Mary Erickson
This is a 3 bedroom 2 bath home in Oak Run. This home has a recently remodeled kitchen with all new cabinets and appliances. Large inside laundry room. New Roof 2017, New HVAC 2020. Brand new carpet in the Living area and bedrooms. The Master bedroom and kitchen have access to a very private courtyard. There is also a large lanai that looks over the private backyard. Lawn care and irrigation are included in the maintenance fee. Enjoy resort style living in this beautiful community offering 6 pools, 5 whirlpool spas, 2 fitness centers, a restaurant, golf course and hundreds of clubs and activities where you can be as bored or as busy as you want.
Below you will find a link to a map of automobile and motorsport museums located in the United States provided by drivingtestsample.com.
Many of these museums put on events like open houses, auctions, swap meets, workshops, and other fun events and they are a great resource for car and motorsport enthusiasts.
Find a museum near your location and find out everything that it has to offer!
https://drivingtestsample.com/us-automobile-museums-map/
Nestled between well-known theme parks and white, sandy beaches, the jewels of the Ocala National Forest attract visitors from around the world. A travel destination in its own right, the Ocala features more than 600 lakes and rivers where visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkeling, canoeing and boating. From migratory birds and playful manatees to delicate freshwater springs and some of the world's rarest plants, the Ocala is a haven for people (and animals) to escape to one of Florida's remaining wild places. Opportunities abound for all to bask in the wonders of Mother Nature 365 days a year.
The Ocala National Forest is located in north-central Florida between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers. Encompassing approximately 387,000 acres, it is the southernmost forest in the continental United States and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. Despite its high, dry, central scrub ridges, the Ocala National Forest is rich in water resources with more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs.
Four major natural springs of crystal clear water can be enjoyed at the popular recreation areas of Juniper Springs, Salt Springs, Alexander Springs and Silver Glen Springs. 
The Ocala National Forest is located in North Central Florida, two hours north of Orlando and an hour west of Daytona Beach. Although it is spread across three counties - Lake, Marion, and Putnam - the majority of the forest lies inside Marion County, with its western boundary less than a dozen miles east of the county seat of Ocala. The core of the Ocala National Forest, the Big Scrub, was first protected in 1909 by Theodore Roosevelt as the first National Forest east of the Mississippi River. Over the decades, land acquistion has more than tripled the size of the forest, protecting rare and endangered species of plants and animals on some of the most ancient land in Florida.
Since the forest grew around existing communities between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers, there are many private amentities to be found along its major highways, SR 40 and SR 19, including campgrounds from basic to luxurious, fish camps along Lake Kerr and Lake George, and several small lodges. Outfitters in Eureka and Salt Springs provide guide services and livery / shuttle services. Dining options in the Ocala National Forest include clusters of down-home restaurants in Forest Corners, Salt Springs, and Astor, and some stand-alone favorites along SR 40 specializing in BBQ or seafood.
The forest hosts a variety of recreation, scenic and historic areas. The recreation activities are as diverse as the environment, from canoeing in wilderness waterways to swimming in crystal clear constant 72° springs. Visitors can enjoy year-round camping, picnicking, fishing, birding, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and four-wheeling on designated jeep and ATV trail systems.
Cabin Rentals
The Ocala offers two Civilian Conservation Corps cabins for rent. The Lake Dorr Cabin is nestled on the south end of Lake Dorr and can accommodate 10 people. The Sweetwater Cabin overlooks Sweetwater Spring, a freshwater spring that flows into Juniper Run, and can accomodate 12 people.
Campground Camping
Sleeping under the stars next to a sparkling lake or in a shady forest is a great way to reconnect with the outdoors. A relaxed evening in a tent or trailer prepares you for the coming work week. Of Ocala's 14 developed campgrounds, only Salt Springs offers full hook-ups. However, several campgrounds have dump stations and shower facilities. Others offer limited amenities.
Alexander Springs Recreation Area
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area
Juniper Springs Recreation Area
Dispersed Camping
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of dispersed camping - camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers with few services or facilities. Additional skills are necessary for a successful trip. It is your responsibility to know your limits and abilities before you try this experience. Certain rules and regulations will make your experience safe and ensure settings remain scenic and unspoiled.
Group Camping
Plan a family reunion or a social gathering at a beautiful group campground that offer a variety of amenities. Available by reservation only.
RV Camping
Recreational vehicles are welcome at the largest developed campgrounds, where partial and full hookups let you make the most of your vacation spot.
The Ocala National Forest is full of places where families can play together in the outdoors. In the summer, swimming and snorkeling in our springs means coming face-to-face with fish and, at Juniper Springs, American eels. In the cooler months, there are lots of trails to wander, ride, and paddle.
Let your parents know where you want to play outdoors in the Ocala National Forest! Here are some adventures you can enjoy as a family.
See Fern Hammock Springs - You can't swim in this bubbly place (although you can swim at Juniper Springs at the other end of the nature trail), but the burps and blobs and tiny sandstorms underwater are fun to watch.
Find the Spring Boils - This is another spot where tiny bubbles push water to the surface and create a little creek. If you read the book The Yearling, you'll discover that this is where Jody played with his fluttermill along the spring run.
Go in search of giants - Walk back to an ancient forest along Salt Springs Run and see some of the tallest cypress you'll see in a National Forest.
Photograph the fish - Take an underwater disposable camera with your mask, snorkel, and fins to Alexander Springs to get some most excellent photos of fish darting around the springs.
There are many. many more family adventures to enjoy in the Ocala National Forest.
If you're interested in buying or selling in the Ocala area, be sure to contact me, Mary Erickson!
Mary Erickson
REALTOR ®
Phone: 386-444-1924
Email: MaryErickson@RealtyExecutives.com
Website: Over55Ocala.com
Food means different things to different people – comfort, tradition, celebration, entertainment and health to name a few. In France, the term “la cuisine” refers to the kitchen – a place in the home where most French parents spend a lot of time preparing food for their families. The combination of fresh ingredients, time and love all mix together in this special place, and this is where the magic happens.
Patrice Perron, Executive Chef and Proprietor at La Cuisine, knows this recipe very well. Born and raised in Lyon, a city known around the world as the French capital of Gastronomy, the Perron family embraced its love of good food and good wine, making it a part of the family’s rich heritage and tradition.
“I always enjoyed helping my mother in the kitchen, watching closely as she prepared all sorts of foods from the ‘terroir’ – a French term meaning fresh ingredients native to the area,” recalls Perron. “She explored new recipes in the kitchen all the time, and if for some reason the recipe didn’t work?
She would say ‘just add more butter or cream,’” he laughs. Perron’s father loved taking the family to the finest restaurants in town: La Tour Rose, Paul Bocuse, Orsi. “As a child, I had no idea I was experiencing some of the finest food in the world. Of course now, I have a much different appreciation and perspective,” says Perron.
Perron soon found himself drawn to ‘la cuisine,’ fascinated by its delectable delights and intrigued by the thrill of weaving his own touch on this rich, French heritage.
Things got serious once he started working at Daniel & Denise, a world renown, traditional French restaurant in Lyon. Under the direct tutelage of Chef Josef Viola — a master chef who in 2004 was awarded the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) by a board of examiners, including world famous chefs Joel Robuchon, Alain Ducasse and Paul Bocuse — Perron began to thrive.
And Viola became his mentor. “Viola was fascinated that Elodie and I wanted to come to America to start a French restaurant, and he helped me a lot just by encouraging me to do so,” recalls Perron, fondly. Viola, who was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown” on CNN, has promised someday to come to Perron’s La Cuisine, to see for himself what Patrice and Elodie, have created (including nine Golden Spoon Awards from Florida Trend Magazine, and a HALL OF FAME in 2019).”
“Food and wine are like ambassadors for France. And by coming here, to Ocala, a place that has become home to Elodie, myself and our two children, it is a dream come true. And although we have been here since 2009, it feels like we are just getting started.”
La Cuisine offers a beautiful setting for your event.
Private Dining Room: 10 to 14 people
Brasserie Room: 15 to 22 people
Outdoor Patio: 20 to 30 people
Customized menus are available, please contact elodieperron@hotmail.com.
Reservations are HIGHLY recommended on weekends. Live music on Fridays and some Saturdays
They are open Tuesday through Sunday starting at 5pm and Sunday Brunch 11am to 2pm (closed for lunch and Mondays). Reserve your table with Open Table or call to make a reservation (352) 433-2570.
Dress code: Smart casual.
If you're interested in buying or selling in the Ocala area, be sure to contact me, Mary Erickson!
Mary Erickson
REALTOR ®
Phone: 386-444-1924
Email: MaryErickson@RealtyExecutives.com
Website: Over55Ocala.com
Saddle up, because on this week's edition of Where the Locals Go, I'll be talking about The Gypsy Gold Farm.
It’s not often one has the opportunity to discover a horse, then go on to introduce that unique animal to the world and establish it as a recognized breed. Yet that is precisely the journey that Dennis and Cindy Thompson of Ocala, Florida made with the Gypsy Vanner Horse. On a trip to England in 1995, the sight of a colorful stallion at pasture captivated the Thompsons. The height of an average horse, but built like a draft horse, the stallion had piebald (black and white) markings, an elegant head and very hairy legs. Fascinated, the Thompsons stopped to discover who owned this striking animal. Adding to the sense of magic and mystery, the farmer who was temporarily keeping the horse told them that a Traveler owned the horse and that he also had a hidden band of mares that looked just like him.
This recently discovered video shows a very special English Gypsy Open Lot Bow Top Caravan owned by the late Fred Walker. Fred Walker was often referred to as “King of the coloured horses” by his peers. Dennis and Cindy Thompson stood with old Fred next to this very caravan and asked him to choose between Romany Horse and Gypsy Vanner Horse for the name of his culture’s new breed of horse. Listen as Fred’s great-grandson shares his answer.
Fascinated and smitten by this personable, colorful horse, the Thompsons spent the remainder of that day in a Gypsy camp listening to words of passion from a man about his special horse. To their delight, they learned that the Gypsy owner was willing to sell this special stallion, but it would be at least a year before he had finished with his breeding plans. The Thompsons returned to the United States brimming with curiosity and after reviewing a multitude of breed books, they were stunned to find that this intriguing horse was not recognized as a breed. Four calendar years followed with an obsession to understand what the breed was and was not. Their journey would include choosing a name for the unknown breed. The choice was between Romany Horse and Gypsy Vanner Horse and with the blessings of dedicated British Gypsy breeders, the name Gypsy Vanner Horse was chosen. The video featured is a beautiful description of the history and foundation of the breed.
The founders of both the Gypsy Vanner Horse breed and a farm called Gypsy Gold developed a deep sense of responsibility for the discovery that fate had handed them. They quickly recognized an opportunity to make a difference in this world through the magic of the Gypsies’ “Vanner” Horse.
Cushti Bok in the Romany language of Gypsies means “good luck” and is the name of the horse who inspired the founders’ journey to understand British Gypsies and their selectively bred horses. Cushti Bok would become GV00001F, the world’s first selectively bred horse developed by British/Irish Gypsies ever to be recognized as a breed.
A good luck horse inspired a journey to understand this magical breed, the colorful people who dreamed of creating it, and now a foundation on a mission of goodness. The Cushti Bok Foundation is designed to embrace the pure vision of a mission and goals written long ago. Welcome to The Cushti Bok Foundation.
The Cushti Bok Foundation is formed to increase public awareness and specific knowledge of British Gypsies and their selectively bred “Vanner” Horses through innovative concepts based on goodness for people and animals. Cushti Bok, a Romany word that means “good luck,” is also the name of the world’s first Gypsy Vanner Horse. The word “Vanner” is Old English and means “a horse suitable to pull a caravan.” The Cushti Bok (Good Luck) Foundation will embark on its mission of goodness with these exceptional horses, educating the public about British Gypsies and their horses as it brings honor, recognition and a better understanding to one of the world’s most colorful, least understood societies. These programs will include Fair Hill, The Viking Trail, a Gypsy Vanner Horse Museum, grants, scholarships and so much more, qualifying under section 501(c)(3) as an educational organization. This philanthropic endeavor involves the partnership of many who share an interest in our values and vision. You are an important part of The Cushti Bok Foundation! Your donations, large or small, will help this fledgling Foundation reach its potential and are fully tax deductible.
Whether you are just a curious reader or a serious breeder, Gypsy Gold should be your first stop for all things Gypsy Vanner Horse. As the founders of the Gypsy Vanner Horse breed in America, Gypsy Gold has had the closest association to the early beginnings of this unique horse and we are devoted to its preservation and growth in the U.S. To this end, our breeding program not only focuses on maintaining the breed standard, but also finding creative ways to help others become involved and build their own Gypsy breeding programs with the finest bloodstock available.
Not only do they sell some of the best, but they also offer an Embryo Transfer Program. Every one of their exclusive broodmares are available to produce your dream Gypsy Vanner Horse through this program. For more information, visit the Embryo Transfer Program pages.
If you have any questions about the Gypsy Gold breeding program, please feel free to contact Dennis Thompson at info@GypsyGold.com or by calling 866-GYPSYVANNER.
Tour special: $35/person! Gypsy Gold welcomes visitors, and in fact is the #1 Thing to do in Ocala and a favorite in all of Central Florida on Trip Advisor! Come in on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays or Saturdays at 10:00 am for a two-hour informative tour of our farm. Meet the Gypsy Vanner horses in person, hear the history of the breed from its discovery in Great Britain to its growth in the United States. Your Tour Guide is Dennis Thompson, who discovered this unique breed and brought it to American soil. Please arrive a few minutes early, the tour starts promptly at 10 am. 
Your tour will include
If you're interested in buying or selling in the Ocala area, be sure to contact me, Mary Erickson!
Mary Erickson
REALTOR ®
Phone: 386-444-1924
Email: MaryErickson@RealtyExecutives.com
Website: Over55Ocala.com
