Visiting Ocala is like stepping into Gone with the Wind.

Oak-shaded lanes lead to sprawling horse farms trimmed in white picket fences. Azaleas and dogwoods burst into bloom, coloring the downtown square where local farmers share park bench space with businessmen, and couples steal kisses in the gazebo. It's the perfect setting for romance.

Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler would survey the lay of the land in style, and so should you. Relax in a horse-drawn country carriage while the driver points out foals and fillies at play in the rolling hills of thoroughbred horse farms (a few of which have bred Triple Crown winners) and spills the gossip on who's-who of Ocala's celebrity residents and eccentric millionaires.

Afterwards, stretch your legs with a stroll along Fort King Street and the downtown area, admiring the grand, restored Queen Anne and Tudor-style buildings, the Art Deco Marion Theatre, Brick City Center of the Arts (housed in a former department store) and the lush greenery of Veterans Memorial Park. When you've worked up an appetite, have an intimate dinner at Felix's, housed in a lovely 1890 Victorian home.

If you're dressed to impress, pop into cosmopolitan Posh 27 for a martini and live jazz. Or, pick up a bottle of Horse's Ass Wine from Ocala Wine Experience for a private nightcap back in your hotel room.

As much as the O'Haras loved their home, Tara can't compare to the opulence you'll find at Seven Sisters Inn. Themed rooms will transport you to exotic places such as Argentina, Egypt and India. Gourmet breakfast and afternoon tea come standard, but you can also request special services such as a bottle of champagne upon arrival, a private, five-course candlelight dinner or an in-room massage. After such aristocratic treatment, you may never want to return home.

But, as Scarlett would say, "Think about that tomorrow."
You can see John Travolta's house from the upstairs suites. Yes, it's expensive.


See:

 Ocala National Forest: Lots of camping areas. Horseback riding, hiking, biking, hunting (in season, with proper permits), birdwatching and more. Alexander Springs is especially pretty and Fore Lake Recreation Area has a sandy beach.

Silver Springs: Billed as Florida's first theme park and famous for its glassbottom boat tours. Unfortunately, a brownish algae threatens the springs; efforts are underway to try and save the waters.

Cross Florida Greenway: Great off-road biking trails accessible from the Santos, Landbridge and 49th Avenue Trailheads.

Florida Horse Park: Equestrian festivals; jumping and other events; polo matches.


Eat:

 The Copper Pot: Fusion cuisine and a martini bar.

Horse & Hounds: Equine chic. Order a steak like everyone else.

Yalaha Country Bakery (Yalaha): Up to 600 pounds (more than 70 varieties) of bread is baked here every day. Try the German Stollen cake.


Stay:

 Seven Sisters Inn: See info above. A must-see.

Jumbolair Inn: You can actually fly here – that is, if you've got your own private plane. Southern-style B&B. Rooms are named after the owner's horses. You can see John Travolta's house from the upstairs suites. Yes, it's expensive.

Shamrock Thistle & Crown Bed & Breakfast (Weirsdale): A wee bit of Ireland in Central Florida. The Victorian Dollhouse Cottage is as cute as it sounds. Whirlpool suites available. Complimentary Klondike bars.