OCALA
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The Timucuan Indians were the first settlers in the area they named "Ocali," a place with rich soil and crystal
clear rivers. Today this area is known as Marion County, named after Francis Marion, a South Carolinian military leader who
defended the South against the British in the Revolutionary War. Ocala has retained the charm of a traditional, rural Southern
town and this historical setting complements the beautiful scenery. Vacationers can relish the winding community pathways
that are lined with oak trees and dangling trellises of Spanish moss, or they can explore miles of untainted nature. If the
prospect of canoeing down a crystal clear stream amidst the largest sand pine forest in the world sounds appealing to you,
Ocala is worth investigating. The region's freshwater streams, rolling hills and clean air remain unspoiled and are frequently
used for idyllic scenes in Hollywood movies. Camping and natural attractions throughout Ocala offer visitors a chance to relax
and unwind amidst these pristine surroundings. Opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming and watersports are plentiful
as well. Nearby is Silver Springs, a national landmark and nature theme park on 350 acres. Silver Springs is Florida's
"original attraction," home of jeep safari adventures and the world-famous glass-bottomed boats that were invented
there in 1878. While in Silver Springs, visitors can also enjoy a trip to Wild Waters, a fabulous nine-acre family water park
featuring water slides, speed flumes and a 450,000-gallon wave pool. Dunnellon, also close-by, offers another relaxing escape
with its small-town friendliness, a picturesque historic district and locally owned hometown restaurants and shops. The scenic
Rainbow and Withlacoochee Rivers beckon, as do the cool, clear spring-fed waters at Rainbow Springs State Park. Dunellon is
just the place for a peaceful respite in a hectic world.
