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"Ocala Sizzle: Dunnellon Boomtown Fest, Huddy's Escape, Toxic Caterpillar Incident!"

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"Ocala Sizzle: Dunnellon Boomtown Fest, Huddy's Escape, Toxic Caterpillar Incident!"

"Ocala Sizzle: Dunnellon Boomtown Fest, Huddy's Escape, Toxic Caterpillar Incident!"
Don't miss out on this week's Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes! From Boomtown Days Festival to thrilling escape room adventures, plus a shocking story about toxic caterpillars. πŸ”₯πŸŽ‰πŸ›

Wendell Carr

Apr 10, 2026

Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala 
For the week Of April 10, 2026

This week on The Ocala Sizzle Podcast… we’re kicking off something BIG.  If you’ve ever had a burger so good you had to stop mid-bite and just appreciate what just happened… this episode is for you.

We’re launching the Ocala Sizzle Burger Bracket β€” where some of the best burgers in town go head-to-head in a battle for bragging rights.

From smoky backyard-style burgers to gourmet creations stacked sky-high, we’re putting local favorites into the arena… and letting YOU help decide who moves on.  Fair warning… you may be hungry before this one’s over.

Extra Tidbits from Wendell

Big Lee’s Serious About Barbecue (Ocala)

What to Expect: Flame-grilled burgers packed with smoky flavor and bold seasoning.
Vibe: Backyard cookout meets championship barbecue.
The Sizzle Favorite: Thick, juicy burger with that signature smoky finish.
Website: https://bigleesseriousaboutbbq.com
Address: 2611 SW 19th Ave Rd, Ocala, FL 34471

Mojo Grill & Catering Company (Ocala)What to Expect: Creative burgers with unique toppings and flavor combinations.
Vibe: Casual, fun, and full of personality.
The Sizzle Favorite: Inventive burger builds that take classic comfort food to the next level.
Website: https://mojogrillandcatering.com
Address: 2015 SW 17th St, Ocala, FL 34471

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille (Ocala)

What to Expect: Flavorful burgers with Cajun-inspired flair.
Vibe: Downtown energy with a New Orleans feel.
The Sizzle Favorite: A rich, savory burger with a touch of Creole influence.
Website:
https://hookedonharrys.com
Address: 24 SE 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

Brick City Southern Kitchen (Ocala)

What to Expect: Bold, Southern-style burgers loaded with flavor.
Vibe: Hearty comfort food in a lively downtown setting.
The Sizzle Favorite: A stacked burger that delivers big on taste and portion.
Website: https://brickcitysouthern.com
Address: 10 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

The Lodge Ocala (Ocala)

What to Expect: Gourmet burgers crafted with premium ingredients and creative toppings.
Vibe: Rustic, upscale comfort with attention to detail.
The Sizzle Favorite: A perfectly balanced burger built with care and quality.
Website: https://thelodgeocala.com
Address: 36 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

Five Star Burgers (Ocala)

What to Expect: Grass-fed beef burgers done simply and done right.
Vibe: Clean, classic, and focused on quality.
The Sizzle Favorite: A classic burger that proves simplicity wins.
Website: https://fivestarburgers.com
Address: 2615 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34471

⭐ Quick Local Mentions

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse (Ocala) – Steakhouse-quality burger experience
Gator’s Dockside (Ocala) – Perfect burger-and-wings combo for game day
Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill (Weirsdale) – Waterfront burgers with a view

Did you know Dunnellon sits at the meeting point of two rivers?
The Rainbow River and Withlacoochee River converge there, making it a popular destination for kayaking and tubing.

Enjoying the Sizzle?

If you enjoy discovering great restaurants, local events, and hidden gems around Ocala and Central Florida, be sure to share the Ocala Sizzle Newsletter with a friend.

Every week we bring you the best food spots, experiences, and community highlights worth checking out.

πŸ‘‰ Subscribe and stay in the loop.

Dunnellon Boomtown Days Festival is this weekend.

The festival will feature live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a car show.

It will take place in Dunnellon's Historic District and promises to be a fun event for all ages.

Additionally, attendees can enjoy activities like a duck race, pony rides, and a visit to the local shops and restaurants.

The festival is a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate Dunnellon's history and culture.


Read More...
In Ocala, Huddy's Escape offers thrilling experiences through their immersive escape rooms.

Participants can choose from a variety of scenarios, each filled with challenging puzzles and hidden clues.

The rooms are designed with intricate details to enhance the overall experience.

Whether you're a seasoned escape room enthusiast or a newbie looking for some excitement, Huddy's Escape is sure to deliver an unforgettable adventure.

Book a session today and get ready to test your critical thinking skills and teamwork with friends or family.

Don't miss out on this opportunity for a fun and exhilarating time in Ocala!

Read More...
A woman in central Florida was hospitalized after coming into contact with Tussock caterpillars, which have a toxic sting.

The woman experienced severe pain and swelling after touching the fuzzy cocoons of the caterpillars.

These caterpillars are commonly found in the area and can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Experts advise avoiding contact with them and seeking medical attention if stung.

Read More...

Apr 10 – Siblings Day

Apr 11 – Pet Day

Apr 12 – Grilled Cheese Day

Apr 13 – Scrabble Day

Apr 14 – Reach as High as You Can Day

Apr 15 – Titanic Remembrance Day

Apr 16 – Wear Pajamas to Work Day

April 12, 1947 – Silver Springs Tourism Peaks

By the 1940s, Silver Springs had become one of Florida’s most visited attractions. Tourists came from across the country to experience the famous springs and boat rides.

🎨 First Friday Art Walk
πŸ“… April 10, 2026
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
πŸ“ Downtown Ocala, Ocala
🎟️ Free
πŸ“„ Enjoy local artists, live music, food vendors, and street performers throughout the downtown district.

✍️ Art Park Literary & Poetry Festival
πŸ“… April 11, 2026
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
πŸ“ Tuscawilla Art Park
🎟️ Free
πŸ“„ Experience live poetry, author readings, music, food trucks, and interactive art activities in a creative outdoor setting.

πŸ‡ Orange Blossom Classic Horse Show
πŸ“… April 10–12, 2026
πŸ•’ All Day Event
πŸ“ World Equestrian Center
🎟️ Spectator admission varies
πŸ“„ Watch top riders compete in a premier equestrian event featuring multiple disciplines and high-level competition.

πŸ˜‚ Open Mic Comedy Night
πŸ“… April 13, 2026
πŸ•’ 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
πŸ“ Mutiny Ocala
🎟️ Free / Purchase food & drinks
πŸ“„ Enjoy a night of local comedians and open mic performers bringing laughs to downtown Ocala.

πŸ† A Sudden Impulse Horse Show
πŸ“… April 14–16, 2026
πŸ•’ All Day Event
πŸ“ World Equestrian Center
🎟️ Spectator admission varies
πŸ“„ Experience a large-scale NSBA futurity competition showcasing elite horses and riders.

🌾 Small & Beginning Farmers Mini-Conference
πŸ“… April 15, 2026
πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – Afternoon
πŸ“ Ocala (West Ocala Area)
🎟️ Registration required
πŸ“„ Learn practical skills and insights for farming, homesteading, and agricultural business development.

πŸš— Gainesville – College Town Energy
About an hour north of Ocala, Gainesville combines vibrant college-town energy with beautiful natural surroundings. Home to the University of Florida, the city offers museums, music venues, restaurants, and parks. Visitors can explore the Florida Museum of Natural History, walk through the Butterfly Rainforest, or enjoy downtown cafΓ©s and shops. It’s a lively destination with something for everyone β€” and that's this week's one tank trip.

352 Local – Discover the Best Businesses in the 352

 

Looking for great local businesses in Ocala and across the 352 area code?


Visit 352 Local, a growing online directory designed to help residents quickly find trusted restaurants, services, and shops throughout our community.

 

From home services and professional providers to local dining and retail 352 Local makes it easy to connect with the businesses that keep our area thriving.

 

πŸͺ Local Business Owners:

Your business may already have a complimentary listing waiting for you.

 

Claiming your listing allows you to:

βœ” Update your business information
βœ” Add photos and services
βœ” Improve your visibility online
βœ” Help more local customers find you

It only takes a minute to claim and verify your listing.

 

πŸ‘‰ Visit:  352local.com and claim your free listing today.

Support local. Discover local.


352 Local β€” Your guide to businesses in the 352.

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The Ocala Sizzle

Β© 2026 The Ocala Sizzle.

The Ocala Sizzle is your go-to guide for everything happening in Ocala and The Villages. From neighborhood news and standout events to restaurant picks, local gems, and fresh stories from the community, we bring the heat and the heart of Central Florida straight to your inbox. Whether you're a lifelong local or just settling in, The Ocala Sizzle keeps you connected to the buzz and beauty of life in horse country.

Β© 2026 The Ocala Sizzle.