WHAT’S NEARBY?
We are nestled in the perfect spot to get to all the experiences you are looking for.
For equestrian outings, events, and shopping, we are right in the heart of it.
Ocala is the horse capital of the world, and we’re right here!
We are also 1 hour from Orlando Airport, 1 hour from major theme parks, and 1 hour to some of the best beaches in the world.
Want to swim in crystal clear natural cold springs? we got it! Looking forward to a few salty air days at the beach? got that too! What about bringing the kiddos or grandkiddos to the theme park to go on rides? Visiting cute downtowns to walk around? Farmers and flea markets? got it, got it, got it!
check out the categories below to find ideas for adventures when you’re at Black Horse Ranch.
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If you are bringing your own horses, this is the place for you for trail riding. You ride straight onto the trails from your campsite! Right here at Black Horse, there are multiple trailheads on the property that lead into the beautiful Ocala National Forest! See the map of our trails here
Lake Dorr - great place to take the horses to swim, you'd have to ride in with someone who knows the way!
Ocala One Hundred Mile Horse Trail
Not coming with your own horses? No worries! We don’t offer guided trail rides at Black Horse, but we can suggest some awesome places to go near by!
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World Equestrian Center - internationally known, horses and riders from all over the world come to ride at WEC! you might catch a show, a clinic, a performance or even sometimes... a flea market!
Rocking Horse Stables - known for its eventing, jumping, and other large scale competitions, as well as USEA trails.
Grand Oaks - lots of single and multiday equestrian event offerings!
EPIC - Equine Performance Innovative Center - amazing equestrian rehab and performance center, offering equine swimming pool, vibration plates, hypobaric chamber, and tons more
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We have our own tack shop / gift shop on property - Jo’s Tack & Trade! Come check it out!
Dan's Discount Feed Store - a long time friend of Black Horse, Dan's is the best and right down the road!
Martin Larsen's Farm Feed Store
Ruff's Saddle Shop - a long time local absolute favorite. handmade saddles and everything you'd hope to find in a tack shop!
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This area of Florida is known for its incredible natural cold springs - 68-72° all year round! Be sure to check the websites for these attractions to know the conditions of the water and current entry fees!
Alexander Springs: 20 min - super close, super beautiful, and also gets super busy in the summer months. get there early! you also must call a day ahead and reserve your parking before you go! swim, kayak, canoe
Juniper Springs: 30 min
Silver Glen Springs: 30 min
Silver Springs: 40 min - world famous for their glass bottom boat tours AND for the monkeys in the forest. yes, you read that right!
Wekiwa Springs: 45 min
De Leon Springs: 45 min - gorgeous springs right next to the very well known Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, where you make pancakes at your table!
Kelly Park (Rock Springs): 50 minutes - tubing down the springs run is their specialty, they also offer glass bottom boats!
Tons of beaches close by! Eaton’s Beach is a hidden gem, a lakeside beach with a delicious restaurant!
Oceanside beaches closest to the ranch (within an hour) are New Smyrna, Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, Ormond Beach, Flagler Beach
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Eustis - 15 min - adorable downtown with lights strung all the way along the main strip. dining and some shops, often has street fairs and festivals. on the water and beautiful at night. first fridays and third thursdays street festivals.
Tavares - 25 min - dining and nightlife. not much for shopping, but lots of spots to walk around and grab a drink, meet good company, have a snack.
Mount Dora - 25 min - super close, super cute. danielle’s fave. artsy, great restaurants, touristy but adorable shops that you can’t help but buy something from. looks like something from the northeast, lots of hills and lush greenery. also on the water.
Deland - 40 min - danielle’s other fave. adorable downtown, shopping, dining, coffee shops, live theater, always expanding. great date night vibes, perfect for strolling.
Ocala - 50 min - shopping, dining, lots of horse-focused shops, tack shops, feed stores!
New Smyrna - 1 hour - Flagler Ave is the main strip! great shopping, dining, leads right onto the beachfront. super beachy and smells of ocean air - amazing! go to the beach for the day, and then hang out on Flagler. there is also a hidden gem historical downtown area on Canal St. ;)
Winter Park - 1 hour - gorgeous walking district, well landscaped with draping trees and beautiful lights. tons of shops and dining, on the more expensive higher end side, plenty of window shopping though, lots to see and browse. beautiful rose garden and grassy parks to eat a picnic in or just sit and people watch.
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The Woods Bar & Grill - Umatilla - 5 min
Crossroads 44 Music & Sports Bar - Eustis - 15 min
The Crazy Gator - Eustis - 15 min
Desperados Saloon - Tavares - 25 min
Kalua Beach Bar - Tavares - 25 min
Argonaut Bar - Tavares - 25 min
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Disney World - 4 parks
Universal - 3 parks
Busch Gardens
Discovery Cove
Aquatica
SeaWorld
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The Troff - Amazing Oysters! & Seafood - Eustis
Eaton’s Beach - American, Seafood, Waterside Dining - Umatilla
Bear’s Beans and Bagels - Coffee & Bagels - we LOVE Bear’s! - Umatilla
Crazy Gators - American - Eustis
JD Birds on the Water - Bugers & Good Eats - A hopskip down the block in Umatilla
Stavro’s - Homestyle Italian - Umatilla
Greg’s Haystax - Breakfast with Farm Fresh Eggs! - Umatilla
Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille - Waterside Dining - Eustis
Pisces Rising - Seafood - Mount Dora
1921 - Elevated American Farm to Table - Mount Dora
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Rennigers Flea Market & Antiques - Mount Dora - one of Central Florida’s largest flea and antique markets! people come from all over to thrift here.
Sunsational Farms - Umatilla - large country store with local produce, natural orange juice (when in season), and lots of locally crafted products. kitchen serving cheesesteak subs and burgers to salads and soft serve.
The Dona Vista Market - Dona Vista -Seasonal 3 day, 9am to 3pm, outdoor market that's only open November & January thru April starting on the first Thursday of the previously mentioned months. Weekly Swap Meet every Friday morning 8am till noon.
Whimsy Fresh Market - Ferran Park in Eustis - lakefront in downtown Eustis. local vendors, handmade goods, fresh treats, and live music. Free to attend and family-friendly, with a nearby playground for the kids, every Wednesday 5-8pm