Ocala, FL:. Good driving roads?

Okay the Mrs. and I are thinking about going to Silver Springs, which is near Ocala in the Ocala National Forest.(old Florida history, sea hunt, yada yada).  If we do, I'd rather try some of the back roads than sticking to interstate.

Ok folks, can you recommend some GRM-approved roads  in that neck of the woods?  I am hoping for routes that that curve through attractive scenery, possibly also being suitable for a couple bursts of spirited driving...something that might make me enjoy the drive, and give her a chance to tell me "Stop! I need to take a photo of that..."

We live well south of the area, so fun roads between Ocala national forest and the I-4 part of the state would be especially interesting

The in-laws live in Astor, Fl so when we go from Tampa up to visit we end up on little backroads all the time heading to them.  Silver Springs isnt' far from there.  From Orlando-ish I'd probably follow 27 up till 19, from there either get all the way up to 40 and just head west, or take 42 to SE 182nd Ave to 314A and up to 40.  I'm familiar with 40, less familiar with the second option I gave.

I think Classic Motorsports does a sponsored cruise through central Florida, might be worth looking at that route

To see anything left of "old Florida"...

Wander up through Zellwood, Tangerine, Mount Dora, Grand Island, Eustis Umatilla, Weirsdale, Ocklawaha, and Moss Bluff.

But you have to hurry... the condos are coming quickly.  No roads to "carve" in that area, but the wife may like the scenery, shopping, and dining.

In reply to Purple Frog (Forum Supporter) :

No carving, no.  However there are nice sweeping curves through a lot of it.  Probably be a lot more fun on two wheels than four

How far up into Georgia do you think that you could venture before she would realize that you're completely off course? 

The most scenic parts of Marion county (Ocala) is west of I-75. West and NW of Ocala is horse country, which has lots of back roads with picturesque horse farms abounding. Mostly everything east of Silver Springs is national forest, with pines and straight roads. I would recommend Juniper Springs (east of Silver Springs) and Rainbow Springs (west of Ocala) also worth seeing. I can send you a Google map route if you like. I've lived in Marion country for 40 years and I know all the roads!

I can show you a route from the I-4 area also. Back roads and pretty.

If you are coming up the Turnpike, get off at the Lakeridge Winery area.  Take 561 or 455 North through the Sugarloaf mountain area.  561 has a curve.  455 has an elevation change.  There is a brand new exit in Minneola that connects to the curve and elevation change.  Then pick up 441 through downtown Leesburg or take 44/452 through the Haines Creek/Lisbon/Grand Island area.

I grew up in Grand Island and watched it change from orange groves to retirement communities to Orlando-if-you-squint.  There isn't much going on there.  Watch your speed when the limit is below 55 mph.

Most of the roads in northern FL are two-lane, straight, flat, and go for 250 miles with a stop light every 1.5 miles, a 45mph sign every 300 yards, and a cop every 20 feet.

I'm subscribing mostly to be proven wrong, but I've never found a good driving road in FL.  Most of them are the kind of roads I typically try to avoid.

But... the destinations are always neat.  Something about the sandy soil, the spanish moss, and the old architecture is rewarding.  But getting to those neat towns can be a little, um... depressing?

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

Dunno that I'd call Ocala's area to be northern Florida.  More central Florida.  I hear Northern Florida and I think the panhandle.

The roads are out there, but getting to them involves those crappy ones you're talking about

Found this in an article.  Not sure how much of it I agree with.

Mr_Asa said:

In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :

Dunno that I'd call Ocala's area to be northern Florida.  More central Florida.  I hear Northern Florida and I think the panhandle.

The roads are out there, but getting to them involves those crappy ones you're talking about

I don't live there, so I won't assume what Floridians call it, all I know is that it's in the top third of the state so I labeled it northern.  I always thought of Tampa and Orlando as central.

Rise said:

test

Aw great... a TEST?  I didn't study.

ojannen said:

If you are coming up the Turnpike, get off at the Lakeridge Winery area.  Take 561 or 455 North through the Sugarloaf mountain area.  561 has a curve.  455 has an elevation change.  There is a brand new exit in Minneola that connects to the curve and elevation change.  Then pick up 441 through downtown Leesburg or take 44/452 through the Haines Creek/Lisbon/Grand Island area.

This sounds great. I know that when I used to go to MSCC autocrosses at LCTC, we were near the lakeridge winery, and I always thought the roads in that area were lovely

Shadeux (Forum Supporter) said. I can send you a Google map route if you like. 

I can show you a route from the I-4 area also. Back roads and pretty.

That sounds great. I will be sending you a PM

Do twisty roads exist in Florida?

dxman92 said:

Do twisty roads exist in Florida?

Usually only if water is in the way.

MrJoshua said:

dxman92 said:

Do twisty roads exist in Florida?

Usually only if water is in the way.

Quoted for truth. thankfully, we have a chain of 16 lakes connected by canals in my tiny little town