22 May 2015
For more information:
Donna Tinoco, APR
407 341-1104 (cell)
AGRITOURISM PLANTED AND PROSPERING
Ocala/Marion County's Agritourism Flourishing in 2014
OCALA, FL. –Ocala/Marion County, in North Central Florida just a short drive from either coast or the Orlando theme parks, is known as the 'Horse Capital of the World', as it is home to 700 horse farms, including about 450 thoroughbred farms, totaling near 30,000 acres. Ocala/Marion County has been attracting equestrian businessman and tourists for years, but now another sector of the county's agritourism is flourishing.
The most recent economic impact study conducted by the Institute of Food and Agriculture at the University of Florida reports that there are 28,000 jobs in agriculture in Ocala/Marion County that account for 1.17 billion in revenues for agricultural-related businesses. Here is a list of agriculture-based activities at some of the county's most-popular agritourism destinations the entire family can enjoy.
Ocala/Marion County has been attracting equestrian businessman and tourist for years, but now another sector of the county's agritourism is flourishing. Here is a list of agriculture-based activities at some of the county's most-popular agritourism destinations.
Farmers Markets & Specialized Shops
The Ocala Farmers Market is one of the biggest Farm Market's in the county. It is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. across from the Downtown Square in Ocala. Each week, you can visit and barter with more than 60 vendors selling their produce that includes: seasonal fruits & vegetables, garden & houseplants, meats, dairy, seafood, and handmade crafts.
Circle Square Farmer's Market was recently named one of the best Farmer's Markets in the country by livability.com. Circle Square is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Circle Square Commons in Ocala. They provide a wonderful selection of fresh seasonal produce from over 30 local growers as well as baked goods, plants, hand-made soaps.
The Orange Shop is one of Ocala/Marion's County's long-standing businesses. Open since 1936, The Orange Shop grows, picks, hand-packs, and sells their fruit-specifically citrus and oranges. The Orange Shop offers a multitude of citrus including: Citra Navel Oranges, Temples & Honey Tangerines, Temple Oranges, Valencia Oranges, and Tangy Tangerine Tangos. The Orange Shop also sells grapefruit, honey, jelly, sweets, and pecans. The Orange Shop is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, Oct. 15 through June 1. The Orange shop is at 18545 US Highway 301 P.O. Box 125 Citra, Florida 32113.
Berry Picking
Berry picking may not be common in other counties or states, but in Ocala-Marion, berry picking is so abundant there are more than a dozen popular dozen berry-picking locations, including B&G Blueberries and Blues Brothers Farm.
B&G Blueberries offers two seasons to pick your own blueberries; early season and normal season. Early season begins in April and ends mid-May. From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can pay $3.50 per round. Normal season begins in June and ends in early July. Rounds become less expansive, dropping one dollar to $2.50 per round. B&G sells plants (Blueberry, Thorn - less Blackberry, and Persimmon), fertilizer and pine bark. B&G Blueberries are at 10203 North East 100th Street, Fort McCoy Florida.
Blues Brothers Farm is a farm that specializes in producing blackberries, blueberries, grapes and peaches. Located at 4290 NE 97th Street Rd, Anthony, FL, Blues Brothers Farm is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Blues Brothers Farm specializes in different fruits each month. From April to May, you can pick blueberries. From June to July, you can pick blackberries and in August to September, you can pick peaches and grapes. For more berry-picking opportunities visit:
Christmas Tree Cutting
There are not many places in Florida where you can select and cut your own Christmas tree. Ocala/Marion County is home to multiple locations to experience this special opportunity.
Nicholas' Christmas Tree Farm offers four types of trees for you to choose and cut; Sand Pine, Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress, and Arizona Cypress are all available for you to choose from. Nicholas' also sells fresh vegetables, raw honey, pure bees wax, and candles. Nicholas' is at 14260 SE 80th AVE, Summerfield, FL 34491
Gibbs Christmas Tree Farm offers more than just tree cutting at their farm, putting on hayrides and entertaining a petting zoo at their location. Gibbs has four different trees to choose and cut from Sand Pine and Red Cedar to Arizona Cypress and Fresh Cut Northern Fraser Firs. Gibbs is at 9740 E. Hwy 318, Citra, FL 32113
Farm Tours of Ocala
Discover why Marion County is the “Horse Capital of the World” with a morning tour of Ocala's working farms. One of only four major thoroughbred centers in the world, Marion County's 450 thoroughbred farms have produced 45 national Champions, 6 Kentucky Derby winners, 6 Horses of the Year, and many Preakness Stakes and Breeders' Cup winners.
Tour leader Karen Grimes, an avid horseperson and long-time resident of Ocala's horse country, will take you behind the scenes of working farms to get you up close and personal with equine athletes and the professionals who train and care for them. The tour's begin and end at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeder's and Owner's Association located at 801 SW 60th Ave. in Ocala, Florida. For more information visit: http://www.farmtoursofocala.com
Wagyu and American-Kobe Beef
Artisan Cattle, located in Ocala, produces Wagyu as well as American-Kobe Beef at their farm that covers over hundreds of acres. The unique and rare farm sells a combination of both, usually in special packages that offer great value.
One of their popular packages include the Classic Wagyu Package; which contains a 14-ounce version of the Wagyu Thick Rib eye / Delmonico steak with its 12-ounce New York / Strip loin steak and 8-ounce Fillet Mignon Tenderloin Steaks. This combination package of steaks delivers a steak for every type of steak lover. 12 (4-14 oz., 4-12 oz., 4-8 oz.) The price is $350.00
There are more packages available, you can even check them out at their website: https://www.artisancattle.com/home.php?cat=1
Groves & Vineyards
Century Oaks Nursery & Grove is an extraordinary farm serving Ocala-Marion with fresh, wholesome locally grown oranges and peaches. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, Century Oaks also offers fresh flowers, including daylilies. Century Oaks Nursery & Grove is at 5375 Northwest 219th Street Road Post Office Box 132, Mcintosh Florida, 32664.
Swanson Vineyards is an accomplished farm in Ocala-Marion that grows fresh, wholesome grapes. Swanson's grows Muscadine Grapes specifically and is located at 5650 Northeast 190th Avenue, Williston Florida, 32696.
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/VisitOcalaMarion.
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