Southeast Ocala - Ocala, FL

The city of Ocala takes its name from a Native American town with a similar name dating to at least the 16th century. The modern city, founded in 1840s, originally supplemented a military fort, while during the 20th century, Ocala became a significant thoroughbred horse farming area. Residential Southeast Ocala flourished as the town expanded over the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

The Marion County Museum of History and Archeology, to the northeast of the neighborhood, displays exhibits recounting over 13,000 years of human activity in what is now Marion County. The museum hosts events and lectures throughout the year.

A limited arts scene exists in Ocala, with the Ocala Symphony holding regular performances and an annual arts festival held each October. The first Friday of each month features an art walk in the historic downtown area.

Fast food chains, steakhouses and diners dominate the restaurant scene in Southeast Ocala, with a majority of establishments located along Highway 464. For a coffee pick me up or a well poured beer, Cup O' the Irish hits the spot. The cafe also serves fruit smoothies, tea and protein shakes, along with alcoholic coffee drinks. They also dish up half-and-half beer drinks, which mix two beers in the same glass, such as the classic black and tan. For the more adventurous, Cup O' the Irish also carries a number of mixed drinks on tap, including a beer and cider half and half mixed with chocolate syrup. The food menu leans heavily towards Irish traditional fare, such as shepherd's pie, but also includes a selection of sandwiches and breakfast foods. Latinos y Mas specializes in Latin American fusion cuisine. The extensive menu offers a range of Columbian, Cuban, Brazilian and Mediterranean fare such as churrasco steak dishes, seafood plates and the house specialty, arroz con pollo. The lunch menu features sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads for lighter appetites. The restaurant also caters events and hosts private parties in its three banquet rooms, which are decorated with Latin art. The authentic Brazilian steakhouse Ipanema provides a different dining experience, with all-you-can-eat meals priced per person. Diners select traditionally grilled cuts of meat and poultry from skewers brought to each table by the waiters. An extensive salad bar is included in the price or can provide an entire meal on its own, while a wine list of over 160 wines from around the world complements your meal. Happy hour happens each Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Scattered nightlife options exist in Southeast Ocala, as with Ocala as a whole, with a mix of sports bars, restaurant pubs and chain grills, some of which have music performances and other entertainment.

Driving dominates transportation in Southeast Ocala, with few walkable destinations and limited public transportation. Major roads include Highways 27, 464 and 464A, as well as 31st Street. SunTran provides service via route 2 along 17th Avenue, which connects the neighborhood with downtown and northeast Ocala.

Uber and numerous cab companies operate in the area, although cab riders must call ahead due to a low likelihood of hailing a cab. Limited street parking exists, with most businesses providing parking in their own lots. Local roads do not feature dedicated bike lanes or bike trails, although many residential streets provide safe routes for bikers and walkers.

A handful of parks in Southeast Ocala provide recreational and relaxation opportunities, while numerous small lakes and open spaces dot the landscape, some with public access.

Brick City Adventure Park caters to athletes and adventurers of various types, with a ropes course, zip lines, climbing walls, a track, a soccer field and a football field. The park also has a large playground and walking and biking trails. Nearby Fisher Park features a large grass field with trees and picnic areas, while Ritterhoff Park contains playground equipment, picnic areas, a large pavilion and a small lake allowing catch and release fishing.

Jervey Gantt Park provides over 2 miles of walking and biking trails, with exercise equipment placed along the route and various sports courts, playground equipment and picnic facilities. The park includes a public pool and the Millennium Dog Park, which has a large off-leash area for your canine companions. The park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including movies in the park during the summer months.

Life in Southeast Ocala cost about average for the city of Ocala, with one-bedroom residences renting for an average of $629 per month. SunTran bus routes cost $1.50 per ride, while at the pump, drivers pay about the national average for a gallon of gas. Patrons at local pubs pay an average of $3.50 for a pint of beer.

Shopping establishments occur primarily along Highways 301 and 464, with a mix of automobile-related businesses, drug stores and various specialty service and goods providers, from lawnmower sales to tattoos to yard water features. Most of the area's high-end shops can be found downtown or in west Ocala at the Paddock Mall.

Forte Piano Gallery specializes in acoustic and digital pianos, with a large selection of new, pre-owned and vintage pianos, as well as accessories. The gallery also conducts in store and in home piano tuning, repairs and restoration. Forte also rents pianos for special events, recording sessions and recitals.

For gardeners, Bob Wines Camellia Gardens carries the plants you need to turn your garden into a masterpiece. While camellias remain the centerpiece, the nursery stocks indoor and outdoor plants, including numerous native species. The gardens also host an annual camellia show featuring over a thousand varieties.

Grocery shoppers rely on the large Winn-Dixie for all their grocery needs, while Harvest Market Produce & Deli carries fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as health foods. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., more than 60 vendors at the downtown Ocala Farm Market sell local farm fresh produce, meats and other goods.