Planning a precious mother daughter getaway to Ocala, Florida

Comfortable family travel is more popular than ever as today’s high-net-worth families continue to seek out unique accommodations and amenities. These families are looking for more than your average vacation, looking to add educational experiences, nature tours, long-distance trips and more to their travel plans.

Research shared by the Adventure Travel Trade Association shows that the adventure travel category alone is a $683 billion market with the fastest growing categories related to family-friendly travel activities.

These adventure-oriented tours, sometimes called “experience” tours, are trending around the world as they help families spend quality time in beautiful destinations while entertaining family members of all ages and tastes. No longer just an upscale mountain resort, it’s now a concierge-curated adventure filled with hiking, zip-lining, kayaking, bird-watching, shopping, spa treatments and fine dining. With such a uniquely designed program it is no wonder that high net worth families continue to prioritize travel.

Family trips create those precious memories that kids (and parents) can treasure for a lifetime. An experience that creates stories from the dinner table for years to come. And while traveling with the whole family is great for getting in those quality time hours, there’s something special about planning a trip with just your one child that’s customized specifically to that child’s needs and interests.

Even a travel writer planning that perfect 3-day adventure for an animal-loving preschooler is a challenge. He likes to stay busy, but he doesn’t always like to be outside. She likes to spend time with animals, but she also likes zoos and tours above farms and nature hikes. Like a true princess it can’t be too hot, or too cold, it has to be just right. And there should be cakes, hamburgers and chocolate treats for the picky eater. Ocala, Florida was recommended and ticked all the boxes.

Whether your daughter is 4, 14 or 24, try this precious mother-daughter getaway for your next family getaway.

Walk, shop and grab lunch in historic Downtown Ocala.

Perfect for a postcard, the Americana vibe of downtown Ocala’s historic city streets and downtown offers a relaxed atmosphere filled with local boutiques, small businesses, restaurants, bars and brewpubs.

The “Brick City” was first settled in the 1840s and rebuilt in 1883 after a fire destroyed the town center. Another period of renewal occurred in the 1930s and 40s resulting in the small town having a unique mix of architectural styles. A replica of the original 1888 bandstand gazebo sits in the Downtown Ocala Historic Square surrounded by oak trees and public art that provides the perfect setting for a mother-daughter photo session.

After walking around town and soaking up the sites, the loving mother-daughter duo should try lunch at the Depot in Magnolia. This converted steampunk train depot in the heart of Old Town has American fare served up with a side of interesting train history. Fun fans should also make sure to leave the room after lunch and stop at Grandpa Joe’s candy store where kids and adults alike can get all the candy they love.

Relax and play at the family-friendly World Equestrian Center.

Mother-daughter duos don’t need to be members of the equestrian community to enjoy this equestrian paradise. The World Equestrian Center is the largest equestrian complex in the United States and offers a variety of high-quality equestrian event venues, in addition to deluxe stabling, a veterinary clinic and more to attract some of the top riders. the world. More than just a great place to experience a horse event, the complex also hosts sporting events, animal shows, meetings, trade shows and large conferences as well as private events and weddings.

The World Equestrian Center making waves in central Florida is well known for its luxury accommodation options, shopping and an incredible number of restaurants, cafes and bars that cater to different budgets and tastes. Guests can book a luxurious stay at the Equestrian Hotel or stay at the stylish and pet-friendly Riding Academy Hotel. Each hotel showcases its unique interior design concepts all with a beautiful theme for animal lovers. Mother and daughter can easily make a career out of walking around the public areas of the hotel and look at the many amazing design elements and pieces of art around the place.

Guests of the hotel complex can rent a golf cart and explore the grand grounds visiting the Grand Arena observation deck, shops and various dining options such as Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe, Emma’s Patisserie and Yellow Pony Pub & Garden.

Have a spa day for mom at Calluna Spa.

Whether you and your daughter are staying at the World Equestrian Center or at a nearby hotel or rental, Calluna Spa is the perfect addition to your getaway. Located on the second floor of The Equestrian Hotel this full service spa is open 7 days a week and offers a variety of services from massages to facials to nail and hair services.

Spa duos will be treated to luxurious robes and slippers, served teas and other beverages and welcome to relax and recharge in the spa’s chic lounge and changing rooms.

Older daughters and their mothers can book a full-day package like the Midnight Trail Ride that includes a massage with lavender-infused oils, a collagen facial, a signature pedicure, a blowout and is celebrated with a glass of champagne. Those with young daughters may enjoy booking nail services such as the Steamed Lavender Milk Manicure & Pedicure.

Bond over afternoon tea in the Paris Room at Stirrups Restaurant.

Pack your tea hats and fancy afternoon dresses as the daughter-in-law duo won’t want to skip Afternoon Tea in the Paris Room at Stirrups Restaurant. Located on the first floor of The Equestrian Hotel, Stirrups Restaurant is another amazing restaurant located within the World Equestrian Center complex. The restaurant welcomes guests and members of the public to experience a British-influenced afternoon tea service in their glittering black and gold private dining room overlooking the grounds of the Grand Arena.

Mother and daughter will be amazed by the tea selection and menu starting with a glass of champagne followed by a personalized pot of tea and treats and treats. Impressive staff can accommodate dietary restrictions and children’s preferences, and offer caffeine-free and non-alcoholic alternatives to menu items so guests don’t have to relearn the lesson.

This special travel item will require planning your getaway on the last weekend of the month. Advanced booking is required for afternoon tea.

Marvel at the natural beauty of central Florida on a glass-bottom boat tour of Silver Springs State Park.

Whether your daughter is 4 or 40, the more than 4,000 acres of Silver Springs State Park makes a great day trip for those who live in Ocala. Located in the nearby town of Silver Springs, the park includes many natural resources, all 5 miles of the Silver River and the surrounding Sandhill Forest which is home to many animals including manatees, river fish, birds, reptiles and a community of monkeys.

Mother-daughter duos can hike the park’s trails, stop by the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center, rent kayaks to explore the waterways or book a 30- or 90-minute glass-bottom boat trip to get up close and personal. with one’s own and springs, wild animals. even old movie locations.

This app gives history fans a little change. Not only has Silver Springs been welcoming visitors since the 1820s, and has been offering glass-bottom boat tours since the 1870s, but Silver Springs is also well known for its connection to the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Hollywood discovered Silver Springs in the late 1930s and over the years, at least 20 movie scenes were filmed in the park. Notable movies that you and your daughter may recognize include Creature from the Black Lagoon, Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean, Distant Drums starring Gary Cooper, the James Bond movie Moonraker and many other films -Tarzan. The park was owned by ABC Paramount for a while in hopes of becoming a competitor to big names like Disney, SeaWorld and later, Universal Studios but after years of environmental concerns about the park the Florida Park Service reacquired the property in 2013 renovating the area. Thankfully, the park service still preserves bits of its old Hollywood heritage.

Some events to consider

These suggestions are just a sample of some of the activities you can create on your trip to Ocala, Florida. Other experiences to consider include horseback riding and trail experiences, seeing a show at The Marion Theater, stopping at historic sites like Fort King National Historic Landmark or enjoying the abundance of natural resources, water sports and river tubing.

With a truly unique combination of experiences to try, this hidden Florida gem should be added to your family travel bucket list. The perfect combination of relaxation and pleasure, consider visiting Ocala for your next getaway.

Anna Marie Imbordino

Anna Marie Imbordino is a travel writer from Charleston, SC, USA. His love of history and art makes him travel, looking to hear not only the places, but also the people who make up the stories.