Ocala Round Two: More Springs, More Brews, and More Adventure
We had just been in Ocala back in November, but it left such a great impression that we knew we had to stop again on our way back north this spring. There was still so much to explore!
Even though we’ve been committed to our health and fitness journey, we made sure to indulge in some of Ocala’s best eats and drinks along the way. We kicked things off with a visit to our favorite Italian spot for garlic knots and chicken piccata—pure comfort food. Date night took us to The District Bar & Grill, where we enjoyed fish tacos and a juicy burger. And let’s not forget the incredible bakery find—I’m still dreaming about that insanely rich brownie.
Of course, no stop in Ocala is complete without checking out the local brews. We had a great time at Big Hammock Brewery, sipping on craft beers and nibbling on Asian-inspired small plates. Another fun find was Hiatus Brewing Co., where we cooled off with a crisp pint. But my personal favorite? Infinite Ale Works, right in downtown Ocala—hands down the best brewery in town!
In between our foodie adventures, we managed to squeeze in a little home project, swapping out our kitchen lights, thanks to some inspiration from our Canadian friends. It’s always fun bringing a little piece of our travels into our space!
One of the biggest highlights of this stop was exploring more of Florida’s stunning springs. We had visited Silver Springs in the fall, but this time, we ventured to Rainbow Springs State Park—and wow, it was breathtaking! Crystal-clear water, lush greenery, and an atmosphere that just felt magical. Nick finally convinced me to get on a kayak for the first time, and I have to say—I might be hooked!
After our time on the water, we stopped by Swampy’s for lunch, where (no surprise) I had fish tacos—and some heavenly key lime pie to top it off. We also made a trip out to Crystal River, where I (yes, again) had more fish tacos at the Waterfront Social—a fantastic little spot right on the water. We did some hiking in the state park, though we may have gotten a little lost along the way. Oops!
Since we were so close to the coast, we couldn’t resist taking a drive out to Big Grass Island—our last chance to soak in those coastal vibes before heading north. Ocala truly has so much to offer, and I have no doubt we’ll be back again.
Until next time, Ocala! 🌿🌊🍻
