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"Ocala Sizzle: Easter Fun, Foster Families, and Publix's Lucky Streak! Listen to the latest podcast show notes now!"

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"Ocala Sizzle: Easter Fun, Foster Families, and Publix's Lucky Streak! Listen to the latest podcast show notes now!"

"Ocala Sizzle: Easter Fun, Foster Families, and Publix's Lucky Streak! Listen to the latest podcast show notes now!"
πŸ”₯ Get this week's Ocala Sizzle Podcast Show Notes! From an Easter extravaganza at Brown's Adventure Farm to foster family prep at Lake County Animal Shelter, plus Publix's second $100,000 lottery win in days! Don't miss out! πŸ”₯

Wendell Carr

Apr 3, 2026

Stories, Spots & Sizzle from the Heart of Ocala 
For the week Of April 3, 2026

This week on The Ocala Sizzle Podcast, I’m diving into one of my favorite parts of the seasonβ€”Easter brunch and all those incredible sweet treats that come with it. If you’ve been wondering where to take the family or what local spots can help make your Easter weekend extra special, I’ve got you covered. From hearty Southern brunch favorites to cozy cafΓ© vibes and some seriously tempting desserts around Ocala and The Villages, we’re building your go-to Easter guide. Trust me… by the end of this episode, you might already be planning your next meal (and dessert).

Extra Tidbits from Wendell

Brick City Southern Kitchen (Ocala)
What to Expect: Bold Southern flavors, smoked meats, chicken and waffles, and hearty brunch favorites.
Vibe: Lively downtown atmosphere with big portions and comfort food that feels like a celebration.
The Sizzle Favorite: Chicken & wafflesβ€”sweet, savory, and satisfying.
Website: https://brickcitysouthern.com
Address: 10 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

The Lodge (Ocala)
What to Expect: Elevated comfort food with creative brunch plates and hearty meal options.
Vibe: Warm, rustic, and perfect for a relaxed holiday gathering.
The Sizzle Favorite: Chef-inspired brunch dishes with a gourmet twist on classics.
Website: https://thelodgeocala.com
Address: 36 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille (Ocala)
What to Expect: Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes with a brunch twist.
Vibe: Festive and energetic with a French Quarter feel right in downtown Ocala.
The Sizzle Favorite: New Orleans-style brunch dishes that bring bold flavor to the table.
Website: https://hookedonharrys.com
Address: 24 SE 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34471

Market Street Bakery (The Villages)
What to Expect: Cakes, pastries, cookies, and seasonal desserts that look as good as they taste.
Vibe: Charming bakery atmosphere perfect for holiday treats.
The Sizzle Favorite: Seasonal pastriesβ€”almost too pretty to eat… almost.
Website: https://marketstreetbakery.com
Address: 845 Old Camp Rd, The Villages, FL 32162

Symmetry Coffee Company (Ocala)
What to Expect: Fresh pastries, baked goods, and expertly crafted coffee.
Vibe: Relaxed cafΓ© settingβ€”perfect for winding down after brunch.
The Sizzle Favorite: Fresh pastry paired with a quality coffee.
Website: https://symmetrycoffeeco.com
Address: 1500 E Silver Springs Blvd Suite 100, Ocala, FL 34470

Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery (Ocala)
What to Expect: Gourmet cupcakes with creative flavors and colorful designs.
Vibe: Fun, festive, and made for celebrations.
The Sizzle Favorite: Signature cupcakes with rich frosting and playful flavor combinations.
Website: https://smallcakescupcakery.com
Address: 3035 SE Maricamp Rd #104, Ocala, FL 34471

Did you know Cedar Key was once a major shipping port for Florida cedar wood?  The cedar harvested there was used to manufacture millions of pencils in the late 1800s.

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Get ready for an egg-citing Easter weekend at Brown's Adventure Farm!

Join in the Easter egg hunt, meet the Easter Bunny, and enjoy fun activities for the whole family.

Check out the petting zoo, jump on the inflatables, and take a ride on the cow train.

There will be delicious food available for purchase and plenty of photo opportunities.

Don't miss out on this festive celebration with loved ones.

Make memories that will last a lifetime at Brown's Adventure Farm this Easter weekend!

Read More...
The Lake County Animal Shelter is hosting a Fosterology 101 class to educate potential foster families ahead of kitten season.

The class will cover topics such as bottle-feeding, socialization, and medical care for kittens.

Attendees will learn how to provide temporary care for kittens until they are ready for adoption.

By fostering kittens, individuals can help save lives and alleviate overcrowding at the shelter.

The class is free to attend and will provide valuable information for those interested in becoming foster parents to kittens in need.

Read More...
A Publix store in Ocala recently sold another $100,000 winning lottery ticket, just two days after the last big win.

The ticket was for the March 30th Fantasy 5 drawing, making it the second six-figure ticket sold at this particular store in just a few days.

The lucky winner has yet to come forward to claim their prize.

The store has become a hot spot for lottery luck, with customers hopeful that the streak will continue.

Read More...

Apr 3 – Find a Rainbow Day

Apr 4 – Hug a Newsperson Day

Apr 5 – Caramel Day

Apr 6 – Sorry Charlie Day

Apr 7 – No Housework Day

Apr 8 – Zoo Lovers Day

Apr 9 – Name Yourself Day

April 6, 1890 – Ocala’s Historic Courthouse Era

The Marion County courthouse became a symbol of the region’s growing prosperity. The courthouse square developed into the center of government and commerce. Today, the Ocala downtown square still reflects that historic layout.

🐰 Easter Weekend Double Drop at Brown’s Adventure Farm
πŸ“… April 4–5, 2026
πŸ•’ Saturday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Sunday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
πŸ“ 13940 US-301, OXFORD FL, 34484
🎟️ Advance Tickets
πŸ“„ Celebrate Easter on the farm with a helicopter egg drop at 2 PM each day, plus hayrides, 30+ attractions, farm animals, and family-friendly fun all weekend long.  Legacy of the Wild West Shootouts both days!

🎨 Brownwood Arts & Crafts Festival
πŸ“… April 4–5, 2026
πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
πŸ“ Brownwood Paddock Square, The Villages
🎟️ Free event
πŸ“„ Browse handmade goods, artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment in a lively outdoor festival atmosphere.

πŸ›οΈ First Friday Art Walk
πŸ“… April 3, 2026
πŸ•’ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
πŸ“ Downtown Ocala
🎟️ Free event
πŸ“„ Stroll through downtown featuring local artists, live music, food vendors, and pop-up galleries. A perfect evening to explore Ocala’s creative scene.

🎭 Clue: On Stage
πŸ“… April 3–5, 2026
πŸ•’ Multiple showtimes
πŸ“ Ocala Civic Theatre
🎟️ Ticketed performance
πŸ“„ Based on the classic board game, this fast-paced comedy mystery keeps audiences guessing as secrets unfold and suspects collide.

🎸 Acoustic Night at The Town Square
πŸ“… April 8, 2026
πŸ•’ Evening
πŸ“ Spanish Springs Town Square
🎟️ Free event
πŸ“„ Enjoy a laid-back evening of acoustic music, dancing, and community vibes in one of The Villages’ most popular gathering spots.

πŸ“ Spring Festival at The Market of Marion
πŸ“… April 9, 2026
πŸ•’ 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
πŸ“ Market of Marion
🎟️ Free entry
πŸ“„ A seasonal market event with vendors, fresh produce, crafts, and family-friendly activities celebrating springtime in Marion County.

πŸš— Cedar Key – Old Florida Gulf Coast
Located along Florida’s Nature Coast, Cedar Key feels like a step back into Old Florida. The small island town is known for its seafood restaurants, art galleries, and spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, explore historic streets, and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere. With its quiet charm and stunning scenery, Cedar Key is a refreshing coastal getaway 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.