Would our "Beta Trip" be a success?

We set off in the surrounding area to make sure our used van could withstand a longer journey

By Michael Ertel & Michelle Ertel

June 16^th, 2025

And we're off.....

The first journey began in our driveway with Stanley, and we'd spend the next three nights on the road. We called this close-to-home loop our "Beta Trip," since we weren't sure if our used van would make it as far as we hope it will for longer trips.

First stop: Ocala, Florida

"It felt like we were in Ocala's community living room."

Our first night was at a drive-in theatre!

Yep, our first night on the road was at the Ocala Drive-in Theatre!

Here's how: we subscribe to a service called Harvest Hosts, which links travelers with businesses which will let you stay there overnight. They can be found at HavestHosts.com.

But back to the drive-in, which did not disappoint.

To visit the Ocala Drive-in Theater, on U.S. 441 in Ocala, is like taking a step back in time -- in a good way.

Drive-ins seems to be a dying entity, but the fine folks at the Ocala Drive-In Theater have captured the magic of the experience we all remember, without sacrificing the needs of the younger folks. The place was very busy for a weeknight.

The night we stayed there, both screens had movies, one was playing Lilo and Stitch, while the other had some action movie. There's an area in front of the kids' screen, which also serves as a quasi playground with the kiddos running all over the place. Parents had their lawn chairs out watching the fun.

It felt like we were in Ocala's community living room.

I was able to speak with the owner, and he touted the concession menu, which features cajun fare. The bread comes from the French Quarter. He was not wrong in his description, as the food was actually pretty awesome. What a nice surprise for drive-in food!

If you want to feel nostalgic, take a trip to the Ocala Drive-in Theater. We think you'll love it.

www.OcalaDriveIn.info

Stanley really has the travel bug...

The morning after the Ocala Drive-in, we travelled back through northern central Florida, and stayed at a super cool community venue in Williston, named Homestead Park. We then headed back towards Ocala and before our day got into full swing, we stopped for some morning tea at The Juniper General Store, a pet-friendly artisans' paradise.

Day trip to the World Equestrian Center

We spent an entire day relaxing at the all-new World Equestrian Center in Ocala.

You don't have to be a horse aficionado to appreciate all that is at the World Equestrian Center. There were super-cool sculptures throughout the village (more below), and the whole vibe was fun.

There's what has to be a five star hotline at the heart of the complex, and just browsing through the shops give you an idea of the kind of things equestrian lovers find important.

Stanley had a great time at the shops, and the toy store was like a feast for his eyes!

Check out all the cool things at the World Equestrian Center at the link below:

https://worldequestriancenter.com/ocala-fl/

Fun at a farm

The final night of our maiden beta voyage was in a totally off the beaten path part of Florida you've likely never heard of, Lake Panasoffkee.

Just outside the main area of town is Braziflora Farms, are small local agritourism farm. When we met the owner, who is from Brazil, we better understood the naming of the farm, Dilma, is not just the owner, but the main staff member of this lively farm. She gave us a full tour in-between watering the plants and doing other odd jobs around the farm. We even were able to buy fresh pasta sauce made on-site.