Press Kit and Story Ideas
Ocala/Marion County Press Kit
Resources for Writers
The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau team is here to help you tell the story of Florida's Natural Wonder. We are happy to assist with story development, visual asset requests, interview opportunities, press trips and everything in between.
If you need individual assistance in preparing a great feature story or travel article—or simply have a question about planning a storied Florida vacation escape—please contact us today.
Media Visits
If you are a member of the media, looking for assistance in travel or story research, please fill out the Media Visit Request Form.
START YOUR STORY BY CHECKING OUT OUR PRESS KIT.
Outdoor Adventures
If leisurely exploring is your pace, fun outdoor activities may include a relaxing float down Rainbow River in a tube, an iconic Florida experience on the famous glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs, and snorkeling or paddling in stunning crystal clear springs in the Ocala National Forest. All the natural springs in Ocala/Marion County stay 72°F/ 22°C year-round.
Adrenaline seekers can zip line through canyons, skydive, scuba dive a spring cavern and bike internationally recognized trails like Santos Mountain Bike Trail and the Cross Florida Greenway.
HORSE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD®
Known as the Horse Capital of the World ®, Ocala/Marion County is home to hundreds of farms and champion breeds counted amongst thousands of horses.
Drive through sprawling pastures and farmland where horses greet you on miles of fence lines. Visitors are able to get behind the fences on tours of the stunning farms, explore nature trails by horseback, attend equestrian competitions, take leisurely carriage rides and much more. There are more horses that live in Ocala/Marion County than any other county in the United States.
FOOD & DRINK
Taste your way through the area with local flavor covering everything from a famous BBQ food truck featured on TV to seafood on the deck overlooking lakes and rivers. Not only are there multiple award-wining eateries but also delicious craft breweries, wineries and distilleries. To top it all off, many of these venues showcase local musicians on the weekends.
HISTORY
Discover the unique history of the destination that helps define Ocala/Marion County’s character. Visit Fort King National Historic Landmark, explore museums with local artifacts dating back to prehistoric times, and stroll charming historic districts in Ocala and the surrounding quaint towns.
Arts & Culture
Arts are thriving here—from local art galleries in Historic Downtown Ocala and the magnificent Appleton Museum of Art, to a variety of excellent performances at the newly expanded Reilly Arts Center or the Ocala Civic Theater.
Art is no longer just living indoors. Now, murals decorate water tanks, walls and bridges to offer one-of-a-kind photo-ops. Throughout the destination, visitors will notice uniquely painted horses connecting the horse industry to local art and nestled in Tuscawilla Park sits an outdoor art park with larger-than-life sculptures that rotate every couple of years.
EVENTS
What better way to experience the personality of a destination than attending an event? In Ocala/Marion County the options are plenty. Watch champion horses soar over jumps at equestrian shows or attend art festivals.
Witness historic reenactments or listen to concerts from the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. During the holiday season, the festive charm and events are endless.