Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Ocala, FL

Albeit small, this charming town on Orange Lake knows how to welcome visitors. Each autumn, it hosts a festival that...

Albeit small, this charming town on Orange Lake knows how to welcome visitors. Each autumn, it hosts a festival that harks back to the late 19th century while it keeps in mind what latter-day people enjoy. Hundreds of arts and crafts vendors hawk their wares, and antiques -- cars, furniture and more -- offer a glimpse of long-ago craftsmanship. Food, drink and entertainment generate plenty of pleased smiles, and children's activities ensure that everyone has a good time. 20 miles north of Ocala.

Hours: Sat, Oct 27, 2012: 8am - 5pm

To usher in the Christmas season, citizens of the Ocala area -- approximately 25,000 of them -- congregate in Downtown...

To usher in the Christmas season, citizens of the Ocala area -- approximately 25,000 of them -- congregate in Downtown Square for a dose of merry-making and spectacle. During the day, children have the run of things, with a parade, special activities and visits by Santa, not to mention requisite food and entertainment. An outdoor skating rink also premieres. The main event, however, comes after dark, when thousands of lights turn an eight-block stretch of town into a twinkling wonderland.

Hours: Fri, Nov 23, 2012 Sat, Nov 24, 2012 Sun, Nov 25, 2012 Mon, Nov 26, 2012 Tue, Nov 27, 2012 Wed, Nov 28, 2012 Thu, Nov 29, 2012 Fri, Nov 30, 2012 Sat, Dec 1, 2012 Sun, Dec 2, 2012 Mon, Dec 3, 2012 Tue, Dec 4, 2012 Wed, Dec 5, 2012 Thu, Dec 6, 2012 Fri, Dec 7, 2012 Sat, Dec 8, 2012 Sun, Dec 9, 2012 Mon, Dec 10, 2012 Tue, Dec 11, 2012 Wed, Dec 12, 2012 Thu, Dec 13, 2012 Fri, Dec 14, 2012 Sat, Dec 15, 2012 Sun, Dec 16, 2012 Mon, Dec 17, 2012 Tue, Dec 18, 2012 Wed, Dec 19, 2012 Thu, Dec 20, 2012 Fri, Dec 21, 2012 Sat, Dec 22, 2012 Sun, Dec 23, 2012 Mon, Dec 24, 2012 Tue, Dec 25, 2012 Wed, Dec 26, 2012 Thu, Dec 27, 2012 Fri, Dec 28, 2012 Sat, Dec 29, 2012 Sun, Dec 30, 2012 Mon, Dec 31, 2012

Ocala's best restaurants take the spotlight at this eagerly anticipated event. More than 40 establishments regularly...

Ocala's best restaurants take the spotlight at this eagerly anticipated event. More than 40 establishments regularly present their best dishes, much to the delight of diners, who sample them all with pleasure. Each year, a theme adds focus to the event, such as international dishes or dishes that relate to Broadway. Entertainment and a silent auction add to the appeal, and the money raised endows scholarships at the College of Central Florida.

Hours: May 2013

One of summer's final events in Ocala, this exposition of riding and roping gives a nod to the area's strong history of...

One of summer's final events in Ocala, this exposition of riding and roping gives a nod to the area's strong history of equine activities. Talented participants show off for the crowds as they display their own stamina and skill. And although the exhibition itself is worthy of praise, the rodeo benefits the local Shriners, who raise money for the medical treatment of needy and deserving children. A great way to get something and give back at the same time.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Aug 31, 2012 Sat, Sep 1, 2012 Mon, Sep 3, 2012

Since 1941, this agricultural exhibition has granted local youngsters the opportunity to demonstrate their interest in,...

Since 1941, this agricultural exhibition has granted local youngsters the opportunity to demonstrate their interest in, and mastery of, farming and livestock pursuits. What originally began as a hog show has evolved into a wide-ranging display of talents. Along with exhibits of many domestic animals, visitors will find a talent show, garden show, BBQ contest, and competitions involving clothing construction, canine agility, home arts and tractor driving. The youth rodeo is on the first Friday and Saturday.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Sun, Feb 17, 2013 Mon, Feb 18, 2013 Tue, Feb 19, 2013 Wed, Feb 20, 2013 Thu, Feb 21, 2013 Fri, Feb 22, 2013 Sat, Feb 23, 2013 Sun, Feb 24, 2013

You'll get your adrenaline pumping at this springtime event -- and that's just watching from the bleachers! The...

You'll get your adrenaline pumping at this springtime event -- and that's just watching from the bleachers! The contestants are amazing to behold as they steer-wrestle, barrel-race and bull-ride -- and more than 300 of them come to try their hand at it. After you marvel at their fortitude and artistry, all in pursuit of personal victory and prizes, don't forget to show a little admiration for the rodeo clowns' antics and life-saving distractions. A great time for the entire family.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Fri, Mar 22, 2013: 7pm Sat, Mar 23, 2013: 7pm

For 30-plus years, Ocala has celebrated the nation's birthday with a slate of patriotic activities. Early in the day,...

For 30-plus years, Ocala has celebrated the nation's birthday with a slate of patriotic activities. Early in the day, races, a pageant and a parade get things going, but the biggest event happens just after midday. At the intersection of SR 225 and Hwy 27, folks gather for live music, great food, crafts and children's activities. Here, they meet family, laugh with neighbors, and revel in summer's leisure. And naturally, when the sun goes down, fireworks light the sky with color and sound.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Wed, Jul 4, 2012

One of the largest annual events in East Coast show jumping, HITS (Horse Shows in the Sun) Ocala attracts more than...

One of the largest annual events in East Coast show jumping, HITS (Horse Shows in the Sun) Ocala attracts more than 10,000 visitors during its run. The shows and competitions award more than a million dollars in prize money, and approximately 7000 riders and 3500 horses show off their prowess. Proceeds from admissions benefit local charities, and the entire event puts $50 million in the city's pocketbook, courtesy of visitor spending. Food and souvenirs are available.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Wed, Jan 16, 2013 Thu, Jan 17, 2013 Fri, Jan 18, 2013 Sat, Jan 19, 2013 Sun, Jan 20, 2013 Wed, Jan 23, 2013 Thu, Jan 24, 2013 Fri, Jan 25, 2013 Sat, Jan 26, 2013 Sun, Jan 27, 2013 Tue, Jan 29, 2013 Wed, Jan 30, 2013 Thu, Jan 31, 2013 Fri, Feb 1, 2013 Sat, Feb 2, 2013 Sun, Feb 3, 2013 Tue, Feb 5, 2013 Wed, Feb 6, 2013 Thu, Feb 7, 2013 Fri, Feb 8, 2013 Sat, Feb 9, 2013 Sun, Feb 10, 2013 Tue, Feb 12, 2013 Wed, Feb 13, 2013 Thu, Feb 14, 2013 Fri, Feb 15, 2013 Sat, Feb 16, 2013 Sun, Feb 17, 2013 Tue, Feb 19, 2013 Wed, Feb 20, 2013 Thu, Feb 21, 2013 Fri, Feb 22, 2013 Sat, Feb 23, 2013 Sun, Feb 24, 2013 Tue, Feb 26, 2013 Wed, Feb 27, 2013 Thu, Feb 28, 2013 Fri, Mar 1, 2013 Sat, Mar 2, 2013 Sun, Mar 3, 2013 Tue, Mar 5, 2013 Wed, Mar 6, 2013 Thu, Mar 7, 2013 Fri, Mar 8, 2013 Sat, Mar 9, 2013 Sun, Mar 10, 2013 Tue, Mar 12, 2013 Wed, Mar 13, 2013 Thu, Mar 14, 2013 Fri, Mar 15, 2013 Sat, Mar 16, 2013 Sun, Mar 17, 2013 Tue, Mar 19, 2013 Wed, Mar 20, 2013 Thu, Mar 21, 2013 Fri, Mar 22, 2013 Sat, Mar 23, 2013 Sun, Mar 24, 2013 Tue, Mar 26, 2013 Wed, Mar 27, 2013 Thu, Mar 28, 2013 Fri, Mar 29, 2013 Sat, Mar 30, 2013 Sun, Mar 31, 2013 Mon, Apr 1, 2013 Tue, Apr 2, 2013 Wed, Apr 3, 2013 Fri, Apr 5, 2013 Sat, Apr 6, 2013 Sun, Apr 7, 2013 Mon, Apr 8, 2013 Tue, Apr 9, 2013 Wed, Apr 10, 2013 Fri, Apr 12, 2013 Sat, Apr 13, 2013 Sun, Apr 14, 2013 Mon, Apr 15, 2013 Tue, Apr 16, 2013 Wed, Apr 17, 2013

A century ago, this charming town west of Ocala grew from a small, sleepy settlement into a bustling community. Fueled...

A century ago, this charming town west of Ocala grew from a small, sleepy settlement into a bustling community. Fueled by the discovery of phosphate and its subsequent mining, Dunellon exploded in population and prominence. Each spring, the community recalls this bygone era with arts and crafts shows, antique cars, pageants, period dress and plenty of food and music. Along with these planned activities, visitors can explore the town's historic district and even venture out to Rainbow Springs State Park or to the area's many trails.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details April 2013