More Horse Fever - this is Celeste

The Seven Sisters Inn

It's called "Seven Sisters" because the original owners had seven daughters. Built in 1888, this Queen Anne Style structure in Ocala's historic district, has been completely restored and serves as a Bed & Breakfast inn.

"Faux paintings and murals begin an artistic expedition starting with carved doors from Indonesia and reaching the four corners of the globe. World travelers can experience lighthouses of Cape Cod, a Safari Bengal room, a Sultan's bed in mysterious India, imported French fabrics from Paris and Zen-like harmony of the Orient. Jacuzzi, Victorian soaking tubs, spa showers, fireplaces, heated towel bars available in most rooms. Gourmet breakfast and afternoon tea is included. In-room coffee service, luxurious bathrobes, newspaper, free bicycle for use, candlelit dinners and murder mysteries available."

Sounds pretty good. And the prices run from about $100 - $300 per night.

The only trouble is that some folks say the place is haunted. Ghosts reside there. Some think it was built on the site of a battle between US troops and Seminole Indians. Things go bump in the night.

Or do they?

Jenkins Acura

We've driven an Acura automobile for close to six years. When we moved to Ocala, we brought our car to Jenkins Acura for service, and we've been quite pleased with that relationship. When it comes to servicing automobiles, one of the most important people involved is the service representative. The bottom photo in this series features Bobby Craft, a service representative who works hard to ensure that his customers are taken care of promptly and that the work is done properly.

Antique car enroute to show

Waiting at the train/bus station

Queen of Peace II

Yesterday, we provided a look at the exterior of Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church. Today, we're offering a look at the interior. From bottom up: chancel area; nave; narthex; and then our "glass" post - a closer look at the stained glass in the narthex.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Queen of Peace

Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church is one of two large Catholic parishes in Ocala. Queen of Peace primarily serves people in the west/southwest corridor.

Feeding at Silver Springs Park

Silver Springs Park is one of the "old" tourist attractions in Florida. Located on the east side of Ocala, it sits above a huge underground spring that releases thousands of gallons of water in the Silver River daily. Six of the original Tarzan movies were filmed here, as well as many others, including Smokey and the Bandit 3. Additionally, a number TV shows, such as "Sea Hunt" were filmed at Silver Springs Park.

There's a nice summary of the history of the park and a listing of all the movies and television shows filmed at Silver Springs Park here.

Mimi's - new cafe in town

Mimi's cafe came to Ocala last march. It has become very popular with the locals and is usually jammed. It claims a "European-style cottage exterior," and a "New Orleans decor." When it first opened, I thought it was a unique cafe, but that just shows how much I know - not much.

Before long, we saw a Mimi's in Orlando. Turns out there are about a dozen Mimi's in Florida and 141 of these cafes in 23 states. It also turns out that Mimi's is owned by another well-known company - Bob Evans Farms, Inc., which operates two other "family" type restaurants in Ocala.

The food is quite good, if a bit pricey. The ambiance is quite pleasant, except it tends to be noisy. If you want to talk quietly to those dining with you, ask for a table in the back section. But, if you're ever in Ocala looking for a nice place to eat, I'd certainly recommend Mimi's.

Trio of thoroughbreds

These photos were taken 21 years ago at Meadowbrook Farm. Meadowbrook Farm was owned by the widow of a good friend's brother and raised thoroughbreds, several of which became successful as racehorses. Because we were living in Fort Lauderdale at the time, we stayed overnight on the property and I was able to get these pictures. The horses were young, skittish, and absolutely beautiful.

Meadowbrook was sold some years after that and has now been developed into ugly commercial property. We call that paving over paradise.

Restaurant/Bar on the Square

It was too cold and windy for patrons to sit outside. But the restaurant, which is located across from the town square, is ready. Notice the horse heads on the railing. This is a horse town.

Market Street at Heathbrook

The horse is new, the stores are new, and hopes are high that this new outdoor shopping "mall" will become profitable. It's called Market Street at Heathbrook and has been under construction for many months. Some stores are operational, but many sit empty as you can see in the background. Unfortunately, this is probably not the economic climate in which to create a new shopping mall, no matter how fine a shopping experience it offers.

The photo is by Lois Anne. But I could not help playing with it a bit. The top photo is the result.

Watching and waiting

Silver Springs Park...the sun is going down...Florida ghosts sit watching...and waiting for the night...

Downtown door

Painted Horse 2

This beautiful animal lives at the Ocala Civic Theater.