I live in Ocala and met a girl in Tampa, and while the drive is not impossible, we're looking for good meeting places in between. Is there any town that would be a good place to meet halfway, with something fun to do there? Also, I'm new to Ocala, and if she visits, what would be some good things to do? Thanks!

Literally between them all I can think of is the group of motels they call Wildwood. Have fun!!!

Dade City has a scenic historic downtown with some good restaurants and nice shops. It's probably about halfway for both of you, take SR 52 off I-75 and head east.

Oh, yea, and the do have a big annual strawberry festival in Dade City, so check it out that weekend if not before.

OOps, sorry got confused, the Strawberry Festival is in Plant City, down near Lakeland. The big deal in Dade City is the annual Kumquat Festival. And folks, I swear I'm not making this up!!! But it's in January so you already missed this year's festival.

Thanks for the suggestions (well, some of them!) How about Ocala? Anything fun to do there?

ttt

Have you done Silver Springs near Ocala? I remember it from many years ago -- taking the boat through the jungle -- sort of like a Disney adventureland ride, only more authentic and no plastic elephants or alligators. I recently recommended it to a poster here heading south and she said it was still great. And you could head over to Weeki Wachee, near Brooksville and see the underwater mermaids. That's Florida kitsch at its best!

How about Orlando. It's about halfway between and lots to do there. Just take the turnpike to Orlando and I-4 to Tampa.