Known as “The Horse Capital of the World,” Ocala and Marion County are centrally located with venues to delight event attendees, says Loretta Shaffer, tourism development director. “Ocala/Marion County has more than 700 horse farms set among vast expanses of green rolling hills, a landscape unlike anywhere else in Florida,” she explains. “Many of the farms offer tours and interaction with the animals, and some offer horse-drawn carriage rides. If you want to ride horses, there is no better place to do it. We have experienced outfitters who make it fun for everyone, from beginners to experts.”
Ocala has 4,800-plus guest rooms across the region. The World Equestrian Center has 638 guest rooms, including the AAA Four Diamond Equestrian Hotel. The center has 270,000 total square feet of indoor and outdoor event space for conventions, trade shows, and meetings. Other larger event hotels include the Hilton Ocala Conference Center, with 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space; and the Holiday Inn & Suites Ocala Conference Center, with 133 guest rooms and space to host a 400-guest reception. The area also has event space at museums, galleries, and private event facilities. The College of Central Florida has a variety of venues, including the recently opened Vintage Farm, with space for 150 guests.
