The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke
Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.
As a family-owned and operated painting company in Ocala, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.
At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.
A few of our most popular painting services include:
- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Residential Painting
- Commercial Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Fence Painting
- Sign Painting
- MUCH More!
Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.
Painting Services
Eco-friendly & clean work area.
PDCA Certified Member.
Your Go-To House Painting Company in Ocala, FL
Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.
At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.
High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:
- Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
- Affordable Pricing
- Expert Painting Contractors
- High-Quality Paint Products
- Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques
- Well-Maintained Tools
- Unmatched Craftsmanship
- Friendly, Personalized Service
- Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!
The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.
Interior Residential Painting
As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.
Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.
Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.
Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:
- Ceiling Painting
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Living Room Painting
- Bathroom Painting
- Basement Painting
- Color Consultations
- More
Cabinet Painting
Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.
At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.
Exterior Residential Painting
Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.
While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.
Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.
If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Ocala, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.
Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:
- Vinyl Siding Painting
- Deck Painting and Staining
- Stucco Exterior Painting
- Wood Exterior Painting
- Porch Painting and Staining
- Soffit Painting
- Fascia Painting
- Window Painting
- Front Door Painting
- Thorough Painting Prep
- More
The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Ocala, FL
When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?
The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.
With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses
We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:
01
Industrial Painting
A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.
02
Retail Store Painting
Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.
03
Small Business Painting
Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.
04
Healthcare Location Painting
From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.
05
Apartment Complex Painting
Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.
Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
352-212-1533Free Consultation
Latest News in Ocala, FL
Best Internet Providers in Ocala, Florida
CNEThttps://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-ocala-fl/
What is the best internet provider in Ocala?Cox is the best internet service provider in Ocala, offering some of the lowest starting prices in the city and the fastest speeds by far. There’s plenty to quibble about with Cox -- slow upload speeds, price increases and data caps -- but it’s essentially the only game in town for high-speed internet.If you’re looking for the lowest price, T-Mobile Home Internet is our pick for the cheapest internet in Ocala. Tru...
What is the best internet provider in Ocala?
Cox is the best internet service provider in Ocala, offering some of the lowest starting prices in the city and the fastest speeds by far. There’s plenty to quibble about with Cox -- slow upload speeds, price increases and data caps -- but it’s essentially the only game in town for high-speed internet.
If you’re looking for the lowest price, T-Mobile Home Internet is our pick for the cheapest internet in Ocala. True, it has the same $50 starting price as Cox, but T-Mobile offers a price-lock guarantee, includes equipment in the monthly price and offers unlimited data.
After Cox and T-Mobile, there’s a significant dropoff to our third pick, CenturyLink. The DSL provider offers speeds up to 80Mbps in Ocala -- enough for smaller households, but firmly on the slow side -- and all plans cost $55 a month, no matter which speed you get.
Our methodology
CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Ocala across many categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details.
Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: certain addresses may qualify for different tiers of service, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your particular options is to plug your address into a provider's website.
Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs, while the text is specific to what's available in Ocala. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Other discounts and promotions might also be available for things like signing a term contract or bundling with multiple services.
To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page.
Best internet in Ocala, Florida
Best internet provider in Ocala, FL
Our take - Cox is the only internet provider in Ocala that offers a cable or fiber connection, making it an easy choice for our top pick. It has a wide array of plans available in the area, with speeds up to 2,000Mbps and prices starting at $50 a month. Because it’s a cable internet provider, upload speeds are much lower than download, which could be an issue if you work from home or play games online. But since there are no true fiber providers in Ocala, this will be an issue with every provider. All plans include equipment for free for the first two years, and most also guarantee prices for two years.
Or call to learn more: (877) 541-1140
Check with Cox
Connection
Cable, some fiber
Speed range
25 - 2,000 Mbps
Price range
$40 - $100 per month
Show more details
Our take - Technically, T-Mobile and Cox have the same starting price -- $50 a month -- but with T-Mobile, you’ll never have to worry about your price increasing. The fixed wireless provider offers download speeds up to 245Mbps and upload speeds up to 31Mbps, and everything you need is included in the base price. While T-Mobile’s speeds don’t go as high as Cox’s, they’re still fast enough for most people: T-Mobile received a score of 73/100 from the American Customer Satisfaction Index, compared to 64/100 for Cox.
Or call to learn more: (877) 687-6988
Check with T-Mobile
Connection
Fixed wireless
Speed range
72 - 245 Mbps
Price range
$50 per month
Show more details
Our take - I wouldn’t typically recommend DSL internet -- the technology provides significantly slower speeds than cable, fiber or 5G home internet. Still, it’s a decent backup option in Ocala if you can’t get Cox or T-Mobile. CenturyLink’s DSL plans go up to 100Mbps download speeds, but the speeds you’ll have access to depend on your address. After plugging in a few Ocala addresses, the highest speed I saw was 80Mbps. All CenturyLink DSL plans cost $55 a month, no matter what speed you get, plus $15 a month if you rent a modem.
Or call to learn more: (877) 731-3490
Check with CenturyLink
Connection
DSL
Speed range
10 - 140 Mbps
Show more details
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Ocala
The best internet deals and top promotions in Ocala depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Ocala internet providers, such as Verizon, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, including Cox, CenturyLink and T-Mobile Home Internet, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines -- and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Ocala
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
Internet providers in Ocala FAQs
Residents continue to pushback against Jumbolair expansion
Kayla Lewishttps://www.wcjb.com/2024/02/10/residents-continue-pushback-against-jumbolair-expansion/
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - A proposal to expand Jumbolair Aviation Estates is receiving more pushback ahead of a county commission meeting.“Every body’s in a panic,” Resident, Brian Donnelly shared.People living in and around Jumbolair Aviation Estates don’t want Robert Bull to expand the property.“So we’re waking up to Huey’s, and Black Hawk helicopters and B-24 bombers buzzing our homes night and day,” Donnelly said.Residents like Donnelly say flight traffic has already ...
OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) - A proposal to expand Jumbolair Aviation Estates is receiving more pushback ahead of a county commission meeting.
“Every body’s in a panic,” Resident, Brian Donnelly shared.
People living in and around Jumbolair Aviation Estates don’t want Robert Bull to expand the property.
“So we’re waking up to Huey’s, and Black Hawk helicopters and B-24 bombers buzzing our homes night and day,” Donnelly said.
Residents like Donnelly say flight traffic has already increased in the area with the five newly built hangars. The proposal would increase the number of hangars on the property to over 200 with more residential lots.
“Now on a Saturday morning, approximately 7 o’clock, you start getting buzzed by planes taking off, helicopters going over,” resident, Ken Davis shared.
This not only effects people in Jumbolair but the surrounding areas, and they say the noise is taking away their rural neighborhood feel and even scares their livestock and horses.
At a rally held Saturday, people received a flyer to help them figure out what points to cover when they speak before the county commissioners. Residents are planning to attend the county commission meeting on Feb. 20, to share their disapproval for this nearly 450-acre project. This comes after a December meeting when the developers told the commissioners they wanted to change their proposal.
“They just keep circling the area, and it’s wrong. They’re taking everyone’s freedom away,” resident, Dennis Darnell said.
Residents say if approved the expansion would make the area larger than the Ocala International Airport.
TV20 asked Donnelly what he would do if the zoning change is passed.
“I don’t know. You know I love planes and I love that, but I don’t like being buzzed by them,” Donnelly said.
And that’s the question on many residents minds, what to do if this is approved.
{tim gant/ president, save our rural areas}
“Well it’s been a rural air park forever which means one house, one hanger. There was originally I believe 40 lots and there’s about ten houses back their now, and all these years it has never been a problem,” shared Tim Gant, president of ‘Save our Rural Areas.’
Basically, residents are saying if something’s not broken, why fix it.
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Copyright 2024 WCJB. All rights reserved.
Craving chicken and waffles? This place in NE Ocala has you covered.
Andy Fillmorehttps://www.ocala.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/02/09/the-waffle-shop-in-ne-ocala-specializes-in-chicken-and-waffles/72529398007/
For the Star-Banner | USA TODAY NETWORK“Every day is a waffle day” is the motto of the Waffle Shop restaurant, which reopened in a new location in northeast Ocala on Feb. 1.Erma Crockton drove 15 miles from Silver Spring Shores to the eatery on Northeast Jacksonville Road on a recent morning to get a Red Robin red velvet waffle with vanilla glaze and pecans and a Grits Bowl breakfast with egg, bacon and sausage.“The food here is great. It tastes like homemade and it’s fresh made to ...
For the Star-Banner | USA TODAY NETWORK
“Every day is a waffle day” is the motto of the Waffle Shop restaurant, which reopened in a new location in northeast Ocala on Feb. 1.
Erma Crockton drove 15 miles from Silver Spring Shores to the eatery on Northeast Jacksonville Road on a recent morning to get a Red Robin red velvet waffle with vanilla glaze and pecans and a Grits Bowl breakfast with egg, bacon and sausage.
“The food here is great. It tastes like homemade and it’s fresh made to order. This is my third time here,” said Crockton, who operates a business in The Villages.
The eatery has a five star rating and five reviews, according to its Facebook page.
The Waffle Shop is owned by local businessman and Ocala native Marcus Williams, 35, who was working in the restaurant’s kitchen on Monday.
The eatery was launched about six months ago in a service station plaza, but Williams moved the operation to the Jacksonville Road location and plans to add seating for about 25 diners. Takeout or covered outside picnic table dining is currently offered.
He also operates Bleu Gil Construction of Ocala.
When Williams was asked what makes his eatery different from other waffle restaurants in town, he replied: “We specialize in exotic waffles and chicken. (That) sets us apart.”
The Waffle Shop has a menu full of specialty waffles like the Cinnamon Glaze with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and vanilla glaze; Sunday Funday, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel or chocolate syrup, whipped cream and chopped peanuts; and the Camp Fire, with marshmallows, Hershey bites and crushed graham cracker.
The chicken and waffles menu includes tenders, drumettes and whole wing with a waffle.
Tykeriya Pierson stopped by Monday with her daughter Tylynn, 1. The mother and daughter were considering the Strawberry Passion, cheesecake waffle or Fruity Pebbles waffle with the same name cereal and vanilla glaze.
Jennifer Bertino and friend Sean visited the Waffle Shop for the first time on a recent day and tried the chicken tenders and waffle.
“This is the best we’ve had in Ocala and better than the chain waffle restaurants. I like the flavor and the chicken tenders are juicy and the waffle is light and flavorful without syrup,” Bertino said.
The restaurant’s staff includes hostesses Mallory Moton and Bre Goodson. The kitchen crew includes Williams’ mother, Cyntheria Smith; grandmother, Shirley McCants, a former 25-year employee at Pioneer Products in Ocala; and Jabraun Evans.
Much of the restaurant’s fare comes from recipes used in family gatherings and reunions, according to a family member.
Diane Maitland, a cousin to Marcus Williams, described him as a very good worker. David Dobbs with Bleu Gil Construction said Marcus Williams “goes after it” when he has a business goal.
Two workers with Rocket Rooter in Ocala sat in their van after eating st the Waffle Shop recently and one was posting a positive review on social media.
Customer Roberta Gadson decided to try a waffle and chicken drumettes.
Nikki Williams, Marcus Williams’ sister, pitched in to help at the order counter and waited on customers like Clay McCants.
Nikki Williams, 30, works at Beat Stylez Hair Studio in Ocala and operates her own business, Hair Slay by Nikki. She is also a cosmetologist.
Safe dining:14 Marion County restaurants cited for high-priority violations
Nikki Williams described her brother as a hard worker.
“It’s in our family blood,” she said.
If you go:
The Waffle Shop, 2507 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala; 352-368-1045; takeout only
Spend Christmas In Ocala At The Equestrian Hotel
Lauren Moweryhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/lmowery/2023/11/22/christmas-in-ocala-at-the-equestrian-hotel/
Lights, Santa, horses, oh my. Christmas returns to Ocala in Florida as the World Equestrian Center (WEC) presents a monthlong Winter Wonderland extravaganza. The third year for this spectacle of lights and good cheer brings guests and visitors together at this elegant equestrian event space and resort. Of course, the best way to enjoy the holiday season in Ocala is to book a long weekend or mid-week...
Lights, Santa, horses, oh my. Christmas returns to Ocala in Florida as the World Equestrian Center (WEC) presents a monthlong Winter Wonderland extravaganza. The third year for this spectacle of lights and good cheer brings guests and visitors together at this elegant equestrian event space and resort. Of course, the best way to enjoy the holiday season in Ocala is to book a long weekend or mid-week stay at The Equestrian Hotel, Ocala’s only AAA Four Diamond Resort. That’s exactly what I did with my family last December.
The Equestrian Hotel features 248 stylishly appointed rooms and suites, many which overlook the Grand Arena. Hotel amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-service salon and spa and outdoor swimming pool (open seasonally).
A few days before Christmas Eve, I met my dad and sisters in the lobby of the hotel. We hadn’t seen each other in a few months, so reuniting amidst the glow of twinkling lights while sipping on maple syrup old fashioneds was a fitting way to ease into the trip. My sisters brought their young children, 3 girls under the age of 3, who screamed with delight at the holiday décor.
The grand lobby features 20-foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, with mahogany and Italian porcelain finishes throughout. The large elevator lobbies showcase the work of local and regional artists. The refined design, with its equestrian-inspired details, evokes a legacy hotel in Europe.
After checking in to our rooms, we gathered downstairs to walk the property, then out into the glow of Winter Wonderland.
Winter Wonderland Lights Up on November 24
Each year, over one million twinkling lights illuminate the WEC Grand Plaza. This year, the lights start from Friday, November 24 through Saturday, December 23, between 5pm and 9pm in the lead-up to Christmas Eve. Special holiday entertainment will amuse families throughout the week and weekend. Hotel guests, of course, don’t pay a fee for parking; outside visitors will be responsible for a $10 parking fee per vehicle from Monday through Thursday and a $30 parking fee per vehicle from Friday through Sunday, applicable from 3pm to 9pm. Guests can also purchase a monthly parking pass for $200 that will be valid for parking throughout the entire monthlong Winter Wonderland event.
What to Expect: Holiday Décor, Entertainment, and Festive Food
Last year was my first visit to WEC and its luxury resort. I knew of the property after covering its excellent wine and equestrian program for Wine Enthusiast in a round-up of horse ranches and related properties with deep cellars. Given our family’s love of horseback riding (my sister keeps horses in Florida) and wine, the horse-themed hotel seemed a great fit for the season’s opening festivities.
We strolled out to the Grand Plaza with no expectations, the perfect way to encounter the spectacular holiday installations, including a magical 45-foot walk-through Christmas tree, a charming lighted carriage, and plenty of photo-friendly décor. My 3 nieces squealed with delight, racing around, through, and under the various twinkling designs.
This year, the Winter Wonderland weekend lineup brings back an array of entertainment, featuring Toy Soldiers, circus performers, and princesses and superheroes. Guests can meet Santa Claus and even send letters to the North Pole, or lend their visage to caricaturists and face painters, while delighting in skilled balloon artists stationed throughout the plaza.
As for food, there was an array of holiday bites last year that return on weekends in 2023. Expect a North Pole Bakery selling seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies, pumpkin bread, and pies. Other festive food tents include wood-burning pizzas, a French fry station, and the over-the-top Wondrous Hot Chocolate stop, created by Miss Tilly’s Lollipops.
Families with youngster or a preference for morning events can join the fun with a ticketed experience on the terrace at The Equestrian Hotel. Breakfast with Santa runs December 2, 9, 16, 17 and 23, and will feature French toast and buttermilk pancakes, a Santa-led stories, and a special gift from the North Pole resident himself.
Holiday Activities and Shopping at WEC
Last season, we spent 2 nights at the resort which allowed us multiple visits to Winter Wonderland, as well as the ability to partake in resort festivities and dine at hotel’s excellent restaurants. This year, a few activities return like the Ugly Sweater Contests at Yellow Pony Pub & Garden on Thursday evenings, with winners chosen at 8pm. On December 2 runners and their cheerleaders can join the Tinsel Trot 5K Run and Walk starting at 7pm. Participants are encouraged to don festive dress.
Like most people, I waited until he last minute to purchase gifts for my nieces. I blame the airlines for the endless nickel-and-diming on bags. Fortunately, the shops at WEC saved the day with multiple opportunities to browse at the resort’s vendors and retailers, including the perennially popular Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe. I nabbed a tea set, books, a stuffed hose, and a puzzle for my nieces who unknowingly picked out their own gifts as they pulled me through the busy store. I even scored an early Christmas gift for myself: a pair of waterproof boots from Ariat on sale through December.
For more information on World Equestrian Center’s Winter Wonderland, visit wecwinterwonderland.com.
World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482
The Equestrian Hotel, 8510 NW 17th Ln, Ocala, FL 34482
Best 55+ Communities in Ocala for 2024
Ryan Erismanhttps://www.floridaforboomers.com/ocala-55-plus/
There are a number of 55+ communities in Ocala, FL and on this page we offer information about some of the best ones selling new homes in Ocala today.If you are seriously considering making the Ocala area your home in retirement, be sure to check out our Ocala Retirement Guide.And, if you are interested in other parts of Florida, be sure to check out our list of all ...
There are a number of 55+ communities in Ocala, FL and on this page we offer information about some of the best ones selling new homes in Ocala today.
If you are seriously considering making the Ocala area your home in retirement, be sure to check out our Ocala Retirement Guide.
And, if you are interested in other parts of Florida, be sure to check out our list of all 55+ communities in Florida.
On Top of the World
At On Top of the World, active adults will find all they dream about and so much more. Located in beautiful Ocala Florida, On Top of the World residents can enjoy any schedule that suits their tastes – from activity packed to unhurried.
Leisure amenities include 54 holes of golf on three courses, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a 14-acre R/C flying field, bocce, racquetball and basketball courts, fitness center, health club and spa, restaurants, cultural venues, and much more.
Residents can also participate in over 175 clubs, leagues, hobbies, and lifelong learning opportunities.
New homes are of quality construction, often exceeding ENERGY STAR criteria while offering comfort, convenience, and a wide variety of design elements.
There are about 20 different floor plans available with prices ranging to suit every budget starting in the $200k’s.
What's nearby: Downtown Ocala: 11.2 miles Paddock Mall: 8.4 miles Silver Springs State Park: 20 miles Appleton Museum of Art: 15 miles Circle Square Cultural Center: 2.5 miles
Del Webb Stone Creek
Stone Creek is a Del Webb Florida community of 3,800 attached villas and single-family homes in Ocala, Florida. Residents here have access to first-class amenities like the 60,000 square foot social and recreational complex. The community is also home to an 18-hole golf course designed by Terry Doss.
Homes at Stone Creek are available in many different models that range in size from 1,133 square feet all the way up to 2,634 square feet.
What's nearby: Downtown Ocala: 12.6 miles Paddock Mall: 8.7 miles Silver Springs State Park: 18.8 miles Appleton Museum of Art: 16.9 miles Circle Square Cultural Center: 2.9 miles
JB Ranch
With construction that just started in 2017, JB Ranch is one of the newer 55+ communities in the Ocala area. Plans here call for a total of 346 single-family homes, and the list of amenities includes a community clubhouse, fitness center, and outdoor pool with patio seating.
Homes range in size from 1,641 to 2,034 square feet and include many of the most popular features on the market today.
What's nearby: Downtown Ocala: 11 miles Paddock Mall: 8.2 miles Silver Springs State Park: 17.4 miles Appleton Museum of Art: 16.5 miles Circle Square Cultural Center: 3.2 miles
Ocala Preserve (Partial 55+)
Ocala Preserve is a 623-acre community of 1,600 single-family homes located in Marion County, Florida. Amenities here include a 17,000 square foot clubhouse with a state-of-the-art fitness center, a zero-entry resort-style pool, and an 18-hole championship golf course.
New homes at Ocala Preserve are available in six different collections that range in size from as small as 1,320 square feet up to 2,370 square feet.
What's nearby: Downtown Ocala: 6.8 miles Paddock Mall: 8.2 miles Silver Springs State Park: 12.1 miles Appleton Museum of Art: 10 miles Circle Square Cultural Center: 11.9 miles
Other Ocala 55+ Communities
The concept of retirement is not new to Ocala, and the area is also home to a number of communities that have been around for several years but are all sold out of new homes, like Oak Run. Here are some homes in 55+ communities in Ocala currently on the market:
Not in Ocala (But Not Too Far)
The following communities may not be in Ocala, but they are well within striking distance and close enough to Ocala to grab a bite to eat, catch a show, or visit any of Ocala's various attractions.
With a planned total of more than 600 single-family homes, Arlington Ridge has been a large part of the local community of Leesburg, Florida since construction began in 2005. Residents here enjoy access to large-community amenities like an 18-hole championship golf course, a massive community center, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a resort-style swimming pool, and a 50-seat community theater.
New construction buyers at Arlington Ridge can choose from multiple builders, which means that there are dozens of home styles and floorplans available here.
Located just north of Orlando, Lakes of Mount Dora is a gated community of 950 single-family homes that combines 178 acres of lakes with New England-style architecture. Amenities here include an 18,000 square foot clubhouse complete with a fitness center and a banquet facility. Then there is the resort-style pool and hot tub outside.
Lakes of Mount Dora offers a few different ranch-style homes that range in size from as small as 1,263 square feet all the way up to something as large as 3,700 square feet.
With more than 60,000 attached villas, manufactured homes, and single-family homes, The Villages is one of the largest active adult communities in the entire world. With three different town squares, more than 35 community centers, more than 80 different pools, and more than 50 different golf courses, the list of amenities available to Villagers as residents are affectionately known goes on for days.
Just like the list of amenities, the list of floorplans available around The Villages is massive. You can pretty much find anything your heart desires in Florida’s most-popular retirement community. Homes here start out in the $200k’s, but there are also plenty of high-end options with prices ranging all the way up into the high-$1Ms.
The Villages of Citrus Hills is a Florida Retirement Community with single family homes and maintenance free villas that have been built with today’s demanding baby-boomer in mind. But what makes the promise of Florida Retirement in the Villages of Citrus Hills truly come together for today’s new breed of active adult retiree is its extraordinary collection of world-class community country club amenities and extensive social activities.
A wide variety of homes and homesite packages are available.