Ocala (population 45,000) is in Florida’s central highlands about 35 miles south of Gainesville off I-75. It was settled in 1827, and its mineral springs were believed to be “fountains of youth.” It is a major citrus-processing and shipping center.

Ocala has over 500 thoroughbred horse ranches; many of these welcome visitors. Racehorses thrive in this environment of sunshine and mineral spring water—Ocala was the birthplace of Needles, who won the 1956 Kentucky Derby.

The Appleton Museum of Art has pre-Columbian, African, Asian, and European art spanning 5,000 years of culture. This is the collection of Chicago industrialist and local thoroughbred trainer Arthur Appleton. The historic district has more than 200 homes in the Gothic, Colonial Italianate, and Queen Anne Revival styles.

Silver Springs nature park—a 350-acre national landmark—is the site of the largest limestone artesian spring in the world. Silver Spring is believed to be more than 100,000 years old, with an average output of 800 million gallons of water a day. It is 65 feet by 12 feet.

Glass-bottom boats, jungle cruises, Jeep safari trams, and the World of Bears exhibit are popular.

The Ocala National Forest has 430,000 acres of preserved wilderness with gurgling springs including Salt Springs, Juniper Spring, and Fern Hammock.

Lodging and dining options are limited here.

Small airports serve the region, and Orlando International Airport is nearby.