The Urban Holiday Tour ...An Ocala Gem!

It all started with one piece.  One porcelain  Santa Clause kneeling in reverence before the Christ Child.  That piece, now discreetly placed at the base of a tree, in the middle of a room, at the center of the house, that sits at the base of a lime rock pit, off a tree lined road not too far from the center of Ocala is at the heart of my next "Ocala Rocks" Treasure. It is upon this humble piece, purchased with her very first paycheck, that Joyce Urban built her magical holiday collection.  And in the true spirit of Christmas giving, Joyce has shared her holiday treasures with our community for a tenth season.

The 2010 Urban holiday tour ended yesterday after sharing a healthy dose of Christmas cheer with as many as 400 guests in four short afternoons. As an Ocala native, I am ashamed to say this was my very first time making the tour, but have heard that this Ocala treasure gets better with each passing year.  Collected over the past 35 years from all over the world, I dare say Santa's very own house could not compete with this comprehensive collection of Christmas magic.  It has even been said of past year's tours that Joyce's decor rivals that of the White house.

   

From the penguins greeting you at the front door to the curious brown and black bears graciously allowing you to pass through the den, each of the 10 decorated rooms is a showpiece that will delight even the most "Scrooge like" guest.  No corner of the home has been left untouched by holiday cheer and it is amazing to believe that a family actually lives in this home that looks more like a department store window than a residence.

 

As I toured through the Urban's home, if the thousands of holiday pieces had not enthralled me and sounds of holiday music hadn't coaxed me into holiday good spirits then the smell of cookies and homemade candy would have surely pushed me over the edge.  At the center of the home in the Urban's kitchen was the tour's "Cherry on Top" if you will.  Homemade cookies and gourmet cupcakes decoratively packaged, ready to purchase for gift giving and Chocolate Candy being made and sampled before my very eyes.  The baked goods were offered for sale by my favorite cupcake baker, Mackenzie DeHart of Kupkeyk, who is currently raising money to finance a mission trip to Haiti.

But above and beyond the simple fact that Joyce and her husband, Dr. Paul Urban open their home to the public each year, is the greater good they give back to the community. The thing that makes this event an Ocala treasure is the monies raised from the entrance fee do not go to add another Santa to the shelf or star on the tree.  The Urban family have lived, worked and raised a family in Ocala and believe in giving back to their community.  Proceeds from the tickets  benefited;

 

• Tony and Tracey Herrera, former Ocala residents, now serving the people of Haiti with Harvest International.
• Cornerstone School
• Central Florida College
• The Counseling and Resource Center

 So I thank you Dr. and Mrs. Urban for sharing your holiday with Ocala and for the way you give to the community.

Urban's Annual Christmas Tour Last day to visit!

I can't wait to visit something GREAT happening right here in Ocala.  Tomorrow is the last day to check out the Urban's Annual Christmas Tour.  A yearly, Ocala tradition, the Urban's Holiday tour features 10 beautifully decorated rooms filled with Christmas wonder.   This will be my very first visit to the Urban's but for those of you who have been before, I hear it is better than ever this year. 

Proceeds from this event will benefit several local organizations including some dear friends of mine, Tony and Tracey Herrera, who are serving in Haiti with Harvest International.  And if you come for no other reason than this, you simply must come visit so you can experience the very best cupcake you will ever taste.  Another friend of mine is selling baked goods at the home tour to raise money for her mission trip to Haiti and boy can this girl make a cupcake.  The Tropical is a personal favorite. 


So maybe I will see you tomorrow between 1-5pm in the parking lot at Trinity Catholic, we'll be waiting for the bus to take us over to the Urban's to enjoy some holiday cheer (the cost is just $5).  Oh and don't forget the cupcake...your taste buds will thank you!  And for those of you who can't make it...stay tuned...I will be back with full report!

Shop Ocala Kohls they really do care!

For the second year in a row I am sharing the message "Spend those holiday dollars at the Ocala Kohls"!  Why spend at Kohl's?  Why the Ocala Kohl's specifically?  Well I am sure many of you have seen a Facebook page, entered a contest for your child's school or seen the $5 books Kohl's has positioned near the checkout, all sporting the "Kohl's Cares" logo.  Well I am so happy that as a corporation Kohl's supports various charities and has contests for non profit organizations and such but I want you to know that our Kohl's and it's employees really care about Ocala and "Ocalians".

Just about this time last year a local mom's group, that I am a part of, had the privilege to partner with HOPE ministries to reach out to a group of 12 single moms.   The leaders of both of these groups began with a dream to do something special for these moms who were trying to get back on their feet.  We wanted them to experience practical evidence of God's love for them and their children so they would know that they had not been forgotten.  The plans for the day ranged from new clothes for mom, gifts for their children, lunch, salon treatments and a special banquet dinner.  This was made possible by private donations as well as the generosity of a handful of local Ocala businesses but for today I would like to share with you the part Kohl's had in our day.

Kohl's was the first stop of the day. Prior to, organizers of the event had shared with the management at Kohl's our dream and the mom's arrived at the door armed with coupons and Kohl's cash to stretch their shopping dollars.  To the surprise and delight of these 12 ladies, smartly dressed Kohl's managers and staff in coats and ties met them at the door.  We immediately noticed they had created a "red carpet" walkway into the store with various red rugs from the housewares department. Like royalty each lady was offered an arm and escorted down the walkway.  This small gesture put a smile on each mom's face and gave their confidence an immediate boost.

The focus of our Kohl's visit was the moms so the  ladies dressing room and the nearby sale racks became a busy place.  Not only did each lady have a dressing room reserved with their name on the door (how sweet was that), but a team of Kohl's employees remained in the dressing room area with scanner guns at the ready.  They not only scanned items to determine the correct sale price but also help us tally totals, and run for different sizes.  The courteous staff made the moms feel special and those of us working the event very welcome.  After a speedy checkout of 12 moms we went about our day to other various businesses but Kohl's was not done "Caring" and this is where the "rubber meets the road" folks.  At the end of their work shift, on a busy shopping day before Christmas, five local Kohl's employees helped in yet another way by donating their time to serve dinner and help care for the children of the HOPE moms and workers who were escorting them for the day.  So in a nutshell folks, "Ocalimom" thinks our local Kohl's ROCKS!  They truly put their corporate mantra on giving into action on the local level and the management and staff deserve whatever perks super holiday sales bring them.  So shop Kohl's Ocalians.

Shop Ocala Kohls they really do care!

For the second year in a row I am sharing the message "Spend those holiday dollars at the Ocala Kohls"!  Why spend at Kohl's?  Why the Ocala Kohl's specifically?  Well I am sure many of you have seen a Facebook page, entered a contest for your child's school or seen the $5 books Kohl's has positioned near the checkout, all sporting the "Kohl's Cares" logo.  Well I am so happy that as a corporation Kohl's supports various charities and has contests for non profit organizations and such but I want you to know that our Kohl's and it's employees really care about Ocala and "Ocalians".

Just about this time last year a local mom's group, that I am a part of, had the privilege to partner with HOPE ministries to reach out to a group of 12 single moms.   The leaders of both of these groups began with a dream to do something special for these moms who were trying to get back on their feet.  We wanted them to experience practical evidence of God's love for them and their children so they would know that they had not been forgotten.  The plans for the day ranged from new clothes for mom, gifts for their children, lunch, salon treatments and a special banquet dinner.  This was made possible by private donations as well as the generosity of a handful of local Ocala businesses but for today I would like to share with you the part Kohl's had in our day.

Kohl's was the first stop of the day. Prior to, organizers of the event had shared with the management at Kohl's our dream and the mom's arrived at the door armed with coupons and Kohl's cash to stretch their shopping dollars.  To the surprise and delight of these 12 ladies, smartly dressed Kohl's managers and staff in coats and ties met them at the door.  We immediately noticed they had created a "red carpet" walkway into the store with various red rugs from the housewares department. Like royalty each lady was offered an arm and escorted down the walkway.  This small gesture put a smile on each mom's face and gave their confidence an immediate boost.

The focus of our Kohl's visit was the moms so the  ladies dressing room and the nearby sale racks became a busy place.  Not only did each lady have a dressing room reserved with their name on the door (how sweet was that), but a team of Kohl's employees remained in the dressing room area with scanner guns at the ready.  They not only scanned items to determine the correct sale price but also help us tally totals, and run for different sizes.  The courteous staff made the moms feel special and those of us working the event very welcome.  After a speedy checkout of 12 moms we went about our day to other various businesses but Kohl's was not done "Caring" and this is where the "rubber meets the road" folks.  At the end of their work shift, on a busy shopping day before Christmas, five local Kohl's employees helped in yet another way by donating their time to serve dinner and help care for the children of the HOPE moms and workers who were escorting them for the day.  So in a nutshell folks, "Ocalimom" thinks our local Kohl's ROCKS!  They truly put their corporate mantra on giving into action on the local level and the management and staff deserve whatever perks super holiday sales bring them.  So shop Kohl's Ocalians.

So what is a "Sweet Nothing" on Ocala Rocks

As I was introducing you to my brand new blog I listed several ways I planned on recognizing the many ways Ocala and "Ocalians" Rock.  One item, which I promised to explain later, was a "Sweet Nothing".  A "Sweet Nothing" can be a random act of kindness.  It can be one Ocala citizen going out of their way for the good of others or to better the community.  It's a little something that reinforces the belief that there are good people in the world and many of them live right here in Ocala. 

Months ago, when I first decided that someone (possibly me) should be blogging about the positive in Ocala I saw my first "Sweet Nothing".  While traveling through the newly completed intersection of 301 and 484 I noticed what looked like a yard sale sign in the grass median.  As I came to a stop at the light I realized that it actually read "To the person who helped me with my truck THANK YOU for your help".  My heart was warmed when I realized that not only had some good Samaritan taken the time to help a stranger but that the stranger could not let the good deed go unnoticed.  One person sacrificing and another recognizing the act of kindness.  How have you shown kindness to another today?  I challenge you to be a sweet nothing in another's life today.

My heart belongs to Sonic!

And no it is not just because their yummy flavored sodas and slushes are half off from 2-4pm every afternoon.  Although I must say their totally "crunch-able" ice called to me like a siren throughout all three of my ice craving pregnancies. But we digress, there is a deeper...more "the people of Ocala Rock" kinda of reason for my enduring fondness!

I will give you a clue, have you noticed, as you have driven by many of our local schools a large Sonic banner fluttering in the wind?  If you haven't you must not be looking, I guarantee you they are there.  Do you know why?  Because the owner of our local Sonic CARES about schools and students and rewarding children for a job well done! Despite being a very busy man this business owner is stepping up to the plate and making our community better. Anything done (no matter how small) to improve our schools and enhance the learning experience will nurture healthier children, who grow into good citizens and future Marion County leaders.

So the next time you need an afternoon pick me up hit Sonic for their happy hour they're an Ocala business who is helping make Ocala Rock!

Fall Family Fun at Coon Hollo Corn Maze

If you are looking for a great way to kick off the Fall season, you can't go wrong with a trip north on highway 441 to the Coon Hollo Corn Maze.  My family and I set aside an afternoon yesterday to explore this fully functioning farm turned fall attraction and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  From the entrance booth you can see a bevy of activity centered around a large pole barn with hay bales for climbing, corn cribs for digging and tire swings for soaring.  Nearby, antique farm trucks and equipment appealed to the girls and boys in our group and are the perfect spot for candid photos so don't forget your camera.

After paying the entrance fee our family immediately set off for the maze itself.  A "Watering Hole" pavilion and fountain mark the entrance of the maze and drinks can be purchased here for between 1-2 dollars.  The maze is dusty after almost a month of no rain here in Marion county so treat yourself to a water or soda, you throat will thank you.  You will also want to be sure and wear closed toed shoes, farms are dirty and your feet will be too.  As you enter through the watering hole you will receive a punch card for each of the numbered posts positioned through the maze.  The group we navigated the maze with found #5 and #9 to be the trickiest to locate. You are asked to stay on the cut paths in the maze as the more narrow "cheater paths", as my "Ocalikiddos" fondly dubbed the stamped down visitor created walkways, lead  to nowhere.  Purists by nature, "Ocalidad" and I stuck to the intended path, took a few loops to nowhere but eventually found all 10 posts with their cute little card punches and made it out of the maze in about 30-45 minutes.  Your completed punch card can be redeemed back at the watering hole for a blow pop.

From the corn maze exit, our  4 and 6 year old made quick work of the obstacle course and then took off for  the farm train, a bumpy bouncy and oh so dusty barrel car train that can even accommodate the more adventurous moms and dads. After disembarking from our train ride we ventured over to Nana's Store where Nana herself presides over a table full of her own delicious baked goods like pumpkin pie, chocolate cupcakes and a particularly tempting creation called a Pineapple Supreme cake all available for purchase in single servings.  "Ocalimom" is attempting to downsize so I resisted the Pinapple Supreme Cake but succumbed to the free sample of  strawberry preserves on Nana's homemade bread.  The samples are generous and Nana would not hear of me sharing with "Ocalidad" so we each enjoyed a delicious snack.  Another treat just outside Nana's store is the generously large cup of ice tea that can be purchased for a dollar at the concession stand, easily a 22 ounce cup with fresh tea that will rival Sonny's any day.  "Ocalidad" and I agreed it was a $1 well spent on this dry day.

Our day was rounded out with a hay ride.  In the late afternoon sun  the tractor pulling three wagons makes a quaint picture silhouetted at the top of the hill.  Our wait was short and within 5 minutes it was our turn, the wagon closest to the tractor seems to have the least dusty ride but as I boarded I regretted not bringing my Claritin.  Our children enjoyed the ride up the hill and around the farm house to the 20 or so cows and two horses who were accommodating enough to partake of what had to be their twentieth snack of the day.  On the return trip our ride was completed with a gator spotting as we passed the pond.

So yes, Coon Hollo ROCKS!  The family and friends who own and operate the farm are friendly, the property is clean (although I did not venture over to the porta potties so I cannot attest to their condition), the fun is wholesome and the price is fair for a day full of fun.  So put down your smart phones and your Ipods and enjoy some fun the old fashioned way.

What you should know:

• From Ocala it could be easy to miss the red sign marking their entrance, shaded by a large tree.  After you pass through McIntosh and the group of buildings called Harvest Village you will begin to see bright yellow signs on the right side of the road, slow down and start looking.  We found the yellow temporary signs and red entrance sign difficult to read while driving so be alert.

• Plan to get dirty, dress accordingly, I would recommend jeans.  If I were to go again I would even consider a handkerchief for the more dusty activities to shield this sneezy nose of mine.
• Take your Claritin, Zyrtec Benadryl whatever...you will be glad you did.
• Don't forget your camera, there are great props and plenty of shade for gorgeous pictures.
• This mom could have used a few wet wipes on several occasions.  Antibacterial hand gel would be handy too.
• Admission is Adults $8.50, Grandma and Grandpa $7.50 and Youth (4-12) $6.50 children 3 and under are free.
• The corn maze is not stroller friendly so bring your Baby Bjorn.

Who should go:

• Mom, Dad, Kiddos, Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Sue...
• Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more.
• Our particular group thought it might be fun to come out after dark for a "Couples Night Out" as the maze is open to 9 pm.

visit their website at  www.coonhollocornmaze.com