The Orange Blossom Opry is a family oriented, smoke free, alcohol free, country music showcase located in the small Central Florida community of Weirsdale.   It is located in what was originally the Weirsdale School Gymnasium.   The Weirsdale School was opened in 1923 to serve students in grades 1 - 12 from East Lake Weir, Weirsdale and the surrounding areas.   It became Weirsdale Elementary School in 1955 when Lake Weir High School was opened in Sunset Harbor to serve area students in grades 7 - 12.   It was closed when the present Weirsdale Elementary School was opened and the buildings remained essentially unused until the gymnasium was converted several years ago to serve as an opry house.   The Opry first opened as "Haw Hee's", then became the "Weirsdale Opry" and finally "The Orange Blossom Opry".   The current owners, Estelle and Earl Benson, are in their second season and the Opry Cast, or, as they are also known, the "Orange Blossom Opry Band", has presented a variety of musical styles, mostly traditional country and Bluegrass, and its own special brand of humor for the past six years.   The popular Jam Night, in which anyone is invited to sing and/or play along with the band, is held every Thursday at 7:00 PM (A by invitation only "Super Jam" is held once a month!), and the Opry Cast puts on its own show every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM unless a special guest and/or event is scheduled.

The Hope Park Boat Dock is the only public access to the lake.   It is located within easy walking distance from the villa (less than 1/4 of a mile).   You have access to boating, fishing, skiing, and all your water activities from this location.

Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area is a large county park in Ocklawaha and is famous for its swimming area.   Carney Island also has three walking trails: Fern Gully, 1 mile; Quail Loop, 2.2 miles, and Fox Trot 3.2 miles.   All the trails are eight feet wide and well-maintained.

Hampton Beach offers many picnic areas, as well as a beach for your swimming and sunning enjoyment.

Gator Joe's is Marion County's only Key West style waterfront restaurant.   They are on Lake Weir in the little town of Ocklawaha.   They are a family oriented, laid back establishment where fun is mandatory.   Gator Joe was a 15 ft. 7 in. alligator that lived on Lake Weir in the early 1900s.   Joe caught his fame from the Ma Barker gang who tried to kill him on several occasions; but, Joe ultimately got them instead.   His local legend led the FBI to the Barker hideout on January 16th, 1935 and after a 4-hour gun battle the Barker gang all lay dead.   In 1952 Joe crossed paths with a local gator hunter named Vic Skidmore. Since then, Joe's foot has had many homes throughout Florida and even Kentucky.   It was donated to Gator Joes from one of Vic's friends, Mr. Jim Townlee.

Eaton's Beach is another nice restaurant on the lake which offers a beach for the kids to enjoy while you relax and savor your meal.   Currently closed for renovations.