Extend Your Summer With a Florida Vacation

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ocala/Marion County VCB for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hard to believe that the second month of summer vacation is coming to an end! How is that possible. Often we think that once August hits we cannot seek adventures and vacations because school is creeping up on us but this year I think you should think otherwise. Don’t let those few weeks of summer go to waste!

Extend Your Summer With a Florida Vacation

That’s right, extend your summer with a Florida vacation!! In May I had my first Florida experience and even though I was there for a conference and mostly inside for the time I was there, I knew it was a state I would be returning to with my family one day. Florida is beautiful and has so many great opportunities for families and couples who are ready for a great Florida vacation!

When planning your Florida Travel consider the area of Ocala/Marion County. This area is not only beautiful and easy to get to but it has so many great activities to enjoy and will be in your budget when crunching those travel bucks. For those living in Florida, this is a great weekend getaway option and if you are like us and live a ways away from Florida this is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful lakes and springs for a few days or even a week. There is literally so much to explore and do in Ocala/Marion County!

When you arrive in Ocala/Marion County Florida begin your trip with talking to the locals. When in the downtown area you will find great restaurants, shopping and activities but as in most towns it is always better to ask a local and begin enjoying the town like a local! You will find everything you are looking for in this area, so start by planning what you wish to enjoy!

I bet you didn’t know that in 2007, Ocala/Marion County was officially named the “Horse Capital of the World™”! So as you can imagine, for those that are ready to experience horses for the first time or for those that are experienced in horseback riding this is the place to be! Ocala/Marion County offers horseback riding adventures for all ages and expertise. You can go on riding trails or ride through open fields. They have tours for new riders and experienced riders. The trails look simply amazing. I have been horseback riding a number of times in Colorado but these trails in Florida look so different! I am ready to go for a ride!

As I said, Ocala/Marion County offers so many activities for everyone. These activities include water fun! As a Colorado native when I think of Florida I think of water! Being in a land locked state makes me crave that water fun!

Some of the events and Ocala/Marion County Activities include golf, biking, birding, hiking, swimming holes, zip line, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and motor sports! You can experience so many water sports in the many lakes in and near these counties. I for one would love to enjoy the swimming holes! I know that Jeremy would jump on the opportunity to enjoy a zip line!!

So now that you have planned how you will be exploring it is time to think about how you will wind down and visit with your family and friends. While on your extended summer vacation stop in for a nice cold one at the many pubs. One thing we really enjoy when traveling is experiencing other beers from around the country. It is a great way to try new things and step out of your comfort zone!

When visiting you will be busy enjoy the activities, events and food but make sure you take time to walk around and see the beauty in Florida. Again, maybe it is because I am from Colorado but the green and lush nature is simply breathtaking. All of the water and plants make Ocala/Marion County look like a tropical escape.

While I have never visited Ocala/Marion County in Florida through all of the research I have done I can see that we would really enjoy this area for a family vacation for a few days. I know that the kids would enjoy the colorful horse statues through out the little towns. How colorful and fun!

No matter your budget, this is the vacation for you! Check out all of these Ocala/Marion County Lodging options before booking that vacation. To really enjoy the old town Florida feeling I will be booking some sort of Bed and Breakfast. They all look great and so welcoming!