
Awe, my old stomping grounds. I’m from Winter Haven, FL. They have Legoland/Cypress Gardens and not far from there is Bok Tower Gardens. It’s such a serene, spiritual place.
I was just looking at some attractions online in Ocala. One of the main ones is Silver Springs. I don't know what all there is to do there except rent a kayak or take a glass bottom boat ride. There may be some walking trails. Also Appleton Museam of Art is in Ocala. Thanks for taking us along with you on your adventures though. I look forward to seeing more. Take care and God bless.
My buddy wants to retire and move there. He'll be working a few more years before he retires. That's why I'm watching. Looks like a cool little town to visit. But I don't think I'd want to live anywhere in FL. It's becoming the next California as fas as the cost of living goes (not politics) with insurances for everything skyrocketing. But then again, its also going up everywhere else.
I was there last summer looking at houses. That restaurant near the Square called The Lodge has a speakeasy upstairs.(I believe it was the Lodge. Maybe it was a different one.) It's a great hideaway place to go and have cocktails with friends. I thought it was pretty cool and the drinks were great. I didn't get too drunk.
12pm to 4pm is the HOTTEST time here in the sunshine state! 😬 Go walking in the morning 7:30am-11:30am or after 4:30pm 👍🏽 yes, 4:30pm -7pm is still HOT, but without the brutal sun beating down on you. 🤗
I am looking for my new forever home after selling my home I lived in 31 years. I drove from CA to Virginia and have thought of Ocala. Wanted to see some cafes or downtown shops. Thanks Katie! I do not mind the heat/humidity. I love that you think it is Cute.
I am moving from Dania Beach, FL to Ocala, FL in 12 days! My sister has lived there for years so I've visited, but I'm finally making the jump!! I really love it there and yes, downtown is very cute. I don't remember seeing the candy store but I will for sure be checking that out!!
We have a place in Dunnellon, 50 minutes away. Road 200 in Ocala has all the stores and restaurants you ever need, my favorite, Tasty TreTs, best ice cream. Great video!
Hi .!! I know u don’t like Disney . Although I think u will enjoy visiting Disney Spring is a great shopping Mall w Sephora Coach and many other stores and have dinning places and entertainment. It will be a great vlog day 😉
I haven’t been to Ocala since the year 2000 and I just remember there were a lot of horse farms. You can get those giant smarties at the Dollar Tree also 🥰
Katie are u stalking the guy from the report of the week lol!!?? I love candy shops I like the chocolate rocks and the orange slices and the smarties!!
Hey Katie! Visit Sholom Park. Sholom Park just added a Zen Garden. It’s my favorite park in Ocala. Also, add the World Equestrian Center to your list. Check out the cute candy shop, Miss Tilly’s Lollipops, and the European inspired pastry shop inside the hotel called Emma’s Patisserie.
I also miss drinking Mr. Pibb the soft drink (LOL!) which is like Dr. Pepper but the bastids in NY won't market it here! Blast it. It's a Florida thing.
Going to Ocala this week for work. I go pretty regularly but my goal is to explore it a little more this time. But, I did recognize some of the downtown spots! You’re vlog was part of my research!! Lastly, I’d be lying if I said you get used to the heat. Florida lifer and summers are still rough! 😂
Slow-Cala isn’t for everyone. Very rural, but not in the wide open space sense. Downtown Ocala is charming. Ivy on the Square and Marks are two great restaurants. Absolutely loved the World Equestrian Center especially at Christmastime.
We’re looking at moving to Ocala next year and hearing it called “Slow-Cala” makes it sound like my kind of place. 😂 Are there any areas you’d suggest avoiding when buying a home?
@@jordanjones7985 Stay away from Maion Oaks and houses in the national forest. Lots of crime. I live west of the World Equestrian Center, way on the other side of town. Very nice and quiet. A little off the beaten path, but that's the only way to get a safe and quiet neighborhood. Also lots of new homes going up in my area and they're reasonably priced.
@jordanjones7985 The shores (heavy traffic in the morning and late afternoon), Marion oaks (overpopulated with heavy traffic morning and lateafternoon), national forest (unless you're a redneck, in that case, it's paradise), anywhere off of sr40 (from silver springs to airport rd. (60th ave) its either ghetto or trailerpark trash)... that said, anything on the outskirts of these areas are great locations
Im from ocala and i used to go to this barber shop that had the best cuts and bbq around the corner but u would have to be strapped or have a bullet proof vest on
Bubba raceway park is the coolest thing in Ocala but the spring is also cool, the fort they have is decent, national forest is wild, world equestrian center is stunning but waste of money, Ocala is diverse but I’ll always have a piece of me there 🤙
This was awesome! im currently living in the Historic district of Winter Garden, FL but theyre raising the prices like crazy and Ocala is my #1 next choice but i havent visted yet! Also side note! The gum is pronounced chee-clay its the spanish word for gum! (:
Thanks Katie. Can't find it in this description. You have used this song before and I love it so if you ever have time to reline it I would be grateful.
Thanks Katie. Can't find it in this description. You have used this song before and I love it so if you ever have time to reline it I would be grateful.
Can’t say I blame you. I moved up from south Florida in 2005 when I was a teenager. Broward County to be exact. Moved away for a few years to the Cape Coral/Fort Myers area and then came back in 2022. Will probably be moving back down south mid 2024. North Central FL is not for me.
@@Webhedgamingcan you explain why? I’m interested in moving to Ocala because of the cheaper houses there however I wanna know from someone who is living there how it is.
I’m curious why it wasn’t for you and what your preference is. We’re looking to move to central FL and this was the town I was interested in. I’m looking for outdoor activities and quiet.
@@matthewdiaz3105 I mean it’s just kinda boring is all. If you’re into quieter areas and less traffic then Ocala might be for you, but it is getting pretty busy here compared to what it used to be. Driving on 200 is atrocious and annoying as all hell. Rent is pretty high here now for Ocala anyway. If you compare Ocala’s rent to what you’d be paying in Miami then yes it’s cheap, but any local will tell you it has gotten expensive. It’s not even worth it anymore. You might as well live in Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale.. I am extremely biased though just to let you know. Ocala isn’t my scene, dude. I prefer bigger cities by the coast! Hopefully we’re moving back to Southwest Florida some time in 2024.
Hi Katie, if you ever are down in So. Florida (Ft Lauderdale area) give me a ping. I'd love to show you around. Never been to Ocala, but I did explore Tampa this past weekend. Lisa
86° f is not really that hot. I'm in Arizona right now and it's 95°. (10%humid) And I'm not that hot. Of course, what you're feeling is humidity, humidity, humidity. Not heat. LOL Get one of those little fans that you could wear around your neck
I hope she isn’t planning on trading in her car one day. She put all those pin holes in her cars ceiling. She obviously has no idea how fragile they make those car ceilings.
I was thinking the exact same thing watching the video! In Orlando, it is the complete opposite. So many people, and I've never been lucky enough to get a parking spot anywhere in downtown Orlando 😢
Yeah it wasn’t too busy at all! But also I tried to vlog when other people weren’t around as much as possible, so there were people and I just didn’t show them. But it definitely seemed pretty empty compared to other cities I’ve been to, especially on a Saturday!
Ocala is bad man I’ve lived here all my life there’s ofc pros an cons but I don’t suggest nobody to live her also don’t want nobody too getting too big😂🤦🏼♂️
I drive through Ocala to get to my sister's house when I go visit. The national forest is BEAUTIFUL!!!!
One thing I miss from living in Florida is the beauty of the Spanish moss hanging from the trees.
Hi Katie! I moved to Florida last summer. I live an hour from Ocala but have not been there yet. Thank you for sharing! Ocala looks lovely! ☺️
Have you heard of Palatka? It’s between Gainesville and Ocala. I lived in a small community called Interlachen which is a straight 2 hour shot from Ocala on county road 315 which takes you through the middle of absolute nowhere. The problem is tourists don’t see the real Florida they only see the cities and beaches and other touristy areas. I’m from Florida and have seen literally everything and I will always be a Florida Boy at heart. God bless
Katie thank you for taking us along! God bless you!
Surround yourself with people who are good for you spiritually and mentally.
Facts
Thanks for taking us along on your little adventure to Ocala, FL. Glad to see you exploring & having fun! May God continue to bless you and keep you in His loving care🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
I love going on tours of a new city! Such a pretty place. 👏😎
We moved from busy Orlando a year ago and we were able to purchase a much larger home and yard for less with no HO fees which we needed for family dynamics. Pros are peace and tranquility and if you engage in outdoor activities you will love. Cons: far away from MCO airport not many indoor activities. If you are a home body then it will be fine. The east side is great because it is very close to active Villages. Only an hour from youthful college town Gainesville. If you are a partier and need a night life then this is not a match. Great for calm souls, outdoorsy types, large families, retired and want to be close to Villages but less expensive.
Thank you for showing my hometown ❤
Ocala is getting better and better!
Ocala is a beautiful city. A lot of country too, many champion horses have come from Ocala.
If you are in or near Orlando try to go see Leu Garden's. Also Park Ave. Winter Park is really pretty. We also refer to it as Little Europe.
A little known tidbit. Most of the time but not always when you enter a city/town it will take you to the courthouse or police station.
I know Ocala and Silver Springs Shores very well, since years ago my grandparents lived there (from 1973 onwards or so), and my Uncle who is still there. My Uncle
Richard was also an EMT/Paramedic later on, for years there. And volunteer Fireman first. I haven't been there in years, myself. I used to love visiting them,
staying at their gigantic house with pool and lake out back, and going to the FL attractions, Disney, S Springs, Epcot, etc. in the 70s and 80s. Also the Paddock Mall
which sadly, just had a shooting there, inside the mall. Never had that going on years ago! We used to take the Amtrak down from NYC, or fly down. I was sad to hear
that they gutted Silver Springs preserve about 15 years ago, it's not what it once was, and they closed down the water slide park there Wild Waters (once on Silver
Springs Blvd.) about 7 years ago now.
It's sitting there rotting! I have fond memories of going a few times to the water park.
I grew up in Ocala. Thanks for sharing. Wolfys on silver springs Blvd for breakfast. And then gotta check out silver springs state park 👍
Finally! Interesting fact. Ocala has one of the few safe baby drop off sites in the country. Nice to finally see a video of some exploring!
Ocala is actually so beautiful en clean than it appears in camera,people are peaceful en kind.tnx for visiting ❤
Awe, my old stomping grounds. I’m from Winter Haven, FL. They have Legoland/Cypress Gardens and not far from there is Bok Tower Gardens. It’s such a serene, spiritual place.
I love Bok tower 😍 They've done so much to it so I get the high price but it's kinda expensive to go often
Oh wow your video quality looks amazing!! 👌
We have lived in Downtown Ocala for 4 years. It's a charming place. Easily accessible by golf cart from our home. Many great restaurants and bars.
I've always wanted to go there because of the band A Day to Remember. Lol Also, I love that you just got in your car and went somewhere! ❤
YES You may want to visit Silver Springs!❤️😘
I was just looking at some attractions online in Ocala. One of the main ones is Silver Springs. I don't know what all there is to do there except rent a kayak or take a glass bottom boat ride. There may be some walking trails. Also Appleton Museam of Art is in Ocala. Thanks for taking us along with you on your adventures though. I look forward to seeing more. Take care and God bless.
Love this spontaneous vlog Katie!❤️😘
I have lived in Florida for most of my life and I know nothing about Ocala!😂
My buddy wants to retire and move there. He'll be working a few more years before he retires. That's why I'm watching. Looks like a cool little town to visit. But I don't think I'd want to live anywhere in FL. It's becoming the next California as fas as the cost of living goes (not politics) with insurances for everything skyrocketing. But then again, its also going up everywhere else.
You need to go to the World Equestrian center! And silver springs!! There’s wild monkeys there!! And glass bottom boats!
I had no idea we had wild monkeys in the states. Did they escape from somewhere and create a colony or something?
Yes, years ago they filmed a movie in silver springs and a couple of the monkeys got free and they have been thriving!!
I was there last summer looking at houses. That restaurant near the Square called The Lodge has a speakeasy upstairs.(I believe it was the Lodge. Maybe it was a different one.) It's a great hideaway place to go and have cocktails with friends. I thought it was pretty cool and the drinks were great. I didn't get too drunk.
Thank you so much Katie, have fun!
katie go to beach side in new smyrna beach, you wont be disapointed
Hi Katie, Thanks for showing us Ocala, Fl. I does look like a nice city. Take care and God bless.
I am Real Estate Agent in Marion County. Ocala has a lot of beautiful sites and is definitely developing.
Hi Katie, Thank you for sharing this with us!!! Keep exploring!! 🙌🙌🙌☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
12pm to 4pm is the HOTTEST time here in the sunshine state! 😬
Go walking in the morning 7:30am-11:30am or after 4:30pm 👍🏽 yes, 4:30pm -7pm is still HOT, but without the brutal sun beating down on you. 🤗
This video was SO FUN!
i've lived in Ocala since I was born I love it here
Come out to the cape for some launches 🚀 there always fun to see
I am looking for my new forever home after selling my home I lived in 31 years. I drove from CA to Virginia and have thought of Ocala. Wanted to see some cafes or downtown shops. Thanks Katie! I do not mind the heat/humidity. I love that you think it is Cute.
leaving CA for Florida ?? How bad is CA ?
I am moving from Dania Beach, FL to Ocala, FL in 12 days! My sister has lived there for years so I've visited, but I'm finally making the jump!! I really love it there and yes, downtown is very cute. I don't remember seeing the candy store but I will for sure be checking that out!!
Have a happy exploring day in Ocala.
We have a place in Dunnellon, 50 minutes away. Road 200 in Ocala has all the stores and restaurants you ever need, my favorite, Tasty TreTs, best ice cream. Great video!
There really isn't much in Dunnellon.
Hi .!! I know u don’t like Disney . Although I think u will enjoy visiting Disney Spring is a great shopping Mall w Sephora Coach and many other stores and have dinning places and entertainment. It will be a great vlog day 😉
Yes, I love Disney springs such a cute and fun place
I haven’t been to Ocala since the year 2000 and I just remember there were a lot of horse farms. You can get those giant smarties at the Dollar Tree also 🥰
I grew up camping there!! Visit salt springs. It’s my happy place ❤
Katie are u stalking the guy from the report of the week lol!!??
I love candy shops I like the chocolate rocks and the orange slices and the smarties!!
Check out Rainbow Springs and all the springs near you, take an airboat ride
Talk, talk, to people! You could make it fun!
Thanks for the ride. Very nice. Cisca ❤❤❤
Hey Katie! Visit Sholom Park. Sholom Park just added a Zen Garden. It’s my favorite park in Ocala. Also, add the World Equestrian Center to your list. Check out the cute candy shop, Miss Tilly’s Lollipops, and the European inspired pastry shop inside the hotel called Emma’s Patisserie.
Are there any areas in Ocala you’d suggest avoiding when buying a home?
2:46 did you know you can click save as parking location, it’s very helpful
I didn’t know that!!!! Smart!!!
I go to granpa joes every time i get out of school since my school is right by it😊
I live about an hour from there but the towns around Ocala are super cute. In Cross Creek you could tour Marjorie Rawlings house. It’s so cute
I also miss drinking Mr. Pibb the soft drink (LOL!) which is like Dr. Pepper but the bastids in NY won't market it here! Blast it. It's a Florida thing.
Great video it seems a nice place love the summer love the hot days but dont like the winter cheers from raymond
Going to Ocala this week for work. I go pretty regularly but my goal is to explore it a little more this time. But, I did recognize some of the downtown spots! You’re vlog was part of my research!! Lastly, I’d be lying if I said you get used to the heat. Florida lifer and summers are still rough! 😂
Smarties are my favorite candies
Slow-Cala isn’t for everyone. Very rural, but not in the wide open space sense. Downtown Ocala is charming. Ivy on the Square and Marks are two great restaurants. Absolutely loved the World Equestrian Center especially at Christmastime.
We’re looking at moving to Ocala next year and hearing it called “Slow-Cala” makes it sound like my kind of place. 😂 Are there any areas you’d suggest avoiding when buying a home?
@@jordanjones7985 Stay away from Maion Oaks and houses in the national forest. Lots of crime. I live west of the World Equestrian Center, way on the other side of town. Very nice and quiet. A little off the beaten path, but that's the only way to get a safe and quiet neighborhood. Also lots of new homes going up in my area and they're reasonably priced.
@jordanjones7985 The shores (heavy traffic in the morning and late afternoon), Marion oaks (overpopulated with heavy traffic morning and lateafternoon), national forest (unless you're a redneck, in that case, it's paradise), anywhere off of sr40 (from silver springs to airport rd. (60th ave) its either ghetto or trailerpark trash)... that said, anything on the outskirts of these areas are great locations
Im from ocala and i used to go to this barber shop that had the best cuts and bbq around the corner but u would have to be strapped or have a bullet proof vest on
Bubba raceway park is the coolest thing in Ocala but the spring is also cool, the fort they have is decent, national forest is wild, world equestrian center is stunning but waste of money, Ocala is diverse but I’ll always have a piece of me there 🤙
U need to go to one of many springs in the area!!!!
Kaitie! You are awesome!💯👍🙏❤
Thank you!!! ❤️
Katie don't be shy😂
Have fun in Ocala
This was awesome! im currently living in the Historic district of Winter Garden, FL but theyre raising the prices like crazy and Ocala is my #1 next choice but i havent visted yet! Also side note! The gum is pronounced chee-clay its the spanish word for gum! (:
Hey just saw your video coal is a great place I was the there last month
You are so close to where I live!!
Thank you for this Tour. Jesus Christ loves you. Amen ❤
Ocala is the lightning capital ( capitol?) of the US. Be careful! 🚙⛈️
All of Florida is the lightning capital of the world.
Hey Katie what is the music you used in this video. It's a great song. Thanks
I always link my music in the description!
Thanks Katie.
Can't find it in this description. You have used this song before and I love it so if you ever have time to reline it I would be grateful.
Thanks Katie.
Can't find it in this description. You have used this song before and I love it so if you ever have time to reline it I would be grateful.
Ocala used to be an awesome little city but the crime rate has skyrocketed.
I litterally live 15 minutes away from where you parked
I went to Ocala to look for a house, but the town was not for me. My favorite part about Ocala was leaving.
Bye 😂 👋
Can’t say I blame you. I moved up from south Florida in 2005 when I was a teenager. Broward County to be exact. Moved away for a few years to the Cape Coral/Fort Myers area and then came back in 2022. Will probably be moving back down south mid 2024. North Central FL is not for me.
@@Webhedgamingcan you explain why? I’m interested in moving to Ocala because of the cheaper houses there however I wanna know from someone who is living there how it is.
I’m curious why it wasn’t for you and what your preference is. We’re looking to move to central FL and this was the town I was interested in. I’m looking for outdoor activities and quiet.
@@matthewdiaz3105 I mean it’s just kinda boring is all. If you’re into quieter areas and less traffic then Ocala might be for you, but it is getting pretty busy here compared to what it used to be. Driving on 200 is atrocious and annoying as all hell. Rent is pretty high here now for Ocala anyway. If you compare Ocala’s rent to what you’d be paying in Miami then yes it’s cheap, but any local will tell you it has gotten expensive. It’s not even worth it anymore. You might as well live in Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale.. I am extremely biased though just to let you know. Ocala isn’t my scene, dude. I prefer bigger cities by the coast! Hopefully we’re moving back to Southwest Florida some time in 2024.
Hi Katie!
Welcome, I live in Ocala
Famous for horses 🐎 🤪 and celebrities live there
i drove through ocala but did not stop. Jesus loves you
My Aunt lives in Ocala!
Ocala is nice lots of good stores and restaurants, but I hate the traffic you have to deal with.
Traffic might be bad compared to a few years ago, but Ocala traffic is NOTHING compared to other parts of Florida.
Yeah I live in Miami and it is a 2 hour round trip for me just to go get my hair cut 7 miles away. It’s ridiculous and I hate it.
Hi Katie, if you ever are down in So. Florida (Ft Lauderdale area) give me a ping. I'd love to show you around. Never been to Ocala, but I did explore Tampa this past weekend. Lisa
Tons of horse farms... Beautiful land.
86 degrees is cool for us
86° f is not really that hot. I'm in Arizona right now and it's 95°. (10%humid) And I'm not that hot. Of course, what you're feeling is humidity, humidity, humidity. Not heat. LOL
Get one of those little fans that you could wear around your neck
Come to New Smyrna Beach. My wife and I will take you boogie boarding. You’ll love it.
New Smyrna is my FAVORITE!!!!
Hey ❤
U visited my city😮
❤❤❤❤
I hope she isn’t planning on trading in her car one day. She put all those pin holes in her cars ceiling. She obviously has no idea how fragile they make those car ceilings.
❤
Horse farms and oak trees 🌴 close to both coasts and a college town near but politically it’s a Trumpy town…leaves you gagging for intelligence 👀
Trump 2024. I used to be a Democrat. I don’t miss that cult at all.
it comes down to intelligence. I went to MIT where did you go to school?
@@VerissimusAurelius Typical smug liberal response.
we're trying to keep this city a secret. What's wrong with you. Just kidding. You found us
I live in ocala it’s pretty average.
Ocala is Horse Country....🐎🐎🐎🐎
It’s strange that you seem to be the only one walking out and about.
I was thinking the exact same thing watching the video! In Orlando, it is the complete opposite. So many people, and I've never been lucky enough to get a parking spot anywhere in downtown Orlando 😢
Yeah it wasn’t too busy at all! But also I tried to vlog when other people weren’t around as much as possible, so there were people and I just didn’t show them. But it definitely seemed pretty empty compared to other cities I’ve been to, especially on a Saturday!
Because it's boring. Nothing to do
Ocala is bad man I’ve lived here all my life there’s ofc pros an cons but I don’t suggest nobody to live her also don’t want nobody too getting too big😂🤦🏼♂️
At least you liked it tho
You're just saying that because you don't want new people moving in.
I am in Tampa, have followed you for a good while,
Hit me up if you wanna hang
There is no good park of Ocala it’s very boring trust me I live there
There is literally no life in Florida.
❤❤❤